A Caspian Sea of Ink
From the editor: The day after George Meade testified in Washington about his role in the Gettysburg battle before the Committee on the Conduct of the War, the New York Herald published a lengthy article critical of Meade's actions, written anonymously under the name of Historicus. Even though Meade had been warned by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton that two committee members had appeared before President Lincoln demanding that Meade be relieved of command "on behalf of the army and the country,” he was stunned by the grave charges being lodged against him. One thing is clear to all concerned, the man behind Historicus is Major-General Dan Sickles. Severely wounded at Gettysburg, Sickles has spared no effort to defend his controversial actions during the battle. One of the most interesting characters of the war, the former New York Congressman was acquitted of murdering his wife's lover in 1859. Ably guided by his defense lawyer Edwin Stanton, Sickles successfully pleaded temporary insanity. Publicly disgraced, Sickles nevertheless raised the Excelsior Brigade and received a commission in the army as colonel in 1861. He received promotions to brigadier and major general in 1862, and rose to command a corps under Joe Hooker in early 1863. Sickles is joined in his attack on the generalship of George Meade by Abner Doubleday and Daniel Butterfield. Both generals, who were passed over by Meade for important positions in the Army of the Potomac, were also called to testify before the committee. According to Doubleday: "No man who is an anti-slavery man...can expect decent treatment in that army." General Butterfield testified that Meade was "bewildered" at Gettysburg and that on July 2nd, "[he] directed me to prepare an order to withdraw the army." Although the controversy would eventually die down, it is destined to be resurrected in the post-war years as part of what one New York editor described as a "Caspian Sea of ink.”
March 13 1864 (Sunday)
In his new capacity, Henry Halleck can only "advise" Department of Arkansas commander Frederick Steele, in Little Rock, to "co-operate” in directions given by Nathaniel Banks and William T. Sherman “unless Ulysses S. Grant orders differently." Halleck informs Grant of Steele's reluctance to join the Red River operation: "[Steele] objects to the movement on account of bad roads and guerrillas, and prefers to remain on the defensive line of the Arkansas." With Admiral David D. Porter's Mississippi Squadron slowed by obstructions in the Red River, expedition commander A.J. Smith disembarks his command (consisting of 21 regiments of infantry, 3 batteries of light artillery, and the Mississippi Marine Brigade) near Simmesport and forces the Confederate commander William Scurry to evacuate *Fort Humbug, a series of earthworks constructed at the junction of Yellow Bayou and Bayou des Glaises. Smith issues his orders while aboard the steamer Clara Bell: "You will have your command in readiness to march at 7 o'clock this p.m., provided with five days' additional rations.... Each man will be provided with 40 rounds of ammunition in cartridge-boxes, and 40 additional rounds per man will be carried in one of the regimental wagons. The men will go light, leaving their knapsacks and taking only their blankets."
Report of Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Smith, U.S. Army, commanding detachments of Sixteenth
and Seventeenth Army Corps.
GENERAL: I sent out the two divisions of the Sixteenth Army Corps, under command of… [Joseph A. Mower], with directions to move out about 5 miles on the Fort De Russy road, capture or disperse any parties of the enemy in that vicinity, and gain all the information possible of the state of the roads and position of the enemy.... About 3 miles from the landing, in the fork of the Yellow Bayou and Bayou De Glaize, General Mower came upon a brigade of the enemy, under command of…William R. Scurry, occupying a fort, then in process of construction, but who abandoned their work and fled at his approach. He pursued them about 2 miles, capturing 6 of their wagons and about 20 prisoners, when, having gained the necessary information..., I ordered him to return with his command to the landing. I immediately disembarked my land transportation, and, directing the transports to join the Mississippi Squadron under command of Admiral Porter and proceed with it to Fort De Russy, moved forward my whole command on the road to Fort De Russy. Leaving the landing at about 9 p.m., we bivouacked for the night 4 miles from Simsport.... I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant,
A.J. SMITH, Major-General.
Editor’s Note: The name Fort Humbug is an unofficial name and stems from a general belief that the fort has little military value.
From Mansura, Louisiana, Confederate division commander John G. Walker reports on the Federal advance up the Red River to District of West Louisiana commander Richard Taylor: "I feel most solicitous for the fate of Fort De Russy, as it must fall as soon almost as invested by the force now marching against it.... I shall endeavor to hold the enemy in check here, but it will be unsafe to linger here should Fort De Russy be reduced." Taylor responds: "Close, sharp, quick fighting is our game where there is any reasonable chance of success…. We must risk a great deal to prevent the loss of our material at De Russy." Taylor also informs Edmund Kirby Smith, Trans-Mississippi Department, of the deteriorating condition in his front: "Dispatches just received...announce a largely superior force of the enemy.... [General Walker] fears much that the fort is not tenable. I have written that the delay of the enemy, even for a few days, will be of incalculable advantage to the country, and the place must be held."
