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)
HDQRS.
THIRD BRIG., FOURTH DIV., 23rd ARMY CORPS,
In the Field, 19 Miles southwest of Tazewell,
Lieutenant
Colonel GEORGE B. DRAKE,
Assistant-Adjutant-General:
Information
from the gap on yesterday that the rebels were still there, but expecting to
move two regiments of cavalry, and a small body of infantry are reported to
have been there yesterday. It is the opinion of the citizens along the road
that they are gone. I shall press forward until I receive definite information
as to their where-abouts, and will, if possible,
intercept them. I find a great quantity of corn on this road, considerable hay,
wheat, and rye.
I
am, colonel, &c.,
J.
M. SHACKELFORD,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., FOURTH DIV., 23rd ARMY CORPS,
South of Clinch River, 10 1/2 Miles of Tazewell, Tenn.,
Lieutenant Colonel G. B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
My advance is in
I am, colonel,&c.,
J. M. SHACKELFORD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding, &c.
HEADQUARTERST
TWENTY-THIRD ARMY CORPS,
Colonel
FRANK WOLFORD,
Commanding
Independent Brigade:
The general commanding the corps directs
you to establish a courier line between here and
I
have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. DRAKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS
NINTH ARMY CORPS,
Brigadier
General EDWARD FERRERO,
Commanding
First Division, Ninth Army Corps:
GENERAL:
The commanding general desires me to communicate the following orders to you:
It
is of the utmost importance that we move at once, and with as few wagons as
possible. The Second Division is now moving with but two wagons per regiment
including headquarters. As Soon as a wagon is empty send it back, and let it
forage its way. This will save much transportation.
You
should leave Crab Orchard with fifteen days' in wagon of light rations, and as
much as the men can well carry. Have beef enough on the hoof
so that in case of delay we can decrease the other rations and increase the
beef. We must depend on the country exclusively for coarse forage, and
to some extent for corn. Do not wait for trains if they are near enough to
overtake you. Take all the wagons necessary you can lay your hands on. It is of
vital importance that we move as soon as possible and press forward with all
dispatch. Have you not a larger ammunition train than is necessary? If so, turn
in surplus to ordnance officer at Crab Orchard.
Employ
such scouts and guides as may be necessary. Look out for attempts to cut off
your trains, particularly from your left flank. Move with as much dispatch as
you can without breaking down your men. Move on the route via Barboursville and
Cumberland Ford and Gap, thence via Tazewell
to
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N.
BOWEN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
General
BURNSIDE:
At
HOSKINS,
Colonel.
His Excellency JEFFERSON
President Confederate States.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF
SIR: I have the honor to receive your letter of the 16th
instant. I am doubtful as yet whether General Meade will remain on the defensive
or again make a movement upon
If General Meade is disposed to remain quiet
where he is, it was my intention, provided the army could be supplied with
clothing, again to advance and threaten his positions. Nothing prevented my
continuing in his front the destitute condition of the men, thousands of whom
are bearfooted, a greater number partially shod, and
nearly all without overcoats, blankets, or warm clothing. I think the sublimest sight of the war was the cheerfulness and
alacrity exhibited by this army in the pursuit of the enemy under all the
trials and privations to which it was exposed. I now occupy the line of the
The reported invasion of
If you can give me any exact information as to the numbers and
position of the enemy at any pont where you think it
most expedient to send the troops, I shall be very glad to meet your views.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General.
NOVEMBER
19, 1863.-Skirmish at Mulberry Gap,
Report of Brigadier General Orlando B.
TAZEWELL,
I have the honor to report everything comes
through in good order. The rebel force that was at
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
Major-General GRANT.
BEAN'S STATION,
Maj.
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
I
was instructed by General Burnside that the security of the retreat of my
forces to
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
(Same to Grant.)
TAZEWELL,
(Received
Maj.
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
My cavalry penetrated the enemy's line of
pickets around
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
BEAN'S
STATION,
Maj.
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
My advance commenced moving on Tazewell at
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
(Same to Grant.)
TAZEWELL,
Maj.
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Colonel
Graham, finding it impossible to communicate with General Burnside, has just
returned. He reports that General Williams has been ordered to
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
(Same to Grant.)
Captain
W. P. ANDERSON,
Assistant
Adjutant-General:
General
Willcox's command has reached the gap; his rear guard
at Tazewell. All quiet here. Hundreds of citizens fleeing from
What
news have you in
W.
C. LEMERT,
Colonel, &c.
Maj.
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Dispatches
just received from General Willcox. He was at Tazewell this morning, but retreating
toward
Major-General, Commanding.
Brig.
General O. B. WILLCOX,
As you are acting under special
instructions of General Burnside, based upon a condition of affairs of which I
am not well advised, it would not be proper for me to
interfere with their execution. Give General Burnside all the assistance in
your power, and if they can be subsisted, draw down to
H.
W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Maj.
Gen. S. JONES,
Care
of Adjutant and Inspector General,
The
following just received from Major-General R. Ransom:
The
enemy is reported retreating from
R.
RANSOM,
Major-General.
Official Records : Page 311 |
Chapter XLIII.
CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION
Major-General
GRANT:
Another
of my couriers from General Burnside has just got in Tazewell from a house in the mountains where he lay concealed last
night. He learned from the family that the rebels when they had crossed the
mountain went toward Rogersville. This indicates rather a want of confidence in
Longstreet's success or a fear of movement on
salt-works. His dispatches from General Burnside are on the way to me.
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
Maj.
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
In
accordance with General Burnside's suggestion, I have ordered cavalry down to harass
enemy's left and rear, and sent a brigade of infantry to Tazewell. The rivers are fordable again. No further news from
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
(Same to Grant.)
Major-General
GRANT:
General
Wilson and Mr. Dana arrived last night and brought me yours of November 29. I have
already crossed the
Recollect
that
I
think, of course, its railroad should be absolutely destroyed, its provisions
eaten up or carried away, and all troops brought out.
Yours,
Major-General
GRANT:
General
Willcox has just received from Colonel Graham,
commanding his advance cavalry force near Maynardville, a dispatch stating that
it is reported in that neighborhood that Burnside had a successful fight with
the enemy on the morning of the 29th, in which he inflicted severe loss upon
them. It is also reported that Buckner had joined Longstreet.
I give the reports for what they are worth.
A
brigade of General Willcox's cavalry moved within 8
miles of
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
TAZEWELL,
Maj.
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
The
report of scouts sent out from the advance cavalry posts indicate that General Longstreet has commenced to retreat from his position
around
J. G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same to Grant.)
TAZEWELL,
Maj.
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Your
dispatch is received. Three messages have been sent through to General
Burnside, communicating full information of the troops marching to his relief
and enjoining him to hold out to the last extremity. Reports from the outposts
this evening concur, establishing the probability that Longstreet
is retreating from
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
Major-General
FOSTER:
Your
dispatches of yesterday received.
Move
as indicated in your first dispatch, or as may be modified by your own
judgment.
Major-General.
Maj.
General J. G. FOSTER,
Troops
from here were crossing the
Major-General.
