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)
HEADQUARTERS,
Tazewell,
Colonel
LEMERT:
Having
ordered a captain and 50 men this morning to scout on
Your
dispatch to Colonel Bowman has been forwarded immediately, but I am afraid that
it will not reach him safe. Most all the cavalry having been sent out on picket
and scouting, I am at present unable to fill your detail as ordered, but shall
do so as soon as Lieutenant-Colonel Matson with his command returns.
THIELEMANN,
Colonel,
Commanding Post.
JANUARY 19,
1864.-Skirmish at Big Springs, near
REPORTS.
Numbers 1.-Colonel Charles D.
Pennebaker, Twenty-seventh Kentucky Infantry,
commanding District of the Clinch.
Numbers 2.-Captain Jackson Stepp, Sixth Indiana Cavalry.
Numbers 3.-Lieutenant General
James Longstreet, C. S. Army.
Numbers 1. Report of Colonel
Charles D. Pennebaker, Twenty-seventh Kentucky
Infantry, commanding District of the Clinch.
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH,
Tazewell, Tenn., January 19, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to
submit the following report for your information:
This morning about
5 o'clock a party of rebels, numbering about 125, surprised and captured about 40 men of the Sixth
Indiana Cavalry, stationed at Big Springs, on the Morristown road, 5 1/2 miles
from this place, under command of Captain Stepp. It
was a complete surprise. This officer escaped, and has been placed in arrest
and required to give an explanation, which will be forwarded to you for
information as soon as received. As soon as this was reported, a detachment of
cavalry under Lieutenant-Colonel Matson, Sixth Indiana Cavalry, was sent in
pursuit. Colonel Matson went as far as Evans' Ford, on the Clinch River, and
sent a scout across. They found no enemy, and returned. The enemy went out in
the direction of Morristown, crossing Clinch River at Evans' Ford. I sent a
scout yesterday which went in the neighborhood of Mulberry Gap, and returned
this evening. They report no enemy in that locality except small scouting
parties depredating upon the citizens. Colonel Love, commanding Third Brigade,
First Division, Cavalry Corps, is encamped near Ball's Bridge, on the Virginia
road, 14 miles from Cumberland Gap. His scouts have been several miles beyond
that point, and report information received from citizens that the enemy is in
position near Jonesville, 1,700 strong. If this is so, and I have no reason to
doubt it, I have not mounted force sufficient to dislodge them.
I am, general, your obedient
servant,
C. D. PENNEBAKER,
Colonel, Commanding District.
Brigadier General E. E.
POTTER,
Chief of Staff.
Numbers 2. Report of Captain Jackson Stepp, Sixth
Indiana Cavalry.
CAMP SIXTH CAV.,
(SEVENTY-FIRST) INDIANA VOLS.,
January 20, 1864.
COLONEL: In compliance with
your order directing me to send to you a statement in explanation of my conduct
on the morning of the 19th instant, at Big Springs, I hereby send you the facts
as they occurred. In order to present the facts clearly it will be necessary to
state what occurred the day previous.
On the morning of
the 18th I had for duty 3 lieutenants and 127 men. On that day I was ordered by
Colonel Matson to have 1 lieutenant and 30 men to report to the commandant of
the post at Tazewell, which left me
with 97 men and 2 lieutenants. Out of 97 men left me I had 40 on picket duty
and 7 on camp duty. My pickets were posted as followed: On the Mulberry Gap
road were posted 6 men and 2 non-commissioned officers; on the Evans' Ford road
were posted 6 men and 2 non-commissioned officers; on the Walker's Ferry road
were posted 8 men and 1 non-commissioned officer. These pickets were all posted
from three-fourths of a mile to 1 mile from my headquarters in camp. The
pickets on Walker's Ferry road and on Shelton's Ferry road were under the
command of Lieutenant James, of Company G, while the others I commanded my- self, visiting night and day. On the
road leading to Tazewell were posted
4 men one-fourth of a mile from camp.