[lnclosure No. 2.]
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, Alexandria, March 13, 1864--6 a.m.
Maj. Gen. J.G. WALKER, Commanding Division: If the force of the enemy landing at Simsport is such as to admit of your fighting him with the least hope of success, the sooner you attack him the better. He should be attacked, if possible, before his landing is completed. Should he be in such largely superior force, however, as to compel you to fall back, you will not fall back on the island toward Marksville.... In falling back by the De Glaize road..., you would be covering Fort De Russy to some extent, as it is not likely the enemy would march immediately in toward the fort, leaving you on his flank. Every hour that the enemy is held in check by your presence in his front or on his flank must be improved to get everything in complete readiness at Fort De Russy…. The major-general commanding will be with you as soon as he can get things in trim here. You will continue, however, to advise him frequently at these headquarters of the movements of the enemy and your own. By command of Major-General Taylor:
A.H. MAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. From Libby Prison, Clarence Hiller, a “landsman” in the U.S. Navy captured in January 1863, sends a letter to Secretary of the Navy Welles: “Being of African descent (though nearly white) I have not been exchanged, as they do not recognize me as a soldier entitled to treatment as a prisoner of war.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. From Canton, Mississippi, S.D. Lee reports “the enemy [carried off] some 8,000 negroes [and] burnt every vacant house…. The destruction is really frightful.”
March 14 1864 (Monday)
A.J. Smith ignores John G. Walker's small force hovering nearby and marches his men straight towards Fort De Russy. Walker reports: "It had been my intention to give the enemy battle and hold him in check...; but I soon found that the force of enemy was so overwhelming that my small division...was entirely unequal to the task of checking more than momentarily the advance of the enemy.... These considerations induced me to adopt the only course not dictated by folly or madness; and however mortifying it might be to abandon our brave companions in arms at Fort De Russy to their fate." A.J. Smith learns, "on arriving near the fort,” that is occupied by a garrison of about 350 men. Smith reports: "I therefore halted my column 1½ miles from the fort, and, after covering my left flank and rear from any attack that Walker could possibly make, directed General Mower to advance...in line of battle, with skirmishers thrown well to the front." Smith gives the order to charge "at about 6:30 p.m." Colonel William F. Lynch, 58th Illinois, reports: "I then ordered an advance with bayonets fixed, and with a yell that echoed through the timber my brigade sprang forward, down the slope, up the hill, through the abatis, over the moat, and up the wall they clambered, and in less than ten minutes from the time the order was given to charge the stars and stripes waved in triumph over the works of Fort De Russy."
Report of Maj. Gen. John G. Walker, C.S. Army, commanding division.
MAJOR: The enemy...moved straight on to Fort De Russy without halting, his long column well closed up and leaving no stragglers behind.... The fort was invested about 4 p.m., and... a fierce musket and artillery fire was kept up until about sundown, when it ceased, and from the shout of the enemy it was supposed the fort then surrendered. Up to this time I was in hopes that the holding out of the fort for a day or two would enable me to be re-enforced…. Being now satisfied, however, that Fort De Russy had surrendered, it became a matter of the utmost importance for my command to reach the Natchitoches road...in advance of the enemy, or otherwise we would necessarily be thrown back into the desert.... In accounting for the disaster at Fort De Russy it is unnecessary to look to other causes than the overwhelming superiority of the enemy's force; but even with this disadvantage Fort De Russy might have been held for some days, perhaps, without relief from the outside, but for the vicious system of engineering adopted and the wretched judgment displayed in the selection of the position. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. WALKER, Major-General, Commanding.
After traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, to meet with ‘Cump’ Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant sends orders to Frederick Steele: "Move your force in full co-operation with General N.P. Banks' attack." Grant also advises Steele that "a mere demonstration will not be sufficient." Sherman informs James B. McPherson that he has been "summoned by General Grant to be in Nashville," and sends instructions: "I want you to push matters as rapidly as possible, and do all you can to put two handsome divisions of your own corps at Cairo, ready to embark up the Tennessee by the 20th or 30th of April at the very furthest." Sherman is pleased to receive a dispatch from his old friend Admiral Porter: "I have only time to write you a few lines to say that so far things are working well and we are in possession of Fort De Russy, which was taken by General Smith with slight resistance.... The Eastport and Neosho got up in time to fire a few shot, one of which passed over the fort and came near using up an Iowa regiment.... Everything is working smoothly; the army and navy hobnob together nicely, and though I should like to have had you here personally, yet I think no one could have done better than General Smith has thus far. Had General Banks been up to time not a rebel would have escaped."
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., March 14, 1864.
Major-General [Stephen Hurlbut], Memphis: I am somewhat suddenly called by General Grant to Nashville…. I leave you to command on the river, and without disturbing the corps organization I give you the command of all my troops on the river.... I know and you know that the enemy cannot now maintain an army in Mississippi, and we also believe that the movement up Red River, now in progress, will extend our empire to the west. I want you to make sure the defense of Memphis, Vicksburg, and Natchez against any possible contingency, to encourage and protect the navigation of the river, and, lastly, to encourage the change in feeling toward us and our Government by the citizens of West Tennessee and Mississippi. I don't mean by political combination and conciliation, but by the exercise of that power, strength, and confidence that indicates a permanent change in the affairs in this region.... Truly, yours,
W.T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding.
Casualties at Fort De Russy, Louisiana:
U.S.: 41 (3 killed, 38 wounded)
C.S.: 328 (5 killed, 4 wounded, 319 captured/missing)
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. President Lincoln issues a proclamation for a draft of 200,000 men to begin on April 15th, to fill the quota from his call for 500,000 men.
2. Alfred Pleasonton is directed to make a “careful inquiry” to ascertain “whether [Colonel Ulric Dahlgren] made or issued” the address that was published in Southern newspapers.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Leonidas Polk determines that N.B. Forrest “exceeded his authority” in relieving J.R. Chalmers of command “for alleged cause.”
2. Colonel Henry Maury, 15th C.S. Cavalry, returns from an expedition “against the traitors and murderers of Jones and other counties in Southern Mississippi.” Maury reports “killing and capturing a number of their ringleaders and breaking up their bands.”
3. From Breaux’s Bridges, Louisiana, Colonel W.G. Vincent, 2d Louisiana, reports “the enemy are now on this side of Saint Martinsville.” He continues: “It is likely that I shall be compelled to fall back.”
March 15 1864 (Tuesday)
Historicus strikes again in an article published in the New York Herald. Once again, Army of the Potomac commander George Meade's alleged incompetence and Dan Sickles' heroics at Gettysburg are the theme of the controversial article. Historicus writes: "The battle of Gettysburg is the decisive battle of this war. It not only saved the North from invasion, but turned the tide of victory in our favor.” Historicus continues later in the article: "Near [Little Round Top] was posted the valiant Third Corps, and its commander, General Sickles, saw at once how necessary it was to occupy the elevated ground in his front…. Receiving no orders, and filled with anxiety, he reported in person to General Meade, and urged the advance he deemed so essential.... Two p.m. came, and yet no orders. Why was this...? It has since been stated, upon unquestionable authority, that General Meade had decided upon a retreat." Meade issues a protest about the article to Henry Halleck. "For the past fortnight the public press of the whole country has been teeming with articles, all having for their object assaults upon my reputation as an officer, and tending to throw discredit upon my operations at Gettysburg and my official report of the same." Halleck responds to Meade's charge that Historicus is Dan Sickles. "I have no doubt that... [the articles] in the New York papers were written or dictated by General Sickles; nevertheless, you will not be able to fix on him the authorship, and nothing would suit him better than to get you into a personal or newspaper controversy.... My advice would be to ignore him entirely in this controversy." A frustrated Meade acquiesces to Halleck's advice. He writes: "I am not as philosophical as you are, nor do I consider it good policy to permit such slanders as have been circulated to pass entirely unnoticed.... If you and the Secretary think it better policy for me to keep quiet, I will...remain satisfied with an official reply that the Department cannot interfere or take action on an anonymous communication."
MARCH 15, 1864.
Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General: I inclose herewith a slip from the New York Herald...containing a communication signed "Historicus," purporting to give an account of the battle of Gettysburg, to which I desire to call the attention of the War Department, and ask such action thereon as may be deemed proper and suitable.... I cannot resist the belief that this letter was either written or dictated by Maj. Gen. D.E. Sickles.... The prominence given to General Sickles' operations in the inclosed communication, the labored argument to prove his good judgment and my failings, all lead me to the conclusion he is directly or indirectly the author. As the communication contains so many statements prejudicial to my reputation, I feel called upon to ask the interposition of the Department, as I desire to consider the questions raised purely official. I have to ask, therefore, that the Department will take steps to ascertain whether Major-General Sickles has authorized or indorses this communication, and, in the event of his replying in the affirmative, I have to request of the President of the United States a court of inquiry, that the whole subject may be thoroughly investigated and the truth made known.... Very respectfully,
GEO. G. MEADE, Major-General, Commanding.
Department of the Ohio commander John M. Schofield is not happy with U.S. Grant's order to transfer the Ninth Corps back to the East to be reunited with its former commander Ambrose Burnside. He writes: "The Ninth Army Corps will be sent at once as ordered. I hope troops will be sent me with as little delay as possible. The enemy is still in my immediate front in superior force." Schofield continues: "The removal of the Ninth Corps again leaves me with an inferior force and prevents my taking advantage of the enemy's weakness.... I will be exposed, as soon as the removal of the Ninth Corps is discovered, to being driven back across the Holston [River]." Schofield would much rather remain on the offensive in East Tennessee. "If my advance be delayed much longer the question will be changed to one of defense, and I will be compelled to concentrate troops in Kentucky."
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Morristown, Tenn., March 15, 1864.
Lieutenant-General GRANT, Nashville, Tenn: My consideration of the plan of campaign in East Tennessee leads me to doubt the wisdom of limiting our operations here to merely driving the enemy out and preventing his return. If the Army of the Potomac is to act offensively..., it appears to me that our efforts in East Tennessee should be directed rather to the preservation than to the destruction of the Virginia railroad.... It seems to me entirely practicable and, at the same time, an economical use of force to push a column sufficiently strong for the purpose up as far as New River, and drive the enemy out of that portion of the country from which he can threaten Kentucky or West Virginia, and thus make available for service on this line the troops now employed there.... The question is, cannot the whole of the force to be put on this line be pushed forward into Virginia, continue an active force, and preserve the railroad for our use when we shall have gained possession of Virginia, instead of destroying the railroad and the one-half or more of the force remaining inactive during the remainder of the campaign, while the other half returns all the way to Chattanooga...? It will doubtless be time enough to decide it when we have driven the enemy out of Tennessee. This should, in my opinion, be done as soon as possible I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.M. SCHOFIELD, Major-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. From Martinsburg, West Virginia, W.W. Averell reports “three scouting parties” were sent out, “ one to Bloomery Gap...; another to Pughtown..., and one to Smithfield, Bunker Hill, &c.”
2. Major L.C. Pace, 11th Missouri Cavalry, leads a scout from Batesville, to West Point, Grand Glaize, and Searcy Landing, Arkansas. He reports: “[The country] is rough, rocky, and mountainous.”
3. In Fort Abercrombie, Dakota Territory, Agent J.R. Brown signs a treaty with “9 Indian chiefs and headmen” of the Sisseton and Cuthead bands of Sioux. If they agree to relocate to Devil’s Lake, they will not be “injuriously molested by any troops of the United States.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Samuel Cooper directs the Bureau of Conscription to begin enrolling “all persons between the ages of seventeen and eighteen, and between the ages of forty-five and fifty years.”
March 16 1864 (Wednesday)
After waiting for a week for the rain to stop and the roads to dry, William B. Franklin's 19th Corps begins moving up Bayou Teche to Alexandria. Lieutenant-Colonel and Acting Quartermaster for the expedition John G. Chandler reports: "The material of the quartermaster's department with this command was put in perfect condition for any orders or exigencies..., the troops thoroughly equipped with all necessary articles...and, indeed, every preparation made by me, under orders from General Franklin, that could be anticipated to place the department in good working order... This command left Franklin, La... with everything pertaining to the quartermaster's department in condition for long marches." While T. Kilby Smith's provisional division completes the destruction of Fort De Russy, A.J. Smith also pushes forward toward Alexandria. Kilby Smith reports: "My command is in occupation of the fort, and will be engaged today and tomorrow in the demolition of the casemates, bridges, &c., and finally the blowing up of the magazine."
Report of Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Smith, U.S. Army, commanding detachments of Sixteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps.
