Support Services - Provost Guard

[Tom Elmore]

The Provost Guard (PG) maintained order and discipline around the camps, in towns along the march route, and on the battlefields. They were responsible for rounding up stragglers, escorting prisoners, and guarding supplies.

As of mid-1863, the Army of Northern Virginia (CSA) had PGs assigned to division, corps, and army staffs, drawn from men detailed from the subordinate infantry regiments, or else dedicated units: the 39th Virginia Cavalry Battalion served as PGs and couriers for Maj. Gen. Ewell's Second Corps headquarters, and the 5th Alabama Battalion fulfilled the same role in Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's Third Corps after 11 July 1863. A division PG was typically headed by a Major, who might command 30 or more men and have a dedicated wagon for his use. Later in the war, the CSA PG staffs were drastically reduced. In November 1864, one division's PG comprised only one sergeant and four men.

The Army of the Potomac had PGs assigned to brigade, division, corps, and army staffs, with Brig. Gen. M. R. Patrick in overall charge. Several men were detailed from each regiment of this purpose, and there were dedicated units for the higher headquarters: Maj. Gen. Slocum's Twelfth Corps headquarters was protected by the 10th Maine Battalion. Three companies of the 4th New Jersey were assigned to First Division, Sixth Corps, while the other seven companies watched over the Artillery Reserve. The 10th New York fulfilled this role for the Third Division of the Second Corps. Brig. Gen. Patrick was responsible for feeding nearly all of the prisoners taken at Gettysburg and conducting them back to Federal prisons. The remnants of Maj. Gen. Pickett's Division did likewise for prisoners taken by the Confederate army, by explicit order of General Lee.

The PG of Col. Carroll's Federal brigade alone consisted of 36 individuals - one captain, two lieutenants, one sergeant, three corporals, and 30 privates - about the equivalent of an average company; three of these men became casualties at Gettysburg while posted 200-300 yards behind the front lines to catch skulkers and gather up prisoners. In the same fight, the Iron Brigade had 34 men in their PG, but they were released back to their commands just prior to going into action.

The PG ensured order around the camps. In August 1863, a soldier in the 16th Georgia noted that the PG would arrest anyone found away from camp without a signed pass from the General. Still, enterprising ways were found to elude or outwit the PG. Near Taneytown, Maryland, a sergeant and private from the 5th New Jersey role-played as a guard and his prisoner. If a PG was encountered along the way into town, the "guard" would ask where the PG headquarters was, so that he could deliver his "prisoner." Then, after having filled six canteens with whiskey from a willing proprietor in town, they would approach a different PG on the way out; at that point the "guard" would claim that he was taking his "prisoner" back to his regiment, and asked for assistance. The PG would gladly oblige, thus unwittingly assisting the scheme.

In towns along the march, a temporary PG would be posted to guard the commissary, ordnance, and quartermaster stores, and maintain order. The duty was often boring and unpleasant, but did have its compensations. Chaplain Tinsley of the 28th Virginia recalled that it was "very fine for those who love plunder, retaliation, and liquor." It was also an unwritten expectation that a citizen whose property was guarded would at least feed his guard a good meal, gratis. During the second Confederate invasion of the North, the large town of Hagerstown, Maryland was guarded at different times by the 4th North Carolina, 35th Georgia (Company F), and 47th Virginia regiments (the 47th collected food from loyal Union residents to feed prisoners under their care). Chambersburg, Pennsylvania was likewise guarded in succession by the 3rd Alabama, 28th Virginia, and 18th Mississippi; small towns and large villages might have one company assigned to this duty. When the town of Gettysburg fell into Confederate hands on the first day of the battle, a Confederate Major and his men (probably a Division PG) roamed the streets, sending stragglers back to their units, and ensuring order and calm between the Confederate occupiers and captive Federal wounded and prisoners. When one unruly Rebel soldier, seeking to pick a fight with a captured Federal, grabbed the reins of the Major's horse, the latter drew his pistol, and holding it inches from the man's head, told him to let go or he would drop him in an instant. The soldier took the hint and slunk away. Once the Confederates departed, a Federal PG assumed control in town and remained for months, watching over army property left behind on the field, particularly weapons, that were an attraction for relic seekers.

The PG was tasked with guarding supplies, including confiscated food and other items, for subsequent use by the army as a whole, as opposed to individual roving stragglers. They were always on particular watch for liquor, a temptation for soldiers, which invariably created much havoc and diminished combat effectiveness. For instance, Irish members of the Louisiana Tigers were known to seek out fellow expatriot citizens in the towns for such liquid refreshment. The 6th Virginia, assigned to PG duty during the retreat, seized 66 barrels of whiskey from one distillery, enough to immobilize a large command.

 

[CMWinkler]

This is an interesting topic. Can you provide any sources?

 

[NedBaldwin]

...
The Army of the Potomac had PGs assigned to brigade, division, corps, and army staffs, with Brig. Gen. M. R. Patrick in overall charge. ...

Note that Patrick was only assigned as Provost in late 1862. Previously the position had been held by Andrew Porter.

One of my ancestors was in the 3rd US Infantry, served a 3-year enlistment from March 1861- March 1864 and spent his time attached to office of Provost

 

[major bill]

A good book on the Confederate Provost Guard in "Rebel Watchdog 'the Confederate States Army Provost Guard' by Kenneth Radley. This book does a fairly good job of discussing the issue of Confederate straggling. Of particular interest is the appendix by state of which Confederate units were assigned as provost guard. There is also an appendix on provost personnel for which there is information; mostly officers but many NCOs and privates as well.

 

[Tom Elmore]

This is an interesting topic. Can you provide any sources?

The information was derived from multiple primary sources on the Gettysburg campaign; here are the principal ones: The remark on Majors being in charge of Confederate division provost guards (or marshal) is based upon three examples, Major J. T. W. Harrison (Stuart's cavalry division), Major John C. Timberlake (Pickett's division), and a Major Scott (Hood's division). The reduction in PM strength comes from a 8 Nov '64 letter from Walter Taylor to Longstreet: Upon recommendation of Gen. A. P. Hill, division provost guards reduced to a sergeant and four men. Carroll's PG is described in his Official Report. The 16th Georgia soldier is Eli Landers, in the source, Weep Not for Me, Dear Mother. The 5th NJ incident is recorded in the diary of Sergeant William K. Haines. Chaplain Peter Tinsley's quote comes from his diary. The incident described in Gettysburg comes from, Three Years with Company K, 13th Massachusetts. Ewell's Official Report: "The Provost Marshal will use the most stringent measures to prevent individual appropriations of what belongs to all." The LA Tigers comment is found in History of the 31st Georgia by Greg White. The 66 barrels remark was made by John S. Shipp, 6th Virginia.

 

[CMWinkler]

The information was derived from multiple primary sources on the Gettysburg campaign; here are the principal ones: The remark on Majors being in charge of Confederate division provost guards (or marshal) is based upon three examples, Major J. T. W. Harrison (Stuart's cavalry division), Major John C. Timberlake (Pickett's division), and a Major Scott (Hood's division). The reduction in PM strength comes from a 8 Nov '64 letter from Walter Taylor to Longstreet: Upon recommendation of Gen. A. P. Hill, division provost guards reduced to a sergeant and four men. Carroll's PG is described in his Official Report. The 16th Georgia soldier is Eli Landers, in the source, Weep Not for Me, Dear Mother. The 5th NJ incident is recorded in the diary of Sergeant William K. Haines. Chaplain Peter Tinsley's quote comes from his diary. The incident described in Gettysburg comes from, Three Years with Company K, 13th Massachusetts. Ewell's Official Report: "The Provost Marshal will use the most stringent measures to prevent individual appropriations of what belongs to all." The LA Tigers comment is found in History of the 31st Georgia by Greg White. The 66 barrels remark was made by John S. Shipp, 6th Virginia.

