Colonel James E. Carter gives the Regimental History and Memorial Rolls in the Military Annals of Tennessee

FIRST TENNESSEE CAVALRY

By James E. Carter, Knoxville, Tenn.

  The Third Battalion Tennessee Cavalry »vas organized in 1861: Wm. Brazelton, Lieutenant-colonel, commanding; James Bradford, Major. J.A. Goldy, Captain Co. 

A; Burt. Lenty, Captain Co. B; Wm. Snow, Captain Co. C; John Robertson,

Captain Co. D; Tim Bradley, Captain Co. E; Charley Baker, Captain Co. F. Reorganized April, 1862: Jas. E. Carter, Lieutenant-colonel; Onslow Bean, Major. A.M. Goforth, Captain Co. A; G.B. Keys, Captain Co. B; John B. King, Captain Co. C; W.S. Greer, Captain Co. D; Elbert Hurst, Captain Co. E; Tim Bradly, Captain Co. F.

  The First Regiment Tennessee Cavalry, C.S.A., was organized in October, 1862: Jas. E. Carter, Colonel; Onslow Bean, Lieutenant-colonel; A.M. Goforth,. Major; W.W. Giddens, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster; H.C. Greer, Captain and Assistant Commissary; J.D. Carter, Lieutenant and Adjutant. G.B. Keys, Captain Co. A; S.J. Wheeler, First Lieutenant; M.G. DcDonald, Second Lieutenant; E.S. Morrill, Third Lieutenant. John B. King, Captain Co. B; W.S. Montgomery, First Lieutenant; F. Gardenhire, Second Lieutenant; John Turner, Third Lieutenant. 

R.S. Vandyke, Captain Co. C; J.A. Turley, First Lieutenant; A.J. Thompson, 

Second Lieutenant; W.T. Miller, Third Lieutenant. W.S. Greer, Captain Co. D; Floyd McDonald, First Lieutenant. John Jarnagin, Captain Co. E; D.C. Smart, 

First Lieutenant; Alex. Monroe, Second Lieutenant; James Kitts, Third 

Lieutenant. Frank Fiilkerson, Captain Co. F; L.W. Jennings, First Lieutenant; 

Wm. Latham, Second Lieutenant; Wm. Lewis Third Lieutenant. A.R. Wiggs, Captain Co. G; C. Cate, First Lieutenant; Wm. Hutton, Second Lieutenant; J.M. Kidd, 

Third Lieutenant. David Neff, Captain Co. H; T. Coursey, First Lieutenant; D.C. Tolly, Second Lieutenant; J.T. Thomas, Third Lieutenant. William Wallace, 

Captain Co. I; Carnes, First Lieutenant. R.M. Swearingen, Captain Co. K; Pryor Gammon, First Lieutenant; S.M. Inman, Second Lieutenant; T.D. Fox, Third Lieutenant. The following two companies were added to the regiment in the 

latter part of 1863, and did efficient service: Co. L — William Blackburn, Captain; William Gibson, First Lieutenant; Shoemaker, Second Lieutenant. Co. M 

— Ed. Gammon, Captain; D.D. Anderson, First Lieutenant; David Taylor, Second Lieutenant; John Taylor, Third Lieutenant.  

  After the death of Major Goforth, Capt. John B. King was Major of the 

regiment. After Major King was killed, Captain B.S. Vandyke became Major of the regiment. After Major Vandyke was killed, the office was vacant until the close of the war. After the promotion of Capt. King to the Majority of the regiment, Lieut. W.S. Montgomery became Captain of Co. B. After the promotion of Capt. Vandyke to the Majority of the regiment, ___ ___ was Captain of Co. C. D.C. 

Smart became Captain of Co. E after Capt. Jarnagin was killed. J.M. Kidd was Captain of Co. G at the close of the war. T. Coursey was Captain of Co. H at 

the close of the war.

The death-roll of the regiment is as follows:

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

  

• Miller, Lieut. W.T., k. at Baker's Creek, Miss., May 10, 1863. 
• Goforth, Maj. A.M., k. at Mossy Creek, Tenn., Dec, 1863. 
• King, Maj. J.B., k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864  
• Jarnagin, Capt. John, k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864. 
• Vandyke, Maj. R.S., k. at White Post, Va., Aug., 1864. 
• McDonald, Lieut. Floyd, k. in the Valley of Virginia, 1864. 
• Gammon, Capt. Ed., k. at Morristown, Tenn., Oct. 28, 1864. 
• Bean, Lieut.-col. Onslow, k. at Marion, Va., Dec, 1864. 
• Thomas, Lieut. J.T., k. in Green county, Tenn., Jan., 1865.     

COMPANY A  

• Caper, Willis, k. at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Dec. 29, 1862.  
• Finn, John H., k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864 
• Hoback, Will, k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864.
•  Geist, John, k. at Morristown, Tenn., 1864 
• Barton, Oscar, k. at Marion, Va., Dec., 1864. 

