The 10th Texas Infantry Regiment completed its organization at Waco, Texas, during the winter of 1861-1862 under the command of Colonel Allison Nelson. Many of its members were from the towns of Houston and Tyler, and Grimes, Freestone, San Augustine, and Washington counties. The regiment suffered heavy casualties throughout the war including many of its commanding officers. The original commander Colonel Allison Nelson, had just been promoted to Brigadier General in September 1862 when he was stricken with typhoid, or "camp fever" and died near Austin, Arkansas, on October 7, 1862.
While under the command of Colonel Roger Q. Mills, the regiment was captured at Arkansas Post in January, 1863 and was sent to the prison camp in Camp Chase, Ohio. Exchanged and reorganized, the unit was assigned to Deshler's and J.A. Smith's Brigades. After Colonel Mills was wounded at Missionary Ridge, the regiment was place under the temporary command of Captain John R. Kennard of Grimes County and consolidated with the 6th Infantry Regiment and the 15th Cavalry Regiment (dismounted) to become a part of the famed "Granbury's Texas Brigade."
Colonel Mills would return to command during the Atlanta Campaign and was wouned twice more during the Seige of Atlanta which ended his military career. Another commander, Colonel Robert B. Young was killed at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee along with six Confederate Generals including division commander, Patrick Cleburne and Brigade Commander Hiram Granbury.
The consolidated regiment would be further devistated at the battle of Nashville and by the time of surrender on April 26, 1865 in North Carolina, the entire Granbury's Brigade had been reduced to one regiment.
THE AFFAIR AT ARKANSAS POST.
Battle House
Houston
February 24, 1863
Sir: - Having recently arrived in your city, and hearing that little is yet known in regard to the fight at the "Post of Arkansas" by citizens here, as well as elsewhere in the Confederacy. I would make the subjoined statement of facts relative thereto, for the information of all who may feel interested in this matter.
The "Post of Arkansas" is situated on the north side of the Arkansas river, sixty miles from its mouth. The place was fortified with an earth work called "Fort Hindman," which fort mounted three large size guns, two case mated and one embarbette, together with some five or six field pieces, two of which were rifled Parrot guns. One mile below the fort was a trench extending from the river to a swamp. One mile or three quarters of a mile further down the river was yet another trench, intended for the defense of the place from a land attack unaided by gunboats. The troops garrisoning the place consisted of three brigades, mostly Texans, and commanded respectively by Cols. Garland, Deshler and Dunnington, the whole forming a division under the command of Gen. T. J. Churchill, and numbering on the day of the fight not more than thirty-three hundred effective men.
On the 9th day of January a scout from below brought intelligence to Gen. Churchill about a Yankee gunboat having made its appearance in the Arkansas river, at the White river cut-off, some thirty miles below the Post; towards noon on the same day another scout brought news of other gunboats, followed by transports, making their way up the river. Upon the receipt of this intelligence Gen. ordered everything in readiness for an attack and as night closed in all the troops were distributed along the first named line of entrenchment, where they remained all night in a pelting storm of rain.
The enemy in the meantime, had landed a force about two miles below us and we anticipated an attack by daylight the following morning, but in this we were disappointed; they made no demonstration until about 9 or 10 o'clock in the day, when they commenced shelling us from their advance gunboats. That were cautiously, and slowly making their way up the river.
Our troops held the position first taken by them until about 4 o'clock P. M., when the General, fearing a flank movement on our left, ordered the men to fall back to a line of entrenchments near the yet unfinished fort, which line was speedily completed and all the troops properly distributed before night set in. Just as darkness was drawing near, four gunboats approached the fort and commenced their bombardment, our guns from the fort answering gallantly, and after two hours terrific shelling the gunboats retired, one of them the Eastport, badly disabled, and our loss consisting of three killed and some three or four wounded.
On the morning of the 10th ult., at 10 o'clock, or thereabouts, the enemy renewed the attack with gunboats and landed forces combined; they had also erected a battery on the opposite side of the river, by means of which they kept up a terrible cross fire that swept the whole area of ground occupied by us. The firing now continued until about 4 o'clock P. M., [Ed: on the 11th] when it seemed to cease, and shortly after the cessation there was a yell came from the lines, which attracted the attention of the General Commanding, whose headquarters had been established some four hundred yards from the trenches. On riding forward to ascertain the state of affairs, the General was much surprised to find the Federal flag floating in every direction along their lines. Upon inquiry, it was ascertained, that some traitor in the 24th Texas regiment [Ed: 24th Texas Dismounted Cavalry] had raised the white flag and passed the word down the line that Gen Churchill had ordered a surrender, whereupon all the troops, except Col. Deshler's brigade [Ed: the brigade of the 10th Texas Infantry], immediately surrendered. He refused to surrender his brigade until ordered by Gen. Churchill.
When the General rode into the fort and surrendered, he was met by Gen. Sherman, who wished to know where his (Gen. Churchill's) men were. When Gen. C. told him they were all in sight, he seemed surprised, and could scarcely credit the fact that so small a body of troops had succeeded in battling for so long a time, and killing so many of his men.
The Federals acknowledge the loss of 1,600 killed and wounded, and I think 2,000 would not be a large figure, whilst we lost only about 100 in killed and wounded.
Gen. Churchill told Gen. Sherman that he had not ordered a surrender, but on the contrary that he had ordered the men to fight until all were dead in the trenches rather than surrender. He had telegraphed for reenforcements, and hoped they would reach him that evening. But I believe none were ever sent, save about 200 from St. Charles, on White river, who arrived just in time to be taken prisoners.
The number of prisoners taken at this Post was, probably about 3,500 - certainly not more than that number.
