Bobtailed Generals
From the editor: In his meetings with President Lincoln and Secretary of War Stanton, Lieutenant-General U.S. Grant recommends the removal of over one hundred generals. In the end, only cavalry commander Alfred Pleasonton gets the axe. While the ever present political considerations save the rest, Pleasonton falls victim to the disastrous Kilpatrick-Dahlgren raid, which he neither originated nor endorsed. As Pleasonton's replacement, Grant requests William H. French. However, French is currently embroiled in a controversy over his tardiness during the Mine Run campaign and is deemed unacceptable. It is Henry Halleck who suggests Phil Sheridan. ‘Little Phil,’ currently serving as a divisional commander in East Tennessee, had taken a leading role in the improbable charge up Missionary Ridge, and was acceptable to Grant. When given the order to "report to the adjutant-general of the army" in Washington, Sheridan is puzzled. It isn't until George Thomas informs him that Sheridan learns he is being given command of the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac. What is surprising about this selection is not only the fact that, until Chattanooga, Sheridan had never served under Grant, but also that he had commanded only infantry for the past two years. Sheridan wrote: "The information staggered me at first…; moreover, I was but slightly acquainted with military operations in Virginia, and [the officers] were little known to me, so at the moment I felt loath to undergo the trials of the new position. Indeed, I knew not a soul in Washington except General Grant and General Halleck, and them but slightly." Despite his reservations, Sheridan accepts the position and vows to "take the cavalry away from the bobtailed brigadier generals."
March 20 1864 (Sunday)
Leonidas Polk, Army of Mississippi, informs President Davis of the recent campaign, led by Colonel Henry Maury (15th Confederate Cavalry) "against the deserters and traitors” in Jones and Perry counties. Polk writes: "He found them...in open rebellion, defiant at the outset, proclaiming themselves 'Southern Yankees,' and resolved to resist by force of arms all efforts to capture them.... Very summary measures were taken with such as were captured.... Some escaped to the bottoms on Pearl River, swearing they would return with Yankee re-enforcements; others were brought to reason and loyalty, and have come in and surrendered themselves." As a result of Maury's success, Polk decides to send another expedition "to the counties of Smith and others lying on Pearl River, to break up an organization which has been formed there." Colonel Robert Lowry, Sixth Mississippi, is ordered to "take charge of the expedition against deserters and disloyal men between Pearl River and Tombigbee." The self-styled Free State of Jones is led by ‘Captain’ Newton Knight, and his company of approximately 150 men. Knight’s Company is hidden in camps along the Leaf River, near the intersection of Jones, Covington, and Jasper Counties.
HEADQUARTERS, Demopolis, Ala., March 20, 1864.
Maj. Gen. [Dabney H. Maury, Department of the Gulf]: Information from other sources confirms the statement...of Colonel Maury as to the extent of the defection in the southern counties of Mississippi. The lieutenant-general commanding is of opinion that an infantry force is indispensable so far as Smith County is concerned. He has accordingly organized such a force, which will leave here tomorrow for Meridian, under Colonel Lowry, one of the oldest colonels in this army, and an officer of vigor and decision. He will go to Smith County to commence operations.... Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
[Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas M. Jack], Assistant Adjutant-General.
Confederate District of West Louisiana commander Dick Taylor informs E. Kirby Smith, commander of the Trans-Mississippi Department, that Union cavalry advancing up Bayou Teche have reached Alexandria, Louisiana. Taylor writes: "It is to be presumed...that an advance up the Red River Valley may be immediately anticipated.... Officers of the enemy publicly announce...that it is their intention to march directly on Shreveport…for the purpose of destroying depots and stores. I would suggest, therefore, that the approaches to Shreveport be guarded." Sterling Price, District of Arkansas, is also notified of the impending Union advance. "Every effort should be made to embarrass and retard the enemy's advance by throwing cavalry upon his flanks and rear.... Should it become absolutely necessary you will fall back upon Shreveport, where the works will give additional security, and where you will be in reach of support from General Taylor."
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Near Carroll Jones', March 20, 1864--3 a.m.
Capt. A.H. MAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General: A large number of transports (forty-seven) are reported at Alexandria tonight. [Nathaniel P. Banks, Department of the Gulf,] expected to arrive, and the cavalry force from below reported coming into the town. It is also reported that the enemy will advance today by boat up the river and with cavalry up the Bayou Rapides. If this prove true it will be utterly out of our power to stop or delay him. The major-general commanding therefore directs that you will at once have all Government property placed in boats, selecting the most valuable first.... Should this news prove true...burn all the cotton on the river and start off the boats to Shreveport.... Communicate this news to department headquarters at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[Major Eustace Surget], Assistant Adjutant-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. From Mathews Court-House, Virginia, C.K. Graham, commanding the Naval Brigade, reports on his expedition to the Piankatank River: “Everything goes on well. One captain and 10 privates have been captured.”
