Sherman Sherman was a hero

[trice]

Sherman was seems to be one of those who never got over it. The difference between the wet-behind-the-ears volunteer officer in 1861 and the "amateurs" of 1864 does not seem to have influenced him. ...

Probably best to stick that in another thread if you want. Doing it here will just send us off on a big tangent.

I would guess if you looked at appointments at the regimental level or below, you would not find any evidence of a bias by late 1864. Maybe at brigade level, but I'm not sure about that. Once you get to division and above, a lot of what you'll find will be based on time-in-grade and years of service, because that is what it takes to get to that spot usually.

John Palmer, who commanded XIV Corps, was an "amateur" with a very strong record. Palmer was deeply resentful of the favoritism shown to West Pointers (even though he had been promoted to command a division that included William B. Hazen's (West Pointer) Brigade in 1862; Hazen was one heck of a brigade commander. Under Palmer, Hazen's Brigade probably saved Rosecrans and the AoC with their stand at the Round Forrest at Stones River. Palmer's Division was heroic at Chickamauga as well -- which led to Palmer getting XIV Corps. Hard to say why Palmer was so upset, since he was being promoted very rapidly himself.

Palmer did a decent job as a Corps commander, then got into a stupid rank argument when Sherman assigned him to Schofield for an operation. Schofield and Palmer had made Major General the same day, but Palmer insisted he should be in command because he had been promoted to Brigadier before Schofield had. Sherman told him to stop arguing and obey orders; Palmer resigned. I wonder if Palmer thought it was fair he was promoted so rapidly early in the war -- he was a friend of Abraham Lincoln; I doubt the West Pointers thought it was.

I also doubt West Pointers thought it was fair John A. McClernand, another prominent politician and lawyer from Illinois, was promoted so quickly. There were many biases to go around. I can name a few West Pointers who should have been ahead of him.

Tim

 

[K Hale]

But I think a part of his brain enjoyed being viciously blunt whether it was necessary (let alone appropriate) or not, so I stand by my troll comment.

Oh yeah. He seemed to like being the way he was and got a real kick out of it. That's why I enjoyed his memoirs. The 2nd edition leads off with a statement to the effect of: "These are MY memoirs. If YOU remember something different, write your own."

With Sherman, what you saw was what you got.

 

[Elennsar]

Probably best to stick that in another thread if you want. Doing it here will just send us off on a big tangent.

I would guess if you looked at appointments at the regimental level or below, you would not find any evidence of a bias by late 1864. Maybe at brigade level, but I'm not sure about that. Once you get to division and above, a lot of what you'll find will be based on time-in-grade and years of service, because that is what it takes to get to that spot usually.

Division and above is a level no one pre-war has any experience with. Being able to handle a company (or company sized responsibility) is no proof whatsoever of being able to handle a division or a corps.

John Palmer, who commanded XIV Corps, was an "amateur" with a very strong record. Palmer was deeply resentful of the favoritism shown to West Pointers (even though he had been promoted to command a division that included William B. Hazen's (West Pointer) Brigade in 1862; Hazen was one heck of a brigade commander. Under Palmer, Hazen's Brigade probably saved Rosecrans and the AoC with their stand at the Round Forrest at Stones River. Palmer's Division was heroic at Chickamauga as well -- which led to Palmer getting XIV Corps. Hard to say why Palmer was so upset, since he was being promoted very rapidly himself.

As rapidly as say, Slocum? Or Howard (in the East)? Or Sherman himself? Naming the examples that come to mind first.

Palmer did a decent job as a Corps commander, then got into a stupid rank argument when Sherman assigned him to Schofield for an operation. Schofield and Palmer had made Major General the same day, but Palmer insisted he should be in command because he had been promoted to Brigadier before Schofield had. Sherman told him to stop arguing and obey orders; Palmer resigned. I wonder if Palmer thought it was fair he was promoted so rapidly early in the war -- he was a friend of Abraham Lincoln; I doubt the West Pointers thought it was.

Since a good number of them were promoted rapidly early on as well, I think having a few guys like Palmer is not an intolerable insult or burden.

I also doubt West Pointers thought it was fair John A. McClernand, another prominent politician and lawyer from Illinois, was promoted so quickly. There were many biases to go around. I can name a few West Pointers who should have been ahead of him.

Tim

The problem is when we see West Pointers preferred not because a given West Pointer is better than a given nonWPer, but because they went to West Point. Why did Howard get command of the Army of the Tennessee? Because Sherman felt that Logan as a "political general" was a bad thing on principle. Not because Howard was some great commander.

I'm not saying all volunteers officers were victims and all West Pointers were overpromoted, simply that part of the West Point group held stubbornly to the idea that only fellow West Pointers were to be given the top jobs if they had anything to say about it was very narrow minded about it.

 

[bama46]

Hmm. Stuart had also been a quartermaster in Kansas, as was Hancock in California. You are onto something.

And Wheeler had almost no experience before being promoted to high rank.. in Cavalry no less

 

[K Hale]

There seem to have been a lot of quartermasters, though.

 

[trice]

As rapidly as say, Slocum? Or Howard (in the East)? Or Sherman himself? Naming the examples that come to mind first.

Palmer:
Teacher, lawyer, judge, state legislator
Colonel 14th Illinois, 25 May 1861
Brigadier General, 20 Dec 1861 (after service in MO under Fremont)
Under Pope at Island No. 10 and New Madrid, not at Shiloh, taken ill in May, returns to service in September
Major General, 29 Nov 1862

Slocum:
USMA graduate 1852 (4 years schooling)
2nd Lt. rank in 1st Artillery, 2 years 9 months
1st Lt. rank, 1 year 7 months
Civilian lawyer and state legislator
Colonel, NY State Militia (unknown time, max 3 years, I'd say)
Colonel, 27 NY, 27 May 1861
Brigadier General, 9 Aug 1861 (i.e., after he was wounded at Bull Run)
Major General, 4 July 1862 (i.e., after he commanded a division in Seven Days)

So when Slocum makes Colonel in May 1861 he has 4 years at West Point and 4 years active duty as a 1st and 2nd Lt., then some kind of NY state Militia service as a colonel. Palmer has, apparently, no military experience at all. How'd you feel if you were Slocum?

That's not a criticism of Palmer's record at Stones River, Tullahoma and Chickamauga, where he did just fine. But his initial promotions were purely related to political connections and the need to assign well-known men to raise regiments -- not military ability. Palmer was the man who nominated Lincoln at the 1856 Republican Convention, and a strong Fremont supporter that year.

