Following are official
correspondence all that mention Tazewell, Tennesse. Tazewell was Headquarters of several
Divisions of the Union Army during the Civil War
(some records may be
accessed by clicking on blue heading)
Colonel
BENJAMIN ALLSTON, Commanding, &c.:
COLONEL:
I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that Barton's command is
ordered to Tazewell. He will destroy
all the boats on the
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
General
S. COOPER,
The
concentration of my force to meet the attack from
E.
KIRBY SMITH,
Major-General,
Commanding.
General
S. COOPER,
The
enemy 10,000 strong, with twelve pieces of artillery, have already crossed the
mountains and are in rear of cumberland Gap. With the force I can concentrate
from
E.
KIRBY SMITH,
Major-General,
Commanding.
Major
General E. KIRBY SMITH,
Every
confidence is place din you to make the best possible disposition that
circumstances will admit. It seems to the President that, unless with a view to
attack the enemy's rear with your present force, it would be better to adopt
the
S.
COOPER,
Adjutant
and Inspector General.
Brigadier
General S. M. BARTON:
GENERAL:
The major-general commanding directs me to say that the whole force of the
enemy which have crossed into Powell's Valley are moving toward
Captain Owen's company (cavalry) is ordered
to Maynardville, from which point he will observer all the crossings of
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 13, 1862.
Colonel
BENJAMIN ALLSTON,
Commanding,
&c., Cavalry Brigade:
COLONEL:
A dispatch from General Stevenson, dated yesterday and received this evening,
stated that he is in front of the enemy at Wilson's Gap and will endeavor to
hold him in check until re-enforcements reach him. Reynolds' brigade has gone
forward by rail to Morristown and will reach Tazewell to-morrow night. Barton is ordered to push forward his
command and effect a junction with Reynolds at that time and place. The
commanding general will be at Bean's Station to-morrow night, where he may
remain, but will regulate his movements to correspond with those of Reynolds'
command. The commanding general directs that you carefully observe the
movements of the enemy, especially from Big Creek and toward Clinton. He relies
upon your cavalry to defend the crossing of the river and check any advances
toward this point until, released from his operations in the valley, he can
en-force you. General Barton was directed to leave a small force both of
infantry and cavalry at Clinton. This it appears was not done, and the post is
left without the garrison intended. You will give proper directions in respect
to the security of the one boat ordered to be left there (the rest being
destroyed), and will keep it on this side of the river.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
Chapter XXVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION
HEADQUARTERS
SEVENTH DIVISION,
Bowman, East Tennessee, June 13, 1862.
Colonel
J. B. FRY:
On
yesterday I received your telegram giving me authority to operate offensively or
not according to my judgment. At the same moment I received a dispatch from
Colonel De courcy, still at Rogers' Gap, saying that the enemy evacuated
Cumberland Gap; that three regiments had arrived at Tazewell and that others were to follow. I telegraphed to Flat Lick
and received confirmatory intelligence from that place. Soon after Mr. Kellinn,
who resides within 8 miles of Cumberland Gap, arrived with information that the
huts were burned and the tents taken down on the Kentucky front of the Gap.
Previous
to receiving your telegrams of the 9th and 10th instant I had ordered General
Spears to cross at Big Creek and join me at Rogers' Gap, but on receiving these
telegrams I sent three successive couriers to him by different routes,
directing him to fall back from Williambsburg.
On yesterday two of the couriers returned
without having found General Spears, as he had already crossed the mountains.
The third courier has not been heard from, but I have just received a dispatch
from Colonel De Courcy saying that General Spears has fallen back upon Big
Creek Gap, and the enemy was reported to be in position at Cedar Creek, near
Fincastle. General Carter is now en route to Big Creek Gap, and I feel it to be
my duty to concentrate my division at the earliest moment practicable. The
enemy may not have evacuated Cumberland Gap, but simply resorted to a ruse.
I
have the honor respectfully to suggest that General Mitchel my make a diversion
against Chattanooga.
GEORGE
W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General.
BEAN'S
STATION, TENN., June 14, 1862.
Brigadier
General S. M. BARTON, Tazewell,
Tenn.:
GENERAL:
General Stevenson reports that the enemy have again retired across the
mountains; Mitchell has attacked Chattanooga in force. The general will order
the evacuation of Cumberland Gap, which movement you will cover. Details will
be sent you in respect thereto. The general commanding leaves Morristown for
Knoxville, en route for Chattanooga, to-morrow at 3 p. m. You will order
Taylor's brigade forward to Morristown that it may move to Chattanooga.
