Beauregard’s New Army
From the Editor: On paper Albert Sidney Johnston still commands all the Confederate forces in the western theater, including those of G.T. Beauregard. In actuality, Beauregard, with the help of Braxton Bragg, has cobbled together a new army, drawn from coastal garrisons and new troop levies, centered near Corinth, Mississippi. Beauregard has been given de facto command of this wing of the western army, while Johnston has guided the retreating forces streaming through Tennessee. On Saturday, Beauregard, eyeing the Federal buildup on the Tennessee River, calls upon Johnston to join him at Corinth to unite the two wings of the western army and turn upon the exposed Union positions clustered in and around Pittsburg Landing. Generals Beauregard and Johnston will continue to function as co-commanders throughout the upcoming campaign as they try to regain the initiative from the advancing Union army.
March 09 1862 (Sunday)
At 6 o'clock in the morning the C.S.S. Virginia (Merrimac), commanded by Lieutenant Catesby ap Jones, C.S.N., (Captain Franklin Buchanan was injured in the previous day’s action), returns to Hampton Roads. Jones is intent upon sinking the U.S.S. Minnesota which had been run aground the day before. As the Virginia approaches, the U.S.S. Monitor darts from behind the screening frigate and steams forward to attack. A Virginia midshipman later testifies: "We thought at first it was a raft...and when suddenly a shot was fired from her turret we imagined an accidental explosion of some kind had taken place on the raft." Yesterday, the Virginia had demonstrated the superiority of iron over wood; today as the Monitor engages the Virginia it is iron against iron.
Extract from Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy.
All efforts to get the Minnesota afloat during the night and into a safe position were totally unavailing. The morning was looked for with deep anxiety, as it would in all probability bring a renewed attack from the formidable assailant. At this critical and anxious moment the Monitor, one of the newly-finished armored vessels, came into Hampton Roads, from New York, under command of Lieut. John L. Worden [U.S.N.], and a little after midnight anchored alongside the Minnesota. At 6 o'clock the next morning the Merrimac, as anticipated, again made her appearance, and opened her fire upon the Minnesota. Promptly obeying the signal to attack, the Monitor ran down past the Minnesota and laid herself close alongside the Merrimac, between that formidable vessel and the Minnesota. The fierce conflict between these two ironclads lasted for several hours. It was in appearance an unequal conflict, for the Merrimac was a large and noble structure, and the Monitor was in comparison almost diminutive. But the Monitor was strong in her armor, in the ingenious novelty of her construction, in the large caliber of her two guns, and the valor and skill with which she was handled. After several hours' fighting the Merrimac found herself overmatched, and, leaving the Monitor, sought to renew the attack on the Minnesota; but the Monitor again placed herself between the two vessels and reopened her fire upon her adversary. At noon the Merrimac, seriously damaged, abandoned the contest and, with her companions, retreated toward Norfolk. Thus terminated the most remarkable naval combat of modern times, perhaps of any age. The fiercest and most formidable naval assault upon the power of the Union which has ever been made by the insurgents was heroically repelled, and a new era was opened in the history of maritime warfare.
Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy.
The previously confident Mansfield Lovell, Confederate Department No. 1, complains that New Orleans, Louisiana, has been "completely stripped of every body of organized troops." Lovell is still hopeful that Governor Thomas O. Moore will send the “10,000 volunteers and militia” he has requested “for the defense of the lines about New Orleans.”
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, New Orleans, La., March 9, 1862.
Hon. [Judah] P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War: The four Mississippi companies of [Major Aaron B. Hardcastle's] battalion which were here I have ordered to join their own corps, now with General [Albert S. Johnston, Department No. 2]. You will thus perceive that this department has been completely stripped of every organized body of troops…. Persons are found here who assert that I am sending away all troops so that the city may fall an easy prey to the enemy.... If the enemy intends an attack here he will make it soon, and I trust no further calls will be made until we are placed in a defensible condition. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. LOVELL, Major-General, Commanding.
From his headquarters at Fort Henry, Ulysses S. Grant, District of West Tennessee, finally sends a report of his troop strength and disposition to Department of the Missouri commander Henry Halleck. Halleck replies: "Don't let such neglect occur again.... I am deeply ashamed to telegraph back to Washington time and again that I was unable to give the strength of your command."
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 9, 1862.
Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: Infantry present and for duty, 35,147; cavalry, 3,169; artillery, 12 batteries---aggregate number of pieces, 54; men, 1,231. Location: Infantry embarked on expedition, 25,206; at landing above Fort Henry, awaiting transportation, 5,740; Clarksville, 1,173; Fort Donelson, 2,328, 1,216 of whom are under marching orders for the Tennessee as soon as transportation can be had. At Fort Henry, 700; cavalry, 1,900, embarked on expedition.
U.S. GRANT, Major-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. President Lincoln issues War Order #3 relieving G.B. McClellan as general-in-chief and assigns him to command of the Army of the Potomac only. The order also merges the departments of Kansas, Missouri and Ohio, giving overall command in the west to H.W. Halleck.
2. G.B. McClellan reports “the batteries on the Lower Potomac have been abandoned by the enemy, and it is believed that they [are] abandoning Manassas (VA).”