Thanks. I am the retired Provost Marshal of the Tennessee State Guard so am interested in the development of military policing during the Civil War.

 

[M E Wolf]

Details on the duties of a Provost Marshal was spelled out in the Revised 1861 Regulations for the Army of the United States as well as the 1863 Regulations for the Army of the Confederate States. These were guidelines but, in the field, the Commanding Officer set the standards.

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 5 [S# 5]
No. 1. -- Extract, embracing the "First Period," from Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's report of the operations of the Army of the Potomac from July 27, 1861, to November 9, 1862.
CHAPTER I.
[excerpt - not germane to Provost Guard ]
CASEY'S DIVISION.
Artillery.--Regan's battery, Seventh New York, six 3-inch ordnance guns: Fitch's battery, Eighth New York, six 3-inch ordnance guns; Bates' battery (A), First New York, six Napoleon guns; Spratt's battery (H), First New York, four 3-inch ordnance guns.
Infantry.--Keim's brigade: Eighty-fifth, One hundred and first, and One hundred and third Pennsylvania and Ninety-sixth New York Volunteers. Palmer's brigade: Eighty-fifth, Ninety-eighth, Ninety-second, Eighty-first, and Ninety-third New York Volunteers. -- brigade: One hundred and fourth and Fifty-second Pennsylvania, Fifty-sixth and One hundredth New York, and Eleventh Maine Volunteers.
5th. Provost guard: Second U.S. Cavalry; battalions Eighth and Seventeenth U.S. Infantry.
At general headquarters: Two companies Fourth U.S. cavalry, one company Onedia cavalry (New York volunteers), and one company Sturges' rifles (Illinois volunteers).
[excerpt]
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 5 [S# 5]
No. 1. -- Extract, embracing the "First Period," from Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's report of the operations of the Army of the Potomac from July 27, 1861, to November 9, 1862.
CHAPTER I.
PROVOST-MARSHAL'S DEPARTMENT.
Immediately after I was placed in command of the Division of the Potomac, I appointed Col. Andrew Porter, Sixteenth U.S. Infantry, provost-marshal of Washington. All the available regular infantry, a battery, and a squadron of cavalry were placed under his command, and by his energetic action he soon corrected the serious evils which existed and restored order in the city.

When the army was about to take the field General Porter was appointed provost-marshal-general of the Army of the Potomac, and held that most important position until the end of the Peninsular campaign, when sickness, contracted in the untiring discharge of his duties, compelled him to ask to be relieved from the position he had so ably and energetically filled.

The provost-marshal-general's department had the charge of a class of duties which had not before in our service been defined and grouped under the management of a special department. The following subjects indicate the sphere of this department:

Suppression of marauding and depredations, and of all brawls and disturbances, preservation of good order, and suppression of disturbances beyond the limits of the camps.

Prevention of straggling on the march.

Suppression of gambling-houses, drinking-houses, or bar-rooms, and brothels.

Regulation of hotels, taverns, markets, and places of public amusement.

Searches, seizures, and arrests. Execution of sentences of general courts-martial involving imprisonment or capital punishment. Enforcement of orders prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, whether by tradesmen or sutlers, and of orders respecting passes.

Deserters from the enemy.

Prisoners of war taken from the enemy.

Countersigning safeguards.

Passes to citizens within the lines and for purposes of trade.

Complaints of citizens as to the conduct of the soldiers.

General Porter was assisted by the following-named officers:
Maj. W. H. Wood, Seventeenth U.S. Infantry; Capt. James Macmillan, acting assistant adjutant-general, Second U.S. Infantry; Capt. W. T. Gentry, Seventeenth U.S. Infantry; Capt. J. W. Forsyth, Eighteenth U.S. Infantry; Lieut. J. W. Jones, Twelfth U.S. Infantry; Lieut. C. F. Trowbridge, Sixteenth U.S. Infantry; and Lieut. C. D. Mehaffey, First U.S. Infantry.

The provost guard was composed of the Second U.S. Cavalry, Major Pleasonton, and a battalion of the Eighth and Seventeenth U.S. Infantry, Major Willard. After General Porter was relieved Major Wood was in charge of this department until after the battle of Antietam, when Brigadier-General Patrick was appointed provost-marshal-general.

[end of excerpt]

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 8 [S# 8]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS. AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MISSOURI, ARKANSAS. KANSAS, AND THE INDIAN TERRITORY FROM NOVEMBER 19, 1861, TO APRIL 10, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. --5
SPECIAL ORDERS No. 74.
HEADQUARTERS Mo. S. GUARD,
Camp near Van Buren, Ark., March 15, 1862.
1. All telegraph wires beyond Lee's Creek will be taken down at once, and the telegraph wires from Van Buren to Clarksville will be completed as soon as possible.

II. This army will be encamped on the Frog Bayou road to Van Buren. All wagon trains belonging to it will report at the encampment as soon as possible. Ammunition for the command will be sent to the encampment as soon as possible, under charge of commissioned officers. The quartermaster department will at once have sufficient transportation organized for hauling provisions and forage, &c., for the army.

II. General Green and Colonel Stone, with their commands, will take position on the Telegraph road to Lee's Creek. They will permit no stragglers from the army, but will send all such to report to their respective) commanders at the camp of the army on the Frog Bayou road.

IV. Major Savery, Mo. S. G., is appointed provost-marshal of this army. He will make his station at Van Buren, and will at once proceed to organize a proper provost guard, making application to these headquarters for such details of officers and men as he may require.

Commanders of divisions and brigades will comply with the above order issued from general headquarters.
By order of Major-General Price:
WM. H. BRAND,
Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/2 [S# 11]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FROM MARCH 4 TO JUNE 10, 1862.--#7
WASHINGTON, June 7, 1862.
Brigadier-General BOYLE,
Louisville, Ky.:
You are authorized to raise a regiment of cavalry, and also to enlist and organize one company of cavalry to serve as a provost guard in Louisville.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME X/2 [S# 11]
Appendix -- Embracing communications received too late for insertion in proper sequence.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
In Camp, May 30, 1862.
Brigadier-General NELSON,
Commanding Fourth Division:
SIR: It is stated that Captain Bush, commanding a battery of artillery, was arrested by you yesterday morning and sent to the provost guard-house for supposed disobedience of orders. It seems that the action of Captain Bush arose from conflicting orders received by him and that he was not to blame, and also that he has been relieved by you.

The general commanding desires me to say that the extreme course of placing an officer under guard, or in the guard-house should only be resorted to in cases of manifest or well-established insubordination.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
---- -------,
Aide-de-Camp and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XI/1 [S# 12]
APRIL 5- MAY 4, 1862.-- Siege of Yorktown, Va.
No. 1. -- Organization of the Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, during the siege of Yorktown, Va., April 5 to May 4, 1862.
SECOND ARMY CORPS.-- Brig. Gen. EDWIN V. SUMNER.
SEDGWICK'S DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. JOHN SEDGWICK.