Your Respectfully,
C. M. Smith
Chief Surgeon of Division
[Microfilm Department - Downtown Public Library - Dallas, Texas]
JULY 21, 1864
"On the morning of the 21st my regiment was halted in the edge of an old field and in the center of the brigade, confronting the enemy's works and about 400 yards from them. Here we threw up temporary works under a heavy fire. About 12 m. the enemy advanced a line of infantry and drove in our pickets and made an assault upon our works, and were repulsed with heavy loss. During the day we were under a very heavy fire both of artillery and infantry, suffering mostly from the former, our loss being 8 killed (among whom was our gallant captain, James W. Bennett, commanding Company B) and 12 wounded. At night we received orders to move by the right flank. Marched to Atlanta; rested some three hours, at the expiration of which time we received marching orders.
JULY 22, 1864
... Col. R. Q. Mills being in command up to 2 o'clock on the 22d, when he received a painful wound by a shell... On the morning of the 22d we formed our command in line of battle in rear of the enemy and upon their left, which consisted of a large force, and the same who we encountered on the day previous. Our skirmishers having been thrown out, orders were given to forward, which we did. We advanced about one mile and a half and came up with them about 2 p.m., causing them to abandon all their artillery and driving them from their three rear lines of fortifications; but having no support upon our right we were forced to fall back to the second line of works, where we reformed. In this charge we lost 19 men and officers captured. We brought off 15 horses and mules, 6 pieces of artillery, and 30 horses to same Our lines being reformed, we were again ordered to advance and drive the enemy from the works which we had so recently held. We did so, but having no support upon our right as in the first attack, were forced to fall back."
In both charges we captured and brought out 50 prisoners, our loss being 5 killed (among whom was Lieut. Edward Ashby, commanding Company H) and 15 wounded. It is impossible to say how many prisoners we captured during the day, as many who were captured and sent to the rear were picked up by other regiments and stragglers..."
[Official Records of the Rebellion; Chapter XXXVIII, Series III. page 750]
HEADQUARTERS DESHLER'S BRIGADE,
Missionary Ridge, October 6, 1863.
CAPTAIN: In compliance with orders from general headquarters, I herewith submit my report of the action of this brigade in the battle of the 19th and 20th ultimo:
The brigade, composed of Colonel Wilkes' Texas regiment, Col Mill's Texas regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison's Arkansas regiment, and Captain Douglas' Texas battery, under command of Brig. Gen. James Deshler, moved about 3 p. m. on Saturday, the 19th ultimo, from a point near the junction of La Fayette and McLemore's Valley roads, toward our extreme right and in rear and parallel with our line of battle.
About 4.30 p. m. we crossed a branch of the Chickamauga and moved directly and hastily forward to the extreme right, where the battle seemed raging with great fierceness. After passing for sometime through swarms of stragglers, wounded, and prisoners, we arrived on the line and were formed, facing our right flank, and moved forward to the attack, and proceeded some 200 yards, when the brigade was halted and ordered to lie down. In a few minutes we rose up and advanced to the front, and occupied some time in getting our position. It was now getting dark, but the firing was still heavy and constant between the enemy and some brigade opposite our extreme right and perpendicular to our line. We were not more than a hundred yards from his right flank, where he had a battery of artillery firing at the troops on our right. We remained here some minutes. Brigadier-General Deshler did not know but that the battery was our own, and declined to advance on it in the dark, it being then impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The enemy was beaten back and there was a temporary lull on the field...
About 9.30 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, we moved off a short distance by the left flank and then advanced to the front, passing through a portion of Major-General Cheatham's division. Having gained an open ground several hundred yards in our front, the enemy began, from one or two long-range guns, to shell our line, and as we approached nearer gave us several shots of canister, killing and wounding some 15 or 20 men.
We finally arrived, about 10 a.m., on the ground we were ordered to occupy. We found it being hastily abandoned by the troops who were occupying it before we came. We advanced to the crest of the hill, some 200 yards in front of the enemy's barricades and breastworks, when he opened a destructive fire upon us. We were ordered to lie down and commence firing. We now began the engagement in earnest, but at great disadvantage. The enemy was behind his defenses and we without cover. He had two batteries of artillery; we had none, our own battery not being able to get a positive position to give us aid. Captain Semple's splendid battery was on the hill with us and on the extreme left of the brigade when we moved up and occupied the hill. It fired a few shots, and was moved up to some other position on the field. The enemy poured on our heads from 10 a.m. to 1.30 or 2 p.m. constant and terrible fire of artillery and musketry, which we returned with our rifles with the same constancy and stubborness.
About 12 m. our supply of ammunition began to give out, and I sent a courier to Brigadier-General Deshler to inform him of the fact, and to ask where we could get more. A few minutes after I saw him coming toward my right, some 40 paces from me, when he was struck by a shell in the chest and his heart was literally torn from his bosom.
I may pause here and pay a passing tribute to the memory of our fallen chief. He was brave, generous, and kind even to a fault. Ever watchful and careful for the safety of any member of his command, he was ever ready to peril his own. Refusing to permit a staff officer to endanger his life in going to examine the cartridge boxes to see what amount of ammunition his men had, he cheerfully started himself to brave the tempest of death, that raged on the crest of the hill. He had gone but little way when he fell - as he would wish to fall - in the very center of his brigade, in the midst of the line, between the ranks, and surrounded by the bodies of his fallen comrades. He poured out his own blood upon the spot watered by the best blood of his brigade. Among the host of brave hearts that were offered on the altar of sacrifice for their country on that beautiful Sabbath, there perished not one nobler, braver, or better than his. He lived beloved, and fell lamented and mourned, by every officer and man of his command. He sleeps on the spot where he fell, on the field of his country's victory and glory, surrounded by the bodies of those who stood around him in life and lie around him in death.
"...Just at this critical juncture our ammunition was exhausted, and no one knew where to get more. I assumed command, and supposing that the enemy would advance as soon as the firing ceased, I ordered bayonets fixed and the cartridge boxes of the wounded and dead to be gathered, and one round from them to given to each man to load his gun with, and hold his fire in reserve to repel an assault. While this order was being executed Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, who was on the left of my regiment, sent Lieutenant Graham to inform me that the four left companies had not been firing. Being at too great a distance from the enemy, he had the good sense to prevent them from wasting their ammunition unnecessarily. I immediately ordered those four companies to the front on the hill, where the fire was hottest, and ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson to take command of them, and hold the hill at every hazard till I could get ammunition and have it distributed. I soon procured the ammunition and refilled my cartridge boxes.
