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In this manner we reached Baker's Creek, about one and a half miles east of Champion Hills, where we camped for the night, after a hard day's work, the men and animals being completely fatigued and worn out, having been destitute of any food of importance for the past day, and the heat being very oppressive, in consequence of which there were several cases of sunstroke, one of which proved fatal. Time rolled on, and by four o'clock the next morning our noble little band could be seen wending their way in the direction of Black River, where we arrived in the evening, after a long and arduous march, at which place we lay until four o'clock on the afternoon of the ninth instant, when our last day's march began, and by the dead hour of midnight we were once more within the walls of this ill-fated city.

ered together and sent as promptly as possible to Decatur, Alabama, from which point the expedition was to start.

The command was divided into two brigades the First commanded by Colonel T. J. Harrison, Eighth Indiana; and the Second by Colonel Hamilton, Ninth Ohio, composed as follows:

First Brigade.-Eighth Indiana cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Jones; Eighth Iowa cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel M. T. Patrick; Second Kentucky cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Watts.

Second Brigade.-Ninth Ohio cavalry, Captain -; Fourth Tennessee cavalry, Major Stevens; and two guns of Battery E, First Michigan artillery, Lieutenant Wightman.

General Rousseau reached Decatur on the ninth of July, and in the evening of the same day, the last detachments of the different regiments which were to compose the command also arrived, and preparations were made for starting the next day.

Suffice it to say, that it is thought by all parties interested, that we achieved everything anticipated, having drawn forces from an important point of the enemy's, thereby gaining advantages in other sources and by destroying a Sunday, the tenth, was a busy day in camp; bridge over Pearl River, at Jackson, which was anything but a Sabbath-like stillness prevailed. partially completed. Still, the general supposi- In the morning horses were issued to regiments tion is that it was not the intention of General yet in need of them-tents, extra clothing, and Dennis to engage the enemy as he did, knowing other articles not necessary for the trip were their forces outnumbered ours, having some packed up to be left behind, and the bustle of three thousand five hundred cavalry and preparation was visible in every quarter. No mounted infantry, while our entire force of effect-vehicles were to be taken except five ambuive men did not exceed two thousand, but to attract their attention so that our train could be put past danger.

I must not close without speaking of our noble brigade commander, Colonel Dorublazer, Fortysixth Illinois infantry, his staff, Colonel Busey, commanding seventy-sixth, and Lieutenant-Colonel Jones, commanding forty-sixth, who at all times were to be found with their commands in the discharge of their duties. Also to the minor officers of the brigade, who can be numbered only among the best, and as an honor to the service of the United States. Long may they survive among the "roaring cannon and clashing of arms," is the prayer of many a noble heart under their commands, and may their heads be crowned with laurels ere this "cruel war is over."

Doc. 36.

GENERAL ROUSSEAU'S EXPEDITION.

NASHVILLE, TENN., July 27, 1864.

A raid upon the rear of Johnston's army, and the cutting of his line of communication, having been decided upon by General Sherman, the important duty of carrying it out was intrusted to Major-General Rousseau. The preparatory orders to him were issued about the first of July, and the command was to be organized out of such materials as were at hand. Several regiments of cavalry in his district, which would necessarily form a part, were only partly mounted, and were scattered at different points along the railroad. They were, however, gath- |

lances for the transportation of the sick and wounded. The whole command was put in light marching order, so as to move with celerity, the necessary articles, such as ammunition, axes, etc., being transported on pack-mules. The men were not allowed to carry any extra clothing except a shirt and pair of socks for a change; even blankets were to be left behind. Everything betokened that the movement was one that required rapidity of execution. Fifteen days' rations of salt, coffee, and sugar, five of hard bread, and one of bacon, were issued to the men, and carried in their haversacks. Subsistence for the rest of the trip was to be obtained in the country to be traversed by the command. To provide against lameness of the horses from loss of shoes, each man carried with him two shoes, fitted for his horse, and nails sufficient for fastening them.

In the afternoon everything was ready, the bugles sounded "forward," and the command moved out. What point it was to strike for, few, if any, knew, except its commander and General Sherman, who had intrusted to him the important enterprise. All, however, felt that the expedition was of more than ordinary importance, and that it was intended to penetrate farther into the interior of the Confederacy than any similar expedition had reached. Hazardous it might be, but there was a smack of daring and dash about it, which was captivating, and gave to officers and men an inspiriting feeling different from that of an ordinary march. Entire confidence too was felt in the gallant leader of the command, and the able and farseeing General who had intrusted him with it.