COMPANY B 

• Roberts, David, k. at South Fork of Cumberland River (Ky.), 1861. 
• Boyd, Hiram, k. at South Fork of Cumberland River (Ky.), 1861.  
• Potter, Silas, k. at Blue Springs, Tenn., Sept., 1863. 
• Trew, Tom, k. at Somerset, Ky., 1862.  
• Adams, A., k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864. 
• Luttrell, Jo., k. near Dalton, Ga., 1864.  
• Rhea, Jas., k. near Chattanooga, Oct., 1863. 
• Winset, Wm., k. at Murfreesboro, Tenn., Dec, 1862.
• Reinhart,___, k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864. 

COMPANY C 

• Coats, Newton, k. at Tazewell, Tenn., 1862.
• Lane, W.P., k. at White Post, Va., Aug., 1864.
• Smith, Hezekiah, k. at Strawberry Plains, Lane, Tenn., Nov., 1863.

COMPANY D 

• Platt, Henry D, k. at Big Creek Gap, Tenn.,Aug. 30 1862.
• Henderson, Harvy, regimental bugler, k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864.

COMPANY E

• Beeler, Isaac, k. at Cumberland Gap, 1863.
• McBee, John, k. at Newtown, Va., Aug. 11, 1864.
• Hankins, John, k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864.
• Blackwell, Jake, k. at Marion, Va., Dec, 1864.
• Graham, Sam, k. at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864.

COMPANY G

• Fron, R., k. at Somerset, Ky., March 31, 1863.

COMPANY K

• Culpepper, D.H., k. on picket (Ky.), Jan., 1862.
• Watkins, Carlow, k. at Murfreesboro, Dec. 27, 1862.

  The regiment was in some severe fighting in Tennessee, Kentucky, and 

Virginia. Was on the campaign in Kentucky with Gen. E.K. Smith, in 

1862. Was in the main battle of Murfreesboro, under the gallant Gen.

John Pegram. "Was detached from the brigade and sent with Gen. 

Wheeler in rear of the enemy's lines, where it did some very effective 

work. Co. C, Capt. Vandyke's, was in the siege of Vicksburg, where it did valuable service. Co. K, Capt. Swearingen, was with Gen. Johnston on his memorable march from Dalton, Ga., to Atlanta, and did some hard fighting. 

The regiment also fought gallantly while in the Valley of Virginia, 

beginning with Piedmont—or, as the Federals call it, New Hope Church. In 

this battle the regiment suffered heavy loss in officers and men. Then we 

were in the memorable campaign under Gen. Early against Washington, and 

afterward with him all through his valley campaign. There was no better 

fighting material in the Confederate army than this regiment. 

  Co. A was made up in Khea county; Co. B, in Hamilton county; Co. C,

in McMinn county; Co. D, in Rhea and Bledsoe counties; Co. E, in 

Union and Knox counties; Co. F, in Claiborne county; Co. G, in 

Blount county; Co. H, in Jefferson county; Co. I, in Blount county; 

Co. K, in Jefferson county; Co. L, in Claiborne county; Co. M, in 

Washington, Sullivan, and Carter counties.

Official.]         

          First Tennessee Cavalry

COMPANY A

Captain, A.M. Goforth.

• Duncan, Robert, d. March 8, 1862.
• Holmes, George W., d. July 3, 1862, at Bean's Station.
• Rogers, W.L, d. March 9, 1862.
• Taylor, J.T., d. at Cumberland Gap.
• Wilson, William, d. April 20, 1862.
• White, William, d. at Wallace's Cross-roads, Aug.16,1862

COMPANY B

Captains: Burt. Lenty and John B. King.

• Farmer, D.W., d. Aug. 15, 1862.
• Ward, J.H., accidentally shot.
• Bunn, T.H., d. Aug. 28, 1862, at Fincastle, Tenn.
• Dillahunty, James, k. in action, Sept. 1, 1862.
• Patterson, William, d. March 26, 1862, at Fincastle,                         Tenn.

COMPANY C

Captains: Richard S. Vandyke and William F. Gass.

• Denton, A., d. June 8, 1863, at Vicksburg.
• Henry, Addison, d. Jan. 24, 1862, at Livingston,                        Tenn.
• Colter, Alexander A., d. April 12, 1862.

COMPANY D 

Captain, John Robertson.

• Norris, W.D., d. March, 1862, at Cumberland Gap.
• Smith, Jacob, d. March 18, 1862.

COMPANY E

Captain, W.S. Greer.

• Platt, Henry D., k. by bush-whackers, Aug. 30, 1862,                       at Big Creek Gap.
• Henry, A.L., d. at Livingston, Tenn., Feb. 25, 1862.
• Foust, W.T., d. June 5, 1862, at Kingston.
• Basset!, W.W, d. July 14, 1862, at Wallace's                           Cross-roads, Tenn.

COMPANY F

Captain, F. Fulkerson.

• Tucker, J.P., d. June 28,1862.

COMPANY G

Captain, A.R. Wiggs.

• Trow, R., k. March 31, 1863, at Somorset, Ky.