TAZEWELL,
(Received 1.40 p. m.)
General
GRANT:
A
courier came in from the front last night with the report that heavy firing was
heard at
I
am posting my small force on the
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
Major-General FOSTER,
Major-General.
TAZEWELL,
(Received 5.05 p. m.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
A party of 8,1 of whom is
an officer, have arrived; left
J. G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same to General Grant.)
TAZEWELL,
(Received 5.30 p. m., 3rd.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Heavy skirmishing has been continued all day between
our advance cavalry and the enemy in the direction of Maynardville, which has
resulted in Colonel Graham, commanding the cavalry, being driven back to the
infantry supports on
J. G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same to General Grant.)
TAZEWELL,
(Received 5. p. m., 3rd.)
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Your dispatch received. My force is so small-being
only 5,000 men of the six-months' troops-that I shall
not be able to do a great deal. Still you may rely upon our doing something at
the right
TAZEWELL
(Received 8.35 p. m.)
Major
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Wheeler's
cavalry were repulsed at the
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same to General
Grant.)
TAZEWELL,
(Received 7.30 p. m.)
Major
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Your
dispatch is received.* I am at present completely held in check by Wheeler's
and Jones' cavalry, which is stronger than my force, with which we were engaged
all day yesterday, and by ransom's division on the road near Bean's Station. I
shall send a courier through to
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same to General
Grant.)
TAZEWELL,
A battalion of the Sixteenth Illinois
Cavalry, sent out from
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
TAZEWELL,
Major
General GORDON GRANGER:
Major-General
Grant telegraphs that General Sherman will reach
Very
respectfully yours, &c.
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General of Volunteers.
*
Of December 1.
TAZEWELL,
Major-General FOSTER, Tazewell.
GENERAL:
It seems to me that Longstreet will soon be put in a
fix, for he cannot afford to cross the river and fight Sherman, nor to leave
the river all open to Sherman and fight Granger; hence, unless his force is
greater than we suppose, he must retreat.....Since my Indiana boys have done so
well, I think we could whip Ransom if we could concentrate upon him; but I
think the present disposition of our forces is all that can be desired in the
present attitude of affairs....Yours, respectfully,
O.
B. WILLCOX, Brigadier-General.
TAZEWELL,
(Received
3.30 p. m.)
Major
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
The
enemy's cavalry retired yesterday toward Knoxville, closely followed by our cavalry.
Our scouts went 7 miles beyond Maynardville. Heavy firing was heard all day
yesterday at Knoxville. I have ordered a detachment of cavalry to blockade the
valley road from Spring House to Bean's Station.
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same
to General Grant.)
TAZEWELL,
December 4, 1863.
MY
DEAR BURNSIDE: I arrived here three days since with the force of General Willcox, with the object of being as near you as possible, so as to harass Longstreet's
flanks when he commences to retreat, as he must, for Sherman's force above is
more than a match for him. General Grant telegraphs me that Sherman will be at
Knoxville to-day or to-morrow. Three divisions of Wheeler's cavalry and Jones'
division came out and drove Graham's brigade back from Maynardville to Walker's
Ford on the Clinch River. There the infantry and artillery supports drove them
back with loss. Yesterday it all retired to Knoxville closely followed by
Colonel Graham, who is now near Maynardville. I have ordered the road from
Spring House to Bean's Station to be blockaded. All the cavalry of the division
is also to be on the road near Maynardville to act according to circumstances.
I have sent couriers to General Granger, informing him of my position, and the
favorable point for striking the flank of the retreating enemy. Ransom with his
division passed down past Bean's Station yesterday morning just after daybreak,
en route for Knoxville. The scouts report heavy firing at Knoxville yesterday.
I hope you have given Longstreet a sound thrashing, similar to the one of
Sunday morning; that was a very handsome affair. Couriers frequently arrive
from Knoxville. Yesterday a party of 125 officers and men arrived. They report
everything favorable and that you are confident of holding out against every attack
Longstreet can make. If there is anything I can do
for you more than I have done, please let me know. A thousand congratulations
on your brilliant defense which has so long monopolized the attention of the
country. Give my love to Parke.
Ever
yours, most truly,
J.
G. FOSTER,
Maj.
General JOHN G. FOSTER.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, December 5, 1863.
COLONEL:
The scouting party that went to Powder Spring Gap report a large amount of camp
fires on the road leading from Blain's Cross-Roads to Rutledge. The soldier
that I started with dispatch to Knoxville did not get through, but returned
this morning, and reported a column of rebels passing on the road leading from
Knoxville to Blain's Cross-Roads; that the column continued all night; that
they remarked, on the road, that they were going to Virginia. They expected the
Yankees had them surrounded, and that they expected to fight their way out.
From all information, it appears that they are moving in the direction of
Virginia. Whether their object is to move in our rear or not, I cannot tell, as
their movements are mysterious, and hard to understand. My headquarters will
be, this morning, 8 miles from the river.
Respectfully,
yours, &c.,
F. W. GRAHAM,
Colonel,
Commanding.
Colonel
JNumbers W. FOSTER,
Commanding
Division.
P.
S.-My patrol just returned reports, as far as can be relied on, no rebels in
the direction of Clinch, except small scouting parties; that they expected to
leave here, and would take everything of any value.
SIR:
I have the honor to report that, in accordance with orders, I marched from
camp, near the bridge over Powell River, on main Cumberland Gap road, on 27th
November, 1863.
My
brigade consisted of the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, Colonel Capron
commanding; Fifth Indiana Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Butler commanding;
Sixty-fifth Indiana Mounted Infantry, Captain Hodge commanding, and Colvin's
(Illinois) battery, Captain Colvin commanding. Beside the four guns of Colvin's
battery, there were four mountain howitzers, attached to Fourteenth Illinois
Cavalry, and two 8-inch rifled guns, attached to Fifth Indiana Cavalry. My
entire force numbered 10 field and staff officers, 47 company officers, and
1,031 non-commissioned officers and enlisted men, making an aggregate of 1,088.
I
moved, via Tazewell, taking the
Straight Creek road at that point to within 4 miles of Walker's Ford, where I
encamped for the night.
On the morning of the 28th, I crossed
Clinch River and bivouacked at Brock's, 4 miles from Walker's Ford, where my
command fed. Toward night, moved down the right-hand road, recrossing
Clinch River at Neadham's Ford, and camped for the
night near Neadham's Mill. On the morning of the
29th, I moved down Clinch River to Owsley's Ford,
where I crossed and took the direct road to Maynardville, where I camped for
the night.
On
the morning of the 30th, I marched with all of my available force on the main
road leading from Maynardville to Knoxville, having previous to starting sent a
detachment of Fifth Indiana Cavalry in advance with orders to go to the enemy's
pickets and report back as soon as they were found. I had proceeded 15 miles,
when a courier reported a small rebel patrolling party on the road, about 4
miles in advance of my main force, and which my advance had driven in. I halted
my command at this point, and remained there some time, awaiting further
information. On learning there was a force of rebels at or near Blain's
Cross-Roads, I moved back to Maynardville and camped for the night, throwing
out strong picket force and small patrol parties on all the roads on the front
and left.