3. Lew. Wallace is ordered to march his division from Crump’s Landing towards Purdy (TN), to destroy bridges and trestles on the Mobile & Ohio R.R.
4. John Pope reports “the occupation of Point Pleasant (MO) has been entirely successful” and “the passage of transports up and down the [Mississippi] river entirely prevented.”
5. J.W. Phelps reports he has “some 6,500 men” on Ship Island (MS). He writes: “It is rather late in the season to assemble so large a body of raw troops on such a spot as this.”
6. T.J. McKean, commanding at Jefferson City (MO), reports an expedition “sent against rebels” has returned with “some 40 prisoners captured under arms in Bates County.”
7. Colonel F. Morsey, 3rd M.S.M. Cavalry, reports rebels have taken Troy, Lincoln County (MO), “and robbed Union men.”
8. A naval force led by Captain S.W. Godon, U.S.N., takes possession of Saint Simon’s and Jekyll islands, as well as Brunswick (GA), which had been abandoned.
9. The U.S.S. Pinola arrives in Ship Island (MS), with the prize schooner Cora, captured in the Gulf of Mexico.
10. Landing parties from the U.S.S. Anacostia and Yankee destroy the abandoned C.S. batteries at Cockpit Point and Evansport (VA).
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Secretary of War Benjamin orders the removal or destruction of “all cotton, tobacco, and naval stores” in the Dept. of N.C. west of the Wilmington & Weldon R.R. He writes, “It is hoped that the owners themselves will apply the torch.”
2. E.K. Smith arrives in Knoxville (TN) and officially takes command of the Dist. of E. Tennessee. Smith reports, “I find it in a state of great disorganization.”
3. D. Ruggles is ordered to perform a “thorough reconnaissance” of the layout of Corinth (MS), and to “commence” building intrenchments there.
4. C.W. Field is appointed brigadier-general in the C.S. Army.
5. From Island No. 10 (MO), Captain D.B. Harris, Corps of Engineers, reports “there are now mounted at this point thirty-four heavy guns.”
6. Skirmishes take place at Big Creek and Mountain Grove (MO); along Granny White’s Turnpike near Nashville (TN); and at Sangster’s Station (VA).
March 10 1862 (Monday)
The Grant-Halleck squabble reaches the attention of President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. In an effort to end all the rumors and innuendoes streaming from Henry Halleck's desk, Adjutant-General Lorenzo Thomas wires Halleck requesting that he file an official report detailing any unauthorized or insubordinate acts committed by Grant.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Adjutant-General's Office, Washington, March 10, 1862.
Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK, U.S.A., Commanding Department of the Mississippi, Saint Louis: It has been reported that soon after the battle of Fort Donelson Brigadier-General Grant left his command without leave. By direction of the President the Secretary of War desires you to ascertain and report whether General Grant left his command at any time without proper authority, and, if so, for how long; whether he has made to you proper reports and returns of his force; whether he has committed any acts which were unauthorized or not in accordance with military subordination or propriety, and, if so, what.
L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.
In New Mexico Territory Henry H. Sibley, leading the Army of New Mexico north since their victory at Valverde, reaches Albuquerque only to find that the Union garrison has set fire to all of its supplies and fallen back to Santé Fe. After Sibley continues north to Santé Fe, he discovers that depot also burning as a result of Department of New Mexico commander Colonel Edward R.S. Canby's "scorched earth" policy, thus denying the hungry Confederates much needed supplies.
HEADQUARTERS, Fort Union, N. Mex., March 10, 1862.
Col. [Gabriel] R. PAUL, Commanding Fort Union: In consequence of the near approach of the enemy, and his not having troops to defend the place, [Captain Herbert M. Enos], assistant quartermaster, abandoned Albuquerque on the 2d instant, having first loaded up a train with his most valuable stores, started it to Santa Fe, and destroyed the rest.... On the 4th instant I deemed it necessary to pursue the same course, as Santa Fe was not defensible, being commanded on all sides by hills.... I am glad to say that it (the train) has arrived under the guns of Fort Union, and that the enemy has gained nothing of importance along the line. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[James] L. DONALDSON, Major, Commanding District Santé Fe.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. H.W. Halleck orders the arrest of any “officers wearing gray or mixed uniforms,” and directs all commanders to “see that no men under their command wear any gray or mixed clothing.”
2. D.C. Buell, Dept. of the Ohio, reports his “advanced division is at Columbia (TN),” but that “heavy rains and the destruction of bridges” is retarding his progress.
3. From aboard the steamer Continental, C.F. Smith directs “the point of rendezvous” for the expedition up the Tennessee River to be Savannah, Tennessee.
4. From Fort Monroe, J.E. Wool, Dept. of Virginia, reports the C.S.S. Virginia has “returned to Norfolk in a sinking condition.” However, Asst. Naval Secretary Fox, also at Fort Monroe, reports “it is not known whether she is disabled or not.”
5. P. Kearny reports he has occupied Burke’s Station, Fairfax Court-House, Fairfax Station, Sangster’s Station, and Centreville (VA). He reports, “The last detachment of the enemy left late last night.”
6. In Rolla, Missouri, Col. S.H. Boyd, 24th Missouri, requests additional cavalry to deal with the “marauding bands robbing, plundering, and stealing in different directions around [Rolla].”