Since a good number of them were promoted rapidly early on as well, I think having a few guys like Palmer is not an intolerable insult or burden.

Two sides to every coin -- but on a strict military resume basis in May 1861, Palmer is a raw recruit who needs to go through Basic Training, while Slocum is a man with 8 years+ of military experience (Army cadet and officer on active duty, plus some Militia experience). Leaving aside the demands of an emergency and political connections, how do Palmer and Slocum get appointed to exactly the same rank of Colonel and level of responsibility (regiment commander) in the same week? Clearly bias worked to favor Palmer here, because his military background does not justify it.

The problem is when we see West Pointers preferred not because a given West Pointer is better than a given nonWPer, but because they went to West Point. Why did Howard get command of the Army of the Tennessee? Because Sherman felt that Logan as a "political general" was a bad thing on principle. Not because Howard was some great commander.

I'm not saying all volunteers officers were victims and all West Pointers were overpromoted, simply that part of the West Point group held stubbornly to the idea that only fellow West Pointers were to be given the top jobs if they had anything to say about it was very narrow minded about it.

Reality: if everything else is equal, the man with military experience and schooling should get the job most of the time. Just as walk-on college football and basketball players have to prove themselves and beat out those with more experience (upper classmen) or better publicity (highly-touted recruits on scholarship). It will usually be this way in any walk of life -- but in war inexperience can get people killed real quickly (so can stupidity, and bull-headedness, and ...) That's the real reason soldiers favor men they have a shared experience with most of the time: they know more about them.

I'm not a big Howard fan, but if you rank the Corps commanders of the war, he's not at the bottom (probably Gilbert is the bottom rung). He was straight as can be, widely admired, did a solid job, and probably a relief to his superior after some of the cantankerous others.

Tim

 

[TheGhost]

And it was his entire letter.

Posting all of a document permits seeing "his quote" in context and not from a slanted perspective.

Unionblue

...fine and well but make sure you and your buddies follow the same rule.

 

[Elennsar]

Palmer:
Teacher, lawyer, judge, state legislator
Colonel 14th Illinois, 25 May 1861
Brigadier General, 20 Dec 1861 (after service in MO under Fremont)
Under Pope at Island No. 10 and New Madrid, not at Shiloh, taken ill in May, returns to service in September
Major General, 29 Nov 1862

Slocum:
USMA graduate 1852 (4 years schooling)
2nd Lt. rank in 1st Artillery, 2 years 9 months
1st Lt. rank, 1 year 7 months
Civilian lawyer and state legislator
Colonel, NY State Militia (unknown time, max 3 years, I'd say)
Colonel, 27 NY, 27 May 1861
Brigadier General, 9 Aug 1861 (i.e., after he was wounded at Bull Run)
Major General, 4 July 1862 (i.e., after he commanded a division in Seven Days)

So when Slocum makes Colonel in May 1861 he has 4 years at West Point and 4 years active duty as a 1st and 2nd Lt., then some kind of NY state Militia service as a colonel. Palmer has, apparently, no military experience at all. How'd you feel if you were Slocum?

Indifferent. He's not being promoted over me.

That's not a criticism of Palmer's record at Stones River, Tullahoma and Chickamauga, where he did just fine. But his initial promotions were purely related to political connections and the need to assign well-known men to raise regiments -- not military ability. Palmer was the man who nominated Lincoln at the 1856 Republican Convention, and a strong Fremont supporter that year.

That still leaves him as having demonstrated he has military ability by 1864. He has shown that he deserves those stars.

Two sides to every coin -- but on a strict military resume basis in May 1861, Palmer is a raw recruit who needs to go through Basic Training, while Slocum is a man with 8 years+ of military experience (Army cadet and officer on active duty, plus some Militia experience). Leaving aside the demands of an emergency and political connections, how do Palmer and Slocum get appointed to exactly the same rank of Colonel and level of responsibility (regiment commander) in the same week? Clearly bias worked to favor Palmer here, because his military background does not justify it.

By that logic, every officer who wasn't a pre-war regular army officer and/or with heavy militia experience was favored by bias. There are not enough West Pointers for each regiment to be commanded by one (short of completely cannibalizing the Old Army).

Reality: if everything else is equal, the man with military experience and schooling should get the job most of the time. Just as walk-on college football and basketball players have to prove themselves and beat out those with more experience (upper classmen) or better publicity (highly-touted recruits on scholarship). It will usually be this way in any walk of life -- but in war inexperience can get people killed real quickly (so can stupidity, and bull-headedness, and ...) That's the real reason soldiers favor men they have a shared experience with most of the time: they know more about them.

And the average West Pointer doesn't have all that much experience at brigade+ kind of responsibility. Probably none. And by 1864, both West Pointers and volunteers (politically favored or not) have learned how to handle that - both learning it by actually having to lead brigades and divisions and corps. The fact that (for instance) John Gibbon went to West Point and commanded an artillery battery prior to the war did not give him experience leading several thousand men.

I'm not a big Howard fan, but if you rank the Corps commanders of the war, he's not at the bottom (probably Gilbert is the bottom rung). He was straight as can be, widely admired, did a solid job, and probably a relief to his superior after some of the cantankerous others.

Tim

Not at the bottom, no, but the bottom half. And as a note, Gilbert was a West Pointer. Appointed because he was a regular (to add something resembling experience to a green formation, I believe). Did it do any good at all? Or did it simply demonstrate that not all West Pointers were fit for corps command?

