Sharpe Information
From the editor: When George McClellan left the Army of the Potomac, he took Allan Pinkerton and all his Secret Service files with him. All of Pinkerton's agents also departed, leaving behind Private John C. Babcock, the only soldier in the Pinkerton bureau. Much of Ambrose Burnside's failure in the Fredericksburg campaign can be traced to his almost total lack of intelligence about the army opposing him. Thus, when Joe Hooker takes command, one of his main priorities is to rebuild the intelligence arm of his army. Colonel George H. Sharpe is tapped for this assignment and the Bureau of Military Information is born. Sharpe's bureau is charged with sorting out and synthesizing information gathered from any and all available sources, including cavalry reports, balloonists, Signal Corps officers, spies, informants, runaway slaves, prisoners and deserters. Sharpe initiates the use of soldier-spies, supplied with Confederate uniforms and identification credentials, and uses them to scout enemy positions, a task which Pinkerton's men had never performed. With the energetic support of Hooker, Sharpe's organization passes its first test in determining that Robert E. Lee has dispatched Longstreet's Corps to Richmond. This bit of information came from a German couple, traveling near Culpeper on a pass obtained through the Prussian consul at Richmond. Another unnamed source informed Hooker that "Jackson, with his whole command..., was...across the Rappahannock." Further information from "prisoners, deserters, and contrabands," allows Hooker to locate J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry divisions. Hooker is also able to correctly report to Henry Halleck that "Lee believed that the Federals were pulling out of their position opposite Fredericksburg--a movement that Hooker was not making or even planning." Hooker also establishes a new policy of depriving the enemy, as much as possible, from learning the movements of his army. Pickets are no longer allowed to trade newspapers and the exchange of papers at flag of truce meetings is prohibited. No longer interested in a quid pro quo trade of information, Hooker now has an intelligence service, and he plans to use it to provide him with information at least as good as General Lee's.
February 22 1863 (Sunday)
Washington’s Birthday
In Tennessee, the anniversary of George Washington's birthday is celebrated by William Rosecrans' Army of the Cumberland. “To add to the pleasurable remembrances of the anniversary,” Colonel John K. Mizner reports “a “splendid achievement” by elements of the hard charging Third Michigan Cavalry on a raid from Lexington to Clifton, Tennessee. “The cavalry I sent toward the Tennessee River have succeeded in capturing [Colonel John F. Newsom], with 7 of his officers and 60 men, besides all their horses, arms, accouterments.” The raid was led by Captain Cicero Newell, who was wounded in the leg, “making a painful, but not dangerous, flesh wound.” Captain Frederick Adamson reports: “Considerable resistance was shown in some of the buildings, but we bore down everything before us. In addition, “Colonel Newsom had his right arm fearfully shattered and [Lieutenant M.T. Shelby] was struck in the shoulder, which were all the known casualties that occurred.” After capturing the town, Adamson orders “the firing of the buildings that had been occupied by the enemy.”
Report of Capt. Frederick C. Adamson, Third Michigan Cavalry.
SIR: [Captain Newell] conceived the idea of crossing the [Tennessee] river and making an attack on Clifton…. The river was very high and full of drift-wood, which the strong current drove along at fearful speed…. We could not take all the men at once, and we knew…that we could not make a second trip in time to carry out our plans. So, we told off 60 men…under command of their respective officers…. We…made the men lie flat…, crossed over, and drifted down about 2 miles; then landed, after considerable difficulty and danger…. Day just breaking, we crept cautiously into town…. Their only guard now espied us, and…started for the quarters. We soon secured him, sent a couple of men to their ferry, surrounded the houses, which we knew contained the men, dashing in the doors and windows, thrusting in our guns, and pointing them at the heads of the astonished, half-awake, and undressed occupants, demanding with loud shouts their instant surrender…. The command now devolving upon me, I…turned my immediate attention to getting the prisoners on the other side of the river.. .. I sent 50 over (in the ferry just captured) with a strong guard…; signaled our own boat…, loaded her with the rest of the prisoners, a party of our men, the captured saddles, guns, &c. We plied both boats briskly for some time, carrying from four to six horses a trip…. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F.C. ADAMSON, Captain, Third Michigan Cavalry.