2. Colonel T.M. Bryan Jr., 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, reports “[we] can find no force of the enemy on north side of the Rappahannock [River].”
3. Captain Milton Burris, First M.S.M. Cavalry, reports on a series of scouts in Jackson and La Fayette Counties, Missouri: “Aggregate number of miles traveled by the different scouts, 240 miles.”
4. Lt. Hampton Hutton, Sixth California, leaves Fort Gaston, California, to scout the ridge to the east. He reports: “I…the trails that they were in very bad order.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. From Dalton, Georgia, J.E. Johnston reports he has 3,744 officers, 42,600 men present for duty, and 127 pieces of artillery.
2. From Demopolis, Alabama, Leonidas Polk reports he has 1,528 officers, 16,265 men present for duty, and 26 pieces of artillery.
3. From Orange Court-House, Virginia, R.E. Lee, Army of Northern Virginia, reports that he has 3,430 officers and 43,975 men present for duty.
4. A skirmish is reported in Arkadelphia, Louisiana.
March 21 1864 (Monday)
Red River Expedition commander A.J. Smith sends… [Joseph A. Mower's division] after a Rebel corn depot of "about 15,000 barrels," reported to be "on the road to Burr's Ferry." Smith reports: "I directed Brigadier-General Mower to...proceed to Henderson's Hill, dislodge the enemy from that position, and send forward his cavalry to Red River, clearing all the country between Bayou Rapides and Red River.” Mower dispatches Colonel Sylvester G. Hill, 35th Iowa, to lead the march. However, instead of a supply of corn, Hill finds the encampment of the Second Louisiana Cavalry. A.J. Smith continues: "He took two regiments of infantry...and made a detour to the left under cover of the darkness and came in on their rear.... He moved forward and completely surprised the whole force, capturing them in detail at their campfires without a shot being fired." Dick Taylor is devastated when he learns of the loss of his cavalry unit. He reports: "My little cavalry force, consisting only of one regiment, met with a very serious disaster.... About 9 o'clock its position...was surrounded, the regiment surprised, and a greater portion of it captured.... This disaster leaves me with little or no means of obtaining information in front of a very large force of the enemy's cavalry."
Report of Col. Sylvester G. Hill, Thirty-fifth Iowa Infantry, commanding Third Brigade.
SIR: The brigade was ordered across Bayou Rapides to the right of the enemy's position, and after a tedious march of about 8 miles, through marshes and a dense pine forest, in a hard rain and cold wind, we halted. The men were much fatigued and thoroughly wet, suffering from cold and a severe hail-storm; some were compelled from exhaustion to leave the ranks…. Eight picket-posts were now in succession relieved of their guards, and three couriers, one guidon colors, and an ambulance, with horses, &c., captured, and the prisoners sent to the rear of the first regiment, without the firing of a gun or causing any alarm whatever. At about midnight we arrived at the main camp of the rebels. The Thirty-fifth Iowa quickly surrounded a number of the enemy in a house, and mounted their men on the horses hitched to a section of the enemy's battery and caissons, before our presence was at all discovered by them; it was a complete surprise. There was every indication that the camp was in readiness for an attack…, but so silent was our approach and so rapid our movements in their camp, that they did not use their artillery, and fired but a few rifle shots before the capture was complete…. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S.G. HILL, Colonel Thirty-fifth Iowa Vols., Comdg. Brig.
The winter months have been tough on the Confederate army, especially the underfed and ill-clothed men in Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. However, hopes of victory still run strong in Richmond if the army can “subsist" until the election in November, "giving an opportunity for the Democrats to elect a president." Robert E. Lee has spent much time and effort attempting to secure the necessary supplies for his army. Quarter-Master Alexander R. Lawton responds to Lee's numerous requests: "I beg you not to expect impossibilities.... We have been able to accomplish so much...in the way of transportation and to sustain life with so much less in the way of food than we dreamed of three years since that my hopes are strong for the future. The arrivals at Richmond within the last week were such that your supplies for the present will only be limited by the capacity of the Central Railroad."
RICHMOND, March 21, 1864.