COMPANY H

Captain, David Neff.

• Higgs, J.N.B., d. March 26, 1862, at Henry Station.
• Willson, John, d. Feb. 28, 1862, at Paris, Tenn.
• Freeman, W.A., d. April 1, 1862, at home.

COMPANY I

Captain, William Wallace.

• Jones, A.W.B., d. Sept. 1, 1862.

COMPANY K

Captain, R.M. Swearingen.

• Delashimt, G.B., d. Aug. 4, 1862.
• MeKenzie, J.C, d. April 30, 1862.
• Loyd, J.C, d. April 27, 1862.

The First Tennessee Cavalry were stationed at Boyd's Ferry during the Siege of Knoxville

 Written by OLIVER P.  TEMPLE in his book

EAST TENNESSEE 

AND THE CIVIL WAR

  "These facts I have just obtained from Colonel James E Carter, commanding the First Tennessee Confederate Cavalry. During the siege, his regiment with two others was stationed near Boyd's Ferry and had to protect that region. He, in conjunction with Colonel Giltner, of Kentucky, and one or two other officers, made a reconnaissance of the country, and determined the point where the line of investment should strike the river. Colonel Carter was born and reared only a few miles away, and knew the country and the rivers. Knoxville was his home, and it still is. He was a brave soldier, and a reliable honorable gentleman. He says that it was not deemed safe to throw their line below Boyd's Ferry so as to strike the river below the mouth of the French Broad. If they had had one more regiment, which they expected, they could and would have done so."

   Boyd's Ferry was on the Holston River, about 6 miles above Knoxville, Tennessee. It was involved in the 1863 siege of Knoxville by Confederate forces. During the assault, Confederate troops attempted to launch a raft from the ferry that would reach and carry away the pontoon-bridge in use by Union forces under Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside. Union Brigadier-General Orlando M. Poe counteracted the destructive raft by stretching an iron cable boom across the river above the bridge to catch it. 

This is an image of Boyd's Ferry that was drawn in 1913 

Troops in the Department of Western Virginia and East Tennessee, Major General Samuel Jones, C. S. Army, commanding, December 31, 1863

Major General Samuel Jones

RANSOM'S DIVISION

Major General ROBERT RANSOM, Jr.

CORSE'S'S BRIGADE

Brigadier General M. D. CORSE
15th Virginia, Lieutenant Colonel E. M. Morrison
29th Virginia, Colonel James Giles
30th Virginia, Lieutenant Colonel R. S. Chew

WHARTON'S BRIGADE

Brigadier General G. C. WHARTON
45th Virginia,* Colonel W. H. Browne
51st Virginia, Lieutenant Colonel John P. Wolfe
30th Virginia Battalion Sharpshooters, Lieutenant Colonel J. Lyle Clarke

 A. E. JACKSON'S BRIGADE

Lieutenant Colonel J. R. LOVE
Thomas' (North Carolina) Regiment, Major W. W. Stringfield
Walker's (North Carolina Battalion, Major J. A. McKamy

JONES' CAVALRY BRIGADE

Brigadier General W. E. JONES
8th Virginia, Lieutenant Colonel A. F. Cook
21th Virginia, Captain W. H. Balthis
27th Virginia Battalion, Captain J. B. Thompson
34th Virginia Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel V. A. Witcher
36th Virginia Battalion, Captain C. T. Smith
37th Virginia Battalion, Major J. R. Claiborne

WILLIAMS' CAVALRY BRIGADE

Colonel J. E. CARTER
16th Georgia Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. J. Winn
4th Kentucky, Major N. Parker
May's (Kentucky) Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel E. Trimble
1st Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel Onslow Bean
64th Virginia, Colonel C. Slemp.

ARTILLERY BATTALION

Lieutenant Colonel J. FLOYD KING
Otey (Virginia) Battery, Captain D. N. Walker
Rhett (Tennessee) Battery,* Captain W. H. Burroughs
Ringgold (Virginia) Battery, Captain Crispin Dickenson
Tennessee Battery,* Captain H. L. W. McClung
Virginia Battery, Captain George S. Davidson
Virginia Battery, Captain W. M. Lowry

Independent Brigade

ECHOL'S BRIGADE

Brigadier General JOHN ECHOLS
22nd Virginia, Colonel George S. Patton
23rd Virginia Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel C. Derrick
26th Virginia Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel George M. Edgar
Partisan Rangers, Captain W. D. Thurmond
Partisan Rangers, P. J. Thurmond
Virginia Battery, Captain G. B. Chapman
Virginia Battery, Captain T. E. Jackcon
Jenkins' Cavalry Brigade.+
14th Virginia, Colonel J. A. Gibson
16th Virginia, Colonel M. J. Ferguson
17th Virginia, Major F. F. Smith

McCAUSLAND'S BRIGADE

Colonel JOHN McCAUSLAND
36th Virginia, Major T. Smith
60th Virginia, Colonel B. H. Jones
Virginia Battery, Captain Thomas A. Bryan
Jackson's Cavalry Brigade

