Two opposing reports

[Lubliner]

Braxton Bragg at Bethel Station 3/14/62-11:30 p. m. [No. 4]
To Colonel Thomas Jordan at Jackson Tenn.

"After much delay, mostly unnecessary, from inefficient railroad management, I have just reached here." [Series 1, Volume 10, Part 1, page 11] "The damaged bridge is repaired, and strong guards will be stationed at all dangerous points. I shall remain here for the present, and have the country examined thoroughly whilst the organization of my force is carried on; as far as can be done under the circumstances around me."

The report of Major Charles Hayes of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry says on the 13th​ instant at 10:00, a. m. he arrived at a point on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad between Bethel and Brown Station, and proceeded at once to tear up the bridge structure at Beach Creek; 50 feet of span, and 50 feet of trestle work on each side, making 150 feet in all. He says he has effectually crippled this structure so no trains will pass until the full 150 feet be taken down and rebuilt. He says he also pulled up the rails on each side for some distance, bent them, and then threw them in the river [creek].

Can any light be shed upon the integrity of these reports. Bragg states inefficiency of railroad management though the bridge was repaired within 36 hours. Hayes described it as effectually damaged beyond immediate repair.

Lubliner.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Ok, I know nothing about RR's but now I'm intrigued. Are they possibly speaking of different bridges? Bragg's at Bethel Station, Major Hayes seems to be describing a point between Bethel and Brown stations? Beach Creek? Or is it all the same area?

 

[Pat Answer]

I'm intrigued, too.
Perhaps Bragg is complaining more about his own trip to reach the area?
Also, from what (little!) I've read, cavalry was rarely if ever able to damage a railroad beyond repair, so maybe Hayes is exaggerating even if innocently?

 

[Ole Miss]

Bragg must be taken with a grain of salt! For the self-professed savior of the Confederacy, modesty was never a hindrance, as Bragg was NEVER at fault. He was always surrounded by incompetent poltroons, knaves and ne'er-do-wells yet his brillance and skills could overcome these disadvantages!!
Regards
David

 

[Lubliner]

So the intrigue is real, @JPK Huson 1863 and @Pat Answer. A 30 mile straight shot between Jackson and Bethel Springs. Bragg had been expected that morning or early afternoon. He had no opportunity to communicate while being held up on the road. The railroad was newly extended to that point in 1860 [wiki.] Yet the Beach Creek to Brown's Corner area on the Tennessee River is just north to east of Savannah.

The operations report spoke of Bethel to Brown's Station [Corner on the map]. I believe Bragg may have come up from Pensacola at that time to Bethel Springs but was reporting to his adjutant in Jackson. What significances I can make are the stages of northern movements south before Shiloh, where immediate concerns were made for preparation by scouting parties, both Federal and Confederate.

Inefficiency can be imputed against the southern rail system below Corinth which held Bragg up, but the destruction and rebuilding of a bridge is still under question. The Fifth Ohio was responsible for the movement of supplies and men along the Tennessee River into Savannah. The Confederates had a good posting of scouts across from Crump's Landing watching the river. Bethel Springs is due west of Savannah about 27 miles distant. With Bragg arriving he would have been given an update of recent activity. So the maintenance of rebuilding a bridge was not the railroad management's concern. Still the northern report of such massive destruction I feel is exaggerated. I will look for further information to see if some extension toward Decatur via Eastport can be ascertained. One step at a time, please.

Thanks,
Lubliner.

 

[DixieRifles]

Can we see the exact quote from the Union cavalry?
The post said They tore up "bridge structure". But did they just remove the rails?

 

[trice]

Can we see the exact quote from the Union cavalry?
The post said They tore up "bridge structure". But did they just remove the rails?

HDQRS. THIRD BATTALION FIFTH OHIO CAVALRY,
March 14, 1862.

SIR: Pursuant to orders received on the evening of the 12th instant I proceeded with my command at 2 o'clock yesterday morning, the 13th instant, and at 10 o'clock a.m. arrived at a point on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad between Bethel and Brown Station, and proceeded at once to destroy the bridge at that place crossing Beach Creek, it being of 50 feet span, with 50 feet of trestle-work on either bank, making 150 feet in all, which I so effectually crippled as to entirely preclude the passage of trains until the whole structure is taken down and rebuilt. I also tore up a small portion of the track on either side of the bridge and trestle, bent the rails, and threw them into the river, or creek. Farther down a small trestle was destroyed. While accomplishing this work a party of rebel horsemen, afterwards ascertained to be a portion of a body known as Robertson's Cavalry Company, came in sight, when, chase being given, two of them were captured, whom I now hold subject to orders. I also have their horses.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,
CHAS. S. HAYES,
Commanding Third Battalion Fifth Ohio Cavalry.
Capt. FRED. KNEFLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

[Lubliner]

When I googled the map of this area, Bethel Springs is west of Crump's Landing, then comes Brown's Corner and then Beach Creek, moving eastward. So I am still in doubt of the exact location of the bridge. Bethel Springs is a distance from the river where the creeks drain into, and the Fifth was tasked with the river activity.
Lubliner.