On the 18th, a flag of truce
from General Vaughan's command, escorted by 6 men, came to one of the
picket-posts, and without my orders or knowledge were permitted to pass and
come to my headquarters. They represented themselves as guarding 3 Union women
through from Bull's Gap, where they had had their houses burnt and other
property destroyed. After making inquiries of the women sufficiently to
convince me of their honest intentions I permitted them to pass on. Immediately
I sent the flag of truce and the escort, guarded by 9 men and 1 non-commissioned
officer, back through the lines to the river a distance of 3 miles, with orders
not to permit any conversation whatever by them with any citizen. After this I
sent a note to the colonel commanding post stating the circumstances of a flag
of truce coming to the lines, and that I had sent them back to the river, but
received no reply. Late in the afternoon the same day a citizen reported to me
that some 15 home guards had come across the river 10 miles above, but upon
inquiring of the citizen I learned the greater portion of them lived on this
side and had frequently come over to their homes; but not being able to spare
any men from camp, the horses not being in a condition to go on a scout, I did
not think it advisable to go after them. But to guard against any danger, about
8 o'clock at night I moved the position of the picket-posts. After giving
strict orders to the men on camp guard to be on their watch and alert, and to
communicate any alarm to me, I lay down at a late hour.
About 5 a.m. on the morning
of the 19th, I was awakened by the firing and yells of the rebels, who had
completely surrounded the camp. I ordered the men to get to their arms, but the
only response I met with was for me to surrender, and that my men were already
in their hands. Seeing the condition of affairs, and knowing it was impossible
to get my men to do anything, through their fire I succeeded in getting to my
horse, which I got on and went to the hospital to order the hospital steward to
get the sick and medical stores away as soon as possible, and report the affair
at Tazewell to the commandant of
post. While putting on my bridle and saddle preparatory to going back to my
quarters if I could possibly get there, and learn the condition of my command
(which I knew must be captured), I was again fired at by several rebels, which
rendered it impossible for me to return. From the hospital I camedirectly to the headquarters of the commandant of post
at Tazewell and made known what had
happened. Upon going back with the detachment in the morning which was sent in
pursuit, I learned that 21 men of Company I had been taken or were missing, and
24 of Company G, all to 53 head.
From good evidence
I learned the rebel force had crossed at Evans' Ford and directed their course
in a westerly direction, capturing in their route 1 officer and 14 men,
purporting to be of the First Tennessee Regiment. Getting within a short
distance of my camp, a portion of them were dismounted and sent over the
mountain, evading the pickets on the Walker's Ferry road and Shelton's Ferry
road. None of the pickets were disturbed until after the attack was made on the
camp, all of them escaping except 5, who were captured as the enemy left, on
the Evans' Ferry road. The only way I can account for the camp guards making no alarm
is, they were fired on so suddenly they had no time to communicate the fact to
the camp.
Hoping this may be
sufficiently explicit, and being willing to make any statement that is asked of
me,*
I am, colonel, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
JACKSON STEPP,
Captain, Sixth Indiana
Cavalry.
Colonel KISE,
Commanding Post.
Numbers 3. Report of Lieutenant General James Longstreet,
C. S. Army.
RUSSELLVILLE, January 19,
1864.
GENERAL: Major George W. Day
reports a handsome affair at Big Springs, near Tazewell, this morning. With 100 men he attacked 150 Yankees,
killed and wounded 6, captured 3 lieutenants, 64 privates, 60 or 70 horses, 50
stand of arms, 6 wagons, and 1 ambulance.
J. LONGSTREET,
Lieutenant-General,
Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, Tenn., January 19, 1864.
Colonel
J. M. CORNS,
Commanding
Cavalry Brigade:
I
am gratified to be able to announce to you quite a handsome affair with the
enemy near Tazewell. Major George W.