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#11

NEAR ATLANTA, GA., July 27, 1864.
(Received 12.05 a.m. 29th.)
His Excellency President LINCOLN,
Washington:
SIR: Your dispatch of yesterday is received. I beg you will not regard me as fault finding, for I assert that I have been well sustained in every respect during my entire service. I did not suppose my dispatches would go outside the offices at the War Department. I did not suppose you were troubled with such things. Hovey and Osterhaus are both worthy men, and had they been promoted on the eve of the Vicksburg campaign, it would have been natural and well accepted; but I do think you will admit that their promotion, coming to us when they had gone to the rear, the one offended because I could not unite in the same division five infantry and five cavalry regiments, and the other for temporary sickness. You can see how ambitious aspirants for military fame regard these things. They come to me and point them out as evidences that I am wrong in encouraging them to a silent, patient discharge of duty. I assure you that every general of my army has spoken of it and referred to it as evidence that promotion results from importunity and not from actual service. I have refrained from recommending any thus far in the campaign, as I think we should reach some stage in the game before stopping to balance accounts or writing history. I assure you that I do think you have conscientiously acted throughout the war with marked skill in the matter of military appointments, and that as few mistakes have been made as could be expected. I will furnish all my army and division commanders with a copy of your dispatch, that they may feel reassured..
With great respect,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEAR ATLANTA, GA., July 27, 1864--8.30 p.m.
(Received 8 p.m. 28th.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Washington, D.C.:
My two cavalry expeditions are off to make a wide circuit and reach the Macon road well to the southeast of Atlanta, and the Army of the Tennessee is shifted to the extreme right, reaching well toward the railroad, so that I think to-morrow must develop something. The cavalry will have to fight the enemy's cavalry, and we can hold the infantry and artillery to Atlanta and force them to extend and choose between Atlanta and East Point. I don't think the enemy can hold both. All are well pleased with General Howard's appointment but Generals Logan and Hooker. The former thought he ought to have been allowed the command of the army in the field until the end of the campaign; but I explained to him that a permanent department commander had to be appointed at once, as discharges, furloughs, and much detailed business could alone be done by a department commander. General Hooker is offended because he thinks he is entitled to the command. I must be honest and say he is not qualified or suited to it. He talks of quitting. If General Thomas recommends, I shall not object. He is not indispensable to our success. He is welcome to my place if the President awards it, but I cannot name him to so important a command as the Army of the Tennessee. All is well. The enemy to-day offered no serious opposition to the changes of to-day, and our skirmishing and artillery were just enough to make things interesting.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
-------------------------------------------
NEAR ATLANTA, GA., July 27, 1864---11 p.m.
(Received 7.30 p.m. 28th.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
Washington, D. (C.:
General Hooker has applied to be relieved of the command of the Twentieth Army Corps, assigning as a reason the appointment of General Howard, his junior, to command the Army of the Tennessee. General Thomas asks the following appointments: General D. S. Stanley to command the Fourth Corps, vice Howard, transferred; General H. W. Slocum to command the Twentieth Corps, vice Hooker, relieved at his own request. I approve these nominations, and ask orders by telegraph that General Slocum may be summoned from Vicksburg, where he now is.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Before Atlanta, July 27,/864.
ADJUTANT-GENERAL U.S. ARMY.
Washington :
Major-General Hooker desires to be relieved from the command of the Twentieth Army Corps. Am I authorized to order him to report to you at Washington?
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
[July 27, 1864]--4.15 p.m.
Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS:
The Secretary of War authorizes you to order General Hooker to report to the Adjutant-General of the Army. Acknowledge receipt.
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
--------------------------------
JULY 27, 1864.
General THOMAS:
Send me the papers about Hooker to-night, and make specific recommendations to fill the vacancies. Make Hooker resign his post as commander of the Twentieth Corps, that he cannot claim it and occasion delay in filling the vacancy.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.
-----------------------------
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
In the Field, July 27, 1864.
Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding Military Division of the Mississippi:
GENERAL: Inclosed herewith I have the honor to transmit a copy of a communication this day received from Major-General Hooker, with my order in the case. Major-General Howard having been placed in command of the Department and Army of the Tennessee, I would recommend that Maj. Gen. D. S. Stanley, commanding First Division of the Fourth Army Corps, be placed in command of the corps. Major-General Hooker having, at his own request, been relieved from the command of the Twentieth Army Corps, I would recommend that Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum be placed in command of that corps.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General, Commanding.

[Inclosure No. 1.]
HDQRS. 20TH ARMY CORPS, ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Near Atlanta, Ga., July 27, 1864.
Brigadier-General WHIPPLE:
SIR: I have just learned that Major General Howard, my junior, has been assigned to the command of the Army of the Tennessee. If this is the case I request that I may be relieved from duty with this army. Justice and self-respect alike require my removal from an army in which rank and service are ignored. I should like to have my personal staff relieved with me.
JOSEPH HOOKER,
Major-General.
[Inclosure No. 2.]
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 205.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Near Atlanta, Ga., July 27, 1864.
* * * * * * * * * *
VII. At his own request, Maj. Gen. J. Hooker, commanding the Twentieth Army Corps, is relieved from duty with the Army and Department of the Cumberland. He will repair to Washington, D. C., and report to the Adjutant-General for orders. Major-General Hooker's personal staff is also relieved from duty with this army that they may accompany the general. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation. Brig. Gen. A. S. Williams, commanding First Division, Twentieth Army Corps, will succeed Major-General Hooker in command of the corps until an assignment to that command is made by the President of the United States.
By command of Major-General Thomas:
WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
-----
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#13

GENERAL ORDERS No. 238.
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, July 30, 1864.
The following assignments are hereby made:
1. Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard to the command of the Army and Department of the Tennessee.
2. Maj. Gen. H. W. Slocum to the command of the Twentieth Army Corps, vice Major-General Hooker, who is relieved at his own request.
3. Maj. Gen. D. S. Stanley to the command of the Fourth Army Corps, vice Major-General Howard, transferred to the Army and Department of the Tennessee.
By order of the President of the United States:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
-------------------------------------------------------
Often, it is forgotten that the "Commander and Chief" (President) is the ultimate commander of the military. All command positions of Generals go through the President for his approval. A President like Lincoln took recommendations of those in the field seriously and rarely object.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

 

[M E Wolf]