General R.E. LEE, Commanding, &c.: Appreciating fully the great importance and extreme difficulty of supplying the Army with food and forage, I have spared no efforts to have them promptly transported from the far South, now our almost sole reliance. Great pressure has recently been brought to bear on the main trunk railways by the stoppage of passenger trains, express cars, &c., and a very large amount of corn and commissary stores have reached Richmond.... Scarcely before during this war have so many public stores been moved within the same number of days by these roads. But, like "forced marches" in an emergency, these results cannot be kept up permanently.... I beg you to remember, general, that up to this time last year not a car-load of corn nor subsistence stores had been brought from points beyond Raleigh for your army. Now we are feeding the soldiers and horses of that army to a great extent from Georgia. If the supply of railroad transportation was even then found so deficient as to cause serious alarm to the Government, how can they now meet these immensely increased demands "without delay, besides doing the other work required of them?" Not a bar of railroad iron nor a single locomotive has been brought into the Confederacy during that time, nor has the call for transportation of troops, ordnance stores, &c., been such as to diminish the "other work required of them."
A.R. LAWTON, Quartermaster-General.
Casualties at Henderson Hill, Louisiana:
U.S. 1 (1 wounded)
C.S. 222 (222 captured/missing)
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Odon Guitar, District of North Missouri, reports a riot at Unionville, Missouri, in which “3 peaceable citizens” were killed. Guitar explains: “The pretext for these outrages was that the parties…were copperheads.”
2. Colonel I.R. Hawkins, 7th Tennessee (U.S.) Cavalry, reports “a detachment of 20 men” was attacked at Reynoldsburg, Tennessee, “and are probably all captured.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Colonel James Jackson, 27th Alabama, reports a skirmish near Moulton, Alabama. He writes: “Met the enemy...and drove them into Decatur, killing 7 or 8.”
2. Captain W.S. Herndon, commanding at Velasco, Texas, reports a U.S. blockader “fired 4 shots at the steamship Matagorda.” Return fire struck the vessel, and “she backed out to sea without firing anymore.”
3. A skirmish is reported in Putnam County, Missouri.
March 22 1864 (Tuesday)
Nathan B. Forrest moves his cavalry command to Jackson, Tennessee, to find new recruits and additional horses. When he arrives, he is outraged to learn from local residents the recent actions of the Union commander Lieutenant-Colonel Fielding Hurst. The staunch Southern Unionist commands the Sixth Tennessee Cavalry, which operates independently in a section of western Tennessee known to as *Hurst Nation. Forrest sends a note of complaint to District of Memphis commander Ralph P. Buckland: "It has come to the knowledge of the major-general commanding that Col. Fielding Hurst...has been guilty of wanton extortion upon the citizens of Jackson, Tenn., and other places, guilty of depredations upon private property, guilty of house burning, guilty of murders, both of citizens and soldiers of the Confederate States.... I therefore declare the aforesaid Fielding Hurst, and the officers and men of his command, outlaws, and not entitled to be treated as prisoners of war falling into the hands of the forces of the Confederate States." Spurred into action, Forrest also plans an attack on the isolated Union outposts in western Tennessee. Orders are sent to Colonel Robert ‘Black Bob’ McCulloch: "The major-general commanding...will move on Union City and Paducah.... You can move over to Waterford...and be ready for a forward movement should the enemy move.... The force of the enemy at Paducah, Columbus, and Union City is reported as small."
HDQRS. DEPT. OF WEST TENN. AND NORTH MISS., In the Field, March 22, 1864.
Brigadier-General BUCKLAND or COMMANDING OFFICER U.S. FORCES, Memphis, Tenn.: GENERAL: I respectfully demand that restitution be made by the U.S. authorities in the sum of $5,139.25 to the citizens of Jackson, Tenn., the amount extorted from them by Col. Fielding Hurst...under threats of burning the town. It appears that within the past two months seven cases of deliberate murder have been committed in this department, most of them known and all believed to have been perpetrated by the command of Colonel Hurst. I therefore demand the surrender of Col. Fielding Hurst and the officers and men of his command guilty of these murders, to be dealt with by the C.S. authorities as their offenses require.... [Lieutenant-Colonel Wiley M. Reed], bearer of these dispatches and temporarily attached to my staff, is hereby authorized to examine any communications which may be delivered in reply to the above, and also to conclude such arrangements as may arise from the subjects.... I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N.B. FORREST, Major-General, Commanding.
Editor’s Note: An East Tennessee native, Hurst moved to McNairy County in West Tennessee in 1834 and gradually increased his land holdings while he worked as a surveyor. By the 1850s, the close-knit, extended Hurst family also had relocated to McNairy County, and became the county’s largest landholders. Hurst has been involved in a bloody feud with Confederate guerillas and has vowed revenge for the torture and murder of his nephew.