Day, commanding a detachment of 100 cavalry, attacked at daylight this morning
a force of 150 of the enemy at Big Spring; killed and wounded 6, captured 3
lieutenants and 64 privates, 50 stand of arms, 70 horses, and 6 wagons and an
ambulance. I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that if
you keep on the watch and are active and enterprising, you may be able to pick
up quite a number of the enemy above you. Our own fighting with the enemy has
terminated. We skirmished lightly with him for two days, supporting our cavalry
with about 2,000 infantry, and got a good position about dark on the 17th,
after a brisk skirmish. During that night the enemy retreated precipitately and
is now supposed to be in full flight for Knoxville. Our cavalry is in close
pursuit of them.
I
am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel
and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, January 20, 1864-8 p.m.
Brigadier
General JOHN C. VAUGHN,
Commanding,
&c., Rogersville:
I
inclose herewith copy of an order* to Colonel Corns
to report for service with you. Brigadier-General Corse
has also been ordered to send a battery of artillery to you from his camp near
Bull's Gap. With this force, viz, Jones' cavalry
brigade, the mounted men of your own brigade, and the battery, the commanding
general desires you to move as soon as possible in the direction of Tazewell and operate on the flank of
the enemy, who is now supposed to be moving toward Kentucky. He is retreating
rapidly and you must move rapidly. His cavalry is said to be going toward
Kentucky, and his infantry, or part of it, toward Kentucky, and his infantry,
or part of it, toward Knoxville. It is probable, however, that the whole of his
force will leave the latter point. Vigor in your movements and watchfulness
will give you success in your expedition. Major Day's cavalry is ordered to
Bean's Station. Please send him at once the inclosed
order.* Send also as soon as you can the accompanying dispatch* for Colonel
Corns, at Little War Gap. You had better indicate to him at the same time when
and where you wish his brigade to join you.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel
and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, January 21, 1864-8 p.m.
Major
GEORGE W. DAY,
Commanding
Cavalry:
I
have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of yesterday, in
which you offer to capture the enemy's artillery and force at Tazewell. The commanding general has
concluded to give you the opportunity you seek, and for the object in view the
following arrangements and instructions are given: The cavalry of Rucker's
Legion will, as ordered last night, move to Bean's Station. You will, however,
leave that force in charge of the next officer, with the instructions you have
received, and report to General Vaughn for the men with which you are to make
the movement against Tazewell.
General Vaughn is ordered to place under of the men of Jones' brigade to swell
your command to a force of 500 officers and men. With this force the commanding
general desires you to make the movement you propose. Colonel Corns, with the
remainder of Jones' brigade, will at the same time make a demonstration on
Cumberland Gap. The success of your expedition depends upon your silence,
secrecy, watchfulness, and rapidity.
With
my best wishes for it, I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, January 21, 1864-7 p.m.
Brigadier
General JOHN C. VAUGHN,
Commanding,
&c., Rogersville:
The
commanding general directs that the movement in the direction of Tazewell, which you were directed to
make by my letter of last night, be for the present suspended. Let Colonel
Corns resume with his brigade his position near Little War Gap. The battery
that has been sent you by General Corse you may
retain.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, January 21, 1864.
Brigadier
General M. D. CORSE,
Commanding
Brigade:
A
telegram from the Adjutant and Inspector General directs that your brigade be
sent at once to Petersburg for an emergency. The commanding general therefore desires
that you will moves as early as you possibly can in the morning, and meet the
cars for your transportation at Bristol or at Carter's Station, as may be most
convenient. Please notify me, however, of the point for which your march will
be directed. The remainder of the division will be left where it is, under the
senior officer. Please advise me if General Jackson has gone after the
bushwhackers as proposed. Your transportation is not to be taken with you.
Please cause it to be turned in to Major Taylor, chief quartermaster. You had
better send your ordnance stores here to be turned in.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, January 21, 1864-8 p.m.
Brigadier
General JOHN C. VAUGHN,
Commanding
Brigade:
I
inclose a letter for Major G. W. Day, from which you
will observe that the commanding general has intrusted
to that officer an expedition to the vicinity of Tazewell for the capture of the enemy's force reported to be there.