General Palmer--

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/1 [S# 54]
OCTOBER 26-29, 1863.--Reopening of the Tennessee River ...
No. 2. --Dispatches of Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War.
CHATTANOOGA, TENN.,
October 23, 1863--3 p.m.
Among the officers who most resolutely required the relief of Crittenden and McCook was General Palmer. It appears that he expected to succeed Crittenden, for on the consolidation he resigned. Now that the Fourteenth Corps has to receive a new commander I would respectfully recommend that Palmer's resignation be accepted. This will leave Reynolds the ranking major-general in this army next to Rousseau, who is so unfit that he cannot be considered.
[C. A. DANA.]
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
--------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/3 [S# 56]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM OCTOBER 20, 1863, TO DECEMBER 31, 1863.--#16
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Chattanooga, Tenn., December 11, 1863.
(Received 1.15 a.m., 12th.)
Major-General HALLECK,
Washington, D.C.:
Major-General Palmer's resignation having been accepted, is there any objection to assign General Hooker to the command of the Fourteenth Army Corps? He will then have an appropriate command and I can assign troops to Generals Slocum and Howard, equalizing their corps with the others of this army.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding.
----------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXI/3 [S# 56]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA, FROM OCTOBER 20, 1863, TO DECEMBER 31, 1863.--#16
WASHINGTON, December 12, 1863--3.22 p.m.
Major-General THOMAS:
Major-General Palmer's resignation has not been accepted, and he is still the commander of the Fourteenth Army Corps. The order of the Adjutant-General accepting his resignation was issued by mistake for some other officer's, and is revoked. Immediately notify General Palmer of this.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
-----------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#16
TEAR ATLANTA, GA., August 6, 1864--3 p.m.
(Received 11.50 a.m. 7th.)
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D.C.:
General Palmer has resigned his command of the Fourteenth Army Corps, and General Thomas has relieved him of the command. General Thomas recommends the promotion of General Jeff. C. Davis as a major-general and assignment to the command of the corps. In the event the President will not consent to this, General Thomas asks the promotion and assignment of General J. M. Brannan. I approve his recommendations, and ask a speedy return.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#17
SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS No. 215.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT
OF THE CUMBERLAND,
Near Atlanta, Ga., August 6, 1864.
* * * * * * * * * *
III. At his own request Maj. Gen. J. M. Palmer is relieved from the command of the Fourteenth Army Corps, on duty in the Department of the Cumberland, and will proceed to Carlinville, Ill., whence he will report by letter to the Adjutant-General U.S. Army, at Washington, D.C. The officers composing the general's personal staff are also relieved from duty, that they may accompany him. The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation for the general, his staff, and the authorized number of servants and horses.
* * * * * * * * * *
By command of Major-General Thomas:
WM. D. WHIPPLE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXVIII/5 [S# 76]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN THE ATLANTA CAMPAIGN, FROM JULY 1, 1864, TO SEPTEMBER 8, 1864.(*)--#18
GENERAL ORDERS No. 241.
WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington,August 9, 1864.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. C. Davis is assigned to the command of the Fourteenth Army Corps, according to his brevet rank, vice Major-General Palmer, relieved at his own request.
By order of the President of the United States:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
-----------------------------------
Palmer was under General Thomas -- chain of command, two different 'departments.' Palmer was relieved by Thomas--not Sherman, though Sherman is in charge of the Atlanta Campaign makes his recommendations -- but it is still The President's judgment.

Just some thoughts.

Respectfully submitted for consideration,
M. E. Wolf

 

[trice]

Not at the bottom, no, but the bottom half. And as a note, Gilbert was a West Pointer. Appointed because he was a regular (to add something resembling experience to a green formation, I believe). Did it do any good at all? Or did it simply demonstrate that not all West Pointers were fit for corps command?

Gilbert just happened to be physically in Louisville when a general officer was desperately needed to thrash the raw troops in the city into some kind of order -- any kind of order -- in the midst of chaos and threat of immediate attack. He wouldn't have been selected if anyone esle had been around who had shown himself suited.

But given that: Charles C. Gilbert was an 1846 West Point graduate who was a Captain when the war started (about average advancement for that day). He was at Fort Cobb in Kansas, part of the 3rd Infantry. He was wounded at Wilson's Creek, and seems to have been an IG officer after that. He was breveted a Major for Shiloh, and a Lt. Colonel for Richmond, KY (where "Bull" Nelson was wounded in the rout).

At this point, Horatio Wright, the Department commander, is desperate for a man to take hold and help him pull this mess together. With Nelson wounded, he needs a major general equivalent. He needs one right then and there. He offers the post to two brigadiers (Charles Cruft and James S. Jackson). Both turn the promotion down. Both recommend Gilbert for the job. Gilbert became an acting major general on Wright's authority, pending higher approval (Lincoln actually made him a brigadier, not a major general, on Sept. 9).

This puts Gilbert in charge of the Army of Kentucky until Nelson can come back. Nelson was murdered by Jefferson C. Davis just as he was about to resume command.

Meanwhile, Buell has arrived to relieve Louisville. Claiming not to know that Gilbert is a Brigadier, not a Major General, he makes Gilbert commander of a corps (Army of KY becomes III Corps in Army of Ohio). This puts Gilbert over 3 Brigadiers who would have ranked him (Jeremiah T. Boyle, Jefferson C. Davis, Albin F. Schoepf) Boyle was a lawyer and abolitionist from KY before the war; Schoepf was a Pole who graduated the Vienna Military Academy and served in the Austrian Army up to Captain before fleeing after the 1848 failed revolution. was exiled, and became a major in the Turkish Army before coming to the US in 1851; he eventually became commander of the Ft. Delaware POW camp.

A week later, Buell was fighting at Perryville. Gilbert was widely criticized for his part in the battle, but in the end his men held on and fought fiercely. Unpopular with the Volunteers as a "martinet" (much like Buell), his promotion was denied by Congress in April, and Gilber was made a Major in the 19th Infantry.

Probably a case of wrong guy caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, but given the circumstances, his appointment makes sense.

Tim

 

[M E Wolf]

Dyer's Compendium, Pt. 1 (Campaigns etc.)
Western Departments and Armies
Centre, Fourteenth Army Corps---Army of the Cumberland
Designated 14th Army Corps Jan. 9, 1863.

COMMANDER.
George H. Thomas Major General Nov. 5, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.

1st DIVISION.—(Formerly 3-Div. 1-Corps, Ohio.)
COMMANDER.
L. H. Rousseau Major General Nov. 5, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.

2d DIVISION.—(Formerly 8th Division Army Ohio.)
COMMANDER.
J. S. Negley Brigadier General Nov. 5, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.

3d DIVISION.—(Formerly 1-Div. 3-Corps Ohio.)
COMMANDER.
S.S. Fry Brigadier General Nov. 5, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.

4th DIVISION.—COMMANDER.
R. B. Mitchell Brigadier General Nov. 5, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.


5th DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
E. Dumont Brigadier General Nov. 5, 1862, to Dec. 11, 1862.
J. J. Reynolds Major General Dec. 11, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.

====================================================
Dyer's Compendium, Pt. 1 (Campaigns etc.)
Western Departments and Armies
Left Wing, Fourteenth Army Corp.—Army of the Cumberland
(Formerly 2d Corps Army Ohio. Designated 21st Army Corps Jan. 9, 1863.)