The cavalry of Grenville M. Dodge’s District of Corinth, attack the rear-guard of Earl Van Dorn's fast moving cavalry column, capturing "one piece of artillery, 100 prisoners, 200 horses, a large amount of stores, including a train of cars and 100 bales of C.S. Army cotton, considerable money, and a large number of mules," but is unable to prevent Van Dorn from crossing the Tennessee River near Tuscumbia, Alabama. Lieutenant-Commander Le Roy Fitch, U.S.N., commander of the U.S.S. Fairplay, reports: "I am sorry to say that Van Dorn has already crossed the river; most of his force crossed above Big Muscle Shoals, where we could not reach him with gunboats."
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Columbia, Tenn., February 22, 1863.
General [Joseph] E. JOHNSTON [Department of the West], Commanding:
GENERAL: I am now here with my whole command, and will be ready to make any movement you may desire by the time I could get your orders. The river here will be fordable in a day or two, and in the meantime I shall shoe my horses.... I will move across and occupy Spring Hill as soon as I can do so. It is now raining again, but slowly.... We are proud of being cavalry, and desire to win distinction under the title. Will you do me the kindness to order me as many horseshoes and nails as can be spared.... I am troubled with tender feet, especially in the Texas brigade. Very truly and respectfully, general, I am, your obedient servant,
EARL VAN DORN, Major-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. George Crook, Kanawha Division, is directed to organize an expedition up the Cumberland River, to “Norman's Landing.”
2. Colonel R.H.G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, reports that two vedettes “belonging to the First Middle Tennessee” (U.S.) were captured.
3. Captain Emanuel Kauffman, 100th Ohio, reports a skirmish at Coombs’ Ferry, Kentucky.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. From Columbus, Mississippi, Daniel Ruggles reports that “five hundred Yankee cavalry, with six pieces of artillery [are on the] road from Bay Springs to Fulton.”
2. Scouts reports that “Federals were working on the last blockade in Yazoo Pass,” and “finished clearing it out in the afternoon.” In addition, the “obstructions placed in [the] Coldwater [River] below the Pass have been washed off by the high water.”
February 23 1863 (Monday)
Lieutenant-Colonel James H. Wilson, Chief of Topographical Engineers, Army of the Tennessee, reports that Yazoo Pass is "now open for navigation." Overhanging tree limbs still pose a problem, but Wilson is confident that "boats 180 feet in length’ can be sent “from the Mississippi to the Tallahatchee [River] by this route in four days." After clearing the obstructions in Yazoo Pass, the Union expedition prepares to enter the Coldwater River. Wilson continues: "The Coldwater is a considerable stream after its junction with the Pass--from 120 to 150 feet in width inside of its banks...and is easily navigable for any boat that can work its way through the Pass." Captain Samuel Henderson, a Rebel scout, passes along the bad news: "The Federals have succeeded in getting through the Pass into Coldwater River." As a result, Departmental commander John C. Pemberton is urged to forward additional guns to Camp Pemberton, near the junction of the Tallahatchee and Yazoo Rivers. William W. Loring writes: "As previously advised, this is the only point short of Yazoo City where any defense can be made on the river."
HEADQUARTERS WAUL'S TEXAS LEGION, Camp Pemberton, February 23, 1863.
Col. [John] R. WADDY, Assistant Adjutant-General: I deem it of the utmost importance that we should have more field-pieces and other batteries; mountain howitzers, even, could be made very efficient. Large 24-pounder howitzers, if to be procured, would render this neck not only defensive, but nearly impregnable. Should the neck be lost, the enemy at once blockades the Tallahatchee, Yalabusha, and Yazoo Rivers, as the occupation of this point would at once cut off the army supplies.... Respectfully,
T.N. WAUL, Colonel, Commanding.