Transportation will be in readiness by daylight on Monday.
respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 16, 1862.
Brigadier
General S. M. BARTON,
Commanding
Fourth Brigade, near Tazewell,
Tenn.:
GENERAL:
The major-general commanding directs me to state for your information that a
telegram just received from Governor Harris, at Chattanooga, reports upon
reliable authority that 4,000 Federal infantry and cavalry, with twelve pieces
of artillery, were at McMinnville last night, and that 300 wagons left that
place on Friday morning for Pikeville. Re-enforcements are moving there from
farther east, destination Kingston. This intelligence is communicated to
General Stevenson by the courier who bears this.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 16, 1862.
Brigadier
General C. L. STEVENSON,
Commanding,
&c., Cumberland Gap, Tenn.:
GENERAL:
The accounts from Chattanooga are that the enemy are attempting to cross the
river. They are also threatening Kingston. The general commanding directs that
you push forward your movement with all the rapidity you can consistent with
order and safety. It is of the utmost importance that his whole command should
be on or in the vicinity of the railroad as soon as possible. Taylor's brigade
will leave Morristown to-morrow for this point. Whenever your think that Barton
can move from Tazewell-if the
movements of the enemy do not forbid-let him march direct to Knoxville,
accompanied by his wagons. If not prevented you should take the route to
Morristown, sending your wagons by direct road to Knoxville. Keep the general
commanding advised of your movements. Notify him beforehand of probable time of
your arrival at Morristown, as well as of Barton's at his point of embarkation,
wherever it may be, that arrangements may be made for transportation by rail.
Allston must have instructions to cover your movements and to watch all
approaches from Powell's Valley south. If you think you can evacuate the Gap
without being pressed in crossing Powell's River you had better direct Barton
to fall back to the south side of Clinch River on the Knoxville road.. this
will lessen the distance to be marched by him and facilitate his movement to
Knoxville. Indications are that the enemy will move from Powell's Valley to
Clinton. Allston should be directed to keep a vigilant watch in that direction.
With the principal portion of his cavalry he should make his headquarters at
Lloyd's Cross-Roads. He should report direct to these headquarters, as well as
to yourself, any information he may receive.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 18, 1862.
General
S. COOPER,
Adjutant-General,
Richmond, Va.:
The
1,500 stand of arms sent early in June just arrived here, and with 900
additional taken from the sick, have been forwarded to Chattanooga. This gives
Leadbetter some 4,000 infantry and secures the place. A brigadier-general
should be sent to command Georgia regiments just reached there, which will be
armed with the 2,400 stand mentioned above. The enemy occupy Powell's Valley in
force; my command concentrating between him and the railroad the possession of
which I will contest.
E.
KIRBY SMITH,
Major-General,
Commanding.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June ;18, 1862.
Brigadier
General C. L. STEVENSON, Commanding, &c.:
GENERAL:
Your telegram, stating that General Barton had gone by Bean's Station, has been
received. I am directed by Major General E. Kirby Smith to state that if not
pushed by the enemy you can make a stand at Tazewell or its vicinity. If pushed to the rear you can hold Bean's
Station and Clinch Mountain. The enemy should be detained as long as possible.
The general wishes to force him on the Tazewell and Maynardville road toward
Knoxville. Barton's command should take the road from Bean's Station to
Knoxville; Allston's cavalry should occupy the Maynardville route and cover
road from Powell's Valley. Six thousand rations and four wagon loads of corn
have been sent to maynardville for Barton's command and can be used by Alston.
Keep the commanding general advised of all your movements, and notify him when
transportation is wanted by rail for your brigade and for what number. All
quiet at Chattanooga.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 19, 1862.
Brigadier
General C. L. STEVENSON,
Commanding,
&c., at or near Clinch River, June 18, 2 o'clock, is just received (9.15 a.
m.) Reports state that only eleven regiments crossed the mountains, and that
they were to have moved on Cumberland Gap this morning. The general commanding
directs that you make a stand at Clinch Mountain and Bean's Station. There
seems to be no likelihood of the enemy's pressing you. Keep your cavalry at Tazewell, and scout toward Powell's
River and the Gap. Barton will march his brigade, with his wagons and
artillery, from Beans' Station to Knoxville by road. Supplies (subsistence and
forage) have been sent to Maynardville. Dispatches have been sent you daily
apprising you of all that has transpired and with instructions.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 20, 1862.