COMMANDER.
T. L. Crittenden Major General Nov. 5, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.
1st DIVISION.—(Formerly 6-Div. 2-Corps Ohio.)
COMMANDERS.
Thos. J. Wood Brigadier General Nov. 5, 1862. to Dec. 31, 1862.
M. S. Hascall Brigadier General Dec. 31, 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.

2d DIVISION.—(Formerly 4-Div. 2-Corps Ohio.)
COMMANDERS.
W. S. Smith Brigadier General Nov. 5, 1862, to Dec. 10, 1862.
John M. Palmer Brigadier General Dec. 10. 1862, to Jan. 9. 1863.

3d DIVISION.—(Formerly 5-Div. 2-Corps Army Ohio.)
COMMANDERS.
H. P. Van Cleve Brigadier General Nov. 5, 1862, to Dec. 31, 1862.
Samuel Beatty Col. 19th Ohio Infy Dec. 31. 1862. to Jan. 9. 1863.

CAVALRY DIVISION.—COMMANDER.
D. S. Stanley Brigadier General Nov. 5. 1862, to Jan. 9, 1863.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dyer's Compendium, Pt. 1 (Campaigns etc.)
Western Departments and Armies
Army and Department of the Cumberland
s organized into Corps Jan. 9, 1863, by General Order No. 9, A, G. O.
Fourteenth Army Corps
Organized Jan. 9, 1863, From Centre 14th Corps, Department of the Cumberland. Discontinued Aug. 1, 1865.

COMMANDERS.
George H. Thomas Major General Jan. 9, 1863, to Oct. 28, 1863.
John M. Palmer Major General Oct. 28, 1863, to Aug. 7, 1864.
R. W. Johnson Brigadier General Aug. 7, 1864, to Aug. 22, 1864.
Jeff C. Davis Major General Aug. 22. 1864, to Aug. 1, 1865.

1st DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
L. H. Rousseau Major General Jan. 9, 1863, to Jan. 17, 1863.
R. S. Granger Brigadier General Jan. 17, 1863, to Mch. 29, 1863.
L. H. Rousseau Major General Mch. 29, 1863, to July 26, 1863.
J. H. King Brigadier General July 26, 1863, to Aug. 23, 1863.
A. Baird Brigadier General Aug. 23, 1863, to Sept. 21, 1863.
L. H. Rousseau Major General Sept. 21, 1863, to Nov. 17, 1863.
R. W. Johnson Brigadier General Nov. 17, 1863, to May 29, 1864.
J. H. King Brigadier General May 29, 1864, to June 6, 1864.
R. W. Johnson Brigadier General June 6, 1864, to June 13, 1864.
J. H. King Brigadier General June 13, 1864, to July 13, 1864.
R. W. Johnson Brigadier General July 13, 1864, to Aug. 7, 1864.
J. H. King Brigadier General Aug. 7, 1864, to Aug. 17, 1864.
W. P. Carlin Brigadier General Aug. 17, 1864, to Nov. 2, 1863.
R. W. Johnson Brigadier General Nov. 2, 1864, to Nov. 8, 1864.
W. P. Carlin Brigadier General Nov. 8, 1864, to Mch. 28, 1865.
G. P. Buell Bvt. Brig. General Mch. 28, 1865, to Apr. 4, 1865.
C. C. Walcutt Bvt. Major General Apr. 4, 1865. to June 17, 1865.
G. P. Buell Bvt. Brig. General June 17, 1865, to June 27, 1865.
C. C. Walcutt Bvt. Major General June 27, 1865, to July 18, 1865.

2d DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
James S. Negley Major General Jan. 9. 1863, to Oct. 10, 1863.
J. C. Davis Brigadier General Oct. 10, 1863, to Aug. 22, 1864.
J. D. Morgan Brigadier General Aug. 22, 1864, to June 23, 1865.
William Vandever Brigadier General June 23, 1865, to July 18, 1865.

3d DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
J. B. Steedman Brigadier General Jan. 9, 1863, to Apr. 17, 1863.
J. M. Schofield Brigadier General Apr., 17, 1863, to May 10, 1863.
J. M. Brannan Brigadier General May, 10, 1863, to Oct. 10, 1863.
A. Baird Brigadier General Oct. 10, 1863, to Oct. 25, 1863.
G. P. Estes Col. 14th Ohio Infy Oct. 25. 1863, to Nov. 25, 1863.
A. Baird Brigadier General Nov. 25, 1863, to July 20, 1865.

4th DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
J. D. Morgan Brigadier General Jan. 9, 1863, to May 5, 1863.
R. F. Smith Col. 16th Ill. Infy May 5, 1863, to June 8, 1863.
Division transferred to Reserve Corps, Dept. of the Cumb'd, June 8, 1863. Reorganized June 8, 1863,from 5th Division, 14th Corps. Discontinued Oct 9, 1863.
J. J. Reynolds Major General June 8, 1863, to Oct. 9, 1863.

5th DIVISION.—COMMANDER.
J. J. Reynolds Brigadier General Jan. 9, 1863, to June 8, 1863.
Division discontinued June 8, 1863. Transferred to 4th Division.

STREIGHT'S PROVISIONAL BRIGADE.—COMMANDER.
A.D. Streight Col. 51st Ind. Infy

 

[M E Wolf]

Dyer's Compendium, Pt. 1 (Campaigns etc.)
Western Departments and Armies
Twentieth Army Corps
Created Jan. 9, 1863, General Order No. 9, A. G. O., From Right Wing 14th Army Corps, Dept. of the Cumberland. Discontinued, Oct. 9, 1863, and consolidated with 21st Corps to form reorganized 4th Army Corps.

COMMANDER.
A. McD. McCook Brigadier General Jan. 9, 1863. to Oct. 9, 1863.
1st DIVISION.—COMMANDER.
J. C. Davis Brigadier General Jan. 9, 1863. to Oct. 9, 1863.

2d DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
R. W. Johnson Brigadier General Jan. 9, 1863, to Jan. 19, 1863.
W. H. Gibson Col. 46th Ohio Infy Jan. 19, 1863, to Feb. 20, 1863.
R. W. Johnson Brigadier General Feb. 20. 1863, to Sept. 19, 1863.
A. Willich Brigadier General Sept. 19, 1863, to Oct. 9, 1863.

3d DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
N. Greusel Col. 36th Illinois Infy Jan. 9, 1863, to Feb. 13, 1863.
F. T. Sherman Col. 88th Illinois Infy Feb. 13, 1863, to Apr. 12, 1863.
W. H. Lytle , Brigadier General Apr., 12, 1863, to Sept. 19, 1863. Killed.
Silas Miller Col. 36th Illinois Infy Sept. 19, 1863, to Sept. 28, 1863.
F. T. Sherman Col. 88th Illinois Infy Sept. 28, 1863, to Oct. 9, 1863.