After receiving information from "deserters, contrabands, and citizens," Joseph Hooker, commander of the Army of the Potomac, is convinced that "two or more divisions of James Longstreet's First Corps have gone to Tennessee or South Carolina." To get a better idea of what Robert E. Lee, Army of Northern Virginia, is up to, Hooker turns to Professor Thaddeus S.C. Lowe and the Balloon Corps. Powered by mobile generators which produce a gas from the interaction of sulphuric acid and iron, Lowe is instructed by Chief of Staff Daniel Butterfield to provide "careful and accurate information" about the Rebel camps. "Rumors that a large portion of their force had gone make it very desirable. You may be able to gain much credit for your branch of science by the care and accuracy and promptness of your report."
HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, February 23, 1863.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: I ascended with the balloon this p.m., but was unable to discover any change in the position of the enemy as far as I could see. To the south and southeast the atmosphere was too smoky to enable me to see anything in relation to their camp....Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
T.S.C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Former Secretary of War Simon Cameron resigns as Minister to Russia.
2. The Court of Inquiry investigating “charges and accusations” against Irvin McDowell completes its investigation and reports that “the interests of the public service do not require any further investigation.”
3. From Louisville, Kentucky, J.T. Boyle, District of Western Kentucky, reports that J.H. Morgan’s cavalry crossed the Cumberland River “between Hartsville and Carthage,” and is “supposed to be going to Hopkinsville.”
4. The U.S.S. Potomska captures the blockade running British schooner Belle in Sapelo Sound, Georgia, with cargo of coffee and salt; and the U.S.S. Kinsman, transporting a detachment of troops, hits a snag and sinks in Berwick Bay, Louisiana. Six men are reported missing.
5. Boat crews from the Coast Survey schooners Caswell and Arago seize the blockade running schooner Glide, aground near Little Tybee Island, Georgia, with cargo of cotton.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. In Houston, Texas, J.B. Magruder directs that “Mexicans or other foreigners will be allowed the same privileges and facilities for the transportation of cotton…as allowed the citizens of Texas.”
2. J.K. Jackson resumes command of the District of Tennessee, organizing troops for the Army of the Tennessee.
February 24 1863 (Tuesday)
For two years an uneasy calm has pervaded in the sleepy Southern town of Key West, Florida. The small Union garrison of Fort Zachary Taylor evaded the firestorm that erupted at Fort Sumter and emerged as the headquarters of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, and a key link in the chain of Union outposts scattered along the Southern coastline. With approximately 32 ships stationed at the Key West Naval Station, the squadron is responsible for keeping ships from going into port from Pensacola to Cape Canaveral. However, this separate peace is shattered when the fort's commander Colonel Joseph S. Morgan, 90th New York, orders all persons "who have husbands, brothers or sons in Rebel employment,” and all persons who have “declined to take the oath of allegiance" to register with Union authorities. The island explodes in outrage as 600 citizens are rounded up to be sent into exile at Hilton Head, and David Hunter, commanding the Department of the South, is forced to beef up the number of troops stationed at the fort. Colonel Tilghman H. Good, “with six companies” of the 47th Pennsylvania, is directed to “proceed immediately to Key West” and “assume command of that post and of the Tortugas.”
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH, Hilton Head, Port Royal, S.C., February 24, 1863.
Maj. Gen. [Henry] W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.: Your attention is respectfully but urgently called to the comparatively defenseless condition...of the permanent works at Key West.... Sufficient re-enforcements to increase these garrisons to their proper standard...should be sent at once. It is suggested that regiments be raised for this especial duty of men, if possible, to some extent acclimated, and under officers of some artillery experience. Regiments of blacks might find proper service here; and the command...should be given to an old artillery officer with the necessary rank…. With the highest esteem, general, your most obedient servant,