Starting out in a southeasterly direction, the expedition took the road toward Somerville, a county seat, fifteen miles from Decatur. The road crosses Flint river seven miles out, and passes over a country generally of flat surface. Somerville was reached about nine o'clock at night, and the command bivouacked until morning. A forage train accompanied it this far with corn for the horses—the wagons returning to Decatur next day. Henceforward the horses were to take the chances of such forage as the country afforded along the route.

July 11th. The expedition was now fairly started in the enemy's country, and, judging from the rations issued, was not likely to return to our own lines in less than two weeks. The direction pursued was about the same as before -southeast. The distance marched was about thirty miles, and in the evening the command bivouacked on Sand Mountain, the dividing ridge which separates the waters flowing into the Tennessee river from those flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. The country was generally poor, and afforded but a scanty supply of forage for the horses.

July 12th.-Descending Sand Mountain in the morning, the expedition forded Black Warrior river, a tributary of the Tombigbee, and at ten o'clock reached Blountsville, the county seat of Blount county.

ing, looking to the peace party of the North for aid in sustaining the rebellion:

"It is our desire to see the names of Fernando Wood and C. L. Vallandigham, or some of their co-laborers, placed upon the ticket of that party at the Chicago convention, for President and Vice-President of the United States, supported by such men as Long and Harris; and just in proportion to the support they receive will the North exhibit signs of returning reason and humanity. If they are elected we expect to have peace, independence, and constitutional liberty."

Several printers were detailed and sent to the office, and the press was soon put to a use never anticipated by its owner-printing orders and blanks for a Yankee command. The printers also amused themselves by taking out a column of secession stuff from the form of the "Vidette," and inserting a short editorial, changing the tone of the paper, and also some items encouraging the arrival of General Rousseau's command. A few copies of the new edition were worked off before the command again took up the line of march.

Here a change was made in the organization of the brigades. The Ninth Ohio being without a field officer, and having an inadequate number of line officers, Colonel Hamilton took command of his regiment, which was placed in the First brigade, while the Fifth Iowa, Fourth Tennessee, and the battery were made to comprise the Second brigade, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick, of the Fifth Iowa.

In the jail here were found two deserters from Johnston's army and four negroes, charged with the crime of seeking their liberty. All were released. A prisoner charged with murder was in confinement in the same jail, and was In the afternoon the march was continued left to await his trial at the hands of the civil over a rough, barren country, and in the evenauthorities. Beyond Blountsville the roading the expedition reached the Coosa river at crosses Strait Mountain, the descent of which Greenport. Here it was expected that the is remarkably steep and rugged, but was passed rebels would attempt to delay us, if they could without accident, and the command halted for gather any force, as news of our approach had the night in a fertile valley, where a good sup-been no doubt sent forward. None were to be ply of oats was obtained for the horses. On seen when the bank of the river was reached. this day's march the first armed rebels were The ferryboat was on the opposite side, and met, a small party of them having fired on the was gained possession of by a party swimming advance guard on the mountain and then fled. over. General Rousseau at once ordered a Their shots were ineffective. detachment of three hundred men to be crossed to hold the ferry, and in the night the artillery was also ferried over, to prevent delay in the morning.

A regiment was sent forward in the night to Ashville, five miles, to secure any supplies the rebels might have at that point. A sufficient quantity of corn for the horses was obtained, and also a quantity of flour and bacon.

July 13th.-The command marched into Ashville in the morning, and remained for several hours, getting the horses completely shod up. All places of business were closed, and a number of the citizens had fled in terror at the approach of the dreaded Yankees. The printing office of the county paper (the "Ashville Vidette,") was deserted by the proprietors and printers, leaving the forms on the press, the edition being partly worked off. The paper contained Vallandigham's speech at Hamilton, Ohio, and in an editorial article eulogized Val. as a "gifted statesman, orator, and patriotic exile." The Editor further shows the follow

Here the Fifth Iowa performed the sad duty of interring the remains of one of its most ef ficient officers-Captain William Curl. The regiment was in the rear, and Captain Curl and Captain Wilcox, of the same regiment, were riding together a little separated from their companies, when they were fired upon by six men, who had concealed themselves in the bushes by the roadside. The rebels demanded their surrender before firing, but both officers attempted to escape, when they were fired on from the rear, and Captain Curl instantly killed. Captain Wilcox was severely, but not dangerously, wounded-eight buckshot having penetrated his thigh.

An inspection of the command was made,

and a number of horses found in unfit condition for the trip. All men who from sickness or other causes were not likely to endure the hardships of the march were also called out and sent with the disabled horses to make their way to Guntersville, on the Tennessee river, about forty miles distant. An ambulance was also sent to convey Captain Wilcox and others disabled. They subsequently arrived safely within our lines.