==========================================================
Dyer's Compendium, Pt. 1 (Campaigns etc.)
Western Departments and Armies
Twenty-First Army Corps
Created Jan. 9. 1863, General Order No. 9, A. G. O., and organized From Left Wing 14th Corps. Army Cumberland. Discontinued Oct. 9, 1863, and merged into the reorganized 4th Corps, Dept. of the Cumberland.

COMMANDERS.
T. L. Crittenden Major General Jan. 9, 1863, to Feb. 19, 1863.
T. J. Wood Brigadier General Feb. 19, 1863, to Mch. 19, 1863.
T. L Crittenden Major General Mch. 19, 1863, to July 15, 1863.
J. M. Palmer Brigadier General July 15, 1863, to Aug. 17, 1863.
T. L. Crittenden Major General Aug. 17, 1863, to Oct. 10, 1863.

1st DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
M S. Hascall Brigadier General Jan. 9, 1863, to Feb. 19, 1863.
G. D. Wagner Col. 15th Indiana Infy Feb. 19, 1863, to Apr. 13, 1863.
J. M. Brannan Brigadier General Apr., 13, 1863, to May 10, 1863.
T. J. Wood Brigadier General May, 10, 1863, to Oct. 9, 1863.

2d DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
J. M. Palmer Major General Jan. 9, 1863, to July 15, 1863.
Chas. Cruft Brigadier General July 15, 1863, to Aug. 17, 1863.
J. M. Palmer Major General Aug. 17, 1863, to Oct. 9, 1863.

3d DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
Samuel Beatty Col. 19th Ohio Infy Jan. 9, 1863, to Mch. 13, 1863.
H. P. Van Cleve Brigadier General Mch. 13, 1863, to Oct. 9, 1863.

========================================================
Dyer's Compendium, Pt. 1 (Campaigns etc.)
Western Departments and Armies
Fourth Army Corps---Army and Department of the Cumberland
Re-created Sept. 28, 1863, by General Order No. 322, A. G. O., and organized by consolidation of the 20th and 21st Army Corps, Dept. of the Cumberland. Discontinued Aug. 1, 1865.

Gordon Granger Major General Oct. 1863, to Apr. 10, 1864.
O. O. Howard Major General. Apr. 10, 1864, to July 27, 1864.
D. S· Stanley Major General July 27, 1864, to Dec. 1, 1864
T. J. Wood Brigadier General Dec. 1, 1864, to Jan. 31, 1865
D. S. Stanley Major General Jan. 31, 1865, to Aug. 1, 1865

1st DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
John M. Palmer Major General Oct. 10, 1863, to Oct. 27, 1863.
Charles Cruft Brigadier General Oct. 27, 1863, to Nov. 21, 1862.
D. S. Stanley Major General Nov. 21, 1863, to Feb. 13, 1864.
Charles Cruft Brigadier General Feb. 13, 1864, to Mch. 14, 1864.
D. S. Stanley Major General Mch. 14, 1864 to July 27, 1864.
William Grose Col. 36th Ind. Infy July 27, 1864, to Aug. 5, 1864.
Nathan Kimball Brigadier General Aug. 5, 1864, to Sept. 19, 1864.
W. C. Whittaker Brigadier General Sept. 9, 1864, to Nov. 28, 1864.
Nathan Kimball Brigadier General Nov. 28, 1864, to Feb. 16, 1865.
William Grose Brigadier General·. Feb. 16, 1865, to Mch. 16, 1865
Nathan Kimball Brigadier General Mch. 16, 1865, to Aug. 1, 1865.

2d DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
P. H. Sheridan Major General Oct. 10, 1863, to Feb. 17, 1864.
G. D. Wagner Brigadier General Feb. 17, 1864, to Feb. 27, 1864.
P. H. Sheridan Major General Feb. 27, 1864, to Apr. 16, 1864.
John Newton Brigadier General Apr. 16, 1864, to Sept. 30, 1864.
D. G. Wagner Brigadier General Sept. 30, 1864. to Dec. 2, 1864.
W. L. Elliott Brigadier General Dec. 2, 1864. to June 24, 1865.
E. Opdycke Col. 125th Ohio Infy June 24, 1865, to July 12, 1865.
J. Conrad Col. 15th Missouri Infy July 11, 1865, to Aug. 2, 1865.

3d DIVISION.—COMMANDERS.
Thomas J. Wood Brigadier General Oct. 10, 1863, to Jan. 8, 1864.
A. Willich Brigadier General Jan. 8, 1864, to Feb. 12, 1864.
Thomas J. Wood Brigadier General Feb. 12. 1864, to Sept. 2, 1864.
P. S. Post Col. 59th Illinois Infy Sept. 2, 1864, to Sept. 6, 1864.
Thomas J. Wood Brigadier General Sept. 6, 1864, to Dec. 2, 1864.
Samuel Beatty Brigadier General Dec. 2. 1864, to Jan. 31, 1865.
Thomas J. Wood Major General Jan. 31, 1865, to Feb. 7, 1865.
Samuel Beatty Brigadier General Feb. 7, 1865, to Mch. 20, 1865.
Thomas J. Wood Major General Mch. 20. 1865. to Aug. 1, 1865.

 

[M E Wolf]

In support of Post #951

Name GILBERT, Charles Champion
Born March 1 1822, Zanesville OH
Died January 17 1903, Baltimore MD
Pre-War Profession Graduated West Point 1846, Mexican war, instructor at West Point, frontier duty.
War Service 1861 Capt. in 1st US Infantry, Wilson's Creek (w), inspector general in Army of the Ohio, Shiloh, Corinth, Richmond KY, September 1862 appointed Brig. Gen. of Volunteers - not confirmed by the Senate, commanded II Provisional Corps of Army of the Ohio, Perryville, Maj. in 19th US Infantry, desk duties.
Post War Career Army service on the frontier, retired 1886.
------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/1 [S# 22]
AUGUST 30, 1862.--Battle of Richmond, Ky., or engagements at Mount Zion Church, White's Farm, and Richmond.
No. 1.--Reports of Maj. Gen. Horatio G. Wright, U.S. Army, commanding Department of the Ohio, with instructions to Maj. Gen. William Nelson.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Louisville, Ky., September 2, 1862.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I left Lexington last evening about 5 o'clock, arriving here about 4.30 a.m. to-day. On reaching Lexington I found that the force engaged in the battle in front of Richmond was utterly broken up, and that after all the exertions that could be made to collect the stragglers only some 800 or 900 could be found. The remainder of the force were killed, captured, or scattered over the country. The only force then at Lexington and its vicinity not engaged in the fight were six regiments of infantry, two of cavalry, all new except the Ninth Tennessee [Pennsylvania] Cavalry, and much demoralized by the reverse that had been sustained. Under these circumstances it would have been madness to attempt the defense of Lexington or the Kentucky River with the forces there or with any re-enforcements that could have been brought up in time, and I therefore reluctantly gave orders for the evacuation of the place on the advance of the enemy in force, falling back on Covington or Louisville, as might be proper.