At this time one of the major-general's staff came to me and informed me that I was ordered to hold the hill on which the brigade was formed; that I was not permitted to advance, and must not retire if it were possible to hold my position. I therefore moved my command at once some 20 or 30 paces to the rear of the crest and on the side of the hill, for cover, leaving a body of sharpshooters behind trees on the top of the hill to keep up a fire with the enemy. The enemy's fire soon slackened down to a contest between the skirmishers. At the same time he advanced a line of skirmishers toward the open space between my command and Brigadier-General Polk, on my right. I soon received information from Lieutenant-Colonel Coit, then commanding Wilke's regiment, that the enemy was moving around my right flank in force. I ordered him to throw out a company of flankers and engage them. In less than twenty minutes I was informed that our skirmishers were retiring before the enemy. I immediately ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison to re-enforce the skirmishers with one company from his regiment, which was promptly done. Still hearing of this flank movement, I ordered Captain Kennard, of Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson's regiment, to re-enforce the other two companies with his, take command himself of those companies, put his men under good cover, and hold the enemy in check at all hazards. He very promptly moved with his company to the ground, assumed command of the three companies, repulsed the enemy's skirmishers, and held his position without a serious struggle. A straggling fire was kept up between the enemy and my sharpshooters till late in the evening, when the advance of our left wing caused him to abandon his works and take to his heels.
The troops of my command, both officers and men, behaved with the greatest bravery, coolness, and self-possession during the whole engagement. They advanced with a steady step, under heavy fire of shell, canister and musketry, to their position, and held it with firmness and unwavering fortitude throughout the fight. Texans vied with each other to prove themselves worthy of the fame won by their brothers on other fields, and the little handful of Arkansas troops showed themselves worthy to have their names enrolled among the noblest, bravest, and best of their State. It is scarcely possible for them to exhibit higher evidence of courage, patriotism, and pride on any other field. They were not permitted to advance and would not retire, but as brave men and good soldiers they obeyed the orders of their general and held the hill.
Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, Lieutenant-Colonel Hutchison, and Major Taylor remained constantly in the line, handled their commands with ability, and conducted themselves gallantly throughout the entire action.
I most respectfully refer you to the reports of subordinate commanders for particular acts of gallantry, lists of casualties, &c. I feel it my duty, however, to record the names of Lieut. Matthew Graham, of Company C, Tenth Texas Regiment, and Private William C. McCann, of Company A, Fifteenth Texas Regiment, as worthy of honorable mention for conduct more than ordinarily gallant on the field. Lieutenant Graham several times volunteered and insisted on being permitted to carry orders and messages up and down the line, where he was constantly exposed to the thickest fire. His services were highly beneficial to Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson, who speaks of him in terms of highest praise. Private McCann was under my own eye. He stood upright, cheerful, and self-possessed in the very hail of deadly missiles; cheered up his comrades around him, and after he had expended all his ammunition, gathered up the cartridge boxes of the dead and wounded and distributed them to his comrades. He bore himself like a hero through the entire contest, and fell mortally wounded by the last volleys of the enemy. I promised him during the engagement that I would mention his good conduct, and as he was borne dying from the field he turned his boyish face upon me and, with a light and pleasant smile, reminded me of my promise
The First Texas Battery, commanded by Capt. James P. Douglas, belonging to Deshler's brigade, was not engaged on the 19th.
On the 20th, it followed the brigade as far as the open field covered thickly with felled timber, when, finding it impossible to follow us farther, Captain Douglas moved toward our left flank, and came into another field, where he was exposed to the enemy's fire. He immediately opened fire on Douglas from two of his batteries, killing 1 of his horses and knocking down one of his wheels. He extricated himself from this position, and by order of Major-General Cleburne, took position on the hill with the brigades of Brigadier-Generals Wood and Polk, in rear of my line. He afterward moved down on the right to where Brigadier General Polk was warmly engaging the enemy; disengaged his horses, and carried his pieces by hand in the very face of the foe. He fired a few rounds at 60 or 80 yards distance from the enemy, advancing his pieces by hand with the line of Brigadier-General Polk's brigade. The enemy were soon routed and fled the field.
Too much praise cannot be bestowed on Captain Douglas and the officers and men of his battery for their gallant conduct. They were not engaged for any considerable length of time, but the very short quarters at which Captain Douglas threw down the gauntlet soon decided the enemy to yield the field to a battery that could charge a brigade of infantry behind their rifle pits.
Capts. J. T. Hearne and B. F. Blackburn, and Lieut. G. B. Jewell, of the brigade staff, are entitled to my thanks for promptly reporting to me when Brigadier-General Deshler fell, and for their valuable services rendered to me during the engagement.
The aggregate strength of the brigade, including the battery, on the morning of the 19th, was 1,783. I lost in the fight 52 killed and 366 wounded.
I have the honor, &c.,
R. Q. Mills Colonel,
Commanding Brigade,
Capt. IRVING A. BUCK,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Cleburne's Division
[Official Records of the Rebellion; Chapter XLIL; Pages 187-191]
In the morning Hood's army, after some delay, took up the line of march in pursuit of the enemy under another brilliant sun and a touch of frost on the air. In the afternoon it reached Winston's Ridge [Ed: Winstead's Hill], an elevation two miles south of Franklin. North of Franklin was the Harpeth river over which Schofield must get his wagon train in safety before he could march with his army. He therefore entrenched himself in the plain around the town.
From Winston's Ridge [Ed: Winstead's Hill] the nature of these fortifications could be clearly seen and presented a formidable aspect. The line of works extended from thickets on both flanks across a level plain and consisted of high earth works with a deep ditch in front. An attacking force had no protection. For the space of a mile it was exposed to a concentrated fire of musketry and cannon, which would threaten literally to sweep an army away. The situation looked serious and General Hood summoned a brief consultation with his officers to decide what should be done. Some of the best and bravest of his generals, among them was General Cleburne, advised against a direct assault as involving a terrible and useless waste of life. The commanding general, however, wishing doubtless to crown this brilliant, but hitherto fruitless campaign with a notable success, ventured victory upon one bold stroke, and gave orders for an unimpending attack.