Brigadier
General C. L. STEVENSON:
Hold
Clinch Mountain and Bean's Station. Keep cavalry in advance toward Tazewell and Powell's River. Have
written by mail.
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
Chapter XXVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-
HDQRS.
SEVENTH DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Cumberland Gap, June 20, 1862.
Colonel
J. B. FRY:
It
is rumored that General Stevenson has retreated to Abingdon, and that Smith and
Barton, with their concentrated forces, are at Knoxville. My telegraphic orders
from Major-General Buell of the 10th instant do not permit me to advance upon
Knoxville, and I will not until further instructions advance farther than Tazewell, through which General Carter
will proceed to-night with his brigade and a battery of artillery. On the 9th
instant I directed General Spears to send a force to burn the railroad bridge
over the Tennessee River at Loundon. It is rumored that the bridge has been
burned. On the night of the 11th instant I was prepared to send a force to
destroy the railroad bridges at Strawberry Plains and Mossy Creek. Canteens
were filled with oil and turpentine, and bundles of fagots were soaked in the
same substance. I was in the act of giving orders for the execution of that
design at the time I received General Buell's orders. The enemy greatly
exaggerates my strength, and reports my force to be 50,000 strong. Gladness
prevails in East Tennessee, and old men and children alike weep with joy at the
entry of our troops.
GEORGE
W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General
Volunteers.
(Copy
to Secretary of War.)
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 22, 1862.
Brigadier
General C. L. STEVENSON,
Commanding,
near Clinch Mountain, Tenn.:
GENERAL: Your communication of 6 p. m.,
June 21, has been received. The commanding general directs me to say that he
does not wish the clinch Mountain given up without a show of resistance. His
desire was to force the enemy down the Tazewell
road. Barton can be ordered up by you within supporting distance and Taylor
will be directed to take post Blain's Cross-Roads. The general directs me to
say further that he does not wish to yield the railroad without a contest. The
force of the enemy which made its appearance at Tazewell he cannot but believe is a foraging expedition. Should he,
however, advance in strength the commanding general will endeavor to
concentrate and meet him. All communications by courier have failed. You had
better establish a line, with relays from your headquarters, to Knoxville by
Blain's Cross-Roads, and send duplicate copies of your dispatches by
Morristown. If Yeiser has extra men enough to man four pieces direct him to
send to men immediately to Knoxville, when pieces and equipments, ready here,
will be turned over to him.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
P.
S. - If Yeiser has not a sufficient number of extra men to man four pieces the
complement may be made up from the Eufaula Light Artillery. The general also
directs that you send your extra wagons not required by you at once to
Knoxville.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 22, 1862.
Major
HARPER,
Commanding
Cavalry, Maynardville, Tenn.:
MAJOR:
The enemy were reported to be in force at Tazewell
last night, and the major-general commanding directs that you keep your command
vigilant and send out pickets in that direction, promptly reporting to these
headquarters any information you may get. He has made preparations to meet them
in their advance.
By
command of Major General E. Kirby Smith:
E.
WALWORTH,
Aide-de-Camp.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 22, 1862.
Brigadier
General C. L. STEVENSON,
(Care
Captain Willis, Morristown, Tenn.:)
GENERAL:
General Taylor leaves here at to-morrow morning for blain's Cross-Roads.
General Reynolds leaves Loudon at daylight to-morrow morning by rail; he leaves
the railroad at McMillan's Station, 10 miles above here, and ought to reach
Blain's Cross-Roads to-morrow evening. Two thousand infantry leave Chattanooga
to-morrow morning at 8 o'clock; they can be placed at New Market Tuesday
morning and march to Rutledge, so that if required near 10,000 infantry can be
concentrated in the vicinity of Rutledge by tuesday evening. Keep me constantly
informed as to the enemy's movements. I presume that you have drawn Barton to
Rutledge or in supporting distance. Communicate with me by telegraph and send
also duplicate information by courier on the road from Bean's Station here.
Communicate with the several brigade commanders also. Should the enemy take the
route to Maynardville new dispositions can be made. Have you sent cannoneers
for the four pieces here?
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 22, 1862.