Having been called to testify about Gettysburg before the Committee on the Conduct of the War, Daniel Butterfield writes to the Seth Williams, Adjutant-General of the Army of the Potomac: "I desire, before testifying, to have the rough minutes of the council of July 2, which I mailed to you...; also the originals of all dispatches, orders, &c., prepared by me. Should… [George Meade] consent, will you please send them to me, by special messenger." Williams responds: "As you are not now connected with the Army of the Potomac, the major-general commanding declines furnishing you with the records of said army." The controversy between Dan Sickles and Meade reaches the desk of the President Lincoln. He writes to Meade: "Your letter...asking [for] a court of inquiry, has been laid before me by… Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton] .... I am not impressed, nor do I think the country is impressed, with the belief that your honor demands, or the public interest demands, such an inquiry. The country knows that...you have done good service; and...it is much better for you to be engaged in trying to do more than to be diverted, as you necessarily would be, by a court of inquiry." Having been advised to drop the matter by Chief of Staff Henry Halleck, Secretary of War Stanton, and the President, Meade consents.
CONFIDENTIAL: HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 22, 1864.
Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK, Washington, D.C.: I have no intention of entering into a personal or newspaper controversy with General Sickles. I hardly expected he would acknowledge writing, or being a party to the writing, of the letter by Historicus; but I did expect he would have the manliness to say, though he was not a party to its publication, that its contents were, in his judgment and belief, correct and true. As these statements are in direct conflict with my official report, I thought this might be considered sufficiently official by the Department to justify an investigation. Of course, if he denies having had anything to do with the matter, why that is an end of it.... I had no intention of annoying the Department, and if you and the Secretary think it better policy for me to keep quiet.... Truly, yours,
GEO. G. MEADE.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Elections are held for a pro-Union government in Arkansas. Provisional Governor Isaac Murphy reports: “The people have been enthusiastic."
2. Colonel W.H. Lawrence, 34th New Jersey, reports the “postmaster at Fancy Farms,” near Mayfield, Kentucky, “was shot,” and “the Catholic chapel at that place destroyed.”
3. Major W.S. Aken, 51st U.S. Colored Infantry, reports a skirmish at Langley’s Plantation in Issaquena County, Mississippi.
4. Major M.L. Thomson, 20th Iowa, reports “a wood party” near Corpus Christi, Texas, “was attacked...by a band of partisan rangers.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. From Greeneville, East Tennessee, James Longstreet forwards the official charges and specifications against brigade commander E.M. Law, to the Adjutant-General in Richmond. Law is accused of tendering his resignation under a false pretext, “he having arranged at the same time...to petition the War Department for service for the brigade in Alabama.”
2. Skirmishes are reported at Cricket Hill, Virginia, and with Indians at Bald Spring Canyon, California.
March 23 1864 (Wednesday)
With the elections over in Arkansas, and a new pro-Union government in place in Little Rock, Frederick Steele, Department of Arkansas, begins his march south in an expedition “designed to co-operate with General Banks' movement against Shreveport.” Frederick Salomon reports: "This division, consisting of three brigades of infantry (ten regiments in all) and three batteries of artillery (sixteen guns), marched...on the 23d." At Alexandria, Louisiana, Chief of Staff Charles P. Stone is optimistic that the river will soon rise sufficiently for the gunboat fleet to continue up the river. "According to present appearances, [Admiral David D. Porter] will be able to pass his heavy rams over the rapids in two days from this time, and then it will be safe for the lighter gunboats and transports to go up the river." Stone is also eager for William B. Franklin's Nineteenth Corps to reach the city before Confederate reinforcements can arrive. He writes: "I have direct information today that [Thomas Green’s Cavalry Division] left Houston, Tex., on Tuesday of last week to march...to Natchitoches...; if Franklin moves rapidly I hope he will be able to take the enemy in detail, and whip Taylor before Green gets up, or, if Taylor should succeed in falling back toward Natchitoches, to catch Green by himself and rout him." Richard Taylor is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of Green's Texas cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Near Beasley's, Kisatchie River, March 23, 1864.
Brig. Gen. [William R. Boggs], Chief of Staff: I am now encamped between the two branches of the Kisatchie River, 28 miles from Natchitoches.... Without cavalry this is the most favorable position for my infantry to await the arrival of General Green.... My want of cavalry is lamentable, and my only means of gaining information is by flying scouts on the enemy's flanks, whose reports come in but slowly.... As soon as Green joins me I shall assume the offensive.... With the assistance of batteries posted on the hills this side of Cane River I may be able to check any movement of the enemy by that road.... Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. TAYLOR, Major-General, Commanding.