To carry out this design I am instructed to direct that you place as soon as
possible under the command of Major Day all the well-mounted men of your
brigade, and a number of officers and men (well mounted) of Jones' brigade,
sufficient to give Major Day a force of 500 efficient officers and men.
When
the expedition is undertaken you will order Colonel Corns, commanding Jones'
brigade, to make, with the remainder of his brigade, a demonstration on
Cumberland Gap, by way of a diversion in favor of Major Day.
Please
execute these directions with the least practicable delay.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
[Inclosure.]
Chapter XLIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION
HEADQUARTERS
DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH,
Tazewell, January 21, 1864 - 12
night.
Brigadier
General E. E. POTTER,
Chief
of Staff:
GENERAL:
The evening I had various reports of the approach of the enemy. To-night the
excitement, in spite of all I could do, has become intense. There is really no
danger here, and if I had good and experienced troops there would be no
excitement. It is reported that a rebel force has crossed at Evans' Ford,
estimated at from three regiments to 9,000 men by the numerous messengers who
have come in. I have a strong picket posted, with instructions to be on the
alert, and will hold this place if it is possible to do so with the force I
have. I am well satisfied that the enemy will very soon turn his allention in this direction, for the reason that he will
hold this place if it is possible to do so with the force I have. I am well
satisfied that the enemy will very soon turn his attention in this direction,
for the reason that he will have no use for his cavalry on the south side of
the Holston after our forces fall back to Strawberry
Plains, the distance between the French Broad and the Holston
being so short that he can hold it with his infantry. The question of holding
this courier line open and the protection of trains will depend upon the force
located for that purpose. The mounted force here now is not, in my opinion,
sufficient. The men are here if they were mounted. I cannot get horses.
Colonel
S. P. Love, commanding Third Brigade, Cavalry Corps, reports from Ball's Bridge
to-day that all is quiet on his immediate front, but that the enemy is reported
at Jonesville from 1,700 to 2,000 strong; that he has sent out reconnoitering
parties in all directions for forage and to observe the enemy. I do not think
here is any danger now from the Virginia road, but the enemy will, if he
approaches here, come by the way of Mulberry Gap and on the Moristown
road. He will avoid the gap, since our forces on the right have fallen back.
There is a large amount of Government
stores here which I have not been able to send off for the want of
transportation, some thirty-five wagon-loads. The teams are employed in getting
subsistence for the troops. Inclosed you will find a
report of the district inspector, showing what is on hand and the
transportation to move it. I will send off all I can as rapidly as possible. A
telegram from Cumberland Gap this evening announces General Garrard
at Speedwell, and that he will be here to-morrow to take command.
I
am satisfied that the enemy is not in force, as it is reported by citizens. I
am on the alert.
I
am, general, respectfully, your obedient servant,
C.
D. PENNEBAKER,
Colonel,
Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, Tenn., January 22, 1864-8.30 p.m.
Brigadier
General JOHN C. VAUGHN,
Commanding,
&c.:
I
am in receipt of your note of 11 o'clock to-day from Bean's Station. The
information you therein convey as to the enemy's force at Tazewell is widely different from that given by Major Day. I think
it probable that his is the more correct. In view of the fine weather we are
now enjoying, the commanding general thinks it probable that by a well-directed
effort you will be able to obtain possession of Cumberland Gap. He wishes you
to get a sufficient number of men on the top of the mountain, while a part of Jones'
brigade makes its movement, as already directed, in front. Such an arrangement
may place the gap in your possession, and you will please endeavor to carry it
out if practicable. This design is not, however, to interfere with the movement
projected by Major Day.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel
and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
Russellville, January 22, 1864-10 a.m.