Provost Guard.
K, 6th New York Cavalry.
--------
RICHARDSON'S DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. ISRAEL B. RICHARDSON.
Provost Guard.
D, 6th New York Cavalry.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 14 [S# 14]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VIRGINIA, FROM MARCH 17 TO SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#9

GENERAL ORDERS NO. 63.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
June 5, 1862.
I. To prevent straggling a provost guard will be established within each division, to consist of 1 lieutenant, 1 non-commissioned officer, and 10 privates from each regiment, to be selected from those most reliable and efficient, and to remain upon this duty unless relieved from inefficiency or other causes.

These guards, under such instructions as division commanders may give, will be aided by a cavalry company, which Brig. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart will send in daily to Richmond to pick up all parties absent without authority. Assistance, if required, will also be given by General Winder, provost-marshal of Richmond, to whom officers in charge of such guards will report whenever visiting the city in discharge of duty.

II. Whisky rations may be issued on the authority of division commanders when deemed essential to the health of the men from the inclemency of the weather or exposure in the swamps.
By command of General Lee:
R. H. CHILTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME 14 [S# 14]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN, VIRGINIA, FROM MARCH 17 TO SEPTEMBER 2, 1862.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC -- #8
Abstract from return of the Army of the Potomac, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, U. S. Army, commanding, for May 20, 1862.
O Officers. B Aggregate present.
M Men. C Aggregate present and absent.
P Present for duty. D Field pieces of artillery.

A Present for duty equipped.
-----------

Command. O M A B C D
General staff 46 .... .... 46 57 ....
U. S. Engineers (Duane) 4 233 237 241 281 ....
Engineer Brigade (Woodbury). 60 1,243 1,298 1,336 1,697 ....
Regular Cavalry Reserve (Cooke) 78 1,783 1,837 1,927 2,214 ....
Escort to headquarters (McIntyre) 4 104 105 111 144 ....
Sturges Rifles (Steel) 3 76 79 79 90 ....
Provost guard (A. Porter) 37 556 583 640 734 ....
Regular Artillery Reserve (Hunt) 86 1,802 1,888 1,992 3,187 100
Siege train (Tyler) 57 1,228 1,285 1,330 1,377 ....
Second Army Corps (Sumner's)(*) 792 16,945 17,664 18,278 20,892 48
Third Army Corps (Heintzelman's)(+) 767 17,438 18,199 19,731 23,331 34
Fourth Army Corps (Keyes') (++) 864 18,059 18,869 19,596 25,512 38
Fifth Provisional Army Corps (Fitz John Porter's) (§) 698 14,960 15,455 16,120 19,845 24
Sixth Provisional Army Corps (Franklin's)(||) 872 19,212 20,074 20,894 24,143 44
Yorktown and Gloucester (Van Alen) 55 1,084 1,139 1,171 1,296 ....
Advance guard (Stoneman) 152 2,949 3,101 3,166 3,588 12
Williamsburg (Campbell) 24 399 423 430 476 ....
Total 4,599 98,071 102,236 107,088 128,864 300

-----
Just a brief look at the Provost Guard from the "Official Records of the Rebellion" -- a lot more is contained.

M. E. Wolf

 

[M E Wolf]

Thought this might be informative:

SERIES I--VOLUME XII/3 [S# 18]
Correspondence, orders, and returns relating specially to operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland from March 17 to September 2, 1862.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#4
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 52.
HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
May 25, 1862.
I. No soldier is permitted to wear any article of Federal uniform, and it is made the duty of regimental and company officers to see this order executed.

II. No soldier shall be allowed to visit the town of Winchester without a written permit, stating the time and date of his visit, approved by his brigade commander. The provost guard is instructed to see this order executed, and all soldiers now in the town returned immediately to their camp, unless authorized as above stated.
By order of Major-General Jackson:
R. L. DABNEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

----
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 52.
HEADQUARTERS VALLEY DISTRICT,
May 25, 1862.
* * * * * * * * * *
II. The wearing of all articles of the uniform of the United States Army by soldiers of this district having been prohibited by General Orders from these headquarters, the provost-marshal of Winchester, and all commanders of posts and guards, &c., within the district will cause all persons found wearing such articles of dress to be arrested and kept in custody until identified as not being soldiers of the United States, when they will be released upon leaving the prohibited article with the officer making the arrest.
By order of Major-General Jackson:
R. L. DABNEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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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.--#1
NASHVILLE, June 14, 1862.
Col. J. B. FRY:
In the absence of General Dumont, in reply to your telegram of yesterday, I have to say there are no troops here whatever except provost guard and the unorganized First Tennessee Regiment (Governor's Guard). The Sixty-ninth and Seventy-fourth Ohio have both been sent to Murfreesborough. There are about two companies at Columbia, and Colonel Boone with two companies Twenty-eighth Kentucky temporarily at Franklin. I have not men enough to do ordinary guard duty, keeping them on post sometimes forty-eight hours without relief.
STANLEY MATTHEWS,
Colonel, Commanding Post.
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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.--#5
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Huntsville, July 9, 1862.
Lieutenant-Colonel BURKE, Provost-Marshal:
SIR: It appears that both officers and soldiers come in on the cars from the east and the west (mainly the former) and are permitted to land and go about the town without being required by the provost guard to show by what authority they are absent from their duties. A guard should be at the depot, and all who cannot show proper authority for their absence from their posts should be arrested and their cases reported daily for disposition. In addition to this, by frequent patrols through the city and around the public houses you should arrest all soldiers found without passes. Officers found in the city without leave and who are not in the performance of their official duties must be ordered to their posts, and if they fail to comply must be arrested and their cases reported. This does not apply to the officers of the staff departments or general staff, whose duties may call them to and fro at any moment.

Please report what instructions you have on this subject and what your practice is.
I am? very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. FRY.
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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.--#10
HEADQUARTERS. Huntsville,
July 31, 1862.
General McCOOK,
Battle Creek:
Send an officer and file of men of your provost guard to Indiana to bring back Capt. James A. Willetts, Company K, Sixth Indiana Volunteers. You can learn his exact whereabouts from the commanding officer of the Sixth Indiana Volunteers. The party sent must be prompt and discreet and must be men who will not loiter on the way.
J. M. WRIGHT,
Assistant Adjutant-General and Aide-de-Camp.
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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 7, 1862.
Lieut. Col. S. BURBANK,
Thirteenth Regiment U. S. Infantry, Commanding, &c.:
SIR: I am instructed by the major-general commanding to say that he deems it proper to restore to the city authorities the government of this city, which was temporarily suspended by an order of the 5th instant, under the proclamation of martial law. He directs that you will notify his honor the mayor that the civil government of the city is restored, except so far as restricted by other orders than that referred to above, which have been heretofore issued by competent military authority. He directs further that you will instruct the provost guard to co-operate with the city police in preserving the peace and quiet of the city and in the enforcement of the city
ordinances not restricted as before stated. This reestablishment of the city government must not be regarded as relieving the city from martial law, but only as authorizing it to discharge such of its functions as have not been or may not hereafter be restricted by competent military authority.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N.H. McLEAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff.
-----
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVII/2 [S# 25]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN WEST TENNESSEE AND NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI FROM JUNE 10, 1862, TO JANUARY 20, 1863.(*)
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#6
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH DIVISION,
Memphis, Tenn., July 27, 1862.
JOHN PARK,
Mayor of Memphis :
SIR: Yours of July 24 is before me(*) and has received, as all similar papers ever will, my careful and most respectful consideration.