It was just after the short council had been held, and on the eve of the onset, that General Hood addressed General Cleburne thus: "General, I wish you to move on the enemy, Form your division on the right of the pike with your left resting on the same, General Brown will form on your left with his right resting on the pike. Give orders to your men not to fire a gun till you drive the Federal skirmishers from the first line of works in your front. Then press them and shoot them in the backs while running to the main line. Then charge the main works." To his most intimate friends these words do not sound like Cleburne; but the entire conversation is given on the authority of Dr. Linthieum, chief surgeon of Cleburne's division, who had remained at Spring Hill to care for the wounded there, and mounting his horse, and states that he heard the words used by both parties.
There is no question that while Hood did not entertain very cordial feelings towards Cleburne, on account of the latter's opinion, expressed after his own blunt manner, that Hood's substitution of Johnston in the command of the army was a disaster to the Country yet when gallant and loyal action was called for he knew Cleburne could be trusted. Cleburne marched forward with two brigades front, Granberry's [Ed: Granbury's] and Govan's, Lowery's in the rear. In a few moments the command was under a galling fire from the enemy's artillery. The first line of works in Cleburne's front, which was about two hundred yards in advance of the main works, was easily taken. Behind this line the command halted a few moments preparatory to making the final charge. All this time Cleburne was with his men. It was his custom, especially when any important charge was to be made, to follow his troops into the midst of the battle, and it has frequently been a cause of wonder to his friends that he came from so many dangers unscathed; but up to this time he seems to borne a charmed life. And now as his command dashed forward into the teeth of that fiery storm which burst from those main works, he followed them.
The writer [Ed: I] had been sent to locate a battery, [Ed: Hood hastily ordered the attack of Franklin, without waiting for artillery support] but while executing the order received a message from General Cleburne, through Captain S. P. Hanly of his staff, to return to him immediately. Reporting as ordered he found the general about the center of his division, immediately behind the line of battle. Seeing the writer [Ed: me] he mearly said, "It is too late," and the added, "Go on with Granberry [Ed: Granbury]," while he turned his horse to the right and galloped up to Govan's brigade which was rushing madly for the enemy's works.
His receding form was the last sight the writer [Ed: I] had ever had of General Cleburne alive.
Through the level plain, the valley of death, the whole line was now plunging onward, broken but closing up, thinning but still pressing forward. On all sides men sank out of sight, the ground was thick with the dead, the fallen seemed more numerous than living. Officers and soldiers, generals and privates, fell side by side. Generals Govan and Granberry [Ed: Granbury] on foot were in the midst of their men cheering them on. Within ten feet of the writer [Ed: me] General Granberry's [Ed: Granbury's] voice rang out clear and commanding "Forward men, forward! Never let it be said that Texans lag in the fight!" One moment later a ball struck him in the lower part of the cheek and passed through his brain. Throwing both hands to his face as in the impulse of the instant to find where the pain was he sank forward on his knees, and there, half sitting, half crouching, with his hands over his face he was found next day rigid in the attitude in which the bullet with its blow and its swift coming death had left him.
Better soldiers than this Texas brigade, were never marshaled. Cool in danger, accurate in the use of arms, full of audacious daring and an unconquerable courage, they were an honor to the army, an honor to their State, and Granberry [Ed: Granbury] was worthy to be their general.
Scarcely had the writer [Ed: I] left General Cleburne for the last time as already described when the general's horse was killed under him. A member of his escort, Brandon of Mississippi, dismounted and offered the general his horse. While in the act of mounting this one it too was instantly killed, riddled by many bullets. Then Cleburne rushed forward on foot, and when within less than a hundred yards of the works he fell, pierced by a single minnie ball which passed through his body and probably caused instant death. Hidden by smoke and enveloped by thunder he sank on the couch of his glory unattended and alone.
The battle of Franklin began at half past six o'clock p. m. and lasted but an hour; and by Cleburne's division at least only one charge was made. The charge brought the remnants of his gallant brigades into the ditches before the enemy's works. Unable to scale the works they maintained a desultory fire from the position with the enemy who fired at them from above. On the left Brown's men had also reached the ditch, and were unable to get further. About one hundred and fifty of them succeeded in getting over the works, and were captured by the enemy and taken to Nashville [Ed: 12 men of them were men of the 10th Texas Infantry - see the regiment's casualty totals, 3 pages further] Stewart on the right had been stopped by the thicket and doubled up on Cleburne's line. Bate on the left had been slightly engaged, but made no impression and suffered but little loss. By this time the enemy having secured the safety of their trains withdrew, and left Franklin in possession of Hood. At midnight the town was guarded by his troops.