Having finished their conference at the War Department, William T. Sherman, newly promoted commander of the Military District of the Mississippi, and Ulysses S. Grant return to their respective armies. Sherman reports from Nashville: "I have just arrived here, and will be here two days before moving to the front." Making his camp at Culpeper Court-House, Virginia, Grant immediately begins planning for the spring campaign. He writes to Henry Halleck: "Will you please send me a map, with lines marked, showing the territory now occupied by our forces; also a copy of the returns of the army you showed me? If practicable to spare them from their present stations, three regiments of heavy artillery, one commanded by [Colonel John C. Tidball, Fourth New York,] to be one of them, could be advantageously used with the Army of the Potomac." Grant's ‘request’ for reinforcements for the Army of the Potomac is granted immediately. Halleck reports: "Two regiments of heavy artillery, numbering about 3,000 men, are ordered to the Army of the Potomac, and will leave as soon as they can be replaced by men from other forts." Two additional brigades are also ordered to Grant's army from Franz Sigel's Department of West Virginia. Rather than further disrupt the command structure of the army, Grant decides, with one exception, not to replace any of the existing corps commanders. The exception, cavalry commander Alfred Pleasonton, is to be replaced by Phil Sheridan. Grant writes: "I would respectfully suggest that the order relieving General Pleasonton from duty here, and sending him to the Department of the Missouri, be made at once. I will then direct General Meade to place the senior officer of the cavalry corps in command of it until General Sheridan arrives."
CHATTANOOGA, March 23, 1864. (Received 24th.)
Maj. Gen. P.H. SHERIDAN (Through Maj. Gen. [Gordon Granger, IV Corps]): Lieutenant-General Grant directs that you immediately repair to Washington and report to the Adjutant-General of the Army.
[William D. Whipple], Brigadier-General, Chief of Staff.
With the election over in Arkansas, Frederick Steele begins his march south from Little Rock, in a campaign “designed to co-operate with General Banks' movement against Shreveport.” Frederick Salomon reports: "This division, consisting of three brigades of infantry (ten regiments in all) and three batteries of artillery (sixteen guns), marched...on the 23d." At Alexandria, Louisiana, Chief of Staff Charles P. Stone is optimistic that the river will soon rise sufficiently for the gunboat fleet to continue up the river. "According to present appearances, [Admiral David D. Porter] will be able to pass his heavy rams over the rapids in two days from this time, and then it will be safe for the lighter gunboats and transports to go up the river." Stone is also eager for William B. Franklin's Nineteenth Corps to reach the city before Confederate reinforcements can arrive. He writes: "I have direct information today that [Thomas Green’s Cavalry Division] left Houston, Tex., on Tuesday of last week to march...to Natchitoches...; if Franklin moves rapidly I hope he will be able to take the enemy in detail, and whip Taylor before Green gets up, or, if Taylor should succeed in falling back toward Natchitoches, to catch Green by himself and rout him." Richard Taylor is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of Green's Texas cavalry.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Near Beasley's, Kisatchie River, March 23, 1864.
Brig. Gen. [William R. Boggs], Chief of Staff: I am now encamped between the two branches of the Kisatchie River, 28 miles from Natchitoches.... Without cavalry this is the most favorable position for my infantry to await the arrival of General Green.... My want of cavalry is lamentable, and my only means of gaining information is by flying scouts on the enemy's flanks, whose reports come in but slowly.... As soon as Green joins me I shall assume the offensive.... With the assistance of batteries posted on the hills this side of Cane River I may be able to check any movement of the enemy by that road.... Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. TAYLOR, Major-General, Commanding.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. D. McM. Gregg, temporarily commanding the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac, reports a “scouting party sent to Fant’s Mill [Virginia] and vicinity” has returned. Gregg writes: “Could not find any enemy.”
2. W.S. Hancock returns to duty with the Army of the Potomac, but does not rejoin the headquarters of the Second Corps, in order to give G.K. Warren, the outgoing commander, “timely notice” of his arrival.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The remainder of N.B. Forrest’s cavalry command arrives at Jackson, Tennessee, where he rests the horses and prepare more rations for the upcoming advance toward Union City and Paducah.
2. Skirmishes are reported at Bloomery Gap, West Virginia; and on the Benton Road, Arkansas.
March 24 1864 (Thursday)
Colonel William L. Duckworth, at the head of the Seventh Tennessee (C.S.) Cavalry, arrives at Union City just before daylight. Before launching an assault, Duckworth cuts the telegraph wires and threatens the town. Mason Brayman, commanding the Union District of Cairo, reports: "Being convinced that an attack was meditated..., I sent [Captain James H. Odlin] …, with instructions to report from Union City at the earliest moment the true state of affairs.… On reaching Union City, Captain Odlin found the pickets driven in, and almost immediately the wire was cut, preventing further communication with me. This indicated the presence of the enemy on the railroad between Union City and Columbus." Invoking the name of his commander, Nathan B. Forrest, Duckworth demands an unconditional surrender. He writes: "If you comply with the demand you are promised the treatment due to prisoners of war, according to usages in civilized warfare. If you persist in defense, you must take the consequences." Ignoring the advice of his subordinate officers, Colonel Isaac R. Hawkins, Seventh Tennessee (U.S.) Cavalry, convinced that he is surrounded, outnumbered, and outgunned, surrenders. Brayman continues: "I learned with great pain and surprise that Colonel Hawkins had surrendered at 11 a.m…, and his fortifications destroyed…. The number of men surrendered is probably 500, some 75 having escaped."