D. HUNTER, Major-General, Commanding.
After failing to catch the rebel gunboat C.S.S Webb two weeks ago, Lieutenant-Commander George Brown has kept the U.S.S. Indianola on patrol near the mouth of the Red River. However, when Brown learns that the Rebels have resurrected the Queen of the West, which is, along with the Webb and two cotton-clads, preparing to come after Indianola, he decides to withdraw back up the Mississippi River. Hampered by two coal barges, Brown loses ground quickly to Major Joseph L. Brent's Rebel flotilla. At nightfall, Brown passes New Carthage, Louisiana, and is within thirteen miles of safety when the Rebel boats come into view at Davis Bend near President Jefferson Davis' Brierfield Plantation. After being rammed numerous times, Brown is forced to surrender and work is begun immediately to repair the damaged gunboat for service in the Confederate Navy.
Report of Maj. J.L Brent, C.S. Army.
MAJOR: We came up with him about 9.40, just above New Carthage, near the foot of Palmyra Island.... When within about 150 yards of him, I authorized Captain [James] McCloskey to open fire.... Our intention was to dash the bow of our boat in his starboard wheel-house, just in the rear of the coal-barge, but when about 150 yards from him he backed and interposed the barge between us and him. Our bow went crashing clear through the barge, and was not arrested until it shattered some of his timbers amidships and deeply indenting the iron plating of his hull.... The Webb came dashing by us, and plunged, with terrific force, just in the rear of his bow.... As soon as the Webb swept away clear of the enemy, the Queen of the West swung round and again dashed upon him.... The Queen swung around rapidly up the stream, and in a very brief interval again dashed on him, striking a little to the rear of his starboard wheel-house, crushing through and shattering his frame work and loosening some of his iron plates. By this time the Webb had run up stream, turned and came careering on with a full head of steam, and struck him very nearly in the same place where the Queen of the West had before hit him. Through and through his timbers, crushing and dashing aside his iron plates, the sharp bow of the Webb penetrated as if it were going to pass entirely through the ship.... Lieutenant-Colonel [Frederick B. Brand] ...approached the enemy, and gave...the command "prepare to board," when he was greeted by a voice from the decks of the Indianola, announcing that she had surrendered and was in a sinking condition....I am, major, yours, respectfully,
J.L. BRENT, Major, Commanding Expedition.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. The U.S. Congress organizes the Arizona Territory, officially separating it from the New Mexico Territory.
2. The U.S.S. Mahaska captures and destroys the sloop Mary Jane and the barge Ben Bolt in the York River, Virginia, the U.S.S. State of Georgia seizes the blockade running British schooner Annie at sea off Cape Romain, South Carolina, with cargo of salt and drugs, and the U.S.S. Tahoma captures the schooner Stonewall near Key West, Florida.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
Secretary Seddon gives Captain J.M. Robinson, Engineer Bureau, orders to “proceed to England on the special duty of selecting, purchasing, and forwarding certain supplies deemed essential by the Engineer Bureau.”
2. South Carolina Governor M.L. Bonham reports that the state militia is “not yet organized for the field.” He writes, “Arms-bearing population so much exhausted that reorganization difficult and slow.”
3. J.H. Winder, Department of Henrico, reports that “a large number of Yankee deserters” who are “willing to take the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States,” have been permitted to obtain work at the Tredegar Iron Works.
4. A submarine boat propelled by a screw turned by hand, holding a crew of five sinks during a test dive in rough water off Fort Morgan, Alabama.
February 25 1863 (Wednesday)
In his continuing effort to shed some light on the activities of the Army of the Potomac, Robert E. Lee keeps his cavalry busy on reconnaissance missions along the Rappahannock River. William H.F. ‘Rooney’ Lee's cavalry brigade has even tangled with a pair of Union gunboats operating in the river below Fredericksburg. When Captain Robert Randolph’s famed Black Horse Company (Fourth Virginia Cavalry) is unable to penetrate the Union lines near U.S. Ford, Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry brigade is sent "to break through their outposts and ascertain what [is] occurring." Lee's men strike the Union camps "5 miles in rear of Falmouth" and bring back "about 150 prisoners." Despite the poor weather, Joseph Hooker is adamant that Union cavalry "ought to capture every one of them.” He writes: “A major-general's commission is staring some cavalry officer in the face in this business."