On
morning of December 1,my pickets were attacked at the gap, 4 miles below
Maynardville, on Knoxville road. They were speedily re-enforced by detachments
from each regiment and two of the Fourteenth's howitzers. More or less firing
took place during the day, both parties holding their ground. Scouting parties
were also sent out in considerable force during the day. The one on the road
leading to Blain's Cross-Roads was driven back, and during the afternoon I had
such information as led me to believe that a considerable cavalry force of the
enemy was approaching, and by 9 p.m. I became convinced that an attempt would
be made to surround and capture my command.
I
decided at once to move, but several of my scouting parties being several miles
out I could not get my force concentrated till near midnight, when, all being
in, I moved quietly on the road to Walker's Ford, leaving Company M, Fifth
Indiana Cavalry, at the point where the road from Blain's Cross-Roads comes in,
with instructions for a part of it to patrol the road back to Maynardville;
proceeding on to Brock's, I halted that the men and horses might be fed. This
was about 5 a.m., December 2.
Forage
parties were sent out, and rations were being issued as daylight appeared, and
my pickets in rear of camp were vigorously attacked. Although my command was
tired, men sleepy and hungry, and the natural condition of my camp, after a
night's march, somewhat irregular, yet all were under arms and in shape to
repel the attack in the very shortest possible time.
I immediately sent the Fourteenth Illinois
Cavalry to the river and down the road leading from Walker's Ford to Rutledge,
feeling confident that I could, with the remainder of my force, keep the enemy
in check and make good my retreat to and across the river. Two guns of Colvin's
battery were sent to Walker's Ford, with orders to cross and take position on
the bank of the river so as to command all the approaches to the fords. By half
past seven o'clock my pickets had fallen back to Brock's house, the enemy
advancing in such numbers as to compel them to give way at this time. My main
force was in position, the Sixty-fifth Indiana on the left of the line, a
portion of the Second and Third Battalions, Fifth Indiana Cavalry in center,
and one company of the Sixty-fifth Indiana, and one from the Fifth Indiana
Cavalry on right. The guns of the Fifth Indiana Cavalry were put in position in
rear of center, on a rise of ground, from which they did good service in
keeping the enemy in check. Three companies of Fifth Indiana Cavalry, under
command of Major Woolley, and one section of Colvin's
battery, under Captain Colvin, were placed in reserve.
The
firing had now become somewhat brisk, and the enemy not only showed his force,
but made attempts to flank my position. I could only prevent him from doing so
by gradually falling back, which I did, to the point near Yeadon's house, where
I brought my command into close order, and under cover of a fence and a log
house or barn. The enemy here made a charge in column, which was splendidly met
by a portion of each regiment, and which proved decidedly disastrous to the
enemy.
My
artillery had now been retired, the information of the ground on which it had
to pass being unsuited to its use. The enemy being exhausted [exasperated] at
their repulse pushed on furiously, but the gallant officers and men of my
command were not to be driven back so easily; on the contrary, they manfully
contested every foot of ground, falling back slowly to a point about 1 mile
from the river, where they were re-enforced by the One hundred and sixteenth
and One hundred and eighteenth Indiana Infantry, Colonel Jackson commanding
brigade.
These
regiments being in position and my men being out of ammunition, I retired my
force across the river, thus ending the fight, so far as the Fifth Indiana
Cavalry and Sixty-fifth Indiana Mounted Infantry were concerned. Colvin's
battery was engaged for some time after in shelling the enemy, and the
Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry was also engaged for a short time after on the road
leading to Rutledge. I respectfully refer you to the report of Colonel Capron,
herewith attached, for an account of the part the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry
took in repelling the attack and advance of the enemy.
I
now come to speak of the enemy, his designs and expectations. After hearing
reports of prisoners and the citizens along the line of the enemy's march, I am
confident that there were five brigades of cavalry and mounted infantry brought
against my little force, the whole under command of Major-General Martin. The
design was to keep my force engaged at the gap, 4 miles below Maynardville,
until a portion of their forces could be moved from Blain's Cross-Roads into
the road between me and Walker's Ferry, and at the same time a sufficient force
had been sent around my front (Owsley's Ford) to
blockade the road to that point. At daylight, on morning of 2nd instant, my
entire command was to have been surrounded. The enemy moved on to a
consummation of the object he so devoutly wished for, only to find he had
surrounded a camp barren of everything save the fires which my [men] had left
in good order.
In
surrounding my camp he did, however, capture a portion of M Company, Fifth
Indiana Cavalry, which had been left to patrol the road back to Maynardville,
and were not able to cut their way out. Finding themselves foiled in their
first attempts, they next tried to cut my command off at Walker's Ford, and
that, too, proved a failure, and at the same time cost them a considerable loss
in killed, wounded, and prisoners.
From
all the information I can get, and having made every effort to get at their
loss, I am satisfied they lost 25 killed, about 50 wounded, and 28 prisoners.
Major-General Martin was wounded in the
wrist. Colonel Dibrell, commanding brigade, was seriously, if not mortally,
wounded. His adjutant-general was killed. Captain ----, who led in the charge,
was also killed. Of the officers and men of my command I cannot speak too
highly; fighting as they did, at the least calculation, five times their
number, and standing unflinchingly as they did for eight hours before such a
superior force, and only retiring from the field for want of ammunition,
certainly indicates the highest order of bravery. It is hard to make special
mention of any single one when all did so well. I must, however, speak of those
who came under my special notice. Lieutenant John O'Neil, Company I, Fifth
Indiana Cavalry, my acting assistant adjutant-general, rendered me great
assistance in conducting the engagement, was constantly under fire, and was
finally wounded and taken from the field. Lieutenant R. P. Finney, Company H,
Fifth Indiana Cavalry, my aide-de-camp, proved himself a brave and efficient
officer. Captain Hodge, commanding Sixty-fifth Indiana Mounted Infantry,
displayed the highest order of bravery, as well as decided good judgment in
commanding his force, and I take pleasure in recommending [him] for speedy
promotion to the position of a field officer. Lieutenant-Colonel Butler, Fifth
Indiana Cavalry, was, as on all previous occasions, cool and determined, and at
all times kept control of his men. Adjutant Roberts, Fifth Indiana Cavalry,had his horse shot under him.
I
am glad to state that the officers and men of the Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry
all acted nobly their part. On their efforts depended much of the success of
the day.
In
conclusion, I have to append a list of casualties, which, under all the circumstances,
I am happy to record as small, considering the largely superior force opposed
to mine and the closeness of the two during certain portions of the engagement:
Sixty-fifth
Indiana Mounted Infantry, 2 men killed and 6 wounded; Fifth Indiana Cavalry, 2
officers wounded and 5 men killed, 10 men wounded and 10 men missing;
Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry, 7 men wounded. Total, 2 officers wounded and 7 men
killed, 23 men wounded and 21 men missing.
Very
respectfully,
F.
W. GRAHAM,
Colonel,
Commanding Brigade.