I have the most unbounded respect for the civil law, courts, and authorities, and shall do all in my power to restore them to their proper use, viz, the protection of life, liberty, and property.

Unfortunately at this time civil war prevails in the land, and necessarily the military for the time being must be superior to the civil authority, but does not therefore destroy it. Civil courts and executive officers should still exist and perform duties, without which civil or municipal bodies would soon pass into disrespect--an end to be avoided.

I am glad to find in Memphis yourself and municipal authorities not only in existence but in the exercise of your important functions, and I shall endeavor to restore one or more civil tribunals for the arbitrament of contracts and punishment of crimes which the military authority has neither time nor inclination to interfere with.

Among these, first in importance, is the maintenance of order, peace, and quiet within the jurisdiction of Memphis. To insure this I will keep a strong provost guard in the city, but will limit their duty to guarding public property held or claimed by the United States, and for the arrest or confinement of State prisoners and soldiers who are disorderly or improperly away from their regiments.

This guard ought not to arrest citizens for disorder or common crimes. This should be done by the city police. I understand that the city police is too weak in numbers to accomplish this perfectly, and I therefore recommend that the city council at once take steps to increase this force to a number which, in their judgment, day and night, can enforce your ordinances as to peace, quiet, and order, so that any change in our military dispositions will not have a tendency to leave your people unguarded.

I am willing to instruct my provost guard to assist the police force where any combination is made too strong for them to overcome, but the city police should be strong enough for any probable contingency.

The cost of maintaining this police force must necessarily fall upon all citizens equitably.

I am not willing, nor do I think it good policy, for the city authorities to collect the taxes belonging to the State and county, as you recommend, for these would have to be refunded. Better meet the expenses at once by a new tax on all interested. Therefore if you, on consultation with the proper municipal body, will frame a good bill for the increase of your police force and for raising the necessary means for their support and maintenance, I will approve it and aid you in the collection of the tax. Of course I cannot suggest how this tax should be laid, but I think that it should be made uniform on all interests, real estate and personal property, including money and merchandise. All who are protected should share the expenses in proportion to the interests involved.
I am, with respect, your obedient servant,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----
M. E. Wolf

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

My grgrgrandfather's company of the 6th US Cavalry ( H ) were assigned to provost for a time according to DonCaughey's book " The 6th United States Cavalry in the Civil War: A History and Roster ". I've always wondered exactly what that entailed so thanks very much for the thread!

 

[John Hartwell]

To read some of the diaries and memoirs of veterans, the Provost guards were often hated with a vengeance by the ordinary soldiers. Couldn't get away with anything! The guard might jump on the most minor transgression, and haul the luckless offender off to the guardhouse. Real spoilsports! No fun at all.

 

[Blessmag]

I am now working on a regimental history of the 106th Ill Inf. and the following was found for the Union side. Appears just anyone (?) could be assigned this duty. Not sure yet why these three companies of men were chosen. Company E's record is just the assignment. Co. F did not mention where assigned.

"November 20.—Three companies, viz.: D, E, and F were detached to serve as provost guard and also one other company, viz., A, to serve as guard of ordnance stores at Jackson."

Supplement to the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Janet B. Hewett, Part II, Vol. 14, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1995. P. 154

 

[M E Wolf]

Dyer's Compendium, Pt. 3 (Regimental Histories)
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS.
106th REGIMENT INFANTRY.
Organized at Lincoln, Ill., and mustered in September 18, 1862. Moved to Columbus, Ky., November 7-10; thence to Jackson, Tenn. Attached to District of Jackson, Tenn., Left Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Department of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 4th Brigade, District of Jackson, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 16th Army Corps, to May, 1863. 1st Brigade, Kimball's Provisional Division, 16th Army Corps, to July, 1863. 1st Brigade, Kimball's Division, District of Eastern Arkansas, to August, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Arkansas Expedition, to November, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of Arkansas, to January, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 7th Army Corps, Dept. of Arkansas, to May, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 7th Army Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Assigned to Provost duty at Jackson, Tenn., and as railroad guard along Mobile & Ohio R. R. till March, 1863. Repulse of Forest's attack on Jackson December 20, 1862. Railroad crossing Forked Deer River December 20 (Cos. "H," "I" and "K"). Moved to Bolivar, Tenn., March, 1863; thence to Vicksburg, Miss., May 31. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., June 9-July 4. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4. Ordered to Helena, Ark., July 29; thence moved to Clarendon, Ark., August 13, and to Duvall's Bluff August 22. Steele's Expedition against Little Rock, Ark., September 1-10. Bayou Fourche and capture of Little Rock September 10. Duty there till October 26. Pursuit of Marmaduke's Forces October 26-November 1. Duty at Little Rock, Duvall's Bluff, Hot Springs, Lewisburg, St. Charles, Dardanelles and Brownsville, Ark., till July, 1865. Operations against Shelby north of the Arkansas River May 13-31, 1864. Action at Clarendon June 25-26. Scouts from Pine Bluff toward Camden and Monticello January 26-31, 1865. Expedition from Little Rock to Mt. Elba January 22-February 4, 1865. Mustered out July 12 and discharged at Springfield, Ill., July 24, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 3 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 7 Officers and 188 Enlisted men by disease. Total 198.

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVII/1 [S# 24]
DECEMBER 15, 1862-JANUARY 3, 1863.--Forrest's Expedition into West Tennessee.
No. 8.--Reports of Col. George P. Ihrie, U. S. Army, of capture of Trenton and skirmish at Railroad Crossing, Forked Deer River.
SAINT LOUIS, Mo., December 31, 1862.
COLONEL: I herewith submit an official report of the saving of two Government trains, with heavy mails and very large amount of private money on board, and the recapture of the town of Humboldt, Tenn., by United States troops, over whom I had assumed command, together with subsequent official proceedings directly connected.

About 1 p.m. of the 20th instant I learned the progress of the regular passenger train from Jackson, Tenn., to Columbus, Ky., with a guard of infantry, on which I was a passenger (under orders from the general commanding the department) was impeded by from 400 to 600 Confederate cavalry strongly posted, with a section of artillery, on the north side of the main branch of Forked Deer River and commanding every approach to the river from the south side, and that brisk firing was then going on between this three and the bridge guard of Companies H and I, Captains Harts and Shockey, One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry, inside a block-house under the railroad bridge.

The train being immediately backed, with the view of returning to Jackson, I sent word to the officer commanding its guard, suggesting he "should dismount his command from the cars and go to the support of the bridge guard," which he did not do. After running back about 5 miles, a negro on horseback came galloping up the track and informed the conductor that a large force of cavalry was in our rear burning and tearing up the track. A quarter of a mile farther we saw the track on fire and several men in butternut clothes otherwise destroying it, and on a hill close by some cavalry, partly concealed by trees and underbrush.

It was now evident to every one we were caught in a well-laid trap, and the train and passengers in imminent danger of being captured. During this time several officers and citizens (passengers) remarked to me "the want of a head" and suggested I should "take command," which I declined to do on the ground of being a staff officer.