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, February 25, 1863--11 p.m.
General PLEASONTON, Commanding First Cavalry Division:
[Fitzhugh Lee and Wade Hampton’s cavalry brigades] crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford, about 4 miles below the railroad, and encamped this side of the river last night. Attacked [William W. Averell's] pickets today. Horses very tired, so said. General [Alpheus S. Williams] has orders to support you with an infantry brigade, if required. It is very possible the enemy is making for Dumfries. Get off at once, and if you can find out where the enemy is, push him to the utmost of your ability wherever he may go. Be sure to get between the enemy and the river. Respectfully, &c.,
GEORGE STONEMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Corps.
Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel W. Ferguson, commander of the Confederate forces in Washington County, Mississippi, returns to Greenville in an attempt to resume contact with Captain Edwin W. Sutherland of the Union Ram Flotilla. He reports: "I am here with a small party waiting to communicate...with the ram Monarch, instructions...direct from Lieutenant-General [John C. Pemberton]. My future movements will depend in a great measure on the result of the desired interview. In the mean time I am collecting scattered cavalry, and have ordered the artillery to camp on Deer Creek." In their previous meeting, Sutherland expressed a desire to resign his commission and, it is hoped by Ferguson and Pemberton, that he can be induced to surrender his boat as well.
HDQRS. C.S. FORCES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MISS., February 25, 1863.
Capt. E.W. SUTHERLAND, U.S. Navy, Commanding Ram Monarch:
SIR: I desire to communicate with you officially in reference to the recent notice of [Admiral David D. Porter, Mississippi Squadron], communicated to me by you. Should you agree to honor me with an interview, I will meet you with flag of truce at such proper time and place as you may designate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S.W. FERGUSON, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding C.S. Forces.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. W.S. Rosecrans writes to H.W. Halleck about the impending conscription bill. “Please let me know as soon as it is approved by the President. This will increase the power of this army 50 per cent. in sixty days.”
2. Near Warrenton, Virginia, Colonel B.P. Bailey, 86th New York, reports his “cavalry pickets” were fired up on and driven in.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. D.H. Hill officially assumes command of the Department of North Carolina.
2. J.G. Pratt, District of South and East Louisiana, and T.E. Vick, District of North Louisiana, are directed to organize “militia in their respective districts” using the “most ample discretion...the law may justify.”
3. From Fort Brown, Texas, H.P. Bee reports he lost 15 conscripts “by desertion in the last three days.” He writes, “They cross the [Rio Grande] river...and when in Mexico are…fed and clothed until they can be shipped to the United States.”
February 26 1863 (Thursday)
Confederate Signal Officer Captain Joseph W. Youngblood reports: “The Yankees are evidently making preparations for [an] attack on Port Hudson.” Youngblood believes that as many as 40,000 Union troops have been sent to nearby Baton Rouge. Reacting to this buildup of force, John C. Pemberton rushes Albert Rust's brigade to reinforce the river fortress. He also orders the commander, Franklin Gardner, to keep him advised and to “reserve ammunition” as there is “no more to send." To organize the attack force, Nathaniel Banks orders Christopher C. Augur, First Division, to "proceed to Baton Rouge and assume command of the forces at that point." After being reminded by Henry Halleck that "there is much dissatisfaction" with the speed of his move on Port Hudson, Banks complains about the lack of steamers available to his command. He writes: "I regret to say that water transportation is...deficient.... We have at our command only twelve or thirteen vessels, mostly decayed and helpless boats." Banks also informs Halleck of the decision by Admiral David D. Farragut to run ships past the Vicksburg batteries in an effort to open communications with Ulysses S. Grant and Admiral Porter’s Mississippi Squadron.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., February 26, 1863.
Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief, &c.: Admiral Farragut has determined to run the batteries at Port Hudson with his fleet, for the double purpose of establishing communication with the fleet at Vicksburg and destroying boats and batteries between Vicksburg and Port Hudson. This is likely to be accomplished in a few days.... The loss of the Queen of the West and the reported capture of the [Indianola] give importance to this movement....Many of the troops are suffering from sickness, but on the whole are in good condition and spirits....I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N.P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.
The command structure in the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department continues to undergo changes as E. Kirby Smith succeeds in prying loose Major-General Sterling Price from John C. Pemberton's Vicksburg command. Price desperately wants to bring his Missouri troops with him but is given only a vague promise instead. John S. Marmaduke is also interested in Missouri, but his proposed raid into that state is disapproved by the departing commander of the department, Theophilus Holmes. He writes: "I have considered your proposition…very carefully.... Anything like a successful or permanent occupation of Missouri would require an infantry force to sustain you. If you...are forced to return, you would leave our friends there to a merciless foe, who would not hesitate to destroy every man, woman, or child that showed you sympathy" President Davis sends a letter to Holmes explaining the reasons that E. Kirby Smith has been sent to the region, and expressing his concern about the situation in Arkansas. "It was deemed best to reestablish the unity of the Trans-Mississippi Department..., and General Smith, as ranking officer, will...command the department. I need hardly say that this has been done from no want of confidence in you."
RICHMOND, VA., February 26, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. T.H. HOLMES, Trans-Mississippi Department: The sad condition of things in Arkansas is the more painful because of our little ability to correct it.... If we lose the valley of the Arkansas I fear we shall not be able to obtain the supplies hereafter necessary to occupy the northern part of the State and carry operations into or across Missouri. It is therefore of vital importance that the enemy should not be permitted to ascend the Arkansas and White Rivers, and that such security should be given as will induce the planters of the valley to reoccupy and cultivate their fields.... As ever, very truly, your friend,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. From Lexington, Kentucky, Q.A. Gillmore reports “the enemy are advancing in force toward the Kentucky River.” Gillmore is instructed to “make the Kentucky River” his defensive line.
2. Gordon Granger, Army of Kentucky, reports “a party…rebels destroyed a freight train at Woodburn [Kentucky].
3. A Special Commission investigating the evacuation of New Madrid, Missouri, rules that T.A. Davies, was “prudent and faithful” and should not be “dismissed the service.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The Cherokee Indian Nation cancels its treaty with the C.S. government and aligns itself with the Federal government in Washington, D.C.
2. Secretary Seddon informs R.E. Lee the “sentiment of the people in the Valley of Virginia” and his own “best judgment,” cause him to request that W.E. Jones be “relieved” from command of the District of the Valley.
3. W.E. Jones reports a successful cavalry engagement near Woodstock, Virginia. “We have about 200 prisoners, and killed and wounded many more. We carried them at a charge of full speed from 5 miles below Woodstock to Newtown.”
February 27 1863 (Friday)
The loss of the U.S.S. Indianola, which carries two 11-inch and two 9-inch Dahlgren guns, is of great concern to the Union commanders above Vicksburg. In Confederate hands, the Queen of the West and a repaired Indianola would pose a serious threat to the Union river squadron. In a desperate ploy, Admiral David D. Porter details a construction crew to fasten logs onto an old coal barge to form a hull 300 feet long. A huge casement and two paddle-wheel houses made of logs are added to the hull, and two tall smokestacks are created using empty pork barrels. At the base of each smoke-stack an iron pot full of oakum and tar is lit to produce a huge plume of black smoke and the newly created gunboat, Black Terror, is towed into the current and released. The ersatz gunboat floats past Vicksburg sparking a tremendous bombardment. The Confederate gunners cannot believe what they have just seen. Despite their fire, the Federal ‘ironclad’ continues along without serious damage and without firing back. As the Black Terror continues downstream, the Queen of the West raises the alarm causing the salvage crew, working on the Indianola, to ignite the gunpowder in her magazine and blow her up. John C. Pemberton reports the unhappy incident to the War Department: "Confederate fleet abandoned the Indianola on approach of what was supposed to be turretted ironclad. I am not satisfied that it was a gunboat, but have no definite intelligence yet." Admiral Porter cannot believe his luck. "It will hardly be believed...that a wooden dummy could have achieved so remarkable a victory.
