Sunday, December 8, 2013

Skirmish at Blain's Cross Roads

BLAIN'S CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 1863.
 
This morning the enemy advanced in small force on Gen. Sturgis' pickets, but nothing serious since then; but few shots have been fired, and those at longrange.
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JNO. G. PARKE, Maj.-Gen.
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BLAIN'S CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 1863—4 p. m.
 
The enemy has not made any serious demonstration onthe Rutledge road up to this time; since noon they have been pressing the brigade. Spears stationed at Stone's Mill, Richland Church, about 2 miles on our right, where the river road crosses Richland Creek. They may be massing on the river road, but Gen. Granger thinks it would be risky for them to attempt this move. Still, if this be so, we may be forced to fall back on the line of Flat Creek. Gen. Sturgis will send a division of cavalry to occupy the line of Richland Creek. I regret that Elliott has been able to cross but one brigade. He is now at Strawberry Plains, and will get over as soon as he can. I am glad to hear you are coming up.
 
JNO. G. PARKE, Maj.-Gen.
 
BLAIN'S CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 1863—11.30 p. m. 
 
Yours of 8.25 just received. By the river road, I mean a road parallel to the Rutledge road, and the north side of Holston—one of the many roads not indicated on our map. The point where this road
crosses Richland Creek (Stone's Mill) is still held by Spears' brigade. I have reason to believe that there was no infantry appeared against him this evening. The last report from there was all quiet. In fact, the enemy's advance had retired and were followed by our skirmishers. How far they pursued I cannot say. No report yet made. I presume not far. My impression about Longstreet massing on the river road was not confirmed by the observations from our signal mountain. No large camp fires were visible, nor large smokes seen in our front on either road a sundown. In fact, I am now inclined to believe that there is nothing but cavalry in our immediate front. Shall I send an ambulance to Strawberry Plains for you? There is a very good one here that Col. Babcock, of the Ninth Corps, has suggested to send.
 
JNO. G. PARKE, Maj.-Gen.

3 comments:

  1. My 3rd great grandfather was Captain D.C. Smart, Co. E, 1st TN Cavalry. He was from Strawberry Plains, TN. After the war the family started moving West, His died in 1911 and is buried in Shawnee, OK.

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  2. My 3rd great grandfather was Captain D.C. Smart, Co. E, 1st TN Cavalry. He was from Strawberry Plains, TN. After the war the family started moving West, His died in 1911 and is buried in Shawnee, OK.

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  3. My g-g-grandfather was a member of this unit. His name was William J. Breeding, and he was from Roane County. We do not have a death date or location for him. Do you have any information about this soldier? Thanks very much.

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