Official Records: Page 344 KY., SW., VA., Tennessee, MISS., N.ALA,
AND N. GA. Chapter XLIII.
TAZEWELL, Tennessee, December 6, 1863-9.20 a.m.
(Received 8 p.m.)
Major Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
After the repulse of the enemy's cavalry at the
Clinch River on the 2nd, their whole force continued to hover around,
endeavoring to turn our flanks and to force some of the fords. In all these
efforts they were foiled and driven back in several small encounters. In
addition we succeeded in blockading a portion of the valley road near Ruttledge in the front of Ransom's column.
Yesterday the whole cavalry force withdrew in the
direction of Knoxville. Graham's brigade followed a short distance.
To-day I unite Garrad's
brigade with it and send the whole forward under Colonel Foster to hover on the
enemy's rear.
It is reported that the roads in front are
blockaded, and that the enemy have burned the railroad bridges at Strawberry Plains
and Mossy Creek. If this be so, it indicates that Longstreet
is, or soon will be, retreating. Scouts report cannonading yesterday in the
direction of Clinton.
J. G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
TAZEWELL, Tennessee, December 6, 1863-noon.
(Received 8.15 p.m.)
Maj. General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
The cavalry scouts just returned from the vicinity
of Blain's Cross-Roads report a rebel column passing all last night from
Knoxville to Blain's Cross-Roads. They heard the men say that they were going
to Virginia; that the Yankees had them surrounded., but that they were going to
fight their way out. My scouts on the top of Clinch Mountain say large
camp-fires were seen last night on the road from Blain's Cross-Roads to
Rutledge. I have no doubt that Longstreet is
retreating. My division of cavalry is moving on his rear through Maynardville
and Blain's Cross-Roads.
J. G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same to General Grant.)
TAZEWELL, Tennessee, December 6, 1863-6 p..m.
(Received 2.15 a.m., 7th.)
Major-General HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
There seems no doubt that Longstreet
is in full retreat. A deserter who came in to-day reports that he came out with
the column from Knoxville on the 4th. The infantry and transportation moving up
the valley on the other side of the Holston, and the
cavalry from this side to cover from my attack. The talk among the soldiers was
that they were going to Virginia or North Carolina. Foster's cavalry division
was 4 miles this side of Maynardville at 2 p.m., when the courier left,
preparing to attack the enemy's cavalry.
J. G. FOSTER
Major-General.
(Same to General Grant.)
CHATTANOOGA,
December 6, 1863-4.15 p.m.
Major
General J. G. FOSTER,
Tazewell, Tennessee,:
Instruct
your cavalry to follow Longstreet to the last minute.
It is not necessary that they should attack the main force, but follow up the
rear, hasten the retreat, pick up stragglers, and destroy the road as far east
as possible. If your troops can get as far as Saltville and destroy the works
there, it will be an immense loss to the enemy.
U. S. GRANT,
Major-General.
No.
45.
Report
of Colonel John W. Foster, Sixty-fifth Indiana Infantry, commanding Second
Cavalry Division.
DECEMBER
6, 1863.
One
brigade of my division is at Mr. Fetridge's, 4 miles
southeast of Maynardville; the other is 2 miles from it, between Log Mountain
and Copper Ridge, on Bull Run Creek. Jones' cavalry division is just beyond
Copper Ridge within sight of my pickets. Heavy skirmishing with him to-day,
capturing a number of prisoners, including 1 captain and 70 fine horses.
Wheeler's
cavalry corps is protecting Longstreet's rear. A part
of his force is protecting Blain's Cross-Roads. His retreat is quite leisurely.
My force is not large, and in bad condition. I will push the enemy as much as I
can. Have the cavalry below communicate with me. Generals Foster and Willcox are at Tazewell.
God
bless you.
JOHN
W. FOSTER,
Colonel,
Commanding Cavalry Division.
Brigadier-General
SHACKELFORD.
HEADQUARTERS
OF THE ARMY,
Washington, December 7, 1863.
Major
General J. G. FOSTER,
Commanding
Department of the Ohio, Tazewell,
Tennessee:
GENERAL:
The Secretary of War has just shown me your telegram to him in regard to
quartermasters and commissaries. I have not seen your order, but am informed
that it includes the quartermasters and commissaries assigned by the heads of
their corps to the great depots at Louisville and Cincinnati, established for
the supply of several armies and departments. Any sudden change of this kind
would seriously interfere with the supplies not only for your department, but
also for those of General Thomas, Sherman, and Schofield.
It
was for this reason, as I understand it, that the Acting Quartermaster-General
protested against your order, and asked that it be countermanded.
Staff
officers belonging exclusively to your army corps are directly under your
command and subject to your orders, but those who are assigned to duty at
general depots must be left under the orders of the heads of their own staff
corps or departments. Any recommendations you may make in regard to officers
assigned to duty at depots of general supply will receive due attention.
Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
H.
W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
TAZEWELL, Tennessee, December
7, 1863-7 a.m.
(Received
3.50 p.m.)
Major
General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
Longstreet is in full retreat up the valley. Your
orders about following with cavalry shall be carried out. My division of
cavalry attacked the enemy's cavalry in one of the passes of the Clinch
Mountain yesterday afternoon and are now pushing them vigorously. I have not
yet heard of the approach of our cavalry from Knoxville. I have sent General Willcox with his infantry and artillery toward the
mountains to attack the enemy's flank at Bean's Station. Couriers from
Knoxville arrived last night. The road is clear. Sherman arrived there
yesterday.
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same
to General Grant.)
TAZEWELL, December 7,
1863-9 p.m.
Major-General
GRANT:
I
have returned from the Clinch River where I expected to join a brigade of
infantry and drive the enemy from the summit of Clinch Mountain, so as to play
on the flanks of the retreating enemy with artillery; but the troops were so
weakened by the one-quarter rations that they have had for some months that
they did not get to the position in time. The cavalry have skirmished with the
enemy all day. Upon my return here I find a dispatch from General Burnside
desiring me to join him with my whole force. This I shall do, as my force is
too small to do much by itself. General Burnside thinks Longstreet is not defeated, but is merely falling back to avoid Sherman.
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
(Same
to General Halleck.)
TAZEWELL, December 7,
1863
Major-General
BURNSIDE:
Since
my arrival here on the 2nd I have kept the small force under my command
skirmishing with the enemy continually. Their force being much larger than
mine, we have not been able to make much progress. The infantry and artillery started
this morning for Bean's Station for the purpose of attacking the retreating
columns of Longstreet. Soon as I have accomplished
this I will join you at Knoxville. The cavalry under Colonel Foster have been
at Blain's Cross-Roads pressing the enemy's cavalry for two days.
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
Major-General
GRANT.
KNOXVILLE,
December 7, 1863.
I
have just written the following letter to General Sherman,* who at daylight
this morning reversed all his troops with the exception of Granger, and started
them back to you. Elliott has not yet reported; when he does I shall put him
upon the right flank of the enemy. Our troops are in motion in pursuit of Longstreet, and I shall join them to-day unless Foster
arrives. He was at Tazewell last
night. I have been able to organize a column of pursuit of about 8,000 men.