Brigadier
General JOHN C. VAUGH,
Commanding
Cavalry:
I
am just in receipt of your note of 3 a.m. to-day. I send you herewith
duplicates of the orders* issued last night for Major Day's movement to Tazewell and the demonstration of
Jones' brigade, or so much of it as may be left after furnishing Major Day with
the required number of officers and men front it. The commanding general
desires you to proceed rapidly with this movement, as ordered, keeping Corns
while making the demonstration on the north side of Clinch Mountain. Let Day go
on at once, or as soon as he can get his men. Have scouts well out toward
Blain's Cross-Roads, and also down the mountain toward Knoxville and
Maynardville. The cavalry of Rucker's Legion will remain at Bean's Station, in
charge of the officer next in rank to Major Day. Please notify me who he may
be.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel
and Assistant Adjutant-General.
Chapter XLIV. EXPEDITION FROM
JANUARY
24, 1864.-Skirmish at Tazewell, Tenn.
Reports
of Brigadier General Theophilus T. Garrard, U. S. Army, commanding District of the Clinch.*
CUMBERLAND
GAP, January 24, 1864.
The
enemy attacked Tazewell at 3 o'clock this morning.
Colonel Kise, commanding post Tazewell, telegraphs to me now at 6 a.
m.: "The enemy is advancing in large force on the Big Springs and Bear
Creek roads, coming from the Clinch." I have sent the Ninety-first Indiana
Infantry to Powell's bridge, and ordered Colonel Kise
to fall back on Powell's bridge if he is satisfied of the enemy being in large
force.
T.
T. GARRARD,
Brigadier-General.
Brigadier
General E. E. POTTER,
Chief
of Staff.
KNOXVILLE, January 25, 1864-3 p. m.
Major-General
GRANT:
Your
dispatch of 3 p. m. on the 24th is received. I have directed General Sturtis to attempt the movement that you suggest, but thus
far he has found it impossible to execute it form the opposition met with and
the worn-down condition of his horses. I will now urge it again.i
have also ordered General Garrard to attempt a raid
from Cumberland Gap, but this will be interrupted by the raid the enemy's
cavalry is now making on Tazewell. I
do not think it practicable at this time to advance in force and attack Longstreet at Morristown.
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS
DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH, Cumberland Gap, Tenn., January 25, 1864.
GENERAL:
I have the honor to report that on the 24th instant, at 3 a. m., the enemy, 600
strong,attacked our forces at Tazewell. About 100 made a dash upon the
town, but were repulsed.
All
is quiet now, and from returning scouting [parties] I learn that there is no
enemy nearer than within 2 1\2 miles of Jonesville, where a force was found,
number not ascertained.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. T. GARRARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding
District of the Clinch.
HEADQUARTERS, Sevierville, January 27, 1864-9.30 a. m.
Colonel
McCOOK,
Cavalry Division:
COLONEL:
There is a road leading from Yett's around your right
by McMahon's to this place. It is probably 1 1\2 miles across to it. I have
requested Colonel Palmer to send a picket ot
McMahon's, but it will be well to watch the movements in that direction, and if
necessary detach a small force to watch and guard it.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
S.
D. STURGIS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Dickey's House, January 27, 1864.
Colonel
E. M. McCOOK,
Commanding Cavalry Division, Army of the cumberland:
COLONEL:
You will move your division to the support of Colonels Wolford and Garrard at precisely 5 o'clock in the morning. Colonels
Wolford and Garrard have been ordered to attack as
soon as you come up.
By
command of Brigadier-General Sturgis:
WM.
C. RAWOLLE,
Captain, Aide-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. General
HEADQUARTERS
DISTRICT OF THE CLINCH,
Cumberland Gap, Tenn., January 27, 1864.
Brigadier
General EDWARD E. POTTER,
Chief
of Staff:
GENERAL:
In addition to what I reported on the 25th instant, I have the honor to state that
Colonel Kise, commanding forces at Tazewell, and whom I had authorized,
upon his informing me per telegraph that "after consulting with his field
officers he believed he should move his forces immediately in the direction of
Powell's River", to exercise his own discretion, fell back to Powell's
River bridge (on the road leading from here ot Tazewell) yesterday morning, believing
the enemy near him in force. However, up to this morning no enemy is known to
have been near Tazewell.