Brigadier
General S. M. BARTON,
Commanding
Fourth Brigade, Blain's Cross-Roads:
GENERAL:
The major-general commanding directs me to inform you that General Stevenson
reports the enemy at Tazewell in full
force last night, shoving indications of advancing upon the Morristown road.
General Stevenson was directed to order you up to rutledge, where he supposes
this will find you. Taylor marches to-morrow morning early for Blain's
Cross-Roads. Reynolds, leaving Loudon also to-morrow morning and getting off
the cars 10 miles from here, ought to reach Blain's about the same time as
Taylor. Two thousand infantry leaving Chattanooga at 8 to-morrow morning can,
if required, reach Rutledge tuesday evening from New Market, so that if the
enemy force the passage of the Clinch Mountain at Bean's Station we can be in
position near Rutledge with about 10,000 men on Tuesday evening or Wednesday
morning. Should be maneuver toward Maynardville our disposition can be taken
accordingly.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 23, 1862.
General
S. COOPER,
Adjutant
and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:
The
enemy have pushed their advance to Tazewell.
General Bragg telegraphs me from Tupelo, date yesterday, thus:
I
propose soon to assume offensive, with hope of success. Will want every man.
Have the President to send you aid from Savannah.
E.
KIRBY SMITH,
Major-General,
Commanding.
CUMBERLAND
GAP, June 27, 1862.
Colonel
J. B. FRY:
A
yellow boy of remarkable intelligence, the servant of Colonel Beck, of the
Twenty-third Alabama Regiment, has come in. He abandoned Colonel Beck beyond Tazewell. He represents the forces of the
enemy at the time of my advance to be as follows: Stevenson's command at the
Gap, composed of from 5,000 to 6,000 infantry and twenty-seven pieces of cannon
and one battalion of cavalry; the brigades of Barton and Taylor, composed of
seven regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and ten pieces of artillery. This
force was on its way to Chattanooga, but was recalled on its arriving at
Loudon. It was in the big valley immediately south of Powell's River, and about
6 or 8 miles on my right flank; and General Smith advanced from Knoxville with
8,000 men toward Tazewell. He
confirms the rumor that the enemy is beyond Clinch River with a contracted
force of 20,000 soldiers; but he greatly overestimates the aggregate force of
the enemy in East Tennessee, which he places at 70,000 men. He further states
that additional forces are expected from the direction of Chattanooga. The
Loudon Bridge was not burned; it was protected by two regiment.
GEORGE
W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General
Volunteers.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 29, 1862.
COMMANDING
OFFICER MORRISTOWN, TENN.:
Inform
General Stevenson immediately that Major Harper sends intelligence of a rumor
that a regiment of enemy's infantry camped last night within 5 miles of Cupp's
Ford, on the main road from Tazewell
to Knoxville, and 7 miles from Tazewell,
and that a company of infantry is advancing toward Maynardville on the Owsely
Ferry road, 7 1/2 miles from Maynardville.
H.
L. CLAY,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., June 30, 1862.
Major
A. R. HARPER, Maynardville, Tenn.:
MAJOR:
Your communication of 29th instant, reporting movements of the enemy on the Tazewell and Owsey Ferry roads, is
received. Instructions have been sent Colonel Taylor that in the event the
enemy advance in too great force he will back toward Blain's Cross-Roads and
form a junction with Colonel Reynolds. The major-general commanding directs
that you will continue to closely observe all the enemy's movements and
communicate them to Colonels Taylor and Reynolds, and in the event an attack is
deemed advisable you will co-operate with them.
Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
H.
L. CLAY,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., July 27, 1862.
Major General E. KIRBY SMITH, Chattanooga, Tenn.:
General
Stevenson reports the enemy in force at Tazewell.
They have not disclosed their line of advance.
J.
F. BELTON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
Official Records :
Page 352 | PRISONERS OF WAR AND STATE, ETC.
TAZEWELL, August 6,
1862 - 1.30 p. m.
Captain
JOLINE,
Assistatn
Adjutant-General:
CAPTAIN:
I have to report that our line of pickets had been driven in and two companies
of the Sixteenth probably cut off. The brigade is now holding the hills in rear
of the town. To retire now would be courting a rout. I require help the more
particularly as the enemy may turn me by the Knoxville road. The enemy is now
planting artillery. Yours, respectfully,
JOHN
DE COURCY,
Colonel,
Commnadng Twenty- sixth Brigade.