Granger is crossing Little River now, and will probably be here to-night. The
rear guard of the enemy is at Blain's Cross-Roads. I can scarcely express to
you my obligations for the prompt assistance rendered by you to my command.
A.
E. BURNSIDE,
Major-General,
Commanding.
Major-General
GRANT.
KNOXVILLE,
December 9, 1863.
The
pursuing column has continued to press on the enemy's rear. Daily skirmishing
between our cavalry and their rear guard. Our cavalry advance is now between
Rutledge and Bean's Station. The main body of the enemy's infantry is
undoubtedly going up the main valley road toward Virginia. Indications are that
the division of Buckner's corps that joined Longstreet,
and part of Wheeler's cavalry, are endeavoring to rejoin Bragg by way of North
Carolina, through the French Broad Gap. I have been ill for two days, confined
to my room, and General Parke is at the front
conducting the pursuit; he will take care not to involve himself in any
disaster. General Foster was at Tazewell
at last accounts, but my advices from him are meager; he will probably reach
here within a day or two. Would it not be well for the forces in the east to
make a serious and desperate attempt to break the Virginia railroad in Longstreet's rear?
A.
E. BURNSIDE,
Major-General.
Major-General
GRANT.
HEADQUARTERS
OF THE ARMY,
Washington, December 7, 1863.
Major
General J. G. FOSTER,
Commanding
Department of the Ohio, Tazewell,
Tennessee:
GENERAL: The Secretary of War has just
shown me your telegram to him in regard to quartermasters and commissaries. I
have not seen your order, but am informed that it includes the quartermasters
and commissaries assigned by the heads of their corps to the great depots at
Louisville and Cincinnati, established for the supply of several armies and
departments. Any sudden change of this kind would seriously interfere with the
supplies not only for your department, but also for those of General Thomas,
Sherman, and Schofield. It was for this reason, as I understand it, that the
Acting Quartermaster-General protested against your order, and asked that it be
countermanded.
Staff
officers belonging exclusively to your army corps are directly under your
command and subject to your orders, but those who are assigned to duty at
general depots must be left under the orders of the heads of their own staff
corps or departments. Any recommendations you may make in regard to officers
assigned to duty at depots of general supply will receive due attention.
Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
H.
W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
TAZEWELL, December 8,
1863.
Major-General
BURNSIDE:
Knoxville.:
MY
DEAR GENERAL: I received your request through Colonel Foster to move down and
join you. I shall do so as soon as the provision wagons that have left the gap
arrive so that we can escort them. I believe Longstreet
to be in full retreat, the rear of his infantry about opposite here. The rear
guard of his cavalry is between Blain's Cross-Roads and Rutledge.
Colonel
Foster with the cavalry has moved to join your cavalry.
I
hope to see you soon.
With
best regards, yours, most truly,
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
TAZEWELL, December 8,
1863.
Major-General
BURNSIDE,
Knoxville:
I
received your dispatches sent by courier this p.m. at 4 o'clock and have
forwarded them by telegraph. The main body of Longstreet's
infantry is now near Bean's Station. It will be necessary for the infantry
force to remain here one day longer
to prevent interruption into this part of the State from which we are now
drawing forage and subsistence.
I
will see you soon.
JNumbers G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
WASHINGTON,
December 9, 1863-10.30 a.m.
Major-General
FOSTER,
Tazewell, Tennessee:
Telegraph
directly to General Grant in regard to your movements. Dispatches received here
in regard to Sherman's movements are so conflicting that I am left in doubt
whether he is advancing up the valley or returning to Chattanooga.
H.
W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
KNOXVILLE,
December 9, 1863-3 p.m.
Major-General
PARKE:
Move
with great caution and do not get too far up. Dispatch from General Foster just
received, stating that his infantry will not leave Tazewell till to-morrow morning. He reports main body of Longstreet's infantry at or near Bean's Station.
Communicate with me frequently.
A.
E. BURNSIDE.
Major-General.
HEADQUARTERS
FOURTH ARMY CORPS,
Knoxville, December 9, 1863-3.30 p.m.
General
G. H. THOMAS,
Chattanooga:
I think Burnside is retaining us here
beyond all reason. The weather is fine and we could now return without much
suffering but the moment it rains the roads will become impassable, and great
suffering must ensue among our officers and men who are without shelter, badly
clad, and not half fed. Four thousand men (two brigades, Mott's and Spear's)
arrived here this morning, which makes Burnside's force strong enough for every
emergency, and more than he can feed and clothe. Parke, with the
bulk of the Ninth and Twenty-third Army Corps and 4,000 cavalry, is near
Rutledge, in pursuit of Longstreet, who was at Bean's
Station yesterday.
I
don't think our troops can possibly overtake him. Foster is still at Tazewell with his infantry; what he
intends to do seems uncertain.
Our
steam-boats are stuck fast, 22 miles below Kingston, and no possibility of
reaching them from this with wagons.
G.
GRANGER,
Major-General.
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee,
December
9, 1863-5.30 p.m.
Major-General
PARKE,
On
Road to Rutledge:
From
dispatches received from General Foster I am satisfied he has misunderstood our
dispatches and is on the eve of starting with General Willcox's
command for this place. I have sent Fearing out to stop him, and to send the
forces back to Tazewell with a view
to moving to Bean's Station in order to co-operate with you. I started Spear's
brigade for Strawberry Plains to be stationed there, and Mott's brigade will
have to join General White's division to-morrow morning. It would be well to be
very cautious in your advance. I hope to leave here to-morrow morning to join
you.
A.
E. BURNSIDE,
Major-General.
TAZEWELL, December 9,
1863-6.40 p.m.
GENERAL:
General Longstreet and staff passed Bean's Station
yesterday morning about 10 o'clock. Some of his infantry is with infantry
passed on the Bean's Station and Rogersville road. They retired from Clinch
Mountain late last evening and this morning, leaving two pieces of artillery
and one regiment of cavalry; pickets of the enemy are still in the gap. I have
no doubt this information is substantially correct.
Very
respectfully,
O.
B. VILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
Maj.
Gen. JOHN G. FOSTER,
Commanding Department of the Ohio.
HEADQUARTERS
CAVALRY CORPS,
Bean's Station, December 9, 1863-5 p.m.
GENERAL:
I occupied this place with my command at 12.30 o'clock instant. I am directed
by General Parke, commanding forces in pursuit of the
enemy, to remain here with my command and open communication with your across
the mountain. The rebel infantry finished passing this point, going up the
Rogersville road late last evening.
Citizens
report that some infantry under Jones went out on the Morristown road. A large
body of rebel cavalry, with artillery, went down the Morristown road this
morning. I have had considerable skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry to-day.
We have captured over 100 prisoners since we left Knoxville.
The
greater part of Colonel Foster's division is greatly in want of ammunition,
both small-arms and artillery. I sent a messenger to Tazewell this morning with dispatch for you, and also to try and
obtain rations for my command. I directed him to give you full particulars of
our condition.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.