COLONEL W. L. JACKSON

19th Virginia, Lieutenant Colonel W. P. Thompson
20th Virginia, Colonel W. W. Arnett
Detachment (six companies)
Virginia Battery, Captain Warren S. Lurty

UNATTACHED

3rd Confederate Engineers, Company E, Captain William T. Hart
22nd Virginia Cavalry, Colonel H. S. Bowen
Botetourt (Virginia) Artillery, ++ Captain Henry C. Douthat
---------------
* On detached service at Saltville
+ Regiments dispersed on detached service
++ At New River Bridge

The 14th (Carter's) Tennessee Cavalry Battalion

The 14th (Carter's) Tennessee Cavalry Battalion

On May 12, 1862, the battalion was reorganized with James E. Carter as Lieutenant Colonel, and Onslow Bean as Major, and was officially recognized as the 14th (Carter's) Tennessee Cavalry Battalion. On November 14, 1862, the battalion was increased to a regiment by the addition of four other companies; two other companies were added in 1863. The company letters were changed at the reorganization as the 14th Battalion, and again at the organization of the regiment. Prior to the organization of the regiment, the battalion had been operating in the neighborhood of Cumberland and Big Creek Gaps, along the line of railroad. When the regiment was organized it was assigned to Brigadier General John Pegram's Cavalry Brigade in Lieutenant General E. Kirby Smith's Department. This brigade was composed of Howard's Alabama Regiment, 2nd (Ashby's), 4th (Starnes'), J. E. Carter's Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, and Marshall's Battery.

My GGGrandfather enlisted in September of 1862. Therefor, from September till November, he rode for the 14th (Carter's) Cavalry Battalion. I'm wondering if, while being assigned to General Pegram, if he rode with General Morgan during this period. Sometimes, the 14th Brigade is referred to as just that, and "Carter's" is excluded.

Colonel John S. Scott reports his engagement on Crab Orchards Road, during the Expedition into Kentucky

 

Colonel John Simms Scott 1865

Report of Col. J.S. Scott, First Louisiana Cavalry.

APRIL 4, 1863.

SIR: In accordance with orders, on March 30, while you were engaged with the enemy on the Crab Orchard road, I moved from your left with my own and Colonel (James E.) Carter’s regiment, to attack the enemy in flank and rear. After advancing about 1,000 yards, and reaching the head of a ravine that opened on the Crab Orchard road immediately in rear of the enemy’s batteries, I came in contact with a regiment moving in column, dismounted, bearing guns with fixed bayonets. I ordered my men to front into line for a charge, but soon discovered that I had but 30 men with me. On inquiry as to what had become of my command, I was informed by Captain (G.A.) Scott, who had pushed up from the rear, that it had been cut off by Lieutenant (J.F.) Ransom, one of your aides, ordered to countermarch, and resume the position which I had left. The enemy, whom I met at the head of the ravine, fled without firing a gun, and with my 30 men I marched back in the direction of where my command had been ordered by your aide. Before reaching them, however, I learned that you had ordered them back to me, and renewed the order to charge the enemy’s rear. After my command had returned, I found that my movements were discovered by the enemy, and he had made such preparation as rendered it impossible to attack him as near his front as first intended. After moving a few hundred yards farther to the rear, I divided my command into three parts, placing six companies of the First Louisiana Cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel (James O.) Nixon, and four under Captain (Samuel) Matthews, with orders to charge down at right angles to the Crab Orchard road, while Colonel Carter, by making a detour to the left, would strike the same road several hundred yards farther to the rear, and charge up it. Owing to the unevenness of the ground, the two detachments of the First Louisiana were unable to reach the road, mounted, and finding the enemy in force on their front, a part of the regiment was dismounted, which engaged him briskly, while Colonel Carter gallantry drove through a regiment of infantry and dispersed a detachment of cavalry. But finding the enemy in front of Colonel Nixon too strong, he filed to the right and formed in rear of the First Louisiana, who at that time were engaging the enemy with spirit and determination. Lieutenant-Colonel Nixon fought them until his ammunition was exhausted, when he retired to the rear of Colonel Carter, who gave them a heavy volley as the cavalry charged; but, being overpowered by numbers, was compelled to give way. On the Stanford road I again rallied my men, and with a few rounds of ammunition checked and drove back the enemy with some loss, and retired toward the Cumberland.

  After the charge of Colonel Carter, a fight could have been avoided, and the two regiments been brought off without the loss of 10 men; but both officers and men seemed to feel that upon an effort made there devolved the safety of the brigade, and all were willing to submit to any sacrifice to insure its safe crossing at the river. It was for this reason that I attempted to make a stand against a force fully five times my number, and that had already flanked me on both wings.

My command did not number over 330 men. Of that number the First Louisiana lost 71 men and 4 commissioned officers, and Colonel Carter’s lost 5 commissioned officers and 32 men.