7. Maine Governor Washburn orders all five Maine batteries to Portland to defend against a possible attack from the C.S.S. Virginia.
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Congress (C.S.) passes a resolution requesting the Secretary of War “give information” about the recent string of defeats in Tennessee. Specifically, “Did General [A.S. Johnston] proceed upon his own discretion or under instructions from the War Department.”
2. President Davis, unaware of J.E. Johnston's retreat from Manassas (VA), wires Johnston with instructions to "maintain” his position as adequate reinforcements will be sent shortly.
3. B.F. Cheatham, D.R. Jones, and J.P. McCown are appointed major-generals, and Wm. Forney is appointed brigadier-general in the C.S. Army
4. In Pensacola (FL), Lt. Col. W.K. Beard, 1st Florida, is ordered to proceed up the Blackwater River and “burn every sawmill…, every foot of lumber, and all boats” between Bagdad and Milton.
5. Captain T.E. Buckman, 1st Florida Battalion, is ordered to remove the rails from the track of the Florida & Jacksonville R.R. to be used to repair more important tracks in Georgia and Virginia.
6. Skirmishes take place at Lexington, Lafayette County (MO); at Jacksborough, Big Creek Gap, (TN); and at Burke’s Station (VA).
March 11 1862 (Tuesday)
President Lincoln’s War Order No. 3 is published relieving George McClellan of his duties as general-in-chief and giving Henry Halleck command in the West. In an added insult to ‘Little Mac,’ the order is leaked to the press by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and he learns of his demotion in a telegram from his son-in-law and chief of staff Robert B. Marcy, who reads it in a Washington newspaper.
PRESIDENT'S WAR ORDER No. 3.
EXECUTIVE MANSION. Washington, March 11, 1862.
L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General: Major-General McClellan having personally taken the field at the head of the Army of the Potomac, until otherwise ordered he is relieved from the command of the other military departments, he retaining command of the Department of the Potomac. Ordered further, That the two departments now under the respective commands of Generals Halleck and [David Hunter], together with so much of that under General Buell as lies west of a north and south line indefinitely drawn through Knoxville, Tenn., be consolidated and designated the Department of the Mississippi, and that until otherwise ordered Major-General Halleck have command of said department.
Ordered also, That the country west of the Department of the Potomac and east of the Deportment of the Mississippi be a military department, to be called the Mountain Department, and that the same be commanded by Major-General [John C. Frémont]. That all the commanders of departments, after the receipt of this order by them respectively, report severally and directly to the Secretary of War, and that prompt, full, and frequent reports will be expected of all and each of them. By order of the Secretary of War:
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Still unaware of his demotion, George McClellan is cautiously directing an advance into the recently unoccupied Rebel lines around Manassas, Virginia. Traveling with McClellan is division commander Irvin McDowell who led the disastrous Union attack at Bull Run the previous year. The old battlefield is shell blasted with treetops twisted in all directions and littered with the bleached bones of dead Union and Confederate soldiers.
Journal of events in the commands of General Irvin McDowell, U.S. Army.
Tuesday, March 11, 1862. -- [Went] to Centerville and Manassas.... Found no enemy. They had evidently left in haste, leaving tents, clothing, the railroad, and other property. We came back over the battlefield of Bull Run; found the Stone Bridge broken.... We all took a lunch at Manassas, and our lunch basket proved a godsend to a good many hungry people, among others General McClellan. We found houses (that is cantonments) for rebel soldiers. They must have had a very large force there; probably it came fully up to our estimate. They have burnt most of the town.
Irvin McDowell, Major-General.
Confined to Fort Henry, Ulysses S. Grant writes to Colonel William W. Lowe, Fifth Iowa Cavalry: “You will move toward Paris, Tenn., with your forces, as soon as possible, and protect the citizens as far as possible from conscription.... In this matter you will have to use your own discretion.” He also directs Charles F. Smith, commanding the expedition up the Tennessee River, to “send back steamers as rapidly as possible” as further reinforcements are expected to arrive shortly. However, Grant remains unhappy with the treatment he has received from Henry Halleck and reiterates his request to be relieved of command.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Fort Henry, March 11, 1862.
Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: There is such a disposition to find fault with me that I again ask to be relieved from further duty until I can be placed right in the estimation of those higher in authority.
U.S. GRANT, Major-General.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. The Departments of Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio, are merged into the Dept. of the Mississippi with overall command given to Major-General H.W. Halleck.
2. W.S. Rosecrans’ Dept. of Western Virginia is merged into the newly created Mountain Dept., to be commanded by J.C. Frémont.
3. From Pea Ridge (AR), S.R. Curtis, Army of the Southwest, reports he has “finished burying the dead” and “made the best provisions” possible for the wounded. He reports, “The enemy has retreated…beyond the Boston Mountains.”
4. A.S. Williams’ brigade dislodges a detachment of C.S. cavalry before occupying Stephenson’s Depot (VA).
5. Col. Geo. Waring, 4th M.S.M. Cavalry, commanding at Lebanon (MO), reports that a patrol of Laclede, Wright, and Douglas Counties has returned “bringing 21 prisoners.”
6. Massachusetts Governor Andrews authorizes $500,000 “for the manufacture of suitable ordnance for the defense of the seacoast of this State.”