HDQRS.
FIRST DIVISION, DEPT. OF EAST TENNESSEE, August 7, 1862.
Brigadier
General G. W. MORGAN,
Commanding, &c., Cumberland Gap.
GENERAL: During the engagement in front of Tazewell on yesterday the Confederate
forces captured Captain Taneyhill and about fifty rank and file of your
command. I respectfully propose to exchange Captain Teneyhill and order
prisoners for Lieutenant Colonel G. W. Gordon, Second Lieutenant Pride and such
other prisoners of war as are now in your possession agreeably to the terms of
the cartel recently signed by the commissioners of our respective Governments.
I suggest that they be exchanged at Tazewell as soon as practicable. If you
will accept the proposition please designate the day on which the exchange can
be made.
Every
attention has been paid to the wounded of your command, and should you desire
it they will be delivered at Tazewell to
any surgeon whom you may designate to be removed at such time as he may think
proper.
I
have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant,
C.
L. STEVENSON,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding.
KNOXVILLE, TENN., August 7,
1862.
Brigadier General HENRY HETH,
Commanding Second Division:
GENERAL: Inclosed is a copy
of a dispatch received this morning from General Stevenson, from which it will
be seen that he is in no need of re-enforcements. A communication form General
Leadbetter to Colonel Gracie was brought to these headquarters this morning,
and was returned to those officers (Leadbetter and Gracie) with an indorsement
countermanding the order for the movement to support General Stevenson. The
major-general commanding directs that the brigades of General Leadbetter and
Colonel Gracie resume the position originally assigned them before moving
toward Tazewell.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
J. F. BELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Chapter XXVIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION
HEADQUARTERS,
Huntsville, August 8, 1862.
General
MORGAN, Cumberland Gap:
Your
information in reference to movement of troops toward Knoxville is confirmed by
our accounts from Chattanooga. This may be in consequence of our advance to
McMinnville and Pelham and your late move on Tazewell, or it may be in intention to attack your position. You
must be prepared for the letter, and push you intrenchments and get in supplies
with all possible dispatch.
JAMES
B. FRY,
Chief of Staff.
CUMBERLAND
GAP, August 9, 1862.
Colonel
J. B. FRY:
A
scout from Clinton reports Leadbetter's brigade at that place and two
additional regiments expected within a day or two. The talk among the rebel
troops there, as elsewhere, is of an advance into Kentucky. They state that
your troops are in the Sequatchie Valley. General Stevenson, with 8,000 or
10,000 men, is in the rear of Walden's Ridge, beyond Tazewell. According to the admission of his soldiers his loss on
the 6th instant was 225 in killed and wounded; our loss was 3 killed and 15
wounded and 50 prisoners. We secured 200 loads of forage 1,200 pounds of
tobacco, and 30 horses and mules.
GEORGE
W. MORGAN,
General.
CUMBERLAND
GAP, August 10, 1862.
Colonel
J. B. FRY:
There are rumors from Tazewell and Clinton of the evacuation of Chattanooga. It is said
that there is a very large rebel force in East Tennessee and that Kentucky will
be invaded. Such is my opinion. The enemy had four brigades at Tazewell on yesterday and additional
force was expected.
GEORGE
W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General.
(Same
to Secretary of War.)
CUMBERLAND
GAP, August 11, 1862.
Major-General
BUELL:
I
believe my command can hold this place against any force likely to be brought
against it. Our defenses are pushed forward with energy. I have the Third
Tennessee and Third Kentucky in the rear, occupying Cumberland Ford,
Barboursville, London, and Richmond. General Boyle will re-enforce the two
latter places. When last heard from Morgan was at Sparta. Humphrey Marshal is
said to be at or near Pound Gap with 2,000 or 3,000 men, and it is rumored that
a force of 500 cavalry has gone through that point to unite with Morgan. The
latter part of the rumor I doubt. Rebel officers at Tazewell declare that your supplies will be cut off and the line of
railroad broken up in your rear. If absolutely necessary I would risk sending a
larger force to the rear; but if possible to avoid it no more forces should be
sent away until the defenses are completed. Every ax and spade is in use. All
the timber will be cut from the surrounding hills. Will communicate with you as
my scouts come in.
GEORGE
W. MORGAN,
General.
LOUISVILLE,
KY., August 11, 1862.