  The individual acts of gallantry and heroism were so numerous as to preclude the possibility of my detailing them. Colonel Carter and Lieutenant-Colonel Nixon displayed great coolness on the field. The former was at one time completely surrounded, and made his escape by use of his pistol. The latter had his bridle-reins seized by a Yankee officer, but succeeded in making his escape with a slight wound in his hand.

  This is the first time that the First Louisiana Cavalry has ever turned their backs on an enemy, and I assure you I feel as much mortified as any soldier could who thinks he has done his duty. But for the unfortunate circumstance of cutting my command in two when I thought I had an advantage of the enemy, the disasters of the day might have been very much lessened, and I would respectfully suggest that aides in the future be instructed to bear your messages to me in person, instead of halting my column in a charge and in the face of a powerful enemy.

Very respectfully,

J.S. SCOTT,

Colonel First Louisiana Cavalry.

Brigadier-General PEGRAM,

Commanding Cavalry.

Pegram’s Expedition into Kentucky, March 22-April 1, 1863

Report of Brig. Gen. John Pegram, C.S. Army, commanding expedition.

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE,

Near Stigall’s Ferry, Ky., April 1, 1863.

SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the expedition of my brigade into this State for the purpose of obtaining beef-cattle for the Confederate Army:

On Sunday, the 22d ultimo, I commenced crossing my command at this ferry, and early on Monday morning had the whole force, numbering about 1,550 cavalry and (G.A.) Huwald’s battery of three pieces, on the north bank of the river. I immediately commenced a forced march over a very muddy road, and, moving nearly the whole night, reached and attacked Danville about 2 o’clock on the next day. The enemy, though numbering five regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and seven pieces of artillery, after a slight resistance, retired from before the town, and commenced retreating by the road toward Camp Dick Robinson. We attacked their rear by charging them in the streets of Danville. The First Louisiana (Lieutenant-Colonel (James O.) Nixon commanding) led the column. On entering the suburbs of the town, it was met by a heavy fire from an infantry ambuscade in a thicket not more than 50 yards distant. The regiment stood this fire for several minutes with the most admirable compoisure, and then, the infantry retiring, charged on into the town, followed by two companies of the Second Tennessee, led by their gallant colonel ((H.M.) Ashby), and by the First Georgia (Colonel (J.J.) Morrison). The street fight was brisk for some twenty minutes; rendered more so from the fact that some of the citizens fired at us from the windows. Just as the enemy left the town, I was handed an intercepted dispatch from Colonel (Benjamin P.) Runkle (Federal) to General (S.P.) Carter (Federal), saying he would arrive in Lancaster that night, and would try to join him on the main Lexington road running by Camp Dick Robinson. Ordering Colonel Nixon to follow up the rear of the enemy closely, I at once sent to recall the remainder of the command, and started for one of the fords over Dick’s River, with the view of throwing my command between Carter and Runkle near Camp Dick Robinson, but 61 miles and a sharp fight in twenty-eight hours had already proven too much for the horses, and I found it impossible to reach the desired point in time. Besides a few stores, we captured in Danville about 60 prisoners, among them being Lieutenant-Colonel (Silas) Adams, of (Frank) Wolford’s cavalry.

Learning from the citizens that the enemy regarded my force as the advance of a heavy infantry column, and having in view the clearing the three counties – Lincoln, Boyle, and Garrard – for some days, I pushed my command, with the exception of the First Louisiana Regiment (left at Danville to watch the Lebanon and Frankfort roads), up to within 2 miles of the Gibralter, at the Kentucky River bridge, whcih was occupied by the enemy with a force composed of the three arms, and greatly superior to my own in numbers. I played this game of bluff, occasionally skirmishing with the enemy, until the cattle had been collected, and then, burning the two bridges over Dick’s River (now much swollen by recent rains), I commenced falling back slowly by the Stanford and Somerset road.

On the morning of the 29th, I received a dispatch from Colonel Ashby, who had been sent by way of Crab Orchard, that the enemy was pressing him in heavy force. I immediately hurried the command on to Somerset, within 2 miles of which, on the morning of the 30th, I selected a strong position to resist the enemy. This step was imperative, both because the cattle were scarcely half crossed over the Cumberland River, and because, that the river being only 6 miles in my rear, the safety of my command somewhat depended upon giving the enemy a good check.

Leaving the Sixteenth Tennessee Battalion to watch the road toward Stanford, I placed the First Louisiana and First Tennessee Regiments, under Colonel (J.S.) Scott, at the junction of the Stanford and Crab Orchard roads. I then placed the First Georgia (dismounted) on the right of the selected position, Major (Theophilus) Steele’s battalion (of General John H. Morgan’s command) in the center, and the Second Tennessee on the left. (G.A.) Huwald’s pieces were placed on commanding points. The action commenced by an artillery fight, in which, though ours had 40 feet command over that of the enemy, theirs got the best of it. This was due both of the inferiority of our ammunition and to the want to practice of our cannoneers, most of whom were for the first time under fire; yet all of my men stood the heavy fire of artillery and small-arms with unflinching courage. Seeing very soon that the enemy was turning all of his force against that position, I ordered up Colonel Scott with his command. On arriving upon the field, he suggested I should allow him to move around the enemy’s right flank and to charge his rear. I told him to do so, but to act promptly, as everythbing depended upon his quickness. After he left, I held the position for more than an hour. His movements should have occupied ten minutes, and yet he never obeyed the orders given him. The enemy, forming his two infantry regiments in line of battle (his infantry was mounted, and of course dismounted for this formation), charged up the hill under cover of some undergrowth. My men stood until the enemy were within 30 yards, and then gave way from right to left. All efforts of myself and of the gallant officers assisting me failed to rally the men at that point.