July 14th. At daylight the column was in motion, preparing to cross the river. At the ferry the Coosa is a deep stream about three hundred yards wide, with but little current. Four miles further down, at Ten Islands, it spreads out to a greater width and is fordable. The detachment under command of Major Graham, of the Eighth Indiana, which had crossed at the ferry, was ordered to move down the east side to cover the ford, whilst the main column proceeded down the west side to cross at the fording.

(two of whom were officers, one of them being
General Clanton's Assistant Adjutant-General),
wounding about forty, and capturing several
prisoners, among whom were Lieutenant-Colonel
Lary and Major McWhorter, of the Sixth Ala-
bama cavalry. The force opposed to us proved
to be part of the Sixth and Eighth Alabama
cavalry, with militia and such other troops as
could be hastily got together, and was com-
manded by Brigadier-General Clanton.
But one
man was injured on the Federal side, and he
was wounded by a comrade, who mistook him
for a rebel.

The ford being clear, the column commenced crossing. The passage of the river was a beautiful sight. The long array of horsemen winding between the green islands and taking a serpentine course across the ford-their arms flashing back the rays of the burning sun, and guidons gaily fluttering along the column, formed a bright picture, recalling the days of romance, and contrasting strongly with the stern hardships and vivid realities of the every-day life on the duty march.

This ford is one crossed by General Jackson during his campaign against the Creek Indians.

After a

Major Graham met the enemy immediately after leaving the ferry, and a lively skirmishing at once commenced. The rebels were strongly posted in the woods commanding the road. Skirmishers were thrown out, and the rebels were found to be in considerable force and in a position to delay the advance of a small party. They were, however, pressed back slowly by our skirmishers. Meanwhile the main column reached the fording, and the head of it (the Fifth Iowa in advance) commenced crossing. On emerging from between two islands, and having yet a width of three hundred yards to cross, it was met by a heavy fire from the rebels strongly posted behind rocks and trees on the bank. To attempt to force a passage would have been to incur a heavy loss, and the advance withdrew behind an island, under cover of which they replied vigorously to the rebels' fire. LieutenantColonel Patrick also placed the Fourth Tennessee on a larger island, below and in the rear of the first named, and the men of that regiment and of the Fifth Iowa, were deployed as sharpshooters, and from behind trees exchanged shots with the rebels who were similarly posted on the bank. Two companies were sent to look for a ford reported to be two miles down the river, but failed to find it. A detachment of July 15th. At daylight the men were again one hundred men was sent across the ferry to in their saddles and on the road. Passing many to reinforce Major Graham, to enable him to large farms, with good fields of corn, wheat, and drive the rebels from his front and attack in the oats, we reached Talladega (sixteen miles) about rear those posted at the ford. Colonel Jones, ten o'clock. Here we struck a railroad extendof the Eighth Indiana, was afterwards sent ing from Selma in a northeast direction, originwith the rest of the regiment for the same pur-ally intended to connect with Rome, Georgia, pose, but the work was finally accomplished by Major Graham before his arrival. While the main column was thus delayed at the river, a fordable place was found about a mile below, and General Rousseau was about throwing a detachment across, when the rebels suddenly disappeared from the flank, Major Graham having succeeded in driving them from his front and the ford, killing some fifteen of them

Without further delay, the march was resumed. The day was very hot and intolerably dusty. A few miles from the river we reached an iron furnace which was being operated for the rebel authorities. It was thoroughly destroyed by General Rousseau's orders. march of fifteen miles a halt was made for about two hours to feed and rest. The heat of the day was very trying, particularly upon the artillery horses, and finding that to retain both guns would impede the march and prevent that rapidity of movement which was essential to the success of the expedition, General Rousseau promptly decided to destroy one and attach the extra horses to the other, so that it could be moved along at the same gait the cavalry marched. It was speedily dismounted-the trunions broken off and the carriage destroyed. The night was cool and pleasant, and the moon shone brightly: The march was continued until midnight, when the command halted at Estehawba, twenty-five miles from the Coosa. The country traversed was more fertile and better improved than any reached previously.

but only completed to Blue Mountain, a few miles north of Talladega. The road has no special importance in reference to present military operations. A small rebel force left Talladega a few hours before our approch, and moved down the railroad to the bridge over the Coosa river, our coming having been heard of, and the destruction of that bridge being supposed by them to be one of the objects of the expedition.