 

[Lubliner]

HDQRS. THIRD BATTALION FIFTH OHIO CAVALRY,
March 14, 1862.

SIR: Pursuant to orders received on the evening of the 12th instant I proceeded with my command at 2 o'clock yesterday morning, the 13th instant, and at 10 o'clock a.m. arrived at a point on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad between Bethel and Brown Station, and proceeded at once to destroy the bridge at that place crossing Beach Creek, it being of 50 feet span, with 50 feet of trestle-work on either bank, making 150 feet in all, which I so effectually crippled as to entirely preclude the passage of trains until the whole structure is taken down and rebuilt. I also tore up a small portion of the track on either side of the bridge and trestle, bent the rails, and threw them into the river, or creek. Farther down a small trestle was destroyed. While accomplishing this work a party of rebel horsemen, afterwards ascertained to be a portion of a body known as Robertson's Cavalry Company, came in sight, when, chase being given, two of them were captured, whom I now hold subject to orders. I also have their horses.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,
CHAS. S. HAYES,
Commanding Third Battalion Fifth Ohio Cavalry.
Capt. FRED. KNEFLER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

Thank you.
Lubliner.

 

[Lubliner]

Here is a map from @DaveBrt, showing the Mobile and Ohio Railroad;

Confederate Railroads -- History, Maps & Equipment

Details and maps of all the Confederate railroads and their equipment.

www.csa-railroads.com

.
Go to the left of the page listing railroads and scroll down. Thanks,
Lubliner.

 

[Lubliner]

It is interesting for me to note the Northern points of simultaneous attacks being made in the middle of March 1862. General Grant had sent from Fort Heiman a raid on Paris Tennessee, and at the same time the Cumberland Gap on the border of Kentucky and Virginia was taken. Meanwhile the movement with Halleck's overall command onto Savannah, Tennessee with Sherman was at first focused on destroying the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Pittsburgh Landing was chosen due to it being above flood stage, and plenty of open area for placing 30,000 men.
The Railroad from Corinth to Iuka was targeted at first by reconnaissance, where it was reported the road being guarded by 30,000 confederates who were able to move up and down the road at will. I am adding two partial reports of this activity.

[Report from Sherman on board Steamer Continental, page 22].
On March 14, 6 companies of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, under the command of Major E. G. Ricker were landed at Tyler's Landing at the mouth of Yellow Creek at 7 p.m. They were to proceed by way of Red Sulphur Springs to a point near Burnsville to tear up some trestle work and as much of the railroad possible. The expedition failed due to heavy rain making impassable the country.

Pittsburgh Landing, March 17, 1862, report from General Sherman.
Series 1, Volume 10, Part 1, Page 25.
[Near Snake Creek, Lick Creek, and Corinth Road].

"Last night I dispatched a party of cavalry at 6 p.m., under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Heath, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, for a strong reconnaissance, if possible, to be converted into an attack upon the Memphis road….About 1 at night the cavalry returned, reporting the road occupied in force by the enemy, with whose advance guard they skirmished, driving them back about a mile, taking two prisoners….". "I am satisfied we cannot reach the Memphis and Charleston Road without a considerable engagement, which is prohibited by General Halleck's instructions….".

It seems this Cavalry Unit had several different detachments operating in the field.
Lubliner.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Bragg must be taken with a grain of salt! For the self-professed savior of the Confederacy, modesty was never a hindrance, as Bragg was NEVER at fault. He was always surrounded by incompetent poltroons, knaves and ne'er-do-wells yet his brillance and skills could overcome these disadvantages!!
Regards
David

He wasn't related to a Union general by the name of Sickles, by any chance?

 

[DixieRifles]

Meanwhile the movement with Halleck's overall command onto Savannah, Tennessee with Sherman was at first focused on destroying the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Pittsburgh Landing was chosen due to it being above flood stage, and plenty of open area for placing 30,000 men.

The Tennessee River is too low and too rocky when you get down to Muscle Shoals, AL.

 

[Lubliner]

The Tennessee River is too low and too rocky when you get down to Muscle Shoals, AL.

During the season of this movement the river was absolutely full with torrential rains, overflowing it's banks and making impassable most roads within 4 miles of the Tennessee. I do wonder what the river flood stage must have been like out to Decatur, Alabama. If I find a clue I will pass it onward just for the sake of interesting topics concerning the strategic/tactical hurdles.
Lubliner.

 

[Sid J.]

During the season of this movement the river was absolutely full with torrential rains, overflowing it's banks and making impassable most roads within 4 miles of the Tennessee. I do wonder what the river flood stage must have been like out to Decatur, Alabama. If I find a clue I will pass it onward just for the sake of interesting topics concerning the strategic/tactical hurdles.
Lubliner.

On 3/15 Sherman reported the Tennessee River had risen 15 ft over the last 24 hours (OR I, vol 10 part 1 page 23).