Our loss was small in killed and wounded, but rather heavy in prisoners, owing to my being obliged to detach parts of three companies of the Second Tennessee to occupy a thicket to the left, which a regiment of the enemy was trying to get possession of.

All officers who came under my notice behaved with great gallantry, most conspicuous of whom were Colonels (J.J.) Morrison and (H.M.) Ashby, Lieutenant-Colonel (A.R.) Harper, and Captain (W.M.) Footman. The last-mentioned brave man was commanding a detachment of the First Florida Cavalry, which came up just in time to make the most gallant efforts to resist the advance of the enemy, and which lost very heavily. Captain Footman had his horse killed under him. He has, during this expedition, rendered the most efficient service, being constantly in front when we were advancing, and in the rear on the retreat.

Before reaching the town (1 mile distant), the command was put in order, and marched through the streets in perfect order at a walk, with the exception of a few stragglers. I placed the command in the next good position for defense, 2-1/2 miles from Somerset, where I awaited the advance of the enemy for three hours – until night. They advanced cautiously, threw a few shells, skirmished lightly, and then retired. At nightfall I withdrew my command, excepting a rear guard. As there was but one ferry-boat at Stigall’s Ferry, I ordered Colonel Morrison with his regiment 3 miles below to Newell’s Ferry.

By sunrise the next day the battery, Second Tennessee, and Sixteenth Battalion had all crossed, excepting some 20 horses. Colonel Morrison also lost about the same number of his horses in crossing. The enemy appeared about 8 o’clock, but in no great force.

 The entire lost of my brigade in killed, wounded, and missing during the expedition will be slightly over 200 men, being greatest in the First Louisiana. The enemy is reported to have buried 80 of his men, but this is mere rumor. His loss, however, must have been heavy, as shown by his want of readiness in following us up. During the expedition we took and paroled 178 prisoners from the enemy.

As regards the object of the expedition (the beef-cattle), the agents found many less in the counties we entered than had been represented. This was because large numbers had recently been driven out by the agents of the United States Government. We started with about 750, and crossed over the river 537.

In the difficult matter of crossing the command, I wish especially to bring to your notice Lieut. Tucker Randolph, acting on my staff. By his personal efforts during the whole night he rendered such service as commanded the admiration of all who saw him. During the action of the morning, this officer and Lieutenants (J.F.) Ransom and (George) Yoe, and Volunteer Aides D. Henley Smith and D.C. Freeman, jr., were always in the thickest of the fight, bearing orders with promptness and coolness, and doing all they could to encourage the men.

For Colonel Scott’s operations, I refer you to the accompanying report. Touching this curious document, I have only to say that I cannot but admire the ingenuity with which Colonel Scott has attempted to account for disobedience of orders and dilatoriness of action, which, it is my sincere belief, lost us this fight.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. PEGRAM,

Brigadier-General, Provisional Army Confederate States.

Capt. J.G. MARTIN,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of East Tennessee, Knoxville