GENERAL: I sent Brigadier-General [Joseph A. Mower], with the First and Third Divisions, Sixteenth Army Corps, on transports to occupy Alexandria, retaining at Fort De Russy General Thomas Kilby Smith's command...for the purpose of dismantling the fort and destroying effectually the magazines and casemates. This was accomplished...by tearing down the revetments on the inside of the parapet and digging ditches across the parapet, so that, from the nature of the soil of which it was constructed, the first rain-storm would nearly level it. The magazines, which were bomb-proof and four in number, were totally destroyed by blowing them up with a portion of the powder captured. The casemates were destroyed by piling wood under them and burning them down, the iron bending with the heat.... General Mower, upon his arrival [at Alexandria] ... found the place had been evacuated but a few hours before, the enemy retreating toward Natchitoches. He took possession of three pieces of artillery and some ordnance stores, which the enemy had not time to remove. My instructions being to report to Major-General Banks at this place I disembarked my command and went into camp.... I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant,A.J. SMITH, Major-General.
Army of Tennessee commander Joe Johnston reveals that he has little faith in the plan concocted by President Jefferson Davis and his new military advisor Braxton Bragg. Davis’ plan calls for uniting Johnston’s force with District of East Tennessee commander James Longstreet's armies in Middle Tennessee. He writes to Longstreet: "The only practicable mode of assuming the offensive here seemed to me to be to wait for the enemy's advance, and if we beat him, follow into Middle Tennessee, it being much easier to beat him in Georgia than beyond the Cumberland Mountains and the results of victory much greater. If, as seems probable, Sherman's troops should be brought to Chattanooga, we may have an opportunity to practice this theory." Johnston also pens a letter to Braxton Bragg. "Lieutenant-General Longstreet has written to me that he is directed to confer with me in relation to a junction of our forces at Madisonville, East Tenn., for a movement thence into Middle Tennessee.... It seems to me that the point of junction is too near the enemy and that his armies, being much nearer to each other than ours are, might easily unite against either of ours before the junction. It seems to me that such a junction should be by routes on which our troops would not be exposed to such a chance." James Longstreet is also not pleased with the suggested plan. He proposes an alternate plan of uniting his forces with those of Pierre G.T. Beauregard, Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and sends it to President Davis. "Our strongest and most effective move...is to concentrate an army near Abingdon, Va., and throw it into Kentucky upon the enemy's lines of communication.... There can scarcely be a doubt but we can advance into Kentucky and hold that State if we are once united. I presume that nearly all of General Beauregard's troops could be spared from his department by drawing off… [William W. Loring's division] from Mississippi and… [Dabney H. Maury's division] at Mobile, and replacing the troops...by one of these commands, and placing one at Atlanta to re-enforce Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, or Dalton.... My troops can start out upon this or any other move in three days."
HEADQUARTERS, Petersburg, Va., March 16, 1864.
General R.E. LEE, Commanding, &c.: I fear that my views may not be regarded by the President and General Bragg as worthy of much attention; as I have better hope of calm consideration from you, I send them to you. The move of Beauregard's and my forces will, if as strong as it should be made, say even 40,000 men (infantry and artillery), be the beginning of the end of this war. It can be made, and therefore should be made, even if it costs us some little inconvenience elsewhere. It can be made an entire success. Your influence with the President, and your prestige as a great leader, will enable you to cause its adoption and successful execution.... Unnecessary delay and want of decision may prolong the war another four years, and may possibly result in our entire destruction. My great hope is in you, and I know that this is the feeling of the army, and I believe it to be of the country. You complain of my excess of confidence, but I think that it is based upon good judgment and a proper appreciation of our difficulties. I have entire confidence if our affairs are properly managed, but I have none if they are not well managed. Hence my great anxiety and concern at our present inaction.... If we remain quiet much longer our provisions will give out, and as the commissary-general will send us nothing, I must begin to prepare to supply ourselves. I remain, general, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General.
Other Union activity reported today:
1. S.G. Burbridge, District of Kentucky, reports “there need be no fears about the enrollment in this State.”
2. Colonel William B. Barton, 48th New York, reports a skirmish at Palatka, Florida. He writes: “My outlying (mounted) pickets were attacked…and driven in.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. N.B. Forrest leaves Columbus, Mississippi, “with five days’ cooked rations,” for Jackson, Tennessee. After resting his horses, Forrest plans to move “rapidly northward” against Union City, Tennessee, and Paducah, Kentucky.”
2. Colonel J.M. Hughes, 25th Tennessee, reports he “tore up the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad near Tullahoma, and captured a train of freight cars heavily laden with supplies.” He reports “about 60 Yankee soldiers were captured and about 20 Yankee negroes killed.”