Report of Capt. Thomas P. Gray, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, of the capture of Union City.
SIR: About 5 o'clock firing commenced all around the line of pickets…. About 5.30 a.m. a cavalry charge was made from the south side. It was repulsed with but little difficulty. The same was immediately dismounted and charged again, this time coming within 20 or 30 yards of the breast-works. They were repulsed again, and with considerable loss this time.... Sharpshooting lasted till 9.30 a.m., when an escort, with a flag of truce, approached my position. I sent notification to Colonel Hawkins of the approaching truce flag.... Then followed a council of our officers, in which a large majority violently opposed any capitulation whatever with the enemy. Notwithstanding this, the colonel made a surrender at 11 a.m., which, to the best of my knowledge and belief, was unconditional. No artillery was seen or used. The surrendered troops were very indignant on hearing of the surrender. Only 1 man had been killed, and 2 or 3 wounded inside of the works. It was generally believed to be a rebel defeat.... Our troops, after grounding arms, were marched away on foot…. A list of prisoners was made…at Trenton…including…a few of the Twenty-fourth Missouri Infantry, who were doing provost duty.
T.P. GRAY, Captain Company C, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry.
Orders issued by Secretary of War Stanton make official the long rumored reorganization of the Army of the Potomac. "The number of army corps comprising the Army of the Potomac will be reduced to three, viz, the Second, Fifth, and Sixth Corps. The troops of the other two corps, viz, the First and Third, will be temporarily organized and distributed among the Second, Fifth, and Sixth by the commanding general, who will determine what existing organizations will retain their corps badges and other distinctive marks." Among the generals who are displaced by the consolidation are George Sykes, ordered to the Department of Kansas; William H. French, ordered to Philadelphia; John Newton, ordered to Cincinnati; John R. Kenly, ordered to Baltimore; and Solomon Meredith, ordered to Cairo, Illinois. In addition, Gouverneur K. Warren is transferred to command of the Fifth Corps to make way for Winfield S. Hancock. George G. Meade reports: "In view of the reduced strength of nearly all the regiments serving in this army, the temporary reduction of the number of army corps to three is a measure imperatively demanded by the best interests of the service, and that the reasons for attaching the First and Third Corps, for the time being, to other corps were in no respect founded upon any supposed inferiority of those corps to the other corps of this army. All the corps have equally proved their valor on many fields, and all have equal claims to the confidence of the Government and of the country."
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, General S. WILLIAMS:
HISTORY OF THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE FIRST AND FIFTH CORPS.
In pursuance of General Orders, No. 10..., the First and Fifth Corps were reduced each to two divisions and united in one, to be called the Fifth Army Corps. This was unpalatable to some, as it compelled a reduction of the number of brigades and divisions, and this, together with the return of officers absent during the winter, compelled Generals [Romeyn B. Ayres] and [Lysander Cutler], who had long commanded divisions, to go back to the command of brigades. It is also probable that the appointment of myself, junior in years to many of the generals under me, produced unpleasant reflections in their minds. Added to this was the reconstruction of the staff of the consolidated corps. In these matters my position was not an apparently easy one, especially as I had not the selection of my generals or the power of doing otherwise than to assign them according to their rank. My corps staff was also taken from the ranking officers in the different departments left with me.... Respectfully submitted.
G.K. WARREN, Major-General of Volunteers.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. J.P. Hatch is “assigned to temporary duty in command of the District of Florida.” Truman Seymour is instructed to turn over “all the records” and report to Hilton Head, South Carolina.
2. Captain A.B. Kauffman, 11th Missouri Cavalry, leads an expedition from Batesville to Cook Creek, and Devil’s Fork, Arkansas. “They encountered a band of guerrillas, nearly all of whom were Missourians...and killed 19 out of 25.”
3. Lieutenant J.A. Waymire, First Oregon Cavalry, leads an expedition to Harney Valley, Oregon, in search of “a band of horses and mules” that was “stolen by Indians.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. The C.S. Congress passes an Act “to authorize the impressment of meat for the use of the Army,” whenever “the President shall declare that the public exigencies render it necessary.”
2. From Greeneville, Tennessee, James Longstreet reports “the great scarcity of corn” has so “reduced the horses of the cavalry,” he cannot hold his present position. He reports: “I have selected the line of the Holston [River] as our new line.”