Fight at Monticello, Kentucky May 1, 1863

REBEL ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE

  Early on the morning of the first instant, Colonel Morrison, then commanding our brigade at Albany, Kentucky, received despatches from Colonel Chenault, at Monticello, to the effect that he was holding the enemy in check, that their force consisted of only three regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, including four pieces of artillery, and if he, Colonel Morrison, would come to their assistance they could capture the entire command, or run them into the river. Colonel Morrison immediately ordered the brigade in the direction of Monticello in quick-time. Though Chenault had long since retreated from every position he held, from Monticello back to where the Albany road leaves the Jamestown road, had fallen back nine miles, thus cutting off all communication with Colonel Morrison and the force on the Jamestown road. Captain Day's battalion was the advance. He, true to the instincts of a cautious commander, ordered two advance- guards. Lieutenant Gibson, commanding the first, was cut off and made his way to Chenault. The second was fired into, when the battalion was about-faced, and, whilst forming in a field adjacent that one in which they were marching, the Yankees made an attempt to charge their line, which was responded to by a volley of Minie-balls, when the order was given by the valiant and chivalrous Day to charge their advancing column, which they did in magnificent style. If ever blue bellies took to their heels, they did. They never stopped until they got to a woodland one mile distant.
  Colonel Morrison ordered back to the left Day's battalion and moved forward the artillery, Hincel's battery. The lines of the enemy were then within four hundred yards of our lines. Lieutenant Ramsey opened on them with deadly effect ~ every shot penetrated their lines. They soon left the field, followed by bombs of cool and intrepid Ramsey.
  The artillery in connection with Day's battalion forced the enemy back on their right and from our left, when they attempted to turn our right flank. Major Cobb had been sent to protect our right, but found the enemy occupying the hills commanding the road, and was forced to take position some distance from the road. The enemy coming up on our centre, Major Cobb was ordered to hold his position, as that was considered the only safe way to take out our artillery. But before the despatch was received by the Major, he was forced from his position with the enemy following him. Colonel Morrison was then completely flanked, though he was prepared to drive back the enemy on the centre, should they continue to advance. The battery occupied in eminence commanding the road for some distance. The First Georgia, Major Davis was in front Colonel Carter was ordered up, but did not hare time to take his position; Day's battalion was on the extreme left. Colonel Morrison, under the circumstances, was ordered to fall back in the direction of Travisville, as the enemy were crossing the river at Greary Creek, only a few miles below, with two regiments of infantry, two of cavalry, and a heavy battery of artillery.
  During the evening, Chenault sent a despatch to Colonel Morrison, requesting reinforcements, as the enemy were pressing him. Colonel Carter was detached and ordered to his relief. He came to Travisville, and lo Chenault had sent Major Coff's command and the First Louisiana to that point, whilst he and Cluke struck a "bee line" in the direction of Middle Tennessee ~ without notifying Colonel Morrison or the reenforcements of his having left the position he had been holding that evening.
  Our brigade came through from the Albany road to Travisville unmolested but not whipped, for we had maintained our position and forced the enemy from theirs. Stragglers who were prejudiced against Colonel Morrison, and were too cowardly to remain in the field, skulked off to East-Tennessee to tell the tales of disaster and scandal.
  Our loss was two killed, nine wounded, and three prisoners. The loss of the enemy most have been from fifteen to twenty killed, aside from many wounded. Though the enemy shelled the brigade with four pieces of artillery for near an hour, they never forced back the brigade. Their entire force must have consisted of six or seven thousand, mostly mounted infantry, as there was a heavy force on both roads.
   At Hernden's we met the long looked for Pegram, who would have been greeted with many cheers but for the timidity of the men. All hearts seemed buoyed up by his arrival.
  He carries with him confidence wherever he goes. His appearance inspires his command with a feeling of confidence and success. He don t aspire for a commander of superior skill and ability. He has just returned from an arduous trip to Richmond, where he has been procuring arms and ammunition for his brigade. He will soon have his command the best armed of any in the confederate army.

Memphis Appeal

Two letters from a Private that was enlisted in the 1st (Carter's) Tennessee Cavalry

   These are a couple of letters that was written by Pvt. James L. Stephens to his sister. The letter was written prior to the Battle of Murfreesboro. It states that he was assigned to Col. Carter. He mentions Maj. Onslow Bean and Capt. Goforth. His letter also gives their location on Dec. 10, 1862 prior to the Murfreesboro.

 December 9, 1862

Dear Sis

     As I have an opportunity of writing I will drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well and where I am at.  We are camped 8 miles from Murfreesburro. In the pike shed besides to McMinville.  I think we will go to town to Morrow.  Did it Snow Eny over on that side of the Mountain.  It Snowed a big Snow over hear I hav not heard of …. Since I hav bin heur.  He Is down about Nashville Some Where  We nearer to day   Think the fedrals were leaving Nashville  I do not know wether it is So or Not  They has Not bin Eny fightin latly.    I do not know where our Rigiment is at we left it last week. I do not know where we will go  So it is gone   I am in Hopes I Never will See it a gan.  We are furring (faring) fine, at the present time.   The Captin and I have done got dinner. We had Chicken and pork and plenty of Every thing  Else Clay and I do the Cooking and the Captian byes things

    Cut is a fine cavilry hoss   I was offurd $200. for her the other day  She looks fine   Laura tell father that I would like if he has Enay lether I would like to hav me a pare of boots made  The will be nears hard to git. After while. And I will pay for them.  I will need the boots.  Tell father and Mother to rest easy for the Yankees is not coming for a long spell.   Is Elbert gon out in the survis yeut.  I will hav to close  

Sill (still) remaining your True Brother

J.L. Stephens 

Camps Near Blacks X Roads

De em the 10 1862

Dear Sister

 I take the pleasur according to prommist.  We are capt 6 miles from Murfreesurrow in the Direction fo Leenton.  I seen o Sight To Day Never Saw before. 2. 3 00. Yankees Prisners.  John H. Morgan had to fight last Sunday with them and whip them good and took, 2, 300 prisners and large amount of comsurs (commissary) wagons Arms Aminson.&.   James E. Carter is our Cournal.  May Beam is oru Lut. Cournal   Cup Gofurth(?) is Maj.  Giddens is our qurter master,  Some man from Knoxvill is our comsure  Clay will not git the appointen.(appointment)

I think I will git a transfur to James McReynods Cum. Cut stones the trip fine I think she will makie a good cavilly Horse   when you wright to me Buck them to Murfreesburor   Tell ….. to take good cear of Bill    I hav Not Seen Ike since I hav bin over hear.  I hearde of him the other day he is …… go ovr 60 mile, he lowes (allows?) hear

I am well at presnt.