There were two general officers left with the command, neither of which desired the position of commander of the forces, and I therefore at their request appointed Capt. C. C. Gilbert, First Infantry, U.S. Army, a major-general, subject to the approval of the President, and Capt W. R. Terrill, Fifth Artillery, U.S. Army, a brigadier-general, subject to a like approval, assigning the former to the command of the Army of Kentucky during the absence of Major-General Nelson, wounded in the battle. A copy of the order is herewith inclosed.(*)

I believe in making these appointments I have acted for the best interest of the service.
General Gilbert is favorably known throughout the regular service, and in this section of the country commands the confidence of officers and citizens, and I trust for the good of the service the appointment may meet the approval of the authorities. General Terrill is also favorably known to the service, has served gallantly through the war, and is, I am sure, entitled to some such mark of recognition of his services, zeal, and intelligence.

If the force at Lexington is brought off safely it will be due mainly to the good management of those officers.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding
Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
-----------------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/2 [S# 23]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM JUNE 10 TO OCTOBER 31, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#20
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 8, 1862.
General C. C. GILBERT,
Commanding, &c., Louisville, Ky.:
GENERAL: Make use of your cavalry as far as possible in scouring country in advance of Louisville; keep me advised of Granger's movements if you can learn of them and of any information regarding General Buell. If Terrill can possibly be spared temporarily send him here; I need him much.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/2 [S# 23]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM JUNE 10 TO OCTOBER 31, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#21
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 11, 1862.
General C. C. GILBERT, Louisville, Ky.:
Hold troops in readiness to move on call. We think we have enough at present, with What you have started.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 11, 1862.
General C. C. GILBERT, Louisville, Ky.:
The infantry, one regiment of cavalry, and artillery of General Granger's division will be sent forward as soon as possible.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
---------------------
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 11, 1862.
His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
President United States:
General Wright's withdrawing the troops from this place and sending them to Cincinnati is creating a panic and will ruin the State. The enemy cannot be so foolish as to move on Cincinnati, the farthest point from the base of his operations, with Buell's army in rear advancing northward. It is a trap in which General Wright will suffer us to be caught or suffer Buell's army to be cut off. They have near 40,000 men at Cincinnati already; sufficient to resist the whole rebel army now in the State. I pray that you submit this matter to General Halleck. I pray God that Buell may soon be here to save our State.
J. T. BOYLE.
----------------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVI/2 [S# 23]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, MIDDLE AND EAST TENNESSEE, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM JUNE 10 TO OCTOBER 31, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#21
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 17, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati, Ohio:
Major-General Gordon Granger and Major-General S. A. Hurlbut will be assigned to your command. Joseph J. Reynolds is brigadier-general, and also assigned to you. Several others will probably be assigned to you to-morrow.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-In-Chief.
-----
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1862--1.15 p.m.
General C. C. GILBERT, Louisville, Ky.:
Have sent you a dispatch just received. Buell may want your force to move to his support. Get it ready. Enemy reported in full retreat. Have sent to ascertain the facts and will communicate further. Advise me freely by telegraph. Make Gay your chief of cavalry, and thus put him in control of that arm.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1862---7 p.m.
General C. C. GILBERT, Louisville, Ky.:
An advance of all the troops now at Louisville with a strong force from this point will be made at once in the direction of Munfordville, to co-operate with General Buell. You will get your force ready to march with the least possible delay. Further instructions will be given. Forces from here leave immediately. Cincinnati is safe probably.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----
continued

 

[M E Wolf]

LOUISVILLE, KY., September 17, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati:
The following has just been received:
There is very little doubt that Bragg has thrown his whole force into Kentucky, and it is actually at Glasgow or nearly so. The great danger is that it will form a Junction with Kirby Smith, and I apprehend that the latter may already be in motion for that object. You should retard him by all honorable means. The bridges over the Kentucky River ought to be destroyed if necessary for that object and it can be effected. The next thing of importance is that I should be able to form's junction with you. If necessary a pontoon or trestle bridge kept in readiness to be thrown across the mouth of Salt River might be very important for that purpose, and I wish you would have one prepared immediately. I learn that the force at Munfordville was attacked this morning and I fear it has been overpowered. You should fortify yourself.