The train was now run forward to a stockade guarding some trestle work, and garrisoned by Company K, One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry, where we found a construction train, with guard of infantry, commanded by Col. John Rogers, Seventh Tennessee Infantry, which had preceded us from Jackson and which had just returned from the bridge, having been fired at six times by the Confederate artillery. As the firing was still going on at the bridge I was surprised to find that this train guard had not gone to their relief after having been in sight of them. At the stockade all was confusion and "the want of a head" apparent. The senior line officer present (Colonel Rogers) was utterly at loss what to do, and admitted his inexperience and incompetency to some of the passengers, who now again came to me and asked me to "take command," which I again refused, but said I would advise with the senior line officer present, and going to him so informed him. At this juncture several came to me and whispered he (Colonel Rogers) and his regiment were Tennesseeans without experience--had just run away from the bridge, and were not reliable. I noticed the enemy were following us up pretty close to our rear, and at once decided to assume command. I so informed him, in which he cheerfully acquiesced, obeying all my orders to the best of his ability until we were out of danger.

I now ordered some officers on leave of absence to duty; dismounted the train guard; ordered the one company at the stockade to remain with the trains, which were to follow us, as a guard; threw out one company in advance as skirmishers, and proceeded with the balance up the track to relieve the garrison in the block-house by dislodging the enemy.

I now ordered some officers on leave of absence to duty; dismounted the train guard; ordered the one company at the stockade to remain with the trains, which were to follow us, as a guard; threw out one company in advance as skirmishers, and proceeded with the balance up the track to relieve the garrison in the block-house by dislodging the enemy.

About 1½ miles from the :railroad bridge I found a wagon road crossing the track, and on inquiry learned it crossed the river about 2 miles east of the railroad bridge where the enemy were posted. I here ordered two companies to support the skirmishers, all to proceed cautiously up the track, taking advantage of the ditches and timber, and to engage the enemy. With the rest I struck off to the east on the wagon road to turn their left flank, and reached the river just in time to save the wagon-road bridge, which had been fired; crossed over; pressed a citizen residing there into service as guide; threw out another company as skirmishers, and made all haste down the right (north) bank of the river, to find the enemy had fled, dropping some clothing and cartridge-boxes filled with cartridges in their hasty retreat, and the garrison relieved with both trains up to the bridge.

On being informed they had taken the road to Humboldt, Tenn, 3 miles distant, and up the track, I re-enforced the two block-house companies with the one stockade company, and, ordering the trains to keep well closed up and near us as possible, started up the track in pursuit, finding two short trestle bridges slightly burned and cut.

It was now getting dark, and on nearing the town we saw several houses on fire, and could easily distinguish the hostile cavalry riding about by the light of the flames. Cautioning the men to extreme silence and stealthfulness I divided my command in three columns, holding one company in reserve on the track, two columns to strike off to the right of the track to encircle the town and to open fire on reaching the vicinity of the houses, one column to the left, to open fire if the enemy attempted to escape in that direction. In quarter of an hour the right column opened in a lively manner, causing the enemy to scamper in the direction of Trenton, Tenn., and to forget some of their plunder.

The town of Humboldt was recaptured, and three stentorian cheers from the reunited command rung out upon the night air and pealed upon the unwilling ears of the disappointed and baffled Confederates.

The railroad north and south was immediately picketed, and one of my staff ordered to obtain information from the citizens about the wagon roads and the country, with a view to making a map. Colonel Rogers was ordered to take his regiment and occupy the fort which commands the whole place and vicinity, and instructions generally given that "in case of an attack, all to rally in the fort." The two trains soon came up, the damage to the trestle bridges having been easily and speedily repaired, and all were saved and safe.

These good results were the more gratifying as they were accomplished with but 1 wounded on our side. The Confederate loss was 2 killed and 4 wounded. About an hour later I was astonished to learn that Colonel Rogers had not only willfully disobeyed my order by abandoning the fort and camping his regiment in the safest part of the town, but had failed to inform me of the same, thereby endangering our lives and risking the capture of my command. In consequence of this insubordination (bordering closely upon cowardice), and apprehensive of his influence upon his regiment, reported to me at the stockade as unreliable; cut off as we were from all communications, without supplies, without artillery, and hemmed in by a cunning, bold, and watchful enemy, with six or eight pieces of light artillery, who, if he attacked us at all would attack us next morning at daylight, I deemed it prudent to take no notice of his unprecedented conduct at the time, but directed Lieut. Col. E. M. Beardsley, One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, with his battalion of five companies, to occupy and hold the fort, and ordered up the three companies left at the bridge to re-enforce him.

The next day and night (December 21) I endeavored to get couriers through to Jackson for a section of artillery and one company of cavalry as scouts, but all failed.

On the morning of the 22d, learning the Confederate cavalry were still in Trenton, and my command having been re-enforced by a battalion of infantry, I ordered what supplies we had obtained by foraging to be cooked, intending to make a circuitous night march upon Trenton and to attack it at daybreak the next morning.

About 5 p.m. I placed Colonel Rogers in arrest by order of Major-General Grant; directed him to report in person to the commanding officer at Jackson for trial by court-martial, sending the commanding officer at Jackson a copy of the charges, &c., to be forwarded to your headquarters. I informed you by telegraph of what I had done, and why I did it, the same evening. About 6.45 p.m. Brig. Gen. I. N. Haynie, U.S. Volunteers, arrived and relieved me at 9 p.m. from command. Half hour after the arrival of General Haynie I received from Brig. Gen. J. C. Sullivan, U.S. Volunteers, commanding the District of Jackson, Department of the Tennessee, the following telegram:

JACKSON, [December] 22, [186'2].
Colonel Ihrie:
General Haynie has at least 1,000 men. I have ordered up artillery. I can spare no more men, as Bolivar may have to be re-enforced. I think the rebels are leaving.
JER. C. SULLIVAN,
Brigadier-General.

To which I made the following reply:
HUMBOLDT, December 22, 1862--7.15 p.m.
General SULLIVAN, Jackson:
Don't want more men. Never asked for more men except some cavalry. Nothing but starvation would have got me out this strong fort. Haynie arrived half hour ago.
GEORGE P. IHRIE,
Colonel, Commanding.

At 7.30 p.m. of the 23d December was surprised to receive a telegram from you informing me General Sullivan had preferred charges against me for assumption of authority. At 8 p.m. I was astonished and confounded by being arrested by General Haynie, in accordance with the following telegram:

JACKSON, [December] 23, [1862].
Brigadier-General HAYNIE:
By order of General Grant you will immediately place Col. George P. Ihrie under arrest and order him to report at Holly Springs.
JER. C. SULLIVAN,
Brigadier-General.

I immediately telegraphed you twice to know whether or not General Grant had authorized General Sullivan to have me arrested, to which I have received no categorical answer. I am yet at loss to understand this strange proceeding. Colonel Rogers reported himself the morning of the 23d December to Brigadier-General Sullivan, the officer commanding at Jackson, as directed, and was by him released from arrest and returned to duty with his regiment. Considering the man's inexperience and incompetency and utter unfitness for the command of anything military, to say nothing of his insubordination, and, I'm afraid, cowardice, I could not see that the exigency of the service required his release; and believing such offenses (aggravated in this case by the circumstances of our position) to be destructive of all order and discipline, and if allowed to go unpunished certain to render inefficient and uncontrollable any army in the world, I deemed it my duty to prefer charges against Brigadier-General Sullivan, a copy of which was duly forwarded to you. The few official papers rendered necessary by my assumption of command on the 20th December I inclosed to General Sullivan to be forwarded to your headquarters.
I herewith inclose you my order,(*) issued on being relieved from command by Brigadier-General Haynie, U. S. Volunteers.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE P. IHRIE,
Colonel and Aide-de-Camp, U. S. Army.