3. Skirmishes are reported at Goodrich’s Landing, Louisiana, and at Oil Trough Bottom, Arkansas.
March 25 1864 (Friday)
While Colonel Duckworth was capturing Union City, Nathan B. Forrest led the bulk of his cavalry to Paducah, Kentucky. Colonel Stephen G. Hicks, 40th Illinois, the garrison commander reports: "[My scouts] gave the alarm, and in less than ten minutes…the enemy were driving in my pickets, who opened a skirmish fire and fell back to Fort Anderson…. I immediately ordered the little force under my command to double-quick to the fort, which order was promptly obeyed." Forrest also demands an unconditional surrender. Hicks continues: "At 2 p.m. the enemy took position surrounding the fort and a sharp fight…continued for about one hour, when it was announced that a flag of truce was approaching. I immediately ordered my men to cease firing, and sent out to meet the bearer, from whom I received [a] demand for a surrender." Unlike all previous Union commanders, Hicks decides to fight it out. He continues: "As soon as the answer was returned they moved forward, and our forces opened on them, and the fight became general. They attempted to storm our works, but were repulsed. They rallied and tried it again, and met the same fate. They made a third effort, but were forced to abandon their design." Unwilling to storm the Union entrenchment, Forrest orders his men to round up all the horses and supplies in the town while keeping the Union garrison pinned in Fort Anderson. Hicks continues: "I ordered…the men to fix their bayonets...feeling fully determined never to surrender while I had a man alive…. The enemy's sharpshooters in the meantime got possession of the houses around and near the fort, from which position they picked off some of my gunners, shooting nearly all of them in the head. Toward dark the enemy took shelter behind houses, in rooms, and hollows, and kept up a scattering fire until 11.30 o'clock, when it entirely ceased, and the rebel general withdrew his command." After holding the town for most of the day, Forrest orders a withdrawal into the safety of the night.
FROM NORTH SIDE OF RIVER, Paducah, March 25, 1864.
Lieutenant MASON, Cairo: The troops from Cairo just arrived. The enemy attacked us right after dinner.... We only had five or ten minutes' notice of their approach. They attacked us in the fort about 1.30 or 2 o'clock, but we kept them off. After firing on us for some time, they sent in a flag of truce demanding surrender, and if not complied with, he would make an assault on fort, and no quarter would be given. The Colonel answered that he would obey his superior officer's order and not surrender. Their main force then retired into the center of the town to pilfer and plunder, while their sharpshooters kept in houses near the fort, picking off our men. There are about 10 or 12 of our side killed, and 40 wounded; on the rebels' 200 to 300, among whom is the rebel [Colonel Albert P. Thompson, Third Kentucky Cavalry]. His head was knocked off his shoulders.... They burned headquarters and quartermaster's buildings. Our forces are burning town nearest the fort. The gunboats did good execution. Might say we ran out of ammunition, and could not have held out long. Fortunate they did not make an assault. They ceased firing at 11 o'clock…. I had not time to fix my wires till they surrounded us. My office and property are safe. No officers killed.
OPERATOR.
Upon his arrival at Alexandria, Nathaniel P. Banks reports to Chief of Staff Halleck: "The weather has been very severe--rain, hail, and sleet for forty-eight hours. The river is rising, and has now a depth of 7 feet on the rapids." Banks is frustrated to learn that, despite the arrival of the rest of William B. Franklin's column, he cannot afford to advance his infantry without the protection of Admiral Porters' gunboats. In addition, U.S. Grant continues to apply pressure on Banks to conclude the campaign as soon as possible. Grant writes: "I sent a letter to General Banks...directing him to finish his present expedition, and assemble all his available force at New Orleans as soon as possible, and prepare to receive orders for the taking of Mobile."
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., March 25, 1864.
Maj. Gen. [Joseph J. Reynolds], Commanding Defenses of New Orleans: I arrived at Alexandria yesterday at noon. There is not sufficient water upon the rapids to allow the gunboats to pass, and I shall be detained here probably until Monday. General Franklin's column arrived here this morning and will move immediately in the direction of Natchitoches.... The enemy will not meet us this side of Natchitoches, and probably not this side of Shreveport, in force. General Steele is reported to be at Camden on his way from Little Rock to Shreveport....There was a severe storm yesterday, but today the weather is fair, and the column will advance tomorrow. With much respect, your obedient servant,
N.P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.
Casualties at Paducah, Kentucky:
U.S.: 60 (14 killed, 46 wounded)
C.S.: 50 (killed/wounded)
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Admiral D.G. Farragut reports that “with his present fleet and two or three ironclads from Charleston, he can take Mobile, if a land force can be sent to hold it.”