March 17 1864 (Thursday)
Surprised by the speed and strength of the Union advance to Alexandria, Dick Taylor struggles to piece together a defensible line. He reports: "All the stores and Government property have been removed, principally on steamers, and the trains are now en route to Natchitoches.... I have just received a dispatch from [Colonel William G. Vincent, Second Louisiana Cavalry,] ... by which it will be seen that the enemy is advancing from the Teche. I have ordered Colonel Vincent to fall back by the Opelousas and Natchitoches road to the latter place." Taylor continues: "In view of the presence of the enemy at Alexandria and the advance of Banks' forces from below, coupled with my inability for the want of cavalry to learn what disposition was being made of the Alexandria forces, I deemed it prudent to march my army to a point from which I could always have my line of retreat open to Natchitoches or advance upon Alexandria, as circumstances might require. I am now encamped on the old Opelousas and Fort Jesup military road..., where I shall remain until further developments.... He has a considerable force of infantry at Alexandria, ten gunboats and over twenty transports."
NATCHITOCHES, LA., March 17, 1864--7.30 p.m.
[Colonel Samuel S. Anderson], Assistant Adjutant-General: [I send you] a dispatch from [Captain James McCloskey, Assistant-Quartermaster,] written in the vicinity of Alexandria...giving information that eight gunboats were at Alexandria, and... they would endeavor to get above the falls.... I went to Grand Ecore this afternoon. Found there the steamers Louis d'Or and Beauregard, with ordnance stores; the Indian No. 2, with quartermaster's stores; the Pauline and Anna Perrete, company stores; T.D. Hine, corn; Dixie, tools, &c., belonging to the engineer department.... Have ordered the...boats to keep some fire in their furnaces, so that they can get up steam without delay should it become necessary.... General Walker...was at Tolbert's Bridge, 7 miles below Cheneyville. [Colonel Horace Randal's] brigade was lower down, forming rear guard.... I trust you will pardon the irregularity of my writing you. I have only given such information as I think it proper I should convey to the lieutenant-general commanding in the present state of affairs. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A.H. MAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Colonel William B. Barton, 48th New York, commanding the Federal outpost in Palatka, Florida, reports that "there are large quantities of bittersweet and sour oranges at various places, which...I will collect and forward for the use of troops in hospital, to whom they would be invaluable.... There are said to be 500,000 sweet oranges near New Smyrna, which could be obtained if a boat was sent from Saint Augustine for them." Truman Seymour, District of Florida, believes that "the defensive works [at Palatka, 20 miles south of Jacksonville] are...very favorable for defense by a garrison of from 500 to 800 men." He writes: "There are many refugees in the vicinity of Palatka, and... I doubt not but that many deserters will cross to the east side of the river.... I would suggest...the propriety of bringing to this point, when the veterans shall have returned, every available man in the department, for the purpose of attacking the enemy's force near here. Probably an overpowering attack might have the happiest result." Seymour, stung by his disastrous defeat at Olustee last month, is anxious to retrieve his reputation on the battlefield.
HDQRS. DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, DEPT. OF THE SOUTH, Jacksonville, Fla., March 17, 1864. Brigadier-General [John W. Turner], Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: During April and May operations can go on in Florida with perfect comfort to the command, after which extreme hot weather will probably preclude all offensive movements. Charleston, the Confederates now well understand, cannot be seriously approached with any force in this department; the same is doubtless true of Savannah. At both those points neither offensive nor defensive operations will be of much moment. In Florida the enemy has concentrated all troops that can be spared from the above points. Attention can be distracted to other places, and by the use, for a week or so, of all the troops that can be spared elsewhere, the opposing forces here should be overcome. If such a result can be obtained, its importance cannot be overrated. To vanquish such troops as are in the field is the final military aim of our cause, and there have previously been no such opportunities for the armed force of the Department of the South to be well employed as in Florida.... Respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. SEYMOUR, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. In Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. Grant formally assumes “command of the armies of the United States.” Grant’s headquarters will be “in the field” and he “will be with the Army of the Potomac.”
2. S.A. Hurlbut returns to Memphis, Tennessee, and finds a “communication containing grave charges.” He writes: “The charge is absolutely false, the coinage of a disappointed traitor.”
3. From Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Colonel J.B. Rogers, 2d. M.S.M. Cavalry, reports “a party of thieves from Missouri...robbed a trading-boat…and unmercifully abused women and children.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Major Mat. Nolan, Second Texas Mtd. Rifles, reports that “with a picked party” he “drove into” enemy pickets south of Corpus Christi, Texas, “killing 1, and wounding 1 man.”