P. S.--I add my telegram to the general commanding the department announcing the result:

HUMBOLDT, December 22, [1862].
Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Oxford, Miss.:
The troops under my command, after some brisk skirmishing, recaptured this place day before yesterday little after dark, driving out the Confederate cavalry and causing them to drop some of their plunder. We also saved two of our trains. The road is cut up to Union City in numerous places and telegraphic communications with Columbus is destroyed. If I had had a single piece of artillery I should have fought my way to Union City.
GEORGE P. IHRIE,
Colonel, Commanding.
Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
A. A. G., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Tenn., Holly Springs, Miss.


----
SAINT LOUIS, MO., December 31, 1862.
SIR: I herewith report to you that the officer commanding United States troops at Trenton, Tenn., at the time it was attacked by Forrest's Confederate cavalry, selected the worst possible place for defense, the railroad depot, entirely and easily commanded from two different points, only about 200 yards distant, and situated on the western edge of the town and on low, flat ground. It seems to have been his studious care to save the town at the expense of the surrender of his command. Trenton is built like most of the Southern towns you have visited----a brick court-house in the center of a square surrounded by houses. Had he taken up his position in this court-house and barricaded the streets leading to it, through the faces of the square, with cotton bales the Confederate artillery never could have reached him, except through the houses of their friends. Here he could have held out one, two, or three days, when he would have been relieved by the arrival of our troops, as I had made arrangements to make a night march upon Trenton the day I was relieved by General Haynie. I will only add when his position for defense was made known to me I could hardly believe it, and felt mortified in the extreme.

I come now to even a more painful subject. On reaching Columbus, Ky., on the night of the 29th instant, via Hickman, Ky., I found the commanding officer there even worse stampeded than was the commanding officer at Jackson. It would be ridiculous but for the serious results; as it is, it is akin to being disgraceful. In the conscientious discharge of my duty I recommend he be removed from his command, as unfit for the important position, in consequence of being too easily scared.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE P. IHRIE,
. Colonel and Aide-de-Camp, Acting Inspector-General, D. T.

Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Dept. of the Tennessee.

NOTE: DT = Department of Tennessee
-----------

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XVII/2 [S# 25]
APPENDIX--Embracing documents received too late for insertion in proper sequence.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 2.
HDQRS. PROVISIONAL BRIGADE,
Humboldt, Tenn., December 22, 1862--10 p.m.
The undersigned having been relieved by Brig. Gen. Isham N. Haynie from the command of the United States troops now at this place, desires to officially express his thanks to the officers and men of Companies B, C, G, H, and I, of the One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, Lieut. Col. E. M. Beardsley commanding; Companies H, I, and K, of the One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry, Capt. P. W. Harts commanding; "about 600 men" of the Seventh Tennessee Infantry, Col. John A. Rogers commanding, and Companies A and B (dismounted), of the Second Tennessee Cavalry, Captain Thompson commanding, for the alacrity, cheerfulness, and fearlessness with which all his orders, with one exception, were obeyed, in the trying situation in which we were placed.

To Col. A. G. Malloy, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry; Reverend Father [Napolean] Mignault, of the same regiment, and Mr. Miles Sells, of Saint Louis, Mo. (passengers), he tenders his appreciation of their proffered services.

To Capt. George A. Williams, First U.S. Infantry, adjutant; First Lieut. Henry C. Whittemore, Second Illinois Artillery, aide-de-camp, and Dr. S. L. Hamlen, of Cincinnati, Ohio, subsistence officer (passengers), he acknowledges with gratification their faithful and prompt discharge of onerous duties.

The facts of having saved two large railroad trains, and all and everything on board, from capture and probable destruction by the enemy, and having then driven them out and recaptured the town of Humboldt, Tenn., under very adverse circumstances, is glory enough for one day, and conclusively proves the absolute necessity, for military success, that colonels of regiments should be men selected and appointed for their military knowledge, and not for political and social reasons.

GEORGE P. IHRIE,
Colonel and Additional Aide-de-Camp on General Grant's Staff.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXII/1 [S# 32]
AUGUST 1-SEPTEMBER 14, 1863.--Advance of the Union force upon Little Rock, Ark., etc.
No. 17.--Itinerary of the First Brigade, Second Division, Col. William H. Graves commanding, August 1-September 11.(*)
August 1.--The last of this brigade, then consisting of the Forty-third, Sixty-first, and One hundred and sixth Illinois, and Twelfth Michigan Regiments of Infantry, arrived at Helena, Ark. [from Snyder's Bluff], and encamped on the banks of the Mississippi, 2 miles below the town.
August 6.--The Eighteenth and Fifty-fourth Illinois Regiments assigned to the brigade.
August 8.--The Fifth Ohio Battery assigned. During the expedition men were detailed from the infantry to make the battery effective for field service.
August 13-17.--Marched from Helena to Clarendon. The men sufferedfrom heat, and from the want of water and medicines.
August 22.--Crossed White River.
August 24.--Arrived at Devall's Bluff.
September 1.--Brigade left Devall's Bluff, and marched 20 miles toward Brownsville.
September 2.--Arrived at Brownsville and encamped.
September 6.--Marched from Brownsville to Bayou Meto.
September 7.--Marched to Ink Bayou, about 3 miles from Arkansas River and 12 miles from Little Rock.
September 10.--Broke camp at 4 a.m., and moved to a point on Arkansas River, about 12 miles below Little Rock, where a pontoon bridge was being constructed, and a considerable body of cavalry and some artillery occupied the opposite shore; but no enemy made his appearance on the north side of the river. The rebel battery opened on one of the regiments as it was marching past the bridge to take up a position, but was soon silenced by the artillery of this and other brigades. No casualties occurred. In the afternoon the brigade moved to a point on the north side of the Arkansas River, 1 ½ miles below Little Rock and on the 11th went into camp.

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXII/2 [S# 33]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, The Indian Territory, And Department Of The Northwest, From January 1 To December 31, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#18
HEADQUARTERS ARKANSAS EXPEDITION,
Helena, Ark., August 11, 1863.
Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT,
Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose dispatches received this morning from White River. General Davidson is mistaken in regard to there being no rebel troops north of White River. They have been hanging on his rear all the time, and have probably captured all the dispatches that were sent to him previous to his arrival at Clarendon. On the 9th instant they pursued a party of 15, commanded by a captain whom he ordered to this post, and captured 8 of them. A battalion of three companies of cavalry went in pursuit of the rebels, and most probably overtook them. Major Lippert, the officer in command, was on his way to join Davidson. It seems that General Davidson did not know that I was to command the expedition, although Commander Bache went up White River at my request. If Major Lippert got through, he must have received dispatches from me.