They were unable, however, to remove their commissary stores and other supplies, which fell into our hands. About one hundred thousand rations of sugar and salt, and twenty thousand rations of flour and bacon, and a number of boxes of tobacco, were taken-the command supplied with what they needed and the rest destroyed. The railroad depot was burned, with the contents, consisting of leather, nitre, grain sacks, one hundred sacks of flour, three hundred bushels of wheat, five hundred barrels of salt, four platform scales, a lot of shoes, cotton, and other articles. Two freight cars on the track were also burned.

In the hospital were one hundred and fortythree sick and wounded soldiers, who were paroled.

A gun factory in town, which has done a large amount of work for the rebel army, principally in the way of repairing, was effectually destroyed by breaking the machinery. The building itself could not be burned without destroying a part of the town, which General Rousseau would not permit to be done. Another larger establishment of the same kind, outside of the town, was destroyed by the rebels themselves before leaving. Several cases of muskets were found stored in a stable, and were destroyed.

was arrested by the citizens of the neighborhood, tied to a tree, and burned to death. His torture was, no doubt, to some extent, mitigated by the very means used to make it severe. Dry pitch pine was piled up closely around him, which burned so rapidly, and poured out such a dense smoke, that he was almost instantly suffocated. A witness stated that he never screamed or groaned, but seemed to suffocate at once.

At Youngville a quantity of rebel grain and bacon was obtained. In every county there are several depots for receiving the "tax in kind" imposed by the Confederate Government, being one-tenth of all productions of the soil. These are gathered in by agents, and sent off wherever ordered for the supply of the army. At these points the expedition found supplies ready for their use.

of the command forded the river half a mile above. The fording was difficult, and the passage was not accomplished until two o'clock in the morning, but all got over safely. The day's march was about thirty-five miles.

The Tallapoosa river was yet to be crossed before reaching the destination of the expedition. It is fordable in but few places, and the fords rather difficult for artillery. It was important, therefore, to obtain possession of a ferry. Information was obtained of an old ford near Stowe's ferry, and General Rousseau decided upon crossing at that point. The night march from Talladega, and the pressing forward during the day, had prevented news of our approach getting much ahead of us, and on arriving at the After resting a few hours in the heat of the ferry in the night it was found to be all rightday, the command again moved on at four a rope stretching across the river and the ferryoclock in the evening. The direction was boat in working order. The artillery and pack nearly south, and gave the rebels the impres-train were crossed over the ferry, and the rest sion that the Coosa bridge was the point aimed at. From Montgomery and Selma papers, afterwards obtained, it was learned that they were convinced that such was the object, and had disposed their forces accordingly, which, no doubt, saved the command considerable annoy- July 17th. The expedition was now within ance, as our rout was left clear. We were one day's march (about thirty miles) of the Atmoving in the general direction of Montgom-lanta and Montgomery Railroad-a road of the ery, and the news caused great consternation in that rebel capital. Marching until mid-night, the command passed the little village of Syllacauga, and halted twenty-five miles from Talladega, unannoyed by the rebels, who were, no doubt, busily at work fortifying themselves at the bridge, which we had left perhaps twenty miles to our right and rear, having had but two or three hours' sleep the previous night, and a wearisome march through the day, the men were nearly overcome with fatigue and drowsiness, and as soon as the halt was made dropped themselves on the ground to seek repose.

utmost importance to the rebel army, being the one over which the greater portion of their supplies were drawn, and forming the line of communication with the Southwest, General Rousseau determined to push rapidly forward to reach it before night. Just as the command was about starting, the videttes fired upon a small party approaching them, and succeeded in capturing two and killing one. The one killed was a Captain Mason, in command of a scouting party from Dadeville on the way to destroy the ferry to prevent our crossing, rumors of our approach having reached them, but with no definJuly 16th.-An early start and a march of iteness. They were a little two late to accomfifteen miles, brought the command to Brad-plish their object. No other party of rebels ford, where a cotton factory was in operation. Here a halt was made, and several hours' rest taken.

A case of barbarous punishment occurred recently in the vicinity of Saccapatoy, a village a mile or two from Bradford, which would be incredible, were it not supported by the testimony of eye-witnesses, and had not slavery and secession together turned men into fiends. A negro, charged with having killed his master, VOL. XI.-Doc. 13

was met during the day. Passing through Dadeville, the march was continued toward the railroad at Loachepoka station.