The above dispatch is imperfect, having been sent to Evansville from Bowling Green by messenger and copied there; the messenger will probably be here to-night with perfect copy. It is evidently from Buell, and dated Sunday morning.
C. C. GILBERT,
Major-general.
----------------------------------------------------
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1862--2 p.m.
General C. C. GILBERT,
Commanding, &c., Louisville, Ky.:
Can you make arrangements for prompt destruction of bridges on Kentucky River? Spare no efforts or money to accomplish it. I have made partial arrangements for destroying one of them, which may or may not succeed.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----
Medical/Surgical History--Part I, Volume II
Chronological Summary Of The Engagements And Battles.
DATE. LOCALITY. UNION TROOPS ENGAGED. UNION LOSS. CONFED. LOSS. REMARKS AND REFERENCES.
Oct. 8th Perryville, Kentucky First Corps, Major General A. McD. McCook, and Third Corps, Brigadier General C. C. Gilbert, Army of the Ohio, commanded by Major General D. C. Buell. 916 2,943 489 1,300 3,000 222,500(*) Appendix to Part I, Medical and Surgical History of the War, page 251. Casualty Lists, S. G. O. Official Reports of Major General D. C. Buell. Among the casualties were Brigadier Generals J. S. Jackson and William R. Terrill, U. S. V., killed, and Wood, Cleburne, and Brown, C. S. A., wounded.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Name TERRILL, William Rufus
Born April 21 1834, Covington VA
Died October 8 1862, Perryville KY
Pre-War Profession Graduated West Point 1853, Seminole war, recruitment duty, instructor at West Point, coastal survey duty, service in Kansas-Missouri border conflict.
War Service May 1861 Capt. in 5th US Artillery, chief of artillery in 2nd Divn/Army of the Ohio, Shiloh, advance on Corinth, Richmond KY, September 1862 appointed Brig. Gen. of Volunteers, commanded 33rd Bde/10th Divn/I corps at Perryville (k).
Notes Brother of Confederate Gen. James B Terrill
===========================================
Name CLEBURNE, Patrick Ronayne
Born March 17 1828, County Cork Ireland
Died November 30 1864, Franklin TN
Pre-War Profession Served in 41st Regiment, British Army, emigrated to US, pharmacist, lawyer.
War Service 1861 Capt. in 15th Arkansas, 1861 Col., March 1862 Brig. Gen., commanded 2nd Bde/Hardee's Corps at Shiloh, commanded two brigades at Richmond KY (w), December 1862 Maj. Gen., commanded 2nd Divn/Hardee's Corps at Murfreesboro, commanded 2nd Divn/Hill's Corps at Chickamauga, Tunnel Hill at Chattanooga (where he stopped Sherman), commanded 2nd Divn/Hardee's Corps in Atlanta campaign, Franklin (k).
-----------
Name BROWN, John Calvin
Born January 6 1827, Giles Cty TN
Died August 17 1889, Red Boiling Springs TN
Pre-War Profession Lawyer
War Service 1861 Pvt., May 1861 Col. of 3rd Tennessee, Fort Donelson (c), exchanged after 6 months, August 1862 Brig. Gen., Perryville Tullahoma, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, August 1864 Maj. Gen., commanded 3rd Divn at Franklin (w), Greensboro.
Post War Career Politician, governor of Tennessee, railroad president
---------------------------------
Name WOOD, Sterling Alexander Martin
Born March 17 1823, Florence AL
Died January 26 1891, Tuscaloosa AL
Pre-War Profession Lawyer, solicitor, newspaper editor, politician.
War Service 1861 Capt. in Florence Guards, May 1861 Col. of 7th Alabama, served in Pensacola, January 1862 Brig. Gen., commanded 3rd Bde/Hardee's Corps at Shiloh, commanded 4th Bde/Buckner's Divn at Munfordville and Perryville (w), commanded 4th Bde/Cleburne's Divn at Murfreesboro, commanded Dist. of North Alabama, rejoined his brigade under Cleburne at Chickamauga, resigned his commission October 1863.
Post War Career Lawyer, politician, professor.
*********************************************************
Name SLOCUM, Henry Warner
Born September 24 1827, Delphi NY
Died April 14 1894, Brooklyn NY
Pre-War Profession Teacher, graduated West Point 1852, Seminole war, resigned 1856, lawyer, county treasurer, politician, militia officer.
War Service May 1861 Col. of 27th New York, First Bull Run (w), August 1861 appointed Brig. Gen. of Volunteers, commanded 2nd Bde/1st Divn/I Corps in Peninsula campaign, commanded 1st Divn/VI Corps in Seven Days, July 1862 promoted Maj. Gen. of Volunteers, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, commanded XII Corps at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, attempted to resign when ordered to serve under Hooker in Tennessee, commanded the post at Vicksburg, commanded XX Corps in March to the Sea, Carolinas campaign, Bentonville.
Post War Career Lawyer, US congressman.
---------------------
Name PALMER, John McCauley
Born September 13 1817, Scott Cty KY
Died September 25 1900, Springfield IL
Pre-War Profession Lawyer, judge, politician.
War Service May 1861 Col. of 14th Illinois, December 1861 appointed Brig. Gen. of Volunteers, commanded 2nd Divn/Army of the Mississippi at New Madrid and Island No 10, commanded 1st Bde/2nd Divn in the advance on Corinth, commanded 2nd Divn/XIV Corps at Stone's River, November 1862 promoted Maj. Gen. of Volunteers, commanded XIV Corps at Chattanooga, Atlanta campaign, requested to be relieved of command in August 1864, commanded Dept. of Kentucky, resigned 1866.
Post War Career Lawyer, governor, US senator, author.
********************************************
Slocum to me seems senior in grade over Palmer....so that argument is settled, in my opinion.

M. E. Wolf

 

[wilber6150]

In 1864 the Confederacy started changing its defensive theory from defending citys to giving them up in order to keep the armies intact for another day.. This new strategy with the Confederate army itself being the most important thing that has to survive meant the Confederate forces would now have to live off the land within the South.. Would this not then make all the surplus food supplies a legitamate target for destruction by Union forces..

 

[K Hale]

Yeah, but I wonder how (and by whom) it was determined what was and was not a "surplus" food supply.

Anyone know? If I live in GA, do I get to keep X days worth of food for the family, everything else is torched? Or what?

 

[wilber6150]

Yeah, but I wonder how (and by whom) it was determined what was and was not a "surplus" food supply.

Anyone know? If I live in GA, do I get to keep X days worth of food for the family, everything else is torched? Or what?

No I think it was pretty much what ever food or stock they saw they either ate or destroyed..

 

[trice]

Yeah, but I wonder how (and by whom) it was determined what was and was not a "surplus" food supply.

Anyone know? If I live in GA, do I get to keep X days worth of food for the family, everything else is torched? Or what?

Generally what would happen goes like this:

Early in the morning foraging parties (about 50 men, maybe 1 or 2 officers with some wagons) start out from the Yankee columns. During the day they see what they can find. If they find something, they take it. If they can't carry it away or fit it into the wagons, it might be "surplus".

If it is surplus, they might leave it with you. Or burn it. Or toss it out in the yard.

If they leave you something, it is always possible another party of foragers might show up later and took what they left. If you are actually along the main route, well, thousands of troops will be marching past your door all day; some will break off and look to see what you have. It isn't likely you'll have anything left unless a kind Union officer posts sentries to make sure you keep it.

That's pretty much normal stuff in warfare. Mild even when an army is travelling through an area in wartime, "eating off the land". The Yankees in 1864-65 in Georgia and the Carolinas were better behaved by far than the French in the Napoleonic Wars (and the Cossacks and Prussians were generally considered the worst soldiers to come visiting you in those days).


Tim

 

[K Hale]

So basically, "surplus food supplies" = whatever the citizens do not currently have in their mouths or digestive tracts.

Chew faster, kids! Here come the Yanks!