[Kennesaw National Military Park - Kennesaw, Georgia]
AUGUST 31, 1864
"My position on the 31st of August was on the extreme left of the line, which at 2 p. m. reached and was formed along the Jonesborough and Fayeteville road, about half a mile west of the former place. About 3.30 p. m. the line advanced, the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Texas Regiments, constituting the left of my brigade, being the battalion of direction. A few moments previous to the advance, a battalion of engineer troops, Major Presstman commanding, and the Third Mississippi Cavalry (dismounted), Colonel Harris commanding, both battalions under command of Colonel McGuirk, Gholson's brigade, were ordered to report to me, and were formed 150 paces to the rear and on my left in echelon. I ordered Colonel McGuirk to preserve that distance and relative position in advancing, and if the attack upon the enemy developed forces extending beyond my left to move up at double-quick time to the main line. Our skirmishers being already engaged, an advance of 400 paces brought the line under fire and a charge was ordered. The enemy were posted behind barricades made of rails in an open field 300 paces east of Flint river, supported by batteries on the first hills beyond that stream. After a brisk fight of about thirty minutes, in which my command had to charge through open fields, the enemy in my front were routed. Seeing them endevoring to rally at a crossing opposite my left flank, I ordered Colonel McGuirk to advance his two battalions in double-quick time, which was executed by that officer promptly and gallantly, and in time for his command to deliver a few volleys before the enemy escaped beyond the river. My orders were to drive all opposing forces beyond Flint River and halt on this side. This arrangement had been explained to regimental commanders previously to advancing. In crossing the field from the first barricade taken to the edge of the bottom, I passed from my right toward the point where the enemy were crossing opposite my left flank, and was with Colonel McGuirk's right battalion when I reached the creek. I ordered him to hold and dress his lines, and proceeded with the intention to superintend the alignment of my own brigade proper from the left. I on the right had already crossed. I dispatched runners to Lieutenant Colonel Young, Tenth Texas Infantry, senior officer of my brigade, to withdraw immediately to the east bank of the river, and ordered those who had not crossed to dress on Colonel McGuirk's line. The reason given by Lieutenant-Colonel Young for advancing beyond the stream was that the enemy's battery was so near the river and commanded it that it was necessary to capture or drive it away in order to occupy a line along the river with safety. This battery and its supports fled precipitately, and in half an hour I had orders from Brigadier-General Lowrey, commanding the division, to withdraw to our former position along the Jonesborough and Fayetteville road, and did so.
The loss of my brigade in this affair was 16 killed and 62 wounded. The enemy's loss must have been slight, as we passed over but few dead bodies.
My officers and men deported themselves with their usual courage.
The responsibility assumed by Lieutenant-Colonel Young in crossing the river under the circumstances I consider as having been eminently proper, evincing the gallantry and discretion of that officer. The result was that our withdrawal across the open field was entirely unmolested."
SEPTEMBER 1, 1864
"At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 1st of September I received orders to follow Lowrey's brigade to the right. My brigade went into position at daydawn about one mile north of Jonesborough, Lowrey's brigade being on my left and Govan's on the right. The enemy's line of earth-works was not more than 300 paces distant, and their sharpshooters commenced their work of annoyance at sunrise. Goldwaite's battery had position in the center of my left regiment. About 1 p. m. the enemy advanced his lines against Govan's position and against my right. After a desperate resistance Govan's line gave way, and the enemy, gaining his breastworks and the timber in rear of them, poured a murderous enfilading fire all along my line. Our forces to the right of Govan had also given way, and the enemy were rapidly pushing down the railroad to my rear. Not aware that we had any supporting forces for that portion of the line (all the troops were single rank), I ordered a change of front to the rear on my left battalion. Pending the execution of this movement Lieutenant-General Hardee and Brigadier-General Lowrey rode forward rapidly, supposing that my men had been driven away. I explained to those two officers that the movement was by my order and the reason for it. Being assured by General Lowrey that my right flank should be protected, I ordered my men back to their original position, which was promptly obeyed. The position held by the enemy in Govan's trenches and in the timber was in forty paces of my right, and the change osf front to the rear and the return to the original position were both executed under an incessant fire
Vaughan's brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Gordon, was sent by Brigadier-General Lowrey, commanding the division, to retake Govan's trenches. In advancing to the attack this command either obliqued to the left of was not placed in position far enough to the right. Three of the regiments went into my trenches and only one confronted the enemy in Govan's works. These drove them from the timber and threw them on the defensive in Govan's trenches and relieved my line to a great extent from the enfilating fire of musketry. One of the enemy's batteries, however, farther to the right, continued to harass us, coming as it did obliquely from the rear, and a rattling fire of small-arms was all the time kept up by the enemy in front.
The enemy's loss in front of my right was heavy, and their repeated efforts to break that portion of my line were repulsed. I held the position until 11 p. m., and withdrew silently by the left flank. Goldthwaite's battery was withdrawn by my order at dusk. My loss (principally from the center to the right) was 18 killed and 89 wounded.
Lieut. George B. Jewell, acting ordnance officer [Ed: former Ordnance Officer, 10th Texas Infantry], deserves especial mention for the promptness with which his ammunition train conformed to the movement of the brigade on the 31st of August, and a timely supply of ammunition whenever it was needed throughout both engagements.
First Lieut. Sebron G. Sneed, acting assistant adjutant-general, was severely wounded in the breast on the evening of the 1st instant while carrying an order in the most exposed portion of the field. His conspicuous daring won the admiration of the entire command. To him and to Capt. T. B. Camp, acting assistant inspector-general, and Lieut. D. B. Hall, aide-de-camp, my thanks are due to prompt assistance in both engagements."
[Irving Buck Papers - Special Collections - Museum of the Confederacy - Richmond, Virginia]
In Camps on Altoona Mountain, Ga.}
June 1, 1864.}
There appears to be a partial calm in the fiery ordeal of military operations at this time, so far as fighting is concerned. There is constant skirmishing along the entire line, and it seems from the apparent tardy movements of the enemy, that he is at a loss to know where is the most vulneralble point at which an attack is to be made on our lines. Owing to the topography of the country he is necessarily compelled to labor under the most insurmountable difficulties to effect any further flank movement upon our lines. Suffice it to say, that we are prepared for any emergency. The consequent failure on the part of the enemy to cut our line, after the many fruitless efforts to effect a passage, has, no doubt, produced a feeling of discomfiture among them needing such a specific as will baffle the characteristic ingeniality of the wily Yankee to procure. On the 27th ultimo there was an effort made to turn our right wing, by concentrating two corps on our extreme right, at which the enemy had learned that there was only a small squad of rebel cavalry; and, really, there were a few at this point until within a few minutes before the engagement commenced. Our cool, intrepid and ever watchful general, (H. B. Granbury) commanding a brigade of Texans, was just in time to prevent a flank movement, which, had the enemy have been successful, would have caused us much trouble. We had no time to throw up breastworks; and, under the circumstances, we resolved to meet the enemy, who were advancing upon us in seven lines, whereas, we had but one, and all that we claim is that the advantage in the position of the ground.