7. Captain J.T. Croft, 5th Iowa Cavalry, leads a combined force to a rout of C.S. forces in Paris (TN).
8. A landing party from the U.S.S. Wabash occupies St. Augustine (FL), without opposition.
9. The Fifth Illinois is involved in a skirmish near New Madrid (MO).
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Deciding “the reports of Brigadier-Generals [J.B. Floyd] and [G.J. Pillow] of the defense and fall of Fort Donelson” are unsatisfactory; President Davis relieves them of command.
2. Secretary Benjamin orders the rails of the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac R.R. between Aquia Creek and Fredericksburg (VA), “broken up and the rails removed.” Benjamin also orders T.H. Holmes to remove all “heavy guns and munitions” from Fredericksburg.”
3. A.S. Johnston reports his command is “now crossing the Tennessee line” and “marching toward Tuscumbia (AL). He writes to Secretary Benjamin, “The enemy are reported [at Savannah]. It is supposed Buell will concentrate main force there to co-operate with Grant.”
4. T.J. Jackson withdraws his forces from Winchester (VA). After Jackson departs, T.K. Cartmell resigns as Provost-Marshal. Thomas and younger brother Mordecai enlist in Captain W.H. Harness' newly organized cavalry company. The third Cartmell brother, Robert, is serving as 1st Sergeant of Company A, 39th Virginia Cavalry Battalion.
5. S.M. Barton, P.J. Semmes, and L.M. Walker are appointed brigadier-generals in the C.S. Army.
6. Two C.S. gunboats under construction in Pensacola Bay are burned to prevent their capture by Union naval forces.
March 12 1862 (Wednesday)
John P. McCown, commanding at Madrid Bend, Missouri, reports to G.T Beauregard in Jackson, Tennessee: "All quiet at our forts.... Fifty-two guns mounted at Island 10 and Madrid Bend.... All will be in hand tomorrow morning." He continues: “I now have five regiments at the two works in New Madrid. I must not be too weak on this side of the river. I keep transports there all the time. If they assault the works, I believe they will be repulsed with loss with the co-operation of [Commodore George H. Hollins, Commanding Naval Forces on the Mississippi]. Here I desire to say that Commodore Hollins, as well as all his command, have given me the most hearty support in everything. I feel confident of defeating the enemy's gunboats if they stop to fight.”
HUMBOLDT, March 12, 1862.
General BEAUREGARD, Jackson: A messenger just in from General McCown states the enemy have moved down from New Madrid to neighborhood of Point Pleasant…. Our gunboats keeping the enemy from establishing works on the river. Estimated force 15,000, with seventy pieces of light artillery. Fifty-two heavy guns mounted at Island 10 and Madrid Bend…Five days' rations distributed to the command, 100 rounds of ammunition to the infantry, 200 to the artillery.
[Leonidas] POLK. [First Grand Division, Army of the Mississippi]
The Union expedition down the Tennessee River, begun six days ago, reaches Savannah, Tennessee, opposite Pittsburg Landing. With Union transports crowded four and five deep on both sides of the river, Confederate scouts are on hand to observe the landing. Colonel Alfred Mouton, 18th Louisiana, reports: “A mounted courier has just reached me with a verbal message from [Major Charles Baskerville, Second Mississippi Cavalry], stating that the enemy had landed a force at Crump's Landing.”
JACKSON, TENN., March 12, 1862.
Major-General POLK: General [James R. Chalmers] telegraphs from Iuka: Some of boats in sight at Eastport when my pickets left at 6 o'clock this morning. Enemy were at Savannah last night with thirty-three transports and three gunboats. Did not disembark wagons and horses. All on board at sunset. They said they would start for railroad this morning early. There is not water enough for the gunboats to go to Florence. They will stop at Pittsburg or Eastport. The enemy took in all pickets and guards at night.
Later. — Shelling Eastport; two gunboats in sight. I advise you to keep your forces well in hand for any movement.
G.T. BEAUREGARD, General, Commanding.
Aeronaut Thaddeus S.C. Lowe, staying at the National Hotel in Washington, D.C., is requested to find an additional aeronaut and balloon to “join McClellan's army” at Fort Monroe, Virginia, located at the mouth of the James River. He replies: “I send to you an aeronaut, [Mr. Ebenezer Seaver], with a balloon and all necessary apparatus for making ascensions.” Currently, Lowe has four balloons operating in the Federal Army, at Budd’s Ferry, Maryland, at Fairfax Court-House, Virginia, at Port Royal, South Carolina, and at Cairo, Illinois.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 12, 1862.
Mr. T.S.C. LOWE, Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac: SIR: You will make arrangements without delay to send to Fortress Monroe, Va., a balloon with all the requisite apparatus and materials for inflating it and making ascensions, and an aeronaut to manage the same. By order of Major-General McClellan:
[John] N. MACOMB, Lieutenant-Colonel, Aide-de-Camp, in Charge of Balloons
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. C.F. Smith suffers a deep cut on his shin while attempting to board a skiff at Savannah (TN).
2. W.T. Sherman leads an expedition from Savannah to Yellow Creek (MS). He informs his brigade commanders the object “is to cut the Charleston & Memphis Railroad at a point between Corinth and Iuka.” He also warns “the object is not to engage the enemy in force, but to break their communications.”