Three miles from the railroad a rebel officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Craig, of the Tenth Texas cavalry, was captured by the advanced guard at a house where he was enjoying himself in the society of a bevy of young ladies. He was completely taken by surprise, and was much chagrined at his capture. A tall, elegant-looking

as if eager for further destruction. The neighing and rearing of the frightened horses and hurrying to and fro of the men to move them and their equipments away from the fire, added to the excitement of the scene. The buildings burned down rapidly, and the danger of the fire spreading was soon over. General Rousseau, by his personal exertions, assisted in saving the residence of a widow lady, who was astonished at finding assistance rendered from those she had been led to consider only as vandals. Men were detailed to protect the building with wet blankets until the danger was over.

young lady, in great distress, and weeping with fear and vexation, approached General Rousseau and plead fervently that Colonel Craig should be allowed to remain. The General received her in the kind and urbane manner, which is one of his characteristics. "Are you the Colonel's wife, madame?" he inquired. "No, sir, I am his friend." The General smiled as he remarked that he presumed it amounted to the same thing, and assured her that her "friend" would not be injured, but would be paroled and allowed to His parole was taken and he was left to enjoy the company of his fair advocate. About sundown the command reached Loackepoka, and was in possession of the railroad. July 18th.-Details working in the night deNo force was there, and all was quiet. We had stroyed several miles of the road. In the mornpenetrated into the rear of the rebel army, anding the command was divided into four detachwere now on their most important line of com-ments to continue the work. Colonel Hamilton, munication. Loackepoka Station is forty-eight miles from Montgomery.

remain.

Working parties were at once detailed, and the work of destruction commenced. The character of the superstructure of the road was peculiarly favorable for the purpose. The ties were of pine, and the track was laid of light iron, spiked to pine timbers, set into every fourth tie. These longitudinal stringers were readily raised from their position by means of fence rails used as levers. Twenty or thirty men would raise one hundred feet at a time, on one side, and place the timber and rail on top of the rail on the other side. Fence-rails and other combustible material were then piled on it, and fire started. The result of the operation was the destruction of the timbers, the complete warping of the iron rails from expansion by the intense heat, and the burning of the ties where the track rested upon them, so as to make them utterly unserviceable. On no other road, perhaps, could so thorough a destruction be effected by such simple means. The pine was of a pitchy character, and burned so readily that the ties were completely destroyed without raising them from the road-bed, and the iron was thoroughly drawn out of shape by the heat. The track was not merely torn up, but it was destroyed-ties, iron, and other material being rendered unfit to use again.

of the Ninth Ohio, with his regiment and a part of the Fourth Tennessee, moved toward Atlanta, destroying the track as he went. At Auburn, six miles from Loackepoka, his advance was attacked by the rebels, but after some skirmishing he drove them off and continued the work. He destroyed a quantity of lumber and a large amount of quartermasters' and commissary stores at Auburn. A mile or two above that place a locomotive was met coming down from Opelika. The engineer, on seeing the Yankees, endeavored to back out, but the engine ran off the track. The engineer and two other men were captured and the locomotive destroyed.

Major Baird, with four companies of the Fifth Iowa and four of the Fourth Tennessee, was ordered to march to Chehaw Station, twelve miles toward Montgomery, to destroy a trestle bridge and the station buildings and work back, destroying the road. Colonel Watts, of the Second Kentucky, moved down the railroad from Loackepoka in the same direction, and Colonel Jones, with the Eighth Indiana, started for Notasulga, a station between Loackepoka and Chehaw. The road was destroyed to Notasulga and several miles beyond. About sixty tents, with poles and pins complete, were here destroyed, and a further quantity of commissary stores. A water tank and the railroad buildings were also burned. Two miles beyond Notasulga was a camp for conscripts and conFif-valescents, with barracks for two or three thousand men. Those who were able to do so had made their escape, leaving about one hundred sick in the hospital. The hospital buildings and tents connected with them were spared, and the remainder of the camp destroyed.

The railroad buildings at Loackepoka contained a large quantity of oats, corn, and flour from which the command was supplied. teen saddle trees, two thousand pair of harness, and several hundred muskets were also captured and destroyed.

During the night, the railroad depot, a wooden building, took fire from the burning railroad, and for a time there was danger of the destruc- The detachment under command of Major tion of the hotel and several fine buildings. Baird met a rebel force just upon arriving in The flames spread in a direction where a part sight of Chehaw Station. The trains were on of the horses were picketed to fences and trees, the track which had brought them up from and a stampede was feared. It was a wild and Montgomery. Major Baird deployed his force exciting scene. The long lines of fires up and on both sides of the railroad and was met by down the track were sending up volumes of the enemy in much larger force than his own. dense smoke, and lighting up the heavens with A brisk fight ensued, but the enemy proved too a lurid glare, whilst the flames from the burn-strong, and our men fell back with a loss of one ing buildings shot far upward and reached out killed and several wounded. Six companies of

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