While
I am writing this, Colonel Kise telegraphs that his
scouts report the enemy's pickets within 1 1\2 miles this side of Tazewell.
At
Ball's Bridge, Va., 12 miles up the valley, the Third Brigade, First Division,
Cavalry Corps, is stationed.
My
scouts were near Mulberry Gap three days ago; citizens represented Jones having
passed there with a large force of cavalry in the direction of Jonesville, Va.,
though nothing has been heard of him since.
I
consider it my duty to mention that articles of subsistence are decidedly scarce
here at this time, the commissary department being nearly exhausted and no
commissary stores having left Camp Nelson by the 25th instant for this post,
although repeated applications had been made by the commissary of this post to
the commissary at
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF THE
GENERAL:
I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this army
during the past month:
On
the 24th instant the rebel cavalry made a dash at Tazewell, but was repulsed by Colonel Kise.
General Garrard has since withdrawn the garrison of
that place to Cumberland Gap, in order to whose terms of service have very
nearly expired, shall leave for their homes.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,
New Market,
Brigadier
General JOHN C. VAUGHN,
Commanding
Brigadier, 12 Miles East of Tazewell,
Sycamore Creek, through Rogersville:
The
lieutenant-general commanding directs that you proceed at once to Rogersville,
Tenn., with your command.
OSMAN
LATROBE,
Major
and Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL
ORDERS,
HDQRS. 13TH A. C., DEPT. OF THE GULF, Numbers 18.
Pass Cavallo, Tex., March 22, 1864.
I.
The following regiments and batteries are authorized to have inscribed on their
colors the names of the several battles set opposite them, in accordance with
paragraph 11, Appendix B, Revised Army Regulations, 1863:
Sixteenth
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry: Tazewell,
Chickasaw Bluffs, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg,
Jackson.
Forty-second
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry: Middle Creek, Pound Gap, Cumberland Gap, Tazewell, Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas
Post, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Jackson.
II.
The following are the dates at which the above-named actions took place:
Cotton
Plant, Ark., July 7, 1862; Tazewell,
Tenn., August 7, 1862; Richmond, Ky.,
CUMBERLAND
GAP, July 13, 1864.
Brigadier-
General AMMEN:
Major
Day (rebel) was at Tazewell this
morning with battalion of cavalry, number not known. He murdered a Union man
named Overton. I have sent Colonel Davis to intercept him; think it will be
accomplished, provided Day has not gone in the direction of Maynardville.
W.
Y. DILLARD,
Colonel,
&c.
CUMBERLAND
GAP, July 16, 1864- 5. 05 p. m.
Captain
W. P. AMMEN,
Asst.
Adjt. General, Fourth DIVISION, Twenty- THIRD Army
Corps:
At
Jonesville there are probably 500 men; at Hickory Flat, 250. About FIFTY miles
to Jonesville. Infantry would not do. Morgan was expected by the citizens at Tazewell yesterday.
W.
Y. DILLARD,
Colonel,
Commanding Brigade.
CUMBERLAND GAP, July 16, 1864.
Major-
General BURBRIDGE:
Morgan
was expected at Tazewell on the
14th. He has 11,000 men. I am on the lookout for him.
W.
Y. DILLARD,
Colonel,
Commanding Brigade.
AUGUST
3-6, 1864. -Scout from Cumberland Gap, Tenn., into Lee County, Va., and to Tazewell, Tenn., and skirmish (4th)
near Jonesville, Va.
Report
of Colonel William Y. Dillard, Thirty-fourth Kentucky Infantry, commanding
First Brigade, Fourth DIVISION, Twenty-THIRD Army Corps.
HDQRS. FIRST Brigadier, FOURTH DIV., 23rd ARMY CORPS,
Cumberland Gap, August 7, 1864.