M. SHACKELFORD,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding.
Major-General
FOSTER,
Tazewell.
N.
B.-General Parke is at Rutledge, 9 1/2 miles from
this place.
TAZEWELL, December 10,
1863.
Major
General JOHN G. PARKE,
Bean's
Station:
GENERAL:
General Foster directs me to communicate with you, and if you advance beyond
Bean's Station to join you with my infantry force; also to supply you with
rations to the extent of my ability. I have sent forward 10,000 rations to
General Shackelford to-day,and another train is
expected to-morrow. It might be well to make a temporary depot at Bean's
Station. If you have a telegraph operator we can communicate by telegraph. The
line is perfect to Evan's Ford, and I have sent wire to-day to repair it to
Bean's Station.
Very
respectfully,yours,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
TAZEWELL, December 10,
1863.
Respectfully
forwarded.
Colonel
Foster ordered his train to Blain's Cross-Roads; it probably contains
ammunition. A train of rations is expected here at 9 o'clock this morning, and
will be sent to Bean's Station without delay.
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
Major-General
BURNSIDE.
RUTLEDGE,
December 10, 1863-4.30 p.m.
GENERAL:
Major Cutting reports from Bean's Station at 2 p.m. that a portion of the
brigade sent toward Morristown took the Russellville branch, and met the enemy
at the river; found them in too great force to dislodge, and remains facing the
enemy at Moore's Ferry, about 10 miles from Bean's
Station, guarding wagon trains. Two strong divisions of their infantry had left
there the morning previous. One hundred of the enemy's cavalry have attacked a
company of ours on river 6 miles from here. A number of small parties are
reported on other side river. General Shackelford is in communication with Willcox, at Tazewell;
the road had not been obstructed by the enemy. Willcox
is about forwarding supplies and repairing the telegraph.
Respectfully,
JNO.
G. PARKE,
Major-General.
TAZEWELL, December 11,
1863.
Your
dispatch of the 8th (8 p.m.) received yesterday. I have telegraphed to all
commanding officers, quartermasters, and commissaries, from here to Camp
Nelson, to hurry forward provisions, shoes, and stockings. I have just received
a dispatch from Major Conover, Mulberry Gap, who reports 300 rebels near the
Black Water salt-works;and he also learns by scouts
sent beyond Sneedville and by deserters who came in this morning that there is
a large force at Flat Gap, 10 miles from Sneedville. This, of course, has
prevented his scouting force, as I advised you in my last dispatch. The force
at that gap is variously estimated from 1,000 to 10,000 men. I suppose it is a
brigade guarding Longstreet's flank from an attack in
this quarters, but possibly they may have in view a raid across our line of
communications.
The
block-house at Mulberry Gap is progressing well.
O.
B. VILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS
ARMY OF THE OHIO,
December 12, 1863.
Captain
POE,
Chief
Engineer, Department of the Ohio:
SIR: You will give such orders as will
insure the speedy completion of all works at prominent points for defense about
Knoxville. The works will be inclosed and made so as
to render the place defensi ble
by the garrisons of these works alone. You will then proceed to Lexington,
visiting on your way Tazewell,
Cumberland Gap, Mulberry Gap, where the road crosses Powell's River, and
furnish the commanding officers of these places with plans of such works as in
your judgment are required for their defense.
By
command of Major-General Foster:
JNumbers F. ANDERSON,
Major
and Aide-de-Camp.
Major-General
FOSTER.
TAZEWELL, December 14,
1863.
GENERAL:
Nothing further from the enemy on my left, except that yesterday a force of
about 400 cavalry were this side Clinch River, on the Sneedville road,
committing depredations; probably scouting and foraging. Nothing from them
to-day. I sent your order to Captain Gross, who is coming on. I have sent to
Barboursville for wire; also sent to Cumberland Gap for axes, and they will
leave there for Knoxville to-morrow. No cross-cut saws, and have telegraphed
Hall for one hundred.
This
Sixth Indiana Cavalry are used up, and there is not sufficient cavalry force to
scout the Sneedville road.
Very
respectfully,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
Major-General
FOSTER.
HEADQUARTERS
CAVALRY CORPS,
Yoe's House, 6 Miles from Rutledge, December, 14,
1863-8.30.
Major-General
PARKE,
Commanding
Forces:
GENERAL:
I have withdrawn my line to this side of the road leading to the river, 2 miles
above Turley's Mill. I am thoroughly satisfied that Longstreet's
command is in our front, and I think his cavalry is moving down the river. The
picket from the Poor Valley road reports heavy firing over the mountain this
evening in the direction of Tazewell.
A dispatch came from General Foster to you; it had been opened by General Ferrero, and then addressed to you or me. I read it and
sent it back immediately.
I
am, general, very truly,
SHACKELFORD,
Brigadier-General.
TAZEWELL, Tennessee,
December 14, 1863.
Major-General
FOSTER,
Knoxville:
GENERAL:
I have the honor of reporting that I arrived here this evening at about dark,
having left Rutledge at 9 a.m. and Bean's Station at 1.30 p.m.
Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock accompanied
General Parke to Bean's Station, and together with
Lieutenant-Colonel Bowen and myself looked at the ground in that vicinity with
a view to conform to your instructions. We decided that the works should
partake of the nature of detached redoubts, placed in defensive relations with
each other and the ground they were to occupy, or rather, an approximation
thereto was chosen. Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock will make further examination
and fix their exact locality. At the crossing of the Clinch River (Evans' Ford)
I found a sufficient guard, under the command of Colonel Kise.
The river was rising quite rapidly, but the guard had raised and repaired the
ferry-boat, which was crossing successfully, being pulled back and forth by
hand upon a cable stretched from one shore to another. I think that it would be
well, as a matter of security, to have another boat built there, and will so
notify Colonel Babcock. I found the road from Bean's Station to Tazewell much better than I expected,
and I think that it will prove a passable winter road. When I arrived here this
evening it was too dark to see, but I will go over the ground early in the
morning. I find that considerable has been done here, and that fortunately there
is an officer here with his regiment (Colonel Jackson, One hundred and
eighteenth Indiana Volunteers) who is perfectly competent to do whatever may be
required in the way of construction. A stockade is now being built at Mulberry
Gap, and from the description given me by General Willcox
it seems to be just what your instructions contemplated for occupancy by
outposts. I will next examine the crossing of Powell's River, and then will go
to Cumberland Gap.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
O.
M. POE,
Captain,
and Chief Engineer, Army of the Ohio.
TAZEWELL, December 14,
1863.
Major-General
PARKE:
GENERAL:
About the time of Poe's arrival the linen to Bean's Station ceased to work. It
is poorly put up between Thorn Hill and the station. I have no news in addition
to that sent General Foster yesterday through General Shackelford, except that
about 400 cavalry are reported to have crossed the Clinch from War Gap, on the
Sneedville road, and were committing depredations. This came from Mulberry Gap
last night, since when I have received two dispatches from there with no
additional intelligence.
Very
respectfully,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
TAZEWELL, December 16,
1863-5.40 p.m.