Although our number was small, in comparison to that of the enemy; yet this did not in the least daunt the minds of the ever faithful Texans, who have been taught by the perils of this cruel war, to face danger in every conceivable shape. From the statements of the enemy's wounded, they anticipated an easy job to whip the rebel cavalry, who were, at the time of our arrival, skirmishing with them; but as usual, they were subjected to sad disappointment. We fought them from 4 o'clock P. M. until dark. Gen. Granbury not being satisfied with the glorious victory already achieved, determined to make a descent upon the enemy after dark. The bugal sounded the advance at 11 o'clock P. M., and a part of the brigade only was ordered to make the charge. The enemy were in line of battle about 200 yards in our front. We marched forward without any interruption, for the discomfited Yankee made but little resistance. We killed and captured quite a number of the foe, and our boys considered that they were well paid off for their night adventure, and to take it all in all, it was one of the most brilliant achievements of the war. To sum up the results, any impartial observer will say that the Texas boys "are all right." Our loss in killed in the brigade is 41, wounded 117. The loss of the enemy in killed in front of the brigade 300, wounded 1200, prisoners taken 250, and about 1700 stands of small arms, most of which were new Springfield rifles.
To sum up, our loss in killed and wounded was 158, whereas, the loss of the enemy in killed, wounded and prisoners, was 1750. Let other troops do likewise, and we will soon put an end to this cruel war and secure an honorable peace. Gen. Johnston took a survey of the battlefield on the following morning, and remarked that our boys did the best shooting that he has seen during the war. There was an immense thicket immediately in our front when the engagement commenced, and in less than one hour scarcely a single bush remained standing. No part of the battlefield of Chickamauga will bear comparison to this in the slaughter of Yankees within a space of two hundred yards of our position. In some places the dead and wounded lay in heaps. The bodies of some were pierced as many as forty times. Very few shots were discovered upon the trees higher than a man's head. The enemy had to ascend the hill upon which we had taken our position, and a part of the ridge below us was very rough, but it facilitated the air of our unnerving marksmen. We are now awaiting another opportunity to show to the enemy we are not yet demoralized. Our boys have been on the wing constantly day and night since the campaign opened at Dalton; or more properly we have been like Waverly's goose, "in no place constant never," and by such we have been styled old Pat's webfooted cavalry. It is surprising how well the boys bear up under such hardships; but we are well fed and have the will to do. The enemy is moving to our right, and we have orders to "follow suit." More anon.
"TEXAS."
[Microfilm Department - Robert W. Woodruff Library - Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia]
HDQRS. 6TH, 10TH AND 15TH TEXAS VOLUNTEERS
December 2, 1863.
CAPTAIN: As captain commanding the Sixth, Tenth and Fifteenth Regiments of Texas Volunteers, I have the honor to submit this my report of the part taken by said regiments in the battle of Taylor's Ridge, near Ringgold, Ga., in November 27:
On the night of the 26th, we marched to the bank of the Chickamauga River near Ringgold. Bivouacked until about 2.30 a.m. the 27th, when we were ordered up to strip and prepare for wading the river, which was soon accomplished. After the river had been crossed the men redressed, and, the morning being very cold, were formed in line and arms stacked, and fires built to warm by.
About break of day were ordered to fall in, and commenced the march through the town of Ringgold, taking the railroad in town. After passing town 400 or 500 yards, the brigade filed to the left, marched to the edge of timber, and filed to the left again and halted when the whole had got into line along the timber at the foot of the ridge, where arms were stacked and fires built in rear. The men warmed and rested a short time, when I received an order from brigade commander to detail vedettes from each company, all in charge of a commissioned officer, to remain along the line to watch and report any movement on the part of the enemy, who was said to be not far in our rear. Lieutenant Pearson, of Company D, Sixth Texas, was put in command of the vedettes, with instructions to keep concealed and not to fire. Our main line was then faced by the rear rank, and marched silently up the side of the hill about 100 yards; halted, faced about, making our new line parallel to the first. Company F, under Lieutenant Atkins, Tenth Texas, was ordered to deploy as skirmishers, covering our front in the edge of the woods. We were ordered to keep close and in line, and refrain from firing ?? enemy as near as possible. The enemy's cavalry was reported moving toward the right of our brigade and his infantry as occupying the town.
In a short time firing was heard in front of Colonel Wilkes' (Texas) regiment, on our right, and the enemy's skirmishers were seen advancing; also, forces of the enemy passing round below our left. Firing became general among the skirmishers along the whole line of our brigade.
About the time I received orders to detach the two left companies of the regiment, and order them to report to Major Taylor to reenforce the right of his regiment, which was accordingly done, being Company C, under Lieutenant Flynt, and Company L, under Captain Nutt. Colonel Granbury, commanding brigade, ordered me to prepare the line for a charge, which was done by ordering all the men into their proper places in line and having bayonets fixed. The line of the regiment extending both ways over the turn of the hill, so as to obscure the two flanks from each other, I directed Captain Fisher, of Company G, of the Sixth, to take charge of the left wing, while I would remain with the right and Adjutant Willingham near the center, so that the orders could be better observed and passed. The signal for charge was to come from Capt. J. T. Hearne, assistant adjutant-general, placed in front of our center by Colonel Granbury to watch the movement of the enemy. This position was maintained during the fight, a destructive fire being kept up by our skirmishers, vedettes, and sharp-shooters all the while upon the enemy, who in turn kept up a scattering fire upon us.
After thus holding our position, ready to charge at any moment the enemy should show himself in the proper position for it, for about two hours, we received an order to move off by the left flank silently, which was promptly executed by moving along the side of the hill until we intercepted the railroad, which we then followed.
The officers, without exception, so far as I could observe, performed their duties promptly and well, as also the men, with but rare exceptions. I take this occasion to acknowledge the valuable assistance rendered me by Adjt. J. A. Willingham, of the Tenth Texas, from the time I assumed command of the regiment, and to bear testimony particularly to his courage, and the cool and prompt manner with which he executed all the duties devolving upon him in this action. Our casualties in this action are as follows: None killed, 9 wounded, and 3 missing. All of which is most respectfully submitted.