CAPTAIN:
I have the honor to submit the following report of the scout which left this
place on the 3rd instant, myself in command:
On
the morning of the 4th instant, at 9 o'clock, I entered Jonesville; two
companies of rebels (I suppose Morgan's men) had left a half hour before I
arrived and had gone toward Abingdon. pursuing them a
few shots were fired on both sides and I succeeded in capturing 5 prisoners and
7 horses. The preacher White was among the prisoners. Leaving Jonesville in the
afternoon, I went to Mulberry Gap, and on the 5th to Tazewell and remained there that night, and returned here on the
6th at 10 a. m. General Morgan is without doubt concentrating his forces; in
fact, I read the order myself calling his forces in; he has, it is said, 1,500
men. The citizens of Lee County are expecting him. On my way to Jonesville I
found but two Union citizens. I think Lee County will produce 200,000 bushels
of corn this year. I noticed on my way that hay, corn, and oats had been stored
near the road. The crops were in fine condition, and I feel confident that
Morgan intends to occupy the county.
Hoping
that the above will meet with your approval, I am, captain, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
W.
Y DILLARD,
Colonel,
Commanding Brigade.
HEADQUARTERS,
Cumberland Gap, August 14, 1864. - 11. 45 a. m.
Captain
W. P. AMMEN,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
There
are 400 rebels, under Slemp, five miles east of Tazewell. I will send a force to cut
them off from Mulberry Gap. Can you send a scout to Thorn Hill? If you can, I
think we will be able to bag them.
W.
Y. DILLARD,
Colonel,
Commanding.
LICK
CREEK, August 21, 1864.
General
TILLSON:
I
cannot contend with Wheeler's and Morgan's forces united. One of Morgan's
brigades is reported at Blue Springs, four miles in advance of this place. I
will attack it to-morrow morning and then move to Rogersville, thus placing
myself on Wheeler's left flank, and be governed by circumstances, and, if
compelled to do so, fall back on Tazewell
and Cumberland Gap. If Wheeler besieges Knoxville I will move down on his rear
by Maynardville and annoy him every possible way. Please keep me posted on the
enemy's movements. I will move my wagons toward Rogersville to-morrow morning,
but will not leave this line until driven from it. Colonel Ingerton
attacked Rogersville at daylight this morning. Killed 25; captured 35; among
the latter Colonels Heiskell and Walker [Watkins].
ALVAN
C. GILLEM,
Brigadier-General.
KNOXVILLE, TENN., September 15, 1864.
Brigadier-General
TILLSON,
Strawberry
Plains:
Keep your whole force; we will take care of
Knoxville. General Manson will command here during my absence. Courier just in
from Colonel Melton reports that he followed the enemy to near Loy's
Cross-Roads and captured 1 of them. This prisoner reports Wheeler behind, and
is to join them above Tazewell - not
probable; moving rapidly, with but little ammunition, and not disposed to
fight. I think they will keep on the south side of the Clinch. Use your
discretion in handling your troops, and if the enemy is likely to pass you,
give General Gillem early information. If you can,
have Dillard at Cumberland Gap; send force to Tazewell. Success to you.
J.
AMMEN,
Brigadier-General
of Volunteers.
KNOXVILLE,
TENN., September 15, 1864.
Brigadier-General
TILLSON:
A
dispatch just received from Colonel Melton states that a prisoner, captured by
a scouting party from his regiment, says that Williams' DIVISION, with three
pieces of artillery, crossed the Clinch last night en route for Tazewell, where Wheeler, who is behind,
with his main force, intends joining them; that they intend going into
Virginia. I have not seen General Ammen, who is out
on the line, and I send this dispatch on my own responsibility.
W.
W. DEANE,
Captain
and Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS.
FOURTH DIVISION, TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,
Knoxville, Tenn., September 18, 1864.