(Received
Washington, August 11-12 m.)
Honorable
E. M. STANTON:
Brigadier-General
BOYLE:
It is nor physically impossible but morally
certain that the enemy has about 15,000 troops embraced within the district
extending from Bean's Station to Clinton. I know that five brigades are at
Tazewell and at least one strong brigade is at Clinton. The last intelligence
from Knoxville comes from various sources, all regarded as reliable. I sent the
Third Kentucky Volunteers to protect Barboursville. I am surprised to hear that
there should be consternation at Louisville or elsewhere. Here it is quiet as
usual, and we are prepared for the enemy whenever he may show himself to us.
Latest
intelligence.-John Morgan was at Sparta. I notified you some time since that
the enemy was collecting a large wagon train at Knoxville, but you were
confident that the preparation was for Chattanooga, while in fact the enemy had
them collected to come this way. It is certain that his forces are
concentrating at Knoxville from Virginia and the direction of Chattanooga.
GEORGE
W. MORGAN,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding.
HDQRS.
FIRST DIV., DEPT. OF EAST TENNESSEE, August 13, 1862.
Brigadier
General G. W. MORGAN,
Commanding
U. S. Forces, Cumberland Gap.
GENERAL: Having received a reply from the
major-general commanding the department concerning the transfer of the
prisoners now in my possession I will deliver at Tazewell to-day to such officer as you may designate by exchange
and parole agreeably to the terms of the cartel the prisoners of war recently
captured near that place. I will name an officer who will receive
Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon and the other prisoners of war referred to in your
communication.
I have also in my possession five citizens held under similar charges and
liable to the same penalty therefor as the two to whom you referred in your
letter of the 8th instant. I propose to make an equitable exchange of these
persons for the citizens held by you.
I
have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant,
C.
L. STEVENSON,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding.
HDQRS.
FIRST DIV., DEPT. OF EAST TENNESSEE, August 14, 1862.
Brigadier
General G. W. MORGAN,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Cumberland Gap.
GENERAL:
Your letter* of to-day proposing that the exchange of prisoners with our
respective commands take place to-morrow at Tazewell at 12 o'clock I have just had the honor to receive.
I
will cause the prisoners to be delivered to the officers named by you at the
time and place designated. I meant by "exchange and parole" in my
letter referred to the exchange for Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon and other in your
hands Captain Taneyhill and an equivalent of men; the surplus held by me to be
paroled agreeably to article 4 of the cartel.
You
seem no to have understood that portion of my letter which refers to exchange
of citizens. I proposed to make an "equitable exchange of these
persons," &c. I respectfully suggest, general, that the terms of their
exchange be fixed by the officers appointed to receive the prisoners of war.
I
hereby name Colonel Garrott and Captain Mathews to meet the officers designated
by you.
With
great respect, your obedient servant,
C.
L. STEVENSON,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding.
*Not
found.
HEADQUARTERS,
Huntsville, August 15, 1862.
General
NELSON, McMinnville:
Rebel accounts of
affair at Tazewell are false. The
facts are as follows: Morgan send De Courcy's brigade to Tazewell to reconnoiter and get forage; they procured 200 loads,
and had a slight skirmish on 5th; on morning
of 6th, as he was returning, De Courcy was attacked, not vigorously,
considering vastly superior force of enemy. Our object was accomplished and the
affair a success. We had but one brigade and a section of artillery. Loss not
serious. Nothing has occurred there since. It is of highest importance for you
to verify the report of Bragg's movement to Richmond; spare no labor, means, or
money to do so. Send General Jackson at once to report to General Boyle in
Kentucky to command a light brigade for active operations.
JAMES
B. FRY.
HDQRS.
FIRST DIVISION, DEPT, OF EAST TENNESSEE,
August 28, 1862.
Brigadier
General G. W. MORGAN,
Commanding
U. S. Forces, Cumberland Gap.
GENERAL:
I have had the honor to receive your two letters* of the 27th instant, with
schedules marked A and B, respectively, with regard to the exchange of
prisoners of war.
Diligent
search was made yesterday for the body of the soldier supposed to have been
killed in the skirmish between our pickets on the 26th instant, and the fact
that it could not be found was about to be communicated to you this morning
when your letter of the 27th on that subject was received.