March 18 1864 (Friday)
After arriving at Nashville, Tennessee, ‘Cump’ Sherman accepts his new assignment as commander of the Military District of the Mississippi from newly minted Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant. Sherman issues his first order: "The undersigned hereby assumes command of the Military Division of the Mississippi, embracing the Departments of the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, and Arkansas." Sherman also informs all his subordinate commanders that, like Grant, his headquarters will be in the field. Sherman is to command three separate armies: the Army of the Cumberland under George H. Thomas (60,000 men), the Army of the Tennessee under James B. McPherson (30,000 men), and the Army of the Ohio under John M. Schofield (17,000 men). The plan as Grant explains it to Sherman is deceptively simple. The Union Army will strike wherever it can, in coordinated blows, and with all the force available. Grant is to go after Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, while Sherman is to face off against Joseph E. Johnston's army at Dalton, Georgia. To Grant, the earlier problems of the Federal armies and commanders are equally simple: "The armies in the East and West acted independently and without concert, like a balky team, no pulling together."
HEADQUARTERS DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Nashville, March 18, 1864.
Major-General SCHOFIELD, Commanding Department of the Ohio, Knoxville: I am just arrived and assumed command. General Grant leaves for the East tomorrow. I have had a full conversation with him, and to enable him to fulfill his plans I can merely foreshadow coming events. You will push Longstreet from up the valley as far as you can, and prepare to break up the railroad back toward Knoxville. Hold Knoxville and the gap.... Your main army should at once be organized for offense, ready at the proper time to drop down to the Hiwassee, to move in concert with the main army. I am aware of the difficulties you have in maintaining your army.... Keep your own counsel; discourage the presence of all strangers; make the citizens feed themselves, and if they are likely to consume the reserves of the country facilitate their removal to the rear. The necessities of war must have precedence of civilians. Write me fully and frankly always. I will see you in person as soon as I can.
W.T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding.
George Meade's attention is diverted from Historicus and his newspaper articles by reports that Army of Northern Virginia Cavalry commander J.E.B. Stuart is “preparing for a raid from Robertson River." Similar information is also being reported from his signal stations. "Contrabands and deserters report enemy's cavalry collecting for a raid on our right.” Meade sends additional information about the situation in his front to Chief of Staff Henry Halleck. "There appears to be no doubt...that a detachment... has recently been sent from Lee's army to Richmond. It would also appear that Longstreet has been present at Orange Court-House within a few days past.... It is further reported that [Jubal Early's Division] …has either returned or is now returning to the main army.... I am very anxious this army should be put in condition to move."
CIRCULAR No.20.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS, March 18, 1864.
Additional information confirms the purpose of the enemy to make a raid on the railroad. Division commanders will renew their vigilance and hold ready 1,000 men each, to be thrown to any point on the line that may be attacked. If the cars can be obtained, they will be stationed at Rappahannock, Warrenton Junction, and Bristoe..., and will be under the control of the commanding officer at those points....Division commanders will throw their re-enforcements at once to the threatened point, without waiting instructions from these headquarters. Cavalry patrols will be sent out and kept out night and day until further orders. Those troops nearest the railroad will be sent on the cars. Each division commander will be held responsible for the protection of the part of the road intrusted to him, and must take every possible measure to gain information of the enemy's approach, in order to be ready for him. By command of Major-General [George Sykes]:
[Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick T. Locke], Assistant Adjutant-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. The name of Invalid Corps is changed to that of Veteran Reserve Corps. Captain John W. De Forest explains: "The multitude of sarcasms and jeers...made the title of Invalid Corps a burden."
2. W.S. Hancock is ordered to “report in person” and resume command of the Second Corps.
3. Captain R.M. Ekings, 34th New Jersey, leads a scout from Island No. 10 to New Madrid, Missouri, “with orders to scour the country.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. From Tupelo, Mississippi, N.B. Forrest reports he “will leave this morning” for West Tennessee. He writes, “All important reports…will be sent...through… [S.J. Gholson, Mississippi Militia,] at this place.”