JNO. R. KENNARD,
Captain, Commanding Regiment
Capt. J. T. HEARNE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
[Official Records of the Rebellion; Series I, Chapter XXXI, Part III, Pages 775-776]
The morning of the 29th of November, 1864, rose clear and cold over the armies of the Tennessee. The rays of a cloudless sun fell slightly over the grim menace of embattled and maneuvering hosts. Schofield [Ed: Federal General Schofield] was in Columbia, and it was Hood's purpose to flank and outmarch him, so as to cut him off from Nashville and capture his army. With this object in view, Hood's army crossed the Duck river about three miles above Columbia at Davis' Ford, and by a circuitous rout marched directly toward Spring Hill. A small town that was situated on the Nashville turnpike, about midway between Columbia and Franklin.
In this march Cleburne's division was leading, with Bate immediately following him, and Brown in the rear, on the right of the road over which the corps marched. Cleburne's division was composed of four brigades - Granberry's [Ed: Granbury's] Texas, Govan's Arkansas, Lowery's, composed of Alabama and Mississippi troops, and Mercer's Georgia, commanded by General J. A. Smith. The latter brigade had been left on duty at Florence, Ala., and did not reach the command till after the battle of Franklin.
Late in the afternoon Cleburne reached the vicinity of Spring Hill. Near the turnpike at this point there was a Federal fortification. A quarter of a mile from this fortification ran McCrutchen's Creek, and the road on which Cleburne was coming crossed this creek and approached the turnpike at a right angle.
Under the direction of General Cheatham, the corps commander, and following the plan scheduled by General Hood, Bate moved out to form on Cleburne's left, and Brown's brigade was moved on the double quick to his right, and made their formation. General Hood then in person ordered General Cleburne to form at the left of the road, in a cornfield at the foot of a hill, move forward and take the enemy's works, adding that Brown had formed on his right and Bate was advancing to form on his left.
This order was executed rapidly. The enemy had time to fire but one volley before Granberry [Ed: Granbury] and Govan were on their works, and in less than fifteen minutes, with a loss of four killed and forty-five wounded, the earthworks with some prisoners were taken.
Cleburne's command was now in full view of Spring Hill, and less than three hundred yards from it. Meanwhile a Federal battery on the turnpike commenced to shell the command, and, as our forces had become somewhat scattered in pursuing the enemy, General Cleburne dispatched the writer to Granberry [Ed: Granbury] on the left, with directions to form his brigade on a fence running parallel to the pike, and about two hundred yards from it, so as to be prepared to move on the pike. As he gave this order he added, "I will see Govan." At that moment a shell burst over us and wounded Cleburne's horse, "Redpepper," in the hip, causing the animal to rear furiously. Lingering an instant to make the inquiry, "Are you hurt, General?" the answer was shot back as from a Parrott gun, "No! Go on Mangum, and tell Granberry [Ed: Granbury] what I told you, and we will take the pike!" In a short time both brigades had formed and the battery had retreated.
At this juncture General Cheatham discovered that Bate was not on the left, and he sent Colonel Bostick [Ed: Litton Bostick, former Adjutant of Govan's Arkansas Brigade at Pickett's Mill] of his staff with an order for Cleburne to halt till Bate had made his formation. The creek through which Cleburne's men had waded proved an obstruction to Bate, which entailed delay. Meanwhile Brown reported that he was outflanked on the right. The fact together with Bate's failure to form as ordered being communicated to General Hood, and darkness having set in, he gave orders for the troops to bivouac in position, and added "We will attack the enemy at daylight to-morrow morning.
The arrest of his movement on the turnpike was a bitter disappointment to General Cleburne, and he expressed himself very forcibly in regard to the failure that forced it.
[Kennesaw National Military Park - Kennesaw, Georgia]
EDITORS APPEAL: As the accounts of the battle of Missionary Ridge on the 24th and 25th of November that have been published are very meagre and only general in their character, it may not be uninteresting to enter into specialties, and show the part that was taken by some particular brigades and regiments, as well as for the information to the public as to do justice to those engaged.
One engaged in the affair had but little means of knowing what was being done outside of his own particular command, as the line was so long and the obstructions so unfavorable to view - hence I shall only speak of the operations on the extreme right.
About 10'clock on Tuesday, the 24th, Gen Jas. A. Smith's brigade, composed of the 6th, 10th & 15th Texas regiments, Lt. Col. Young, commanding, and the 7th Texas regiment, commanded by Col. Granbury was ordered from its position in the rear of Missionary Ridge, nearly opposite to the Indian hill in front, and moved in quick time to the extreme right of our line of battle, to the hill beyond the tunnel on the Knoxville and Chattanooga railroad, toward the river. Gen. Smith led his brigade beyond the railroad in the direction of the river, and endeavored to gain the hill in front of the one he finally occupied, but, before the ascent we begun, the fire from the sharpshooters of the enemy on the summit, warned us that the enemy had possession of the hill, so the brigade took possession on the top of the his which is channeled, the left resting in the direction of the tunnel, and the right running up along the summit of the hill. It was about 10 o'clock P.M. when we were disposed in order. The battle was raging furiously down on our left, on Lookout mountain, but with what results we did not know. Three companies were thrown forward as skirmishers, who took position about half way down the hill at the upper side of an old field. We had no artillery with the brigade at this time, but fortunately, a battery of small guns came up soon after we were in line, and, as the captain commanding was anxious to get in a fight, Gen. Smith detained him until he threw some shot among the Yankees to let them know we were ready for them. Our skirmishers kept up a brisk fire until dark. In the evening the enemy fired a few shots from a battery they had planted on the top of the hill in our front. The casualties in the evening were slight. Lieut Johnson, of the ____ Texas, was killed, and fifteen or twenty men were wounded
Our men went to work briskly in the evening, and succeeded, before the morning of the 25th, in throwing up breastworks and rails on the top of the hill, extending nearly down to the tunnel. The firing gradually ceased among our skirmishers and sharpshooters as dark advanced, and we lay upon our arms listening to the rest of guns on our extreme left, which was continued with occasional cessation's until 12 o'clock at night.