3. From Port Royal (SC), B.F. Butler reports “after a series of most unparalleled marine disasters,” he is “at last ready for sea” and will sail for Ship Island “as soon as the weather permits.”
4. Col. R.C. Hawkins, commanding at Roanoke Island (NC), announces “contrabands” in public service will receive “$10 per month, one ration, and soldier's allowance of clothing.”
5. Jacksonville (FL), is occupied by boat crews from the U.S.S. Ottawa.
6. Federal forces occupy Winchester (VA).
7. Near Aubry (KS), Lt. Milton Rose, 8th Kansas Cavalry, skirmishes “with a portion of [W.C. Quantrill’s] band.” The action “resulted in the retreat of Quantrill, with a loss of 2 killed and several wounded.”
8. The U.S.S. Gem of the Sea captures the British blockade-runner Fair Play off Georgetown (SC).
9. The U.S.S. Tyler and Lexington engage Confederate batteries at Chickasaw (AL).
10. The 10th, 16th, and 64th Ohio skirmish with C.S. forces near New Madrid, and the 4th Missouri Cavalry skirmishes with guerilla forces outside Lebanon (MO).
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. Three days after retreating from Manassas (VA), J.E. Johnston informs the War Department of his actions. He reports, “Our pickets are on a line a little beyond Warrenton and the Warrenton Junction.”
2. L. Polk informs President Davis he has collected “written proofs of the most flagrant misstatements of facts and events” concerning G.J. Pillow’s actions at the battle of Belmont (MO).
3. J.B. Hood is assigned command of the Texas Brigade to replace Senator Wigfall.
4. Virginia Governor Letcher grants authority to call out the militia to all C.S. “generals commanding within the limits of Virginia.”
March 13 1862 (Thursday)
Thomas J. Jackson reports he has left Winchester, Virginia, and is falling back to the neighborhood of Strasburg. As Jackson withdraws up the Shenandoah Valley to guard the eastern passage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nathaniel Banks’ newly created Fifth Corps, moving in his wake, occupies Winchester, Virginia. James Shields, Shield’s Division, reports, “I was able to bring 7,000 men here yesterday, and have upwards of 4,000 more en route for this point.... Rumors among citizens have it that the rebels mean to concentrate all their disposable strength and give us one grand battle between here and Richmond.”
CHARLESTOWN, March 13, 1862.
Brig. Gen. R.B. MARCY, Chief of Staff: General [Charles S. Hamilton, Third Brigade, Banks’ Division,] occupied Winchester this morning at 7 o'clock. The rebel force left the town at 5 o'clock yesterday. The cavalry of the enemy left but an hour in advance of our forces. The railway and telegraph will be put in immediate operation between Harper's Ferry and Winchester.
N.P. BANKS, Major-General, Commanding.
George McClellan begins to shift troops from Manassas to the Virginia Peninsula. The increase in Union activity alarms John Bankhead Magruder, commanding the Confederate Army of the Peninsula in Yorktown. He writes to the War Department: “Troops are being again landed at Newport News from the Baltimore boat. Please order at once to Williamsburg by the James River boats the regiment which the Secretary of War said he would send.”
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Fairfax Court. House, March 13, 1862.
A council of the generals commanding army corps at the Headquarters Army of the Potomac were of the opinion...that the operations to be carried on will be best undertaken from Old Point Comfort, between the York and James River, upon Richmond, provided-- 1. That the enemy's vessel the Merrimac can be neutralized. 2. That the means of transportation sufficient for an immediate transfer of the force to its new base can be ready at Washington and Alexandria to move down the Potomac; and 3. That a naval auxiliary force can be had to silence or aid in silencing the enemy's batteries in York River. 4. That the force to be left to cover Washington shall be such as to give an entire feeling of security for its safety from menace. Unanimous: II. If the foregoing cannot be, the army should then be moved against the enemy behind the Rappahannock at the earliest possible moment, and the means for reconstructing bridges, repairing railroads, and stocking them with material sufficient for the supplying the army should at once be collected for both the Orange & Alexandria and the Aquia and Richmond Railroads.
Unanimous: [Erasmus D.] KEYES [Fourth Corps], [Samuel P.] HEINTZELMAN [Third Corps], [Irvin] McDOWELL [First Corps]. A total of 40,000 men for the defense of the city would suffice. — [Edwin V.] SUMNER [Second Corps].
Despite John P. McCown's earlier optimism, he gives the order to evacuate New Madrid, concentrating his forces at Island No. 10, when he learns that John Pope has commenced siege operations. McCown reports: “By a careful examination of their works I became satisfied that they were making regular approaches to cut off communication with the lower fort [Fort Thompson]. I was also convinced that our gunboats could not stand against their land batteries.” Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote, Cairo Flotilla, is ordered to press the attack on Island No. 10. “You will proceed tomorrow morning with the gun and mortar boats to attack the enemy's batteries on Island No. 10. Brigadier-General [William K.] Strong, District of Cairo, will be directed to send transports with infantry to occupy and hold any positions which you may take.”
MADRID BEND, March 13, 1862— 11.30 pm.