Colonel
PALMER,
Commanding
Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cav., Trundle's Cross-Roads:
COLONEL:
General Manson directs me to inform you that the last seen of Dibrell and
Williams they were moving from Big Springs toward Mulberry Gap. Have had no
information from General Gillem to-day in reference
to the movement of the enemy. We have a picket at Bean's Station and Cobb's
Ford. Hope we will be able to give you full information by courier to-morrow
morning. It is reported here that Wheeler left from 100 to 200 men in the
neighborhood of Dandridge when he passed up on his raid. Probably you may be
able to find some of them in the neighborhood of Sevierville.
Very
respectfully,. &c.,
N.
A. REED,
Aide-de-Camp.
CUMBERLAND GAP, September 18, 1864.
Captain
W. P. AMMEN,
Assistant
Adjutant-General:
I
have just returned from Tazewell with
my command. The last of Wheeler's force, Jackson's brigade, passed up Big
Sycamore on Friday morning; they passed Sneedsville
the same night. There are no rebels at or near Tazewell.
W.
Y. DILLARD,
Colonel,
Commanding.
CUMBERLAND
GAP, October 16 1864.
Captain
W. P. AMMEN:
Scouts
just returned from Tazewell and
report 900 rebels at Mulberry Gap.
W.
Y. DILLARD,
Colonel.
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Knoxville, Tenn., November 26, 1864.
Major-General
SCHOFIELD,
Commanding
Forces in the Field:
GENERAL: I hope and expect that by the 1st
of next month General Burbridge will have
concentrated his cavalry force at or in the vicinity of Tazewell, have his horses shod up and a little rested, &c., and
be ready to operate against the enemy. His force will number near 4,000, half
armed with carbines and half with rifles. General Gillem
by that time will have completed the reorganization of his force, about 1,500
strong, and will be ready to take the field. The Second Ohio Heavy Artillery,
say, 1,000 effective men, and the First U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery, about
the same strength, Thirty-fourth Kentucky, 250, Fourth Tennessee, 400, and the
Third North Carolina, 300, in all 2,950, will also be ready by that time. The
First Ohio Heavy Artillery will, it is hoped, by that time be here and ready
either to take the field or used as a garrison for this place and Strawberry
Plains. The Tenth Michigan Cavalry are now nearly dismounted, but horses are on
the way here, and the regiment can be used to guard trains, if the horses do
not arrive in time to be made available. The regiment is 500 strong. My whole
force will amount to between 9,000 and 10,000 effective men. The enemy,
variously estimated at from 3,000 to 6,000 were yesterday between New Market
and Bull's Gap, engaged in effectually destroying the railroad, and I am in
hopes he will remain there until we are ready to move. If he does I propose by
a rapid and forced march to concentrate all the cavalry at or near Estillville, and at the same time to move the supplies and
foot up to Bean's Station or Rogersville. It is possible by this move that we
may be able to reach Bristol before the enemy can, and thus cut him off from
Saltville, and force him across the mountains, into North Carolina, and maybe
to destroy the salt works. Should he get the start of us we can drive him up
the valley, and North Carolina thus is opened up to us, and, for that matter,
South Carolina too. Four days' march would take the cavalry to Salisbury, from
which point we could act north or south, according to circumstances. The foot,
with a small portion of the cavalry, could cover our movements or fall back to
Knoxville, according to the necessities of the case. Breckinridge would have
either to follow us, remain to guard the salt-works, or make a counter move
into Kentucky. If he does the first it will be the means of effectually
relieving Kentucky from invasion, or if he does either of the two latter we
shall be free to operate unmolested. I submit this for your consideration, and
if you approve of the idea, please inform me by telegraph. I hope you will not
disapprove of it, as I think I can see very important results from its
execution. I owe the Southern, Confederacy, a debt I am anxious to liquidate,
and this appears a propitious occasion. We shall be ready to move as soon as
the beef-cattle, now I understand on the way from Chattanooga, shall have
arrived.
I
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE
STONEMAN,
Major-General,
Commanding.
(Same
to General George H. Thomas.)
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