Report of Col. Wirt Adams, Mississippi Cavalry.
MAJOR: I believe I am now in possession of all the facts relative to the capture and destruction of the Federal steamer Indianola.... The Queen of the West was sent to Warrenton with dispatches...for the fleet. In a short time the Queen of the West came back in great haste, reporting a gunboat of the enemy approaching. All the vessels at once got under way in a panic, and proceeded down the river, abandoning without a word the working party and field pieces on the wreck. The Federal vessel did not approach nearer than 2½ miles, and appeared very apprehensive of attack.... The lieutenant commanding the working party made some effort to free the vessel of water, but finding himself abandoned by our fleet, and the enemy's gunboat lying above him, he...burst three of the valuable guns on board, spiked the other, threw his field pieces overboard, blew up the vessel, and fled with his command.... With the exception of the wine and liquor stores of the Indianola, nothing was saved.... I remain, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WIRT ADAMS, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry Regiment.
Rumors of an alleged massacre committed six months ago by Confederate troops in Madison County, North Carolina, cause Governor Zebulon B. Vance to send State Attorney Augustus Merrimon to Laurel Creek to investigate the matter. Merrimon reports that the incident began when a small group of "disloyal persons" captured the town and seized "a lot of salt and other plunder." Lieutenant-Colonel James A. Keith, 64th North Carolina, was sent to "suppress the insurrection," and in doing so, Merrimon reports, displayed a "degree of cruelty and barbarity...shocking and outrageous in the extreme." Merrimon goes further: "I have learned...that 13 [prisoners] were killed; that some of them were not taken in arms but at their homes; that all the men shot were prisoners at the time they were shot; that they were taken off to a secluded cave or gorge in the mountains and then made to kneel down and were thus shot. One man was badly and mortally shot in the bowels, and while he was writhing in agony and praying to God for mercy a soldier mercilessly and brutally shot him in the head with his pistol.... I learned that all this was done by order of Lieut. Col. James A. Keith.” Merrimon promises Vance that he will "prosecute vigorously such of the prisoners to whom you direct my attention,” and asserts “they are all guilty of murder." After receiving Merrimon's report, Vance sends letters to President Davis and Secretary Seddon in an effort to have formal charges filed against Keith. "I desire you to have proceedings instituted at once against this officer, who, if the half be true, is a disgrace to the service and to North Carolina."
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, February 27, 1863.
Brigadier-General DAVIS, Knoxville, Tenn.: In my last letter to you I referred to a report that a number of prisoners taken on Laurel had been shot in cold blood and expressed the hope it might not prove true. I fear, however, that it is even worse than was first reported.... Whilst expressing again my thanks for the prompt aid rendered by your command in quieting the troubles in that region I cannot reconcile it to my sense of duty to pass by in silence such cruel and barbarous conduct as is alleged to have characterized a portion of them, and more especially as the officers mentioned are citizens of this State. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z.B. VANCE.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Colonel Percy Wyndham conducts a scout from Centreville to Falmouth, Virginia. He reports, “I learned that it had been the intention of [J.E.B.] Stuart of making a raid…in the rear of the Army of the Potomac, but the river having been so high, only a portion of his command...crossed.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Sterling Price is officially “relieved from duty” in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, and ordered to “report…for duty in the Trans-Mississippi Department.”
2. Braxton Bragg places J.P. McCown (a division commander) under arrest for “conduct to the prejudice of good order.” McCown sent a commissary officer to Charleston, “when he knew such details were not authorized.”
2. Colonel J.C. Monroe, First Arkansas Cavalry, is instructed to scout the “north side of the Arkansas River as circumstances and your discretion may suggest.”