General POLK: I this moment arrived from New Madrid. The enemy re-enforced and rapidly pushing their advance against our works. They have 8-inch and 24-pounders. Our gunboats are not sufficiently protected for such heavy metal. Upon consultation with Commodore Hollins and General [Alexander P. Stewart], I gave the order to evacuate the place. My boat (Mohawk) was hit in going to Fort Thompson. The enemy's batteries are not below Tiptonville. As soon as New Madrid is evacuated the commodore, Hollins, will drop down to Tiptonville and keep the river open below. As soon as I have my forces disposal to prevent the enemy crossing from New Madrid I will try and send part of my re-enforcement's back.
J.P. McCOWN, Brigadier-General.
Unable to comply with President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton’s request to report specific instances of unauthorized or insubordinate acts committed by Ulysses S. Grant, Henry Halleck backs down and releases him from house arrest at Fort Henry. He instructs Grant: “Don't bring on any general engagement at Paris [Tennessee.] If enemy appears in force, our troops must fall back. It is not the proper point to attack.”
SAINT LOUIS, March 13, 1862.
Maj. Gen. U.S. GRANT, Fort Henry: You cannot be relieved from your command. There is no good reason for it. I am certain that all which the authorities at Washington ask is that you enforce discipline and punish the disorderly. The power is in your hands; use it, and you will be sustained by all above you. Instead of relieving you, I wish you as soon as your new army is in the field to assume the immediate command and lead it on to new victories.
H.W. HALLECK, Major-General.
Ambrose E. Burnside, Department of North Carolina, having ascended the Neuse River on Wednesday, lands his troops twelve miles from his next objective, New Berne, North Carolina. Lawrence O’Bryan Branch, District of Pamlico, informs his commander Richard C. Gatlin, Department of North Carolina, of the Union advance. Gatlin responds, “I shall telegraph your information to Richmond and have all the troops in the department assembled to go to your assistance, and as soon as I am satisfied that I have done all that I can here I will go down and join you.”
GOLDSBOROUGH, March 13, 1862. (Received Richmond, March 13, 1862.)
General [Samuel] COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: The enemy are in large force in Neuse River--ten steamers and one transport; are about 12 miles below New Berne. The pilot reports fifty vessels coming up. This is General Branch's report, date 9 pm yesterday.
R.C. GATLIN, Brigadier-General [Department of North Carolina]
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. The forces in the Army of the Potomac are organized as follows: I. McDowell commanding the 1st Corps, E.V. Sumner commanding the 2nd Corps, S.P. Heintzelman commanding the 3rd Corps, E.D. Keyes commanding the 4th Corps, and N.P. Banks commanding the 5th Corps.
2. Secretary of War Stanton informs G.B. McClellan that J.E. Wool will be “relieved from command” when he makes Fort Monroe (VA) his “base of operations,” and McClellan will also have “control over the forces under General Burnside’s command.”
3. An additional Article of War is approved by Congress (U.S.) forbidding all officers and soldiers from aiding in the capture or return of fugitive slaves.
4. H.W. Halleck officially assumes command of the Dept. of the Mississippi, “which includes the present Dept. of Kansas and the Missouri and the Dept. of the Ohio and country west of a north and south line drawn through Knoxville, Tenn., and east of the western boundaries of the States of Missouri and Arkansas.”
4. From Fort Monroe (VA), J.E. Wool informs G.B. McClellan that as he is “no longer General-in-Chief of the Army,” Wool can no longer accept orders from him. In addition, if McClellan “makes Fort Monroe [his] base of operations,” Wool will outrank him and “must [have] command.”
5. Daniel Tyler is appointed brigadier-general in the Union Army.
6. Commander D.D. Porter reports the mortar fleet has arrived at Ship Island (MS).
7. Lt. Col. S.N. Wood, 6th Missouri Cavalry, leads an expedition to Spring River Mill (MO). Before returning to camp, Wood’s men travel “190 miles in six days”
8. Elements of the 5th Ohio Cavalry destroy the Beach Creek Bridge on the Mobile & Ohio R.R. in Tennessee.
9. The 27th Indiana Infantry is involved in a skirmish near Smithfield (VA).
10. An incident of friendly life claims the lives of “Captain Ezekial Y. Rambo and Corporal Samuel Reighand, of…the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers” at the Mattis Plantation on Otter Island (SC).
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. President Davis advises Louisiana Governor Moore to proclaim martial law “over the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, Saint Bernard, and Plaquemine.”
2. R.E. Lee arrives in Richmond (VA), and is officially “assigned to duty at the seat of government.” He is “charged with the conduct of military operations in the armies of the Confederacy.”
3. Florida Governor Milton authorizes the removal of “the railroad iron” on the Florida R.R., at Fernandina.
4. John Villepigue is appointed brigadier-general in the C.S. Army.
5. E.K. Smith reports “the enemy, having passed the Cumberland Mountains,” surprised and captured “two companies of the First East Tennessee Cavalry” near Jacksborough, Tennessee,” without firing a gun.
March 14 1862 (Friday)
Just after 7 o'clock in the morning Ambrose E. Burnside launches his attack on the Confederate forces defending New Berne, North Carolina. Lawrence O’Bryan Branch reports: “The fire opened along the line from the railroad to the river.... The skirmishers of the enemy, finding themselves on the flank of the Militia, fired at them a few shots from their flank files, which caused a portion of them to flee in great disorder.”