On
the 15th August at Tazewell I
paroled a number of prisoners from your command with a promise from you that an
equal number of mine should be exchanged for them if captured by your division.
agreeably thereto I send herewith the names of twenty for whom please exchange
Colonel Allston and the five men now in your possession, that being according
to the terms of the cartel.
The
men named in Schedule A belong to another army, that in Virginia, and by the
terms of the cartel I am not authorized to exchange for them. It provided that
exchanges except between opposing forces " shall be made at Dutch Gap, on
James river, and Vicksburg, Miss. ; " but further, general, you could not
except me to exchange for them in preference to prisoners from my own division.
I
have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C.
L. STEVENSON,
Brigadier
- General, Commanding Division.
SPECIAL
ORDERS,
HDQRS. BRECKINRIDGE'S DIVISION,
No. 38. Knoxville, October 12, 1862.
XII. The command will move by way of Tazewell and Cumberland Gap, with two
days' cooked rations in haversacks and 40 rounds of ammunition in
cartridge-boxes, on Tuesday, the 14th, at 8 a. m. The Second Kentucky Regiment
in advance, followed by the First Brigade; batteries in rear of infantry, in
order of their commands; baggage, ordnance, and supply trains in rear of all
the troops. A suitable rear guard to each command, and rear guard of 1
commissioned officer and 50 men, to move in rear of trains, and rear of trains,
will be detailed from the First Brigade. The transportation furnished is deemed
sufficient for an adequate supply of tents and camp equipage. The firing of
small-arms on the march is strictly prohibited,and the most stringent means
will be taken by the officers to prevent straggling and plundering, and to
insure order and good discipline among the troops.
*
* * * * * *
By
command of Major-General Breckinridge:
JOHN
A. BUCKNER,
Lieutenant-Colonel
and Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL
ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS,
No. 40. Flat Lick, Ky., October 20, 1862.
I.
The major-general commanding, having resumed command of the Department of East
Tennessee, makes the following disposition of the troops:
The
Third Division, Major-General McCown commanding, will remain for the present at
Cumberland Gap. The First and Second Divisions, Brigadier-Generals Stevenson
and Heth commanding, will proceed via Tazewell
and Clinch River to Blain's Cross-Roads. An officer will be immediately sent
forward from each division to select camping grounds in that vicinity.
McMillan's Station will be the depot from which supplies will be drawn.
Division commanders will instruct their quartermasters to collect supplies of
forage at that point as speedily as possible and make all arrangements
necessary for the reception of the troops.
By
command of Major General E. Kirby Smith:
[JNO
PEGRAM,]
Chief
of Staff.
HEADQUARTERS,
Cumberland Gap, Tenn., October 22, 1862.
General
BRAXTON BRAGG, Commanding, &c.:*
GENERAL:
The head of my command has just arrived here. My men have suffered on this
march everything excepting actual starvation. There must be not less than
10,000 of them scattered through the country trying to find something upon
which to live. Of the provisions left for me at Cumberland Ford all were taken
by General Cheatham's command excepting 40 barrels, and all along my route
reports reach me of the provisions left for my men being seized by the Army of
the Mississippi. Unless some provision is made for me ahead the remaining 6,000
men now left in ranks will also have to scatter through the country to pick up
something to eat. I have ordered General McCown's division to take post here. I
shall station Generals Heth McCown's division to take post here. I shall
station Generals Heth and Stevenson along the line of the Clinch Mountain. I am
obliged to take them there to subsist for the present.
I
am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
E.
KIRBY SMITH,
Major-General,
Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Tazewell, Tenn., October 22, 1862.
Major
General JOHN P. McCOWN,
Commanding,
Cumberland Gap, Tenn.:
GENERAL:
The major-general commanding directs that as soon as a sufficient supply of
provisions arrive at the Gap you send the cavalry of Smith's Legion, together
with the commands of Colonel [H. M.] Ashby and Major Slaughter and a brigade of
infantry to Flat Lick. From this point the cavalry will scour the country well
to the front, the infantry acting as support.
Very
respectfully,
E.
CUNNINGHAM,
Lieutenant
and Acting Aide-de-Camp.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF KENTUCKY,
Yellow Fork, Tenn., October 23, 1862.
General
BRAXTON BRAGG, Commanding, &c., at Knoxville, Tenn.:
GENERAL:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday
requiring me to leave 3,000 infantry at
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E.
KIRBY SMITH,
Major-General,
Commanding.
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