February 28 1863 (Saturday)
To make up for their deficiency in ironclads and gunboats, the Confederate government has turned to the use of mines and torpedoes to protect their coastal cities. Captain of Engineers Francis D. Lee is experimenting with these “infernal machines” for use in the Charleston harbor. It is Lee's hope that his torpedoes can be attached to "spars suspended below small boats ... [and] used against the enemy's vessels." Says Lee, "Their design being novel and perhaps interesting, I would be glad to submit one of them to the examination of the commanding general." In Ossabaw Sound, a conventional torpedo rips open a ten-foot gash in the side of the Montauk when she advances to attack the privateer *Rattlesnake. She became trapped in the Great Ogeechee River while looking for an opportunity to escape the Federal blockade. When Commander John L. Worden discovers that the Rattlesnake has run aground on a mud bar, he decides to brave Fort McAllister’s guns and attack the stranded ship. After leaving the Rattlesnake blackened and burning, the Montauk strikes a mine and, out of sight of the fort, is forced to run aground to avoid sinking. With her pumps running, she is towed to Port Royal for repairs.
HEADQUARTERS, Fort McAllister, Ga., February 28, 1863.
Capt. GEORGE A. MERCER, Assistant Adjutant-General: At 7.25 a.m. three gunboats, one mortar-boat, and an iron-clad came in sight of our battery. The gunboats and mortar-boat took the same positions as in the former engagements. The iron-clad anchored between 800 and 1,000 yards abreast of our battery and directed her entire fire at the Rattlesnake, which was aground about three-fourths of a mile from here....At 7.40 o'clock the Rattlesnake was set on fire....At 9.30 o'clock the vessels ceased firing and dropped down the river. The ironclad apparently passed and re-passed with impunity over the spot where the torpedoes were sunk. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[George] W. ANDERSON, jr., Captain, Commanding [Georgia Artillery].
*Editor’s Note: The Rattlesnake, a side-wheel passenger steamer, was converted into a lightly armored cruiser called the C.S.S. Nashville. Due to her deep draft, she was sold out of service and commissioned as a privateer.
Earlier in the month, Gustavus W. Smith, in command of the defenses of Richmond, Virginia, decided to resign his command. In Smith's star crossed career, he ascended briefly to command the Army of Northern Virginia, but was felled by a nervous breakdown shortly thereafter. He also served as interim Secretary of War prior to James A. Seddon's appointment, before returning to his small command in Richmond. When President Davis selects generals for promotion to lieutenant-general, Smith's name is conspicuously absent. Smith writes: “I...made up my mind not to serve under any of the lieutenant-generals who were my juniors as major-generals." Smith's resignation clears the way for James Longstreet to assume departmental command. Upon his arrival in Petersburg, Longstreet learns that as many as 50,000 Union troops have landed at Newport News. He reports: "Scouts just in report arrivals of transports daily. Number now estimated at 50,000." Stealing a page from Robert E. Lee, Longstreet proposes an immediate attack on the isolated Federal post at New Berne, North Carolina. "If there is a chance of doing anything we should not be idle.... We are more likely to succeed by operating ourselves than by lying still to await the enemy's time for thorough preparation before he moves upon us."
HEADQUARTERS, Petersburg, Va., February 28, 1863.
Maj. Gen. D.H. HILL, Goldsborough, N.C.: From the reports that we have of the enemy's strength at and near New Berne it would seem practicable for us to concentrate... your forces and cut the New Berne garrison off from the sea-coast. Please...make...arrangements for such an expedition as may be necessary, but let no one know that you have anything of the kind in view. We should make every effort to get supplies from the counties near the enemy's position.... I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Cavalry commander George Stoneman reports that he has “about 12,000 men, and 13.000 horses, present for duty.” He reports, “Considering…it is a good day's march to get out to the line and another to return…, the horses are out one-half the time or more.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. J.B. Magruder reports that he is “about to leave” Houston, Texas, “on a tour of observation and inspection of the defenses of the coast and the western part of the State.”