HDQRS. SHEPARD RIFLES, FIFTY-FIRST REGT. N.Y. VOLS., Near New Berne, N. C.
General [Jesse] L. RENO, Commanding Second Brigade, Department of North Carolina: I took my line of march up the railroad until within 300 yards of a collection of brick-kilns.... The ground here was undulating, forming a number of deep ravines. We discovered the enemy's batteries and rifle pits extending a distance of a mile and a half, in front of which were deep ravines…. A continuous fire was then kept up on the enemy, which they returned with great vigor, making sad havoc in our ranks. My loss at this point was very severe, owing to the exposed position of the troops when advancing to fire.... I have the honor to be, general, your very obedient servant,
EDWARD FERRERO, Colonel Fifty-first New York Volunteers
After four hour of fighting, Ambrose Burnside orders a charge. Colonel Ferrero, 51st New York, reports: “The enemy fled in great confusion toward New Berne.” Burnside describes his victory: “We succeeded in carrying a continuous line of field work of over a mile in length, protected on the river flank by a battery of thirteen heavy guns and on the opposite flank by a line of redoubts of over a half a mile in length for riflemen and field pieces, in the midst of swamps and dense forests, which line of works was defended by eight regiments of infantry, 500 cavalry, and three batteries of field artillery of six guns each.” Richard C. Gatlin relays the bad news to Secretary Benjamin: “[New Berne] fell into the hands of the enemy at 10 or 11 a.m. today, and that the troops are falling back in the direction of Kinston. I will try to hold the line of railroad between New Berne and this place, but to prevent the advance of the enemy large re-enforcements will be required.”
Report of Brig. Gen. L. O'B. Branch, C.S. Army.
GENERAL: I received a message from [Colonel Henry J.B. Clark], of the [North Carolina Militia], informing me that the enemy were in line of battle in great force on his right. I instantly ordered up the remaining five companies of [Colonel Clark M. Avery's] regiment [33rd North Carolina], and the whole ten opened a terrific fire from their Enfield rifles. The whole Militia, however, had now abandoned their positions, and the utmost exertions of myself and my staff could not rally them. [Colonel James Sinclair's] regiment [57th North Carolina] very quickly followed their example, retreating in the utmost disorder. This laid open [Lieutenant-Colonel Edward G. Haywood Seventh North Carolina’s] right and a large portion of the breastwork was left vacant. I had not a man with whom to re-occupy it, and the enemy soon poured in a column along the railroad and through a portion of the cut-down ground in front, which marched up behind the breastwork to attack what remained of [Colonel Reuben Campbell's] command .... Seeing the enemy behind the breastwork, without a single man to place in the gap through which he was entering and finding the day lost, my next care was to secure the retreat.... Arriving in town, I found it in flames in many places and evacuated. Orders written in the street under the lurid glare of the flames were dispatched in every direction through the town to search for [Colonel Charles C. Lee, 37th North Carolina] .... Colonel Lee, finding himself in no condition to make resistance, had properly drawn off and marched up the Kinston Road. Following on.... [I directed] all the officers I could overtake to conduct their men to Tuscarora, the nearest railroad depot.
L. O'B. BRANCH, Brigadier-General, Commanding.
A happy and surprised John Pope announces: “New Madrid is in our possession.” He continues, “Last night the place was hurriedly evacuated under cover of the furious storm which raged all night. All of their artillery (field batteries and siege guns), an immense quantity of military stores, all their tents, wagons, mules, &c., have fallen into our hands. The enemy carried off nothing except his men.” Henry Halleck congratulates him on his successes: “I congratulate you and your command on the success which has crowned your toils and exposures. You have given the final blow to the rebellion in Missouri and proved yourselves worthy members of the brave Army of the West.”
HEADQUARTERS MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT, Near New Madrid, March 14, 1862.
Major-General HALLECK: To my utter amazement the enemy hurriedly evacuated the place last night, leaving everything. They were landed in the woods opposite and dispersed. They have been landing troops here ever since we arrived, and I am sure almost that they have withdrawn all their troops from Island No. 10.... Please inform me as to your wishes about my further operations. I shall reconnoiter Island No. 10 today.
JNO. POPE, Brigadier-General.
Ulysses S. Grant re-assumes command of the Tennessee River expedition and reports that Charles F. Smith has “debarked at Savannah.” Grant continues, “[General Smith] thinks Corinth [Mississippi] will have to be let alone for the present, but will learn more and report probably by next steamer. An expedition is organizing from Pittsburg in the direction of Corinth, but east of it.”
Fort Henry, March 14, 1862.
Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK, Saint Louis, Mo.: After your letter inclosing copy of anonymous letter, upon which severe censure was based, I felt as though it would be impossible for me to serve longer without a court of inquiry. Your telegram of yesterday, however, places such a different phase upon my position that I will again assume command, and give every effort to the success of our cause. Under the worst circumstances I would do the same.
U.S. GRANT, Major-General.