One of my divisions marched from here to-day with orders to build bridges and repair the road to Clarendon. The Middle road is the one selected for our line of communication with Helena. The rebels have burned the bridges on all the roads, but this one is the shortest, and is good, except through a swamp, where it will be corduroyed by the command I have sent forward. Part of our supply train has gone with this division, and the rest, I think, will be ready to go with the other division, which is ordered to march on the 13th instant. A gunboat will wait at the mouth of White River to convoy the supply boats now being loaded at Memphis, until noon on the 13th instant. I send up an officer this evening to expedite matters. It has been reported to me that an unusual number of rebels have been about Napoleon lately, and that they have pickets all the way to Little Rock. This came from a lady whom I know to be reliable, and a priest. I do not believe they could get across White if they had force enough to attack this place. It is my opinion that the officer who comes in command here by seniority, Colonel Montgomery, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Infantry, is not competent for the position. The lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-third Missouri, who has charge of the fortifications, is said to be a very capable officer. Colonel Montgomery's health and the service would both be benefited if he could have a leave of absence. As soon as the troops of the expedition have all left here, the guerrillas and rebel cavalry will hang on our line of communication, and be a source of constant annoyance to this post. If there could be a cavalry force here of sufficient strength to act as pickets and scouts, it would be a great benefit to us.

Over 200 cavalry, with 2 officers, arrived here this morning without horses, arms, or equipments. I have ordered them to remain here until further orders, and to supply their deficiencies by requisitions. They belong to Davidson's command. The One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry have arms of uniform caliber, and mostly excellent arms. They do not care to change them. I have ordered an officer with requisition to Memphis for Enfield rifles for another and better regiment, which is poorly armed.
Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
FRED'K STEELE,
Major-General.
----
[ Inclosures ]
UNITED STATES STEAMER LEXINGTON,
August 7, 1863.
Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE:
SIR: I will move up White River to-morrow morning with my entire force, and, if not delayed to fight or by other unforeseen circumstances, will reach Clarendon on the afternoon of the 9th. Having arrived there, I will send down a boat or boats, according to circumstances, to convoy your supply boats. The river shall also be patrolled by all dangerous points, to prevent the enemy from erecting batteries.

I received a letter from General Davidson yesterday, saying that he intended throwing a bridge across at Clarendon, and wished our protection while doing so. Your communication of yesterday has also been received.
Very respectfully,
G. M. BACHE,
Lieutenant-Commander.
-----

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 6.
HEADQUARTERS ARKANSAS EXPEDITION,
Helena, Ark., August 11, 1863.
Pursuant to instructions from Headquarters Sixteenth Army Corps, dated Memphis, August 10, 1863, the undersigned hereby assumes command of "all of Arkansas north of Arkansas River."
FRED'K STEELE,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/1 [S# 36]
MARCH 21, 1863--Guerrilla attack on railway train between Bolivar and Grand Junction, Tenn.
No. 1.--Report of Brig. Gen. Mason Brayman, U.S. Army, commanding at Bolivar.

BOLIVAR, TENN., March 22, 1863.
SIR: The transactions this side of Grand Junction appear substantially as follows:
Information appears to have been sent down the road on Friday that on yesterday morning the road paymaster would be down to pay the laborers. This information, diffused, of course, through the country, probably induced the effort to capture the pay train. On yesterday morning the wood train went down in advance, the pay train following. At 8.30, the pay train came up with the wood train. A rail had been removed on the outside of a sharp curve, 3½ miles this side of Grand Junction, in a cut. The engine, tender, and five cars had run off the rails. The train men had been captured and carried off. The enemy lined the banks, and approached through the thick woods. The engineer of the pay train reversed his engine. As it paused before receding, the guerrillas, who surrounded the car, cheered triumphantly, supposing the capture accomplished. The gallant fellow stood to his work, put on all steam, and shot backward. Discovering his purpose, they poured a hot fire upon the train, striking the engine, tender, and car, several balls striking near him [the engineer]. Sheltered by the sides of the engine, he retained control of it, and brought his train to Bolivar in safety. Two persons--Mr. [Carlos] Dutton, quartermaster, and Mr. Cummings, from the machine-shop at Jackson--fearing a collision with the wood train ahead, jumped off and were captured.

Through the negligence of the station agent, and those having charge of the escaped train, I was not advised of the accident until noon, some two hours utter the return of the train, when the quartermaster, Lieutenant [William W.] McFarland, notified me.


At l, Colonel Engelmann, of the Forty-third Illinois, with 200 men, proceeded by train to the scene of disaster. Some two cars had been burned, a fire built in the tender, without serious injury, the wires cut, and the track somewhat damaged. The damaged cars were thrown from the track; the engine and other cars replaced. When the Jackson train came down, I placed upon it two companies of the One hundred and sixth Illinois, under Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, to secure the safety of that train, and, if necessary, aid the detachment which preceded it. Immediately on receiving intelligence, I sent detachments of the First West Tennessee Cavalry, who scoured the country along the railroad beyond Middleburg, toward Somerville, and as far as Whiteville, where they captured G. W. Cashea, of Captain Colter's company, Forrest's cavalry, who says the attacking force consisted of three companies of Forrest's and a portion of Street's band, about 100 strong. I am informed that on the occurrence of the accident, information was sent to Grand Junction, and the forces at that point placed in line of battle, standing in defensive attitude until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, about which time an imposing force moved out to where the trouble occurred, finding there the force from Bolivar, and the damages in course of repair. The scene of accident, and in this direction (including Hickory Valley Station) being outside my command, I am not advised what forces were on guard, or whether any further casualties occurred than I have mentioned.

The expedition from Bolivar returned safely, having performed gallantly and well the duty assigned them. The attacking force appears to be the same that has for some time infested the neighborhood south of here, and were probably attracted to the point by the expectation of capturing a train bearing public funds and feebly defended. I think they fled north to join Richardson, not even waiting to do serious mischief after the paymaster escaped them. I think proper to advise you that, upon reliable information, I conclude that Richardson is now stronger than last week, when annihilated by the newspapers.
Respectfully, yours, &c.,
M. BRAYMAN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Capt. T. H. HARRIS,
Acting Adjutant-General.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIV/1 [S# 61]
MAY 13-31, 1864.--Shelby's operations north of the Arkansas River.
No. 2.--Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph R. West, U.S. Army.

HDQRS. SECOND DIV., SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark., May 28, 1864.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the following movements: Pursuant to instructions of the 19th instant from the general commanding, "to organize a force, to consist of the Twelfth Michigan, Fifty-fourth, Sixty-first, and One hundred and sixth Illinois, Marr's battery, and all the cavalry now (then) out north of the river and railroad, to protect the latter," the three first-named regiments of infantry and Marr's battery crossed to the railroad depot, north side of the river, opposite Little Rock, on the 19th instant. The district commander's verbal orders were given to me that afternoon to move them to Brownsville. Defective arrangements for railroad transportation prevented the command, including the One hundred and sixth Illinois, coming from the direction of Devalls Bluff, from uniting at Brownsville until noon of the 20th instant. The force that may command was to oppose was understood to be the rebels under Shelby, who, after crossing the Arkansas at Dardanelle, was expected to move southeast toward the railroad. I determined to move out and meet the enemy. For this purpose more rations were needed, and they were not furnished to me until the 21st instant, at too late an hour to move on that day. Colonel Ryan, Third Arkansas Cavalry, after evacuating Lewisburg, had fallen back to Cadron Ferry. On the 19th instant I dispatched an aide to him with the following orders:

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION, SEVENTH ARMY CORPS,
Little Rock, Ark., May 19, 1864.
Col. A. H. RYAN,
Third Arkansas Cavalry, in the Field:
By Special Orders, No. 7, from headquarters District of Little Rock, all the cavalry now on expedition north of the river and railroad axe under my control. Continue to act as directed by Special Orders, No. 5, from district headquarters. Cover all the front between the railroad and the enemy. Send information to Brownsville and to my headquarters here. Harass and delay the enemy by all means in your power. I shall be at Brownsville to-night with a force sufficient to support you.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

On the 21st instant, at Brownsville, the following was received from Colonel Ryan:
CADRON FERRY, May 21, 1864.
Brigadier-General WEST,
Brownsville:
GENERAL: Lieutenant Guirado arrived yesterday, 2 p.m. I moved the forces from Lewisburg yesterday morning toward Dover. Finding the enemy moving on our flank and rear we fell back on the line of the Cadron. I think he will move between Clinton and Searcy. Do you wish me to move regardless of covering any particular point or let everything go and strike where I can? There has been a conflict of reports regarding Shelby's battery. From Lieutenant Babb, of the Fourth Arkansas, who was prisoner while Shelby was at Dardanelle, I learn they are 10-pounder Parrott guns, 2,500 men, and remarkably well mounted. Do you wish this ferry guarded or destroyed? I have 515 effective men.
A. H. RYAN,
Colonel, Commanding.

To this the following reply was sent:

Col. A. H. RYAN,
Cadron Ferry:
I wish you to keep between the enemy and my force. I shall move on Austin in the morning. Try and unite with me, or at least communicate with me there, by to-morrow night. In doing so you must observe the enemy's right flank. This is positive, even if it prevents your uniting with me. Destroy the Cadron Ferry; strike where you can, but bear in mind that it is an object to unite with me.
J. R. WEST,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

On the 22d instant I moved with the main command to Austin, drawing to that point, also by authority from the district commander, direct from Devall's Bluff, the Eighth Missouri Cavalry, under Colonel Geiger. You will observe that the enemy was reported moving northeast; that Colonel Ryan was ordered to observe his right flank even if it prevented his uniting with me; that the main force was pushing direct to the line of the enemy's march to strike him on the flank. Colonel Ryan did not observe the enemy's right flank, but marched to Peach Orchard Gap, on the 22d instant, and moved the same afternoon toward Searcy. I learned this at Austin at 1 a.m., May 23, and moved from there at 3 a.m. to Peach Orchard Gap, crossing Colonel Ryan's line of march and sending word to him to come back from the direction of Searcy and join the main force at Quitman. On the 23d instant the infantry marched to Peach Orchard Gap, Colonel Geiger's cavalry to Quitman, completing 100 miles in two days. I went in person to Quitman; could hear nothing of the enemy. On the morning of the 24th instant nothing could be learned of Colonel Ryan. There was a report that 500 rebels were on the road from Springfield to Clinton, and that three companies of Ryan's command were at Springfield. I ordered the infantry to Springfield, the force at Springfield to remain there, Colonel Geiger to march to Clinton, and on the 25th instant to come down the road, where the rebels were said to be, intending that morning to push out a force from Springfield to take them in front also. I remained at Quitman with a small escort until 6 p.m., 24th instant, waiting for Colonel Ryan. As he did not come up, I crossed over to Springfield during the night, reaching that point at 11.30 a.m., 25th instant. Here I found Colonel Ryan and learned from him that Shelby's rear guard had passed through Clinton on the night of the 23d instant. Colonel Geiger reached Springfield by 3 p.m. and confirmed this report. The infantry and artillery had arrived meanwhile, and during the afternoon my entire command was concentrated at Springfield. Colonel Ryan's command were without rations, his horses badly worn down, and needing shoes. Colonel Geiger's cavalry had marched 100 miles the first two days and 50 miles the next two; the roads and travel were telling on his horses. The infantry and artillery had marched 80 miles in four days over a very rough country. With an exhausted command, two days' rations on hand, and the enemy sixty hours in advance of me and all cavalry, I did not consider it practicable to follow him with any expectation of meeting success. On the 26th, telegraphic communication with you being interrupted, I returned in person to district headquarters for orders, and am now apprised that my command will be withdrawn to another line of operations with its original object. It is proper that this report should be made at the present time. Why the enemy got beyond my reach is attributable to delays upon the railroad, and to the fact that Colonel Ryan never touched his right flank at all. The Eighth Missouri and Tenth Illinois Cavalry, under Colonel Geiger, the infantry named in your original order, under Colonel Graves, and Marr's battery deserve commendation for the celerity and good order of their movements. Prompt, rapid, and compact at all times, they moved straight toward an enemy that was allowed to elude them by the failure of Colonel Ryan and his command to keep in contact with him.
I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. R. WEST,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Capt. C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Little Rock.

NOTE: Seems that the 106th Illinois was rather active as an infantry unit but, it is evident that Cavalry would have been more effective if they had more of it. Still, the 106 played an important role.

M. E. Wolf

 

[M E Wolf]

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.--#5
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION,
January 19, 1864.
Lieut. Col. A. H. CHAPMAN,
Commanding Third Brigade:
COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that you immediately prepare the following regiments with three days' cooked rations, to go to Pine Bluff by boat: Fifty-fourth Illinois, One hundred and sixth Illinois, and Sixty-first Illinois Infantry. You will immediately report in person at Major-General Steele's headquarters for further instructions. You will go in command.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. H. DYER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Inquire for Captain Scammon, at General Steele's.
-----
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.--#7
GENERAL ORDERS No. 7.
HDQRS. ARMY OF ARKANSAS,
Little Rock, Ark., January 26, 1864.
I. At a board of commissioned officers which convened at Little Rock, Ark., pursuant to Special Orders, No. 14, current series, from these headquarters, and of which Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr was president, to name the number and names of regiments, battalions, and detachments belonging to the Army of Arkansas entitled to have "Little Rock" inscribed on their banners.
The following are the numbers and names:

FIRST DIVISION.
Tenth Illinois Cavalry, Thirteenth Illinois Cavalry, First Missouri Cavalry, Second Missouri Cavalry, Third Missouri Cavalry, Seventh Missouri Cavalry, Eighth Missouri Cavalry, Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry (four companies), First Iowa Cavalry, Third Iowa Cavalry. Thirty-second Iowa Infantry (four companies), Twenty-fifth Ohio Battery, Battery K, Second Missouri Light Artillery; Battery M, Second Missouri Light Artillery.

SECOND DIVISION.
One hundred and twenty-sixth Illinois Infantry, Forty-third Illinois Infantry, Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, Sixty-first Illinois Infantry, One hundred and sixth Illinois Infantry, Sixty-second Illinois Infantry, Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, Fortieth Iowa Infantry, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, Third Minnesota Infantry, Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, Fiftieth Indiana Infantry, Eleventh Ohio Battery, Fifth Ohio Battery, Battery A, Third Illinois Light Artillery.(*)

THIRD DIVISION.
Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry, Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, Seventy-seventh Ohio Infantry, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, Third Iowa Battery, Battery K, First Missouri Light Artillery.

CAVALRY BRIGADE.
First Indiana Cavalry, Fifth Kansas Cavalry.

By order of Maj. Gen. F. Steele:
GEO. O. SOKALSKI,
First Lieutenant, Second Cavalry, and A. A. A. G.