Major
General JOHN G. PARKE:
GENERAL: Your dispatch of 6.45 p. m.
yesterday received at 3 p.m. to-day. I sent you a dispatch this morning,
inclosing others, both to you and General Foster, which were written night
before last, but the first courier failed to get through. I hope you will
receive those sent to-day. I have answered General Foster affirma
tively in regard to the Twenty-third Corps, and
replied fully to all dispatches received. I directed the courier who carried
the dispatches to take a road which would take him in a little below Rutledge.
A deserter from Longstreet's army reports that his
brigade moved farther down from below Rogersville a few miles on Sunday. I fear
you have had his whole army on your hands to-day. The enemy are at Thorn Hill
in considerable force, and they are reported at other points between the river
and the mountain. Please send me as early intelligence as possible. Success to
you. The disposition of the troops between the river and Cumberland Gap will
depend upon the information I may receive.
Very
respectfully,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS,
Minett's House, Maynardville Road, December 18, 1863.
GENERAL:
Your note is just received. A brigade was sent last evening to occupy the gap on
General Spears' left and to examine the country from Stone's Mill to the Holston. I will send an officer at once to see that there
is no mistake in this matter. Your request in regard to a chain of couriers to Tazewell will be complied with at once.
I
have just received a note from General Elliott, at Richland Creek bridge. He
reports one of his brigades crossing at McKinney's Ford. General Spears
represents to him that the enemy is in possession of Nance's Ford, or commands
it. I think he should satisfy himself of this by a reconnaissance, and I will
direct him to do so, which you will have time to countermand should you deem
necessary. I would respectfully suggest that as General Spears has a brigade of
cavalry at Stone's Mill, he might order such reconnaissances
as are necessary from that, in the event of any misunderstanding by the other
troops I have sent.
Respectfully,
your obedient servant,
S.
D. STURGIS,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding Cavalry.
Major-General
PARKE,
Blain's
Cross-Roads.
Major-General
GRANT,
Chattanooga.
KNOXVILLE,
December 19, 1863. [Received Chattanooga, 21st.]
I
have just returned from the front to find your telegrams of the 15th, 16th, and
18th.
Longstreet is near Rutledge with a force equal to
my own, but shows no disposition to attack us in our position. Had
circumstances been favorable, I intended to attack him, acting in accordance
with what I understood to be the wishes of General Halleck,
but I am not sure that it would prove a good operation; at any rate, the freshet
in the river from the recent rains has delayed operations for some days. I
would like to confer with you in order to understand more fully what operations
will lead to the best results.
Can I do this by
telegraphing from Tazewell, to which
place I can go for the purpose, or will it be better to come to
Chattanooga by boat?
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General.
Major-General
GRANT.
TAZEWELL, December 20,
1863-9.15. a.m.
General
JOHN G. FOSTER:
GENERAL:
I regret to report that this command will be crippled in its movements for want
of bread by the use of mills at Powell's River. The troops are barely able to
subsist from day to day in this neighborhood. Command will be concentrated at
Walker's Ford this afternoon. Supply trains not yet arrived at Cumberland Gap.
Very
respectfully,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
TAZEWELL, December 20,
1863.
GENERAL:
A citizen came into Evans' Ford this morning and reported to the officer in
command there that a brigade of rebel cavalry were crossing the Clinch, 8 miles
above Evans' Ford, and were moving in this direction. I have halted the
regiments that were starting from here until the truth can be ascertained.
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS
SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
Sawyer's House, December 20, 1863.
Major
General J. G. PARKE,
Commanding
Army in Field:
GENERAL:
A band of rebel soldiers, about 60 men, came, as is supposed, from Powder
Spring Gap last night, passed down Flat Creek Valley, crossed the road to
Maynardville, and went down as far as Graveston,
within 12 miles of Knoxville, and returned before day-light this morning. It
was reported this morning that they had captured one of my courier-posts, but
this is not true. I have heard of no damage done by the raid, although the mail
from Cumberland Gap to Knoxville barely escaped. I have sent another scout over
the road to-day. I called at your headquarters to-day in your absence to
suggest the propriety of the better securing the communication both from
Blain's Cross-Roads and Knoxville to Tazewell,
by moving the Second Brigade of my division, now encamped near here, to the
point where the road coming out of Flat Creek Valley crosses the road from
Blain's Cross-Roads to Tazewell and
Maynardville. The brigade at that point would be about 5 miles from the
cross-roads, and 4 miles from infantry support, but it would be in much better
position to watch the valleys on the north side of Clinch Mountain, and
prevent, such raids as that of last night. If your approve the movement I will
order it to be made in the morning.
Very
respectfully,
JOHN
W. FOSTER,
Colonel,
Commanding Second Cavalry Division.
Major-General
FOSTER.
TAZEWELL, December 20,
1863. (Received 21st.)
GENERAL:
Major Conover scouted from Mulberry Gap up Sneedville road, and across the
Clinch to Sneedville, within 6 miles from Flat Gap. Except a few guerrillas in
the mountains, he has driven out what rebels there were this side of Clinch
River. He reports that the rebels are throwing up works in Flat Gap and Union
Gap, and posted artillery.
Now
would be a grand opportunity for a descent on the salt-works from Berlin. If we
had the cavalry it would be a good thing also to burn the New River railroad
bridge. I have authorized Major Conover to promise $ 5,000 to Union men tho might do the work. I am waiting orders with regard to
the Twenty-third Corps.
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
KNOXVILLE, December 20, 1863.
(Received
Strawberry Plains 9 p. M.)
General
WILLCOX, Tazewell:
The
expected movement has been delayed.* The commanding general wishes you
therefore to concentrate your force at Tazewell,
watching the fords of the Clinch River. Await further orders. The general
wishes a report concerning the loss of the wagon train at Thorn Hill, the
strength of the escort, and its conduct in the affair.
E.
E. POTTER,
Chief of Staff.
[31.]
KNOXVILLE,
December 21, 1863-7 a. M.
General
WILLCOX:
Your
dispatach received. Halt at Tazewell until further orders, and look out for the trains. I shall
order a cavalry brigade to move at once in your direction.
J.
G. FOSTER,
Major-General, Commanding.
Major-General
FOSTER.
NEAR
WALKER'S FORD, December 21, 1863.
GENERAL:
I arrived here last evening with the available force of my command. Part was
detained above till this soon by reports of the enemy's crossing Clinch River,
the truth of which is not known yet. After leaving a sufficient force at Tazewell, of course I am far from
strong. Wagons are out for subsistence, and I expect them in this evening. I
have started an ammunition train to Knoxville, 18 wagons loaded with Enfield
rifle ammunition, caliber.58, which I made up on seeing your dispatch to
General Grant. Your dispatches with regard to the Twenty-third Corps, dated
17th and 19th instant, were received yesterday. Please relieve me as soon as
possible from the unpleasant state of suspense in which I have been placed for
nearly three months about my command. I have been without a positive command,
and tied to six-months' troops and recruits, while my juniors have been
commanding corps. If this continues I must resign or cease to be a man. You
will appreciate my feeling, and I have every confidence in your justice.