March 19 1864 (Saturday)
General G.T. Beauregard is at Camp Milton, Florida, supervising the construction of three miles of earthworks. Camp Milton, on the west bank of McGirt’s Creek, is the largest encampment of Confederate forces in Florida with over 8,000 troops and controls access to the Atlantic, & Gulf Central Railroad. ‘Old Bory’ responds to James Longstreet's proposal of uniting forces for an advance into Kentucky: "I regret I cannot assist you. My wagons, horses, and serviceable saddles are totally insufficient for present wants." Joe Johnston is also skeptical of the idea of mounting an offensive before the Federal Army breaks winter camp. He writes to Braxton Bragg: "I believe fully...that Grant will be ready to act before we can be, and that if we are ready to fight him on our own ground we shall have a very plain course, with every chance of success." He continues: "It strikes me that we cannot isolate Knoxville...because we cannot hope to be able to take with us such supplies as would enable us to remain on the line of communication long enough to incommode the forces there.... Our first object, then, should be your proposition to bring on a battle on this side of the Tennessee." To supplement his argument, Johnston sends one of his aides to Richmond to meet personally with Bragg.
MEMORANDUM.
DALTON, GA., March 19, 1864.
[Joseph E. Johnston] disapproves the details of the plan in the particulars, and for the reasons following, viz: First. He thinks Kingston too far east for the union with Longstreet. The enemy could unite their Knoxville and Chattanooga forces four days sooner than we by keeping the north side of the Tennessee River, and could attack us in detail before our union. Second. It would require more transportation than can be had...to carry our subsistence and other stores to that point. Third. He does not think the army could subsist itself till it should get far west or north of Sparta. The country has been exhausted by the enemy.... Fourth. A battle fought on the proposed route...would make victory to us indispensable as the only way of avoiding...utter destruction or loss of our army.... He thinks that before we can get ready for a forward move Grant will take the initiative in large force and attack us here or near by, which would be decidedly to our advantage. Hence the necessity of the re-enforcements...being sent up here at once.... But whether the movement in either direction be made, or interrupted by an attack from the enemy, the preparations for moving should go on just the same. If victorious, we will need them so as to follow up promptly.
[Colonel John B. Sale, Military Secretary]. Taken down from General Johnston as his verbal reply through me to General Bragg..., borne by me, proposing plan of campaign. Memorandum read to and approved by General Johnston. J.B.S.
The low level of the Red River prevents Admiral Dahlgren's gunboats from advancing past Alexandria. Assistant-Quartermaster D.N. Welch reports: "I spoke to General Smith about discharging the large boats and putting their stores into warehouses. He declines doing anything about it, as he says that none of the transports can go over the falls until the gunboats clear the way.... There are 5 feet of water on the falls, but the gunboats will require at least 8." Confederate District of West Louisiana commander Dick Taylor is also anxiously watching the water level in the Red River. He reports: "My scouts were opposite Alexandria last evening. There were several gunboats and a number of transports; too dark to distinguish how many. Eight feet water is reported to be on the falls and the river rising slowly. No boats have as yet attempted to pass.” Taylor also sends a report to E. Kirby Smith requesting reinforcements for his over-matched force. "I consider 10,000 an overestimate of the enemy's force in Alexandria. It is probably about 7,000.... With...re-enforcements.... I shall cheerfully undertake to dispose of Banks' and any other force which may be sent against me."
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST LOUISIANA, In the Field, March 18, 1864.
Brig. Gen. [William R. Boggs], Chief of Staff: No boat has as yet passed over the falls. One light-draught gunboat made the effort, but failed.... Notwithstanding the rapidity with which the enemy advanced, all Government property of every description was saved.... The enemy's force consists of one division, as follows: Three brigades of the Sixteenth Army Corps and one brigade of the Seventeenth Corps, the whole under the command of Maj. Gen. A.J. Smith. [This force] assaulted and carried the fort [De Russy] after an hour's fighting. Three brigades were then sent up to Alexandria on transports and one remained at the fort. There are only a few mounted marines; no cavalry.... Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. TAYLOR, Major-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. Franz Sigel, Department of West Virginia, reports “40 rebels made a dash into Bath and captured the Union League representatives.”
2. David McM. Gregg reports “scouting parties” to Salem and Orleans, Virginia, captured a lieutenant.
3. Mason Brayman is assigned to command the District of Cairo.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Colonel Santos Benavides, Texas Cavalry, reports that Laredo, Texas, was “attacked [by] about 200 men, Mexicans and Americans.” He writes: “We have done all we could--resisted the enemy until night.”
2. Colonel J.M. Hughes, 25th Tennessee, is “surprised by the enemy” at Beersheba Springs, Tennessee. His men “would have been captured or killed if they had not run up the mountain, where it was almost impossible for men to travel.”