2. Colonel James Jourdan, 158th New York, leads an expedition to Bogue and Bear Inlets, North Carolina. He writes: “Captured about 20 contrabands.”
3. Captain Edward Lawler, First Nebraska Cavalry, leads a scout from Batesville to Fairview, Arkansas.
4. Captain A.A. Irwin, 2d. Arkansas (U.S.) Cavalry, reports a skirmish near White River, Arkansas. He reports: “I found the enemy…and after a sharp skirmish..., succeeded in routing the enemy.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Captain C. Galliard, S.C. Light Artillery, reports “three barges laden with Federal troops” captured a steamer at McClellansville. He writes: “I ordered the guns to be fired upon them, with such effect as to compel them to abandon the vessel.”
2. Skirmishes are reported at Dover, Rockport, Van Buren County, and near White River, Arkansas.
March 26 1864 (Saturday)
After a conference with President Lincoln in Washington, D.C., Ulysses S. Grant returns to his Army of the Potomac headquarters next to the county courthouse in Culpeper, Virginia, and is not pleased to learn that Forrest’s cavalry has easily punctured his defenses in West Tennessee. He writes to ‘Cump’ Sherman: "Forrest should not be allowed to get out of the trap he has placed himself in at Paducah. Send [Benjamin H. Grierson] with all your cavalry with orders to find and destroy him wherever found." Meanwhile, Lincoln’s old Springfield, Illinois, neighbor, Mason Brayman reports good news from Paducah: "The rebels have been beaten.... The town was shelled and made a ruin over their heads.... Under these circumstances the result is important, and the damage to the town to be scarcely regretted. The enemy retreated toward Mayfield." Confident that Paducah is now safe, Brayman rushes reinforcements to Columbus. He reports: "I shall go to Columbus tonight with a gunboat, and all troops that can be spared."
HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., March 26, 1864.
Brig. Gen. [James C. Veatch, Fourth Division] Cairo, Ill.: I am satisfied that Forrest, with about 2,500 men, is in reality seeking to cross the Tennessee, probably at Eastport…. You should push forward at once, securing convoy and moving your whole force together. Go as high as Eastport if the river permits. If he has crossed before you reach the point on the river where he has crossed, land at Carrollville or Eastport, as you judge best, and follow out your first orders by moving to Pulaski or Athens. If he has not crossed, hold your boats under cover of gunboats and move from Savannah or Eastport back to the Hatchie, either at Bolivar or Davis' Mills, sending me word if practicable. This will take him in rear if he is in West Tennessee and force him back. He is reported to have six guns. If you can hear nothing of him as you go up the river you will of course proceed on your course.... Your obedient servant,
[Stephen A. Hurlbut], Major-General.
Without reinforcements, Dick Taylor is worried about holding the line in western Louisiana. He reports: "I am still ignorant of what disposition the enemy has made or is making of his large force, and have no news of [Thomas Green’s cavalry] …. The difficulty of obtaining accurate intelligence is greatly enhanced by jayhawkers. The whole country between this and Alexandria swarms with these outlaws, who are allied with the enemy and acting in his interests…. The arrival of one, or two even, of Green's regiments will change the whole aspect of affairs." Before Taylor's message can reach E. Kirby Smith, the van of Green's cavalry division arrives. A newly confident Taylor updates his dispatch to Smith.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Near Beasley's, March 26, 1864.
Brig. Gen. [William R. Boggs], Chief of Staff: I have the honor to report the arrival this evening of an officer of Green's advance regiment, sent on to advise the approach of the division, which is moving from Jasper…and Sabinetown, which point the first regiment will reach tomorrow. No movement of the enemy northward from Alexandria up to this morning, though I anticipate an advance tomorrow or the next day, as his infantry and cavalry have by this time united…. I shall assume the offensive as soon as Green joins me, and again beg leave to urge the prompt forwarding of supplies of all descriptions. In the exhausted state of the country this will be my great want. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. TAYLOR, Major-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Alfred Pleasonton is officially relieved “from duty” with the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac.
2. From Little Rock, Arkansas, Major W.D. Green, A.A.G., Department of Arkansas, reports a messenger was “driven back by a party of guerrillas.”
3. Captain George W. Graham, First (U.S.) North Carolina, reports a skirmish near Black Jack Church, North Carolina, “with a loss on the part of the enemy of 1 officer and 8 men killed.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. James Longstreet reports the movement of his army “to the north side of the Holston [River],” is “suspended” because of the “reported presence of the enemy at Morristown.”
2. Skirmishes are reported at Clinton, Mississippi; near Quitman, Arkansas; and at Campti, Louisiana.