Form your Brother

J.L Stephens

 Here is Pvt. James L. Stephens' Shell jacket. My G.G. Grandfather was also a Private and most likely wore the same type. This jacket is for sale at this website They are including the two letters with the purchase of the jacket.

The Murder of General John Morgan

Greeneville, Tennessee
September 4, 1864

 

The Williams home where Gen. Morgan 

had spent his last night alive

FULL VIEW 

From the Knoxville (Tenn.) Whig. 

Published: October 2, 1864 

  Rebels and rebel sympathizers here are charging that the killing of the great Kentucky horse-thief was an act of cold-blooded murder, and that he was killed after he surrendered. The facts are that he broke out of his bed, without coat or pants, and was running at the time he was shot, making his way out of Mrs. Williams' yard, and trying to fire back at his pursuers. Members of his staff, captured at the time boasted that he had too much pluck to surrender when ordered, and this we will move in due time, and even more than this. One thing is certain -- Morgan is now in a prison that he can't bribe out of! Since the above was set in type, the following documents have come to hand: 

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, BULL's GAP, 

Tenn., Sept. 9, 1864. 

REV. W.G. Brownlow: The General Commanding directs me to forward to you for publication the inclosed correspondence relative to the killing of the late Gen. John H. Morgan. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

O.C. French, 

Lieut. and A.A.A.G. on Gen. Gillem's Staff. 

HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, BULL's GAP, 

Tenn., Sept. 3, 1864. 

SIR: It has been stated that Gen. John H. Morgan, late of the Confederate army, was killed by our forces, in Greenville, Tenn., after he had surrendered, and in direct violation of the rules of war. You will confer a personal favor upon myself, and be doing an act of justice to this command, by stating what you know to be the facts connected with the killing of the General. 

I am, Captain, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant, 

O.C. French,

Lieut. and A.A.A.G., Gen. Gillem's Staff. 

To J.T. Rogers, Captain and A.A.A.G., late Gen. Morgan's Staff.

HEADQUARTERS FORCES EAST TENNESSEE, Sept. 5. 

LIEUTENANT: In answer to your communication relative to the surrender and killing of the late Gen. John H. Morgan, I must say that I was with Gen. Morgan. When he left Mrs. Williams' he handed me one of his pistols, and said that he wished me to aid him in making his escape. I told him it was almost useless as we were entirely surrounded. He replied saying, that we must do it if possible. We were concealed in a clump of bushes, when a soldier road up to the fence, wearing a brown jean jacket; we naturally supposed him to be a Confederate soldier come out of the bushes. Gen. Morgan stepping at the same time through the fence, the soldier demanded a surrender, much to our surprise. Capt. Wilcox, of the Federal army, with some other soldiers, rode up. 

  I, with Mr. Johnson, hastened towards him, looking back in the direction of Gen. Morgan. I saw him throwing up his hands, exclaiming, "O, God!" I saw nothing more of him until he was brought to the street dead. I am satisfied that Johnson and myself were fired on after we surrendered, but by men so far from us that it must have been impossible to know that we were prisoners. I asked Capt. Wilcox to leave a soldier with me after I had surrendered for my own safety, which he did. We were possibly fired upon almost from every direction, but from such a distance that I am satisfied the men did it innocently. I, however, do not condemn them for firing on me after I surrendered, under the circumstances. If Gen. Morgan surrendered before being shot I do not know it. I am, Lieutenant, very respectfully, your obedient servant. 

J.T. Rogers,

Captain and A.A.A., late of General Morgan's Staff. 

C.C. FRENCH, Lieut. and A.A.G., General Giloman's Staff. 

  Extract from a letter written September 5th, by C. Withers, of General Morgan's staff, to Mrs. John H. Morgan, at Abingdon: Gen. Morgan was killed in the garden of Mrs. Williams, while endeavoring to escape. He was struck in the centre of the breast, the hall passing through his heart and coming out under his left arm. Gen. Gillem, U.S.A., gave Capt. Rogers and myself permission to wash and dress the body, which we did, with such facilities as were in our power. C.A. Withers, A.A.G. 

  Thus it will be seen that Morgan, upon the testimony of his own friends, was killed in attempting to make his escape, and after emerging from "a clump of bushes" in the garden. A more infamous coward never made a noise in this rebellion. Mention is made of the "brown jean vest" of the Federal soldier, as a part of the Confederate uniform. All the clothes Morgan had on -- vest, pants and boots -- were the Federal uniform, and had either been stolen in Kentucky, or taken from a Federal prisoner after he was captured and murdered. Our Federal boys did a good job when they killed Morgan, and they are entitled to the lasting gratitude of every remaining horse and mule in Kentucky and Tennessee.