Casualties at New Berne, North Carolina:
U.S.: 471 (90 killed, 380 wounded, 1 missing)
C.S.: 578 (64 killed, 101 wounded, 413 captured/missing)
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. David Hunter is given command of all troops in the states of S.C., Georgia, and Florida in the newly created Dept. of the South.
2. W.S. Rosecrans assumes command of the Mountain Dept. in western Virginia.
3. W.T. Sherman leads his division aboard a flotilla of “nineteen steamboats” up the mouth of Yellow Creek (MS). Sherman’s mission is to “tear up and destroy some trestle-work and as much of the [Memphis & Charleston] railroad as time and the circumstances...permit.”
4. Alfred Pleasonton leads a reconnaissance to Cedar Run (VA). He reports the railroad bridges are “all burned down up to Warrenton Junction.”
5. A.J. Smith is appointed brigadier-general in the Union Army.
6. Major E.G. Ricker, 5th Ohio Cavalry, advances to a point between Corinth and Iuka (MS), to cut the Memphis & Charleston R.R. However, “incessant rains” render the roads impassable, and the expedition turns back.
7. Major C.S. Hayes, 5th Ohio Cavalry, reports his recent expedition towards Purdy (TN), was “successful.” He reports, “[I] proceeded at once to destroy the bridge…crossing Beach Creek.”
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. President Davis proclaims martial law and suspension of all civil jurisdictions in “the counties of Elizabeth City, York, Warwick, Gloucester, and Mathews (VA).”
2. J.C. Pemberton is formally assigned command of the Dept. of S.C. and Georgia.
3. J.H. Trapier is assigned command of the C.S. Dept. of Middle and Eastern Florida.
4. J.S. Bowen, B.H. Helm and H.E. McCulloch are appointed brigadier-generals in the C.S. Army. (Helm is the brother-in-law of President Lincoln.)
5. D. Ruggles, commanding at Corinth (MS), reports that an estimated force of 30,000 Federal troops has come ashore at Pittsburg Landing (TN).
March 15 1862 (Saturday)
Confederate President Jefferson Davis wires Joseph E. Johnston expressing his displeasure at being kept uninformed of Johnston's withdrawal from Manassas.
JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Culpeper Court-House.
RICHMOND, VA., March 15, 1862: I have received your letter of the 13th instant, giving the first official account I have received of the retrograde movement of your army.... Before the receipt of yours of the 13th I was as much in the dark as to your purposes, condition, and necessities as at the time of our conversation on the subject about a month since. 'Tis true I have had many and alarming reports of great destruction of ammunition, camp equipage, and provisions, indicating precipitate retreat; but, having heard of no cause for such a sudden movement, I was at a loss to believe it. Very respectfully,
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
G.T. Beauregard, commanding the Confederate Army of Mississippi, alarmed at increasing Union activity in and around Savannah, Tennessee, requests reinforcements to be sent to nearby Iuka, Mississippi. Albert Sidney Johnston writes to President Davis: “The enemy are assembling large forces at Savannah, threatening an attack near Bethel and Purdy.”
DECATUR, March 15, 1862.
The PRESIDENT: General Beauregard requested me to re-enforce him yesterday with a brigade and two regiments at Iuka, as he expected battle. I have sent on today [Thomas C. Hindman's] and two regiments of [Sterling A.M. Wood's] brigade, by rail to Corinth and Iuka. Generals Beauregard and Bragg are at Jackson; General Ruggles at Corinth; my advance, under General Hindman, at Courtland; the remainder of my troops in this vicinity.... The rains have been excessive and yet continue, rendering movement of troops for the present impossible. The railroad bridge there destroyed by enemy. The provisions and stores from the main depots have been secured, and many more are being secured for future use.
A.S. JOHNSTON, General, C.S. Army.
Other Union activity reported on this date:
1. H.W. Halleck reports that U.S. Grant “has been directed to resume his command in the field.” He explains all “irregularities have now been remedied.”
2. Surgeon C.S. Tripler, Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac, reports he has “field supplies for 140,000 men” to be transported “wherever it may be ordered.”
3. The Dept. of Florida is merged into the newly created Dept. of the South, with D. Hunter remaining in command.
4. Jacksonville (FL) is occupied by the 4th New Hampshire who capture "seven saw-mills, 4,000,000 feet of lumber, a large hotel, four or five private dwellings, the railroad depot, and [a] gunboat in process of construction."
5. S.A. Hurlbut and W.T. Sherman’s divisions arrive at the docks at Pittsburg Landing (TN).
6. J.G. Foster is “appointed military governor of New Berne and its suburbs.”
7. Flag-Officer Foote’s flotilla moves downriver from Hickman (KY) to a position above Island No. 10, in preparation for a bombardment.
8. Lieutenant J.J. Turley, 7th M.S.M. Cavalry, “surprised the camp and completely routed the enemy” at Marshall (MO).
Other Confederate activity reported on this date:
1. From Jacksonport (AR), Major W.L. Cabell, C.Q.M., reports “the enemy…is advancing on Pocahontas with a force variously estimated from 5,000 to 12,000.”
2. Captain J.H. Morgan, Kentucky Cavalry, leads a detachment of forty men to Gallatin (TN), to “intercept the mail, to destroy the rolling stock on the road, to make prisoners, and to obtain information of interest to the service.”