I
remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
Major-General
FOSTER.
KY., SW. VA., Tennessee, MISS., N. ALA., AND
HEADQUARTERS
SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION,
December 21, 1863-6 p.m.
Colonel
HORACE CAPRON,
Commanding
Second Cavalry Brigade, Page's Mill:
COLONEL:
Your dispatch received. Report of scouts quite satisfactory. General Parke is anxious that you should be able to get a view from
the heights of Clinch Mountain, in the vicinity of Powder Spring Gap, either
above or below, and ascertain, if possible, the situation of the enemy's camp
in the direction of Rutledge. It is reported that the main part of Longstreet's army is between Bean's Station and Rutledge,
but the general has no certain intelligence of it. If at night you could have
some officer of good judgment get a sight of their camp-fires, or a good view
of their location with a glass at day, it would be highly acceptable to the
general. He is anxious to know the position of the enemy's infantry and its
estimated strength.
The
general will expect your brigade to keep Flat Creek and Bull Run Valleys clear
of the enemy, and protect the communications between Tazewell and Maynardville, watching the country as far as Clinch
River. General Willcox, who is at Tazewell, has been ordered to place a
force of infantry at Walker's Ford, on Clinch River. It would be well for you
to keep in communication with that force.
You
should watch Powder Spring Gap closely; if it is not too strongly held you
might be able to get possession of it.
The
enemy will be likely to attempt to send scouting parties out during the night.
Very
respectfully,
JOHN
W. FOSTER,
Colonel,
Commanding Second Division.
You
will see that you have taken such a position for your camp that the enemy
cannot get in your rear and cut you off from the infantry.
TAZEWELL, December 22,
1863-3 p.m.
Major
General JOHN G. PARKE,
Blain's
Cross-Roads:
GENERAL:
I arrived here about noon from Walker's Ford. All the information from Mulberry
Gap and from deserters from the rebel army unites in the report that a rebel
cavalry force has passed up the Clinch, but where it crossed or even whether it
has crossed at all is unknown. So far they have not pressed in toward our
trains. It may be that they have only crossed at the points heretofore reported
for forage. Colonel Love has just arrived with a small cavalry force, which, I
think, will be sufficient to guard the roads leading in between Clinch and
Powell's Rivers from above. There is a battalion between Cumberland Gap and
Jonesville, which reports the enemy moving down that road in some force, but I
do not think it can be a large force, but a scouting party looking after the
battalion which I sent from the gap toward Stickleyville
last week, and which whipped the enemy in that quarter. I am much obliged to
you, my dear general, for the information contained in your dispatch of
yesterday morning, just received, and would thank you to forward this to
General Foster, and if not too much trouble, a copy to General Sturgis.
Yours,
very respectfully,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Knoxville, Tennessee, December 22, 1863.
Brigadier-General
WILLCOX,
Commanding
near Walker's Ford:
GENERAL:
I telegraphed you on the 20th instant, stating that General Cox had arrived
and, being senior brigadier-general, had been assigned, at his own request, to
the command of the Twenty-third corps. I also stated that the expected movement
of our army had been delayed, and that the commanding general wished you to concentrate
your forces at Tazewell. The
commanding general now directs that you take up such a position near
Maynardville as will cover the road to Wheeler's Gap, and still avoid the
possibility of being cut off by a large force coming from the direction of Powder
Spring Gap.
Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWARD
BLAIN'S CROSS-ROADS,
December
22, 1863-midnight.
Colonel
CAPRON,
Commanding
Cavalry Brigade:
I
wish you to move a strong scout up to Powder Spring Gap to-morrow morning, 23d,
starting at 8 o'clock. An infantry force will move up this valley, and I have
no doubt you will be able to drive the rebels out without difficulty.
Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNumbers G. PARKE,
Major-General.
Major-General
FOSTER.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Near Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, December 22, 1863. (Received 23d.)
GENERAL:
General Elliott will cross his remaining brigade over the Holston
early to-morrow, and I have ordered Colonel Wolford to cross his division at
McKinney's Ford at daylight. Colonel Garrard will
cross his brigade at the same time and place.
I
have requested Major-General Parke to order a
demonstration on his front by means of the brigade of Colonel Foster's
division, now (temporarily) under his control. You will perceive I leave two
brigades behind-the one just referred to,of Colonel
Foster's division, and the one sent from Colonel Wolford's division to the
vicinity of Tazewell.
In
view of the sudden rise the Holston and French Broad
Rivers are subject to at this season, I would respectfully urge upon the
general commanding the great importance of a pontoon bridge at Strawberry
Plains, in order to keep open our line of retreat; for should these rivers
suddenly, and Longstreet be able by the railroad to
throw a column of infantry against us, our safety might be placed in great
jeopardy in the absence of such a bridge. Of his power to use the railroad in
any event I know nothing; of this the commanding general is probably better
posted than myself.
I
am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S.
D. STURGIS,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding Cavalry Corps.
TAZEWELL, December 24,
1863-10 a.m.
Major-General
FOSTER:
Your
order to move from Walker's Ford to Maynardville was not received till last
night. The troops are on their way back to Walker's Ford. I will communicate
with you from there.
Very
respectfully,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
NEAR
WALKER'S FORD,
December
24, 1863-6 p.m.
Major-General
FOSTER:
GENERAL:
The troops have crossed Walker's Ford and have encamped 2 miles this side. I
have sent a courier to General Parke. Will move up in
the morning to within 2 miles of Maynardville, where the road from Blain's
Cross-Roads to Rutledge comes in, and take advantage of the halt to bring up
stores and ammunition left in consequence by the wagons being out for forage.
There are four regiments and two batteries, but if you need the troops they can
march farther.
I
am, general, very respectfully,
O.
B. WILLCOX,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS,
Russellville, Tennessee, December 28, 1863.
Brig.
General W. E. JONES,
Comdg. Cav. Brig.,through Maj. Gen. Ransom, Comdg.,&c.:
The
commanding general desires to make a sudden and well-concealed dash upon
Cumberland Gap, with the view of obtaining possession of it. Unless you can
work secretly and quielty, your effort will not
succeed. You can use Rucker's cavalry along the north side of Clinch Mountain,
in the direction of Evan's Ford or across the Clinch River, as you may desire.
The
commanding general directs me to say that if you will advise him of the proper
time, he will throw Giltner's brigade across the Holston to move down and divert attention and protect this
flank of your column, and indeed our entire line may be advanced at the same
time to recover some of the foraging country that we have lost, and to prevent
any re-enforcements moving in the direction of Cumberland Gap.
There
is a force of 100 reported at Mulberry Gap, a regiment at Tazewell, and from 300 to 500 are reported at
Major-General
Ransom's infantry and artillery have been ordered to this side of the river,
and the commanding general wishes you to give orders to Colonel Rucker, and use
him in front, or where you find it necessary.
I
am, general, very sincerely, your most obedient servant,
G.
M. SORREL,
Lieutenant-Colonel,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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