At daylight on the 25th, the skirmishers commenced firing, when they could get sight of a blue coat through the fog and the Federals showed themselves well on the alert and responded promptly. The artillery, too began to awaken the mountain echoes, and the roar of small arms with the booming of the cannon, fully reminded us that the battle was dawning with the day. There was no fighting on our extreme left, nor could we distinguish guns at the center . Our men knew that Lookout mountain was in possession of the enemy, but thought that they had been defeated on our left the day before, and that to-day they would attempt the right. Never was there a more determined band of men at face to a foe. The supposed success of our left inspired them with a determination to hold the right or die in the endeavor.
Other artillery had been brought to our line during the night, and the batteries of Captain Semples and Sweat was on our right and left, one over the tunnel, sweeping the hollow, and the other near the center of the brigade. The enemy had also planted new batteries during the night before. During the night of the 24th, the brigade changed position from where it was at nightfall - its left moving nearer to the tunnel, consequently the skirmishers in front of its original position had no main line immediately in their rear. The battle continued thus between the artillery and skirmishers until near 8 A.M., when our skirmishers found they were being flanked on the right. They took position nearly perpendicular to their old line, so as to confront the enemy who was flanking them and hold them at a stand, and finally poured the fire into their ranks hotter and hotter, advancing on them and finally drove them back down the hill. In the meanwhile, the skirmishing in front of the main body was very heavy and disastrous to the enemy - it was a battle itself.
About 11 O'clock, the main lines of the enemy were plainly visible. Our artillery did not seem to injure them greatly. Occasionally a bomb would cause a regiment to scatter like a flock of frightened birds, and all efforts to rally them were in vain. One line had advanced close to the foot of the hill and held its position. The artillery on our side could not injure them, as the guns could not be sufficiently depressed to rake them. They could not be seen by our men from behind our main lines and were only exposed to the random shots from sharpshooters and skirmishers above them. Thus the battle continued until about 1 o'clock; at that hour the enemy had advanced a large body of skirmishers up the hill and drove our advance back. Gen. Smith sprang forward and ordered our men to charge them. Over the works they went, and down the hill upon the enemy, who were driven before them with great loss. The few who reached the foot of the hill went flying far in the distant fields. It was in this charge that Gen Smith was wounded; at the head of his men, he was struck by a minie ball below the right knee - passing through and lodging in his left knee - inflicting a severe and painful wound. Capt. Blackburn, of Gen Smith's staff, was struck with a shell on the right arm, which it was necessary to amputate on the field. Col. Mills was also wounded at this time. The enemy strengthened their line at the foot of the hill and again threw forward a heavy line of skirmishers - far up the hill. We expected that the main line would soon assault us with their rapidly increasing force from below, but the fight declined between the skirmishers as before, until about 4 o'clock P.M., when Gen Cleburne passed along the lines and ordered the men to charge the enemy, meeting the enemy down the hill. Again rose above the war of arms that wild, hideous yell, which is only heard in battle, when a man regains that natural savagery he seems to have lost by civilization. With fixed bayonets, down the mountain side they rushed, a human avalanche, more terrible than if the crags themselves had been loosened from their steeps. The skirmishers of the enemy had been swept down - trampled under foot - but the flood of the Texans paused not - on it swept, accumulating strength as it advanced, carrying everything before it to the foot of the hill and late the field below. They piled the ground with the dead foe - some in their haste threw aside their guns as delaying them, and hurled rocks at the retreating enemy. The bayonet did its bloody duty, and the fallen autumn leaves was the death couch of many an invader on the side of that once peaceful ridge. Several stands of colors were captured, and a large number of firearms. Our men were, after a short struggle, in complete possession of the ground - the entire line of the enemy being either killed, prisoners, or fugitives across the fields.
The enemy were evidently surprised at the charge, and perhaps expected to await until darkness at the foot of the hill and assault us in the night. This closed the fight on the evening of the 25th. As we had full possession of all the ground over which the skirmishing had been during the day, we saw how disastrous to the enemy had been our fire. There dead was on every side. Our men fell back to their position on the top of the hill and there we remained until night - no more firing going on, save from weak skirmishing parties. The men felt that they had done their duty, and knew not of our disasters in other positions until they were ordered at night to leave the post they had defended with such gallantry and success during the day. To sum up - we lost no prisoners, lost no artillery, held our position against five times our numbers, took two hundred prisoners and five stands of colors, repulsed the enemy and charged them twice from our works, driving them from the field. That night we crossed the Chickamauga, learning that every where of our disaster at other points on the line. There were other brigades of Cleburne's division, massed in our rear and thrown as it were perpendicular to our right extremity, but the particular part they played I cannot show from personal observation.
We lost but one officer killed - several were wounded. Major Sanders, Captain Shannon, Captain Houston and Lieutenant Gibson and several others - all however, slight, save Major Sanders whose right arm has been amputated.
Our loss among the enlisted men was not heavy. The enemy lost at least one thousand killed and wounded at this point, at least ten to one more than our losses. It was this brigade that so strongly held its position in the center of our line in the battle of Chickamauga subjected to a most fatal fire from the enemy - two other brigades have given up the position.
This brigade is composed entirely of Texans - they have left their homes and families, and without a murmur remain in the army of Tennessee, facing the foe, to beat him back from Georgia - to drive him from Tennesee. They clamer not for the privilege of defending their own State specially, even though large forces are threatening its invasion, but are content so long as is the Confederacy they are battling for, so long as it is ___ ___ ___ they are upholding. They are not here seeking renown, nor to _____ the country with deeds of valor. It is as soldiers and patriots we desire to be known. The ____ of brigades of other _____ find chroniclers. The Texans find none. Publish their efforts, that their friends at home may know that they are not idle or useless, but are fulfilling what their parents, wives and children expect of them. Give their friends the consolation of knowing they are doing their duty - them the justice to show the part they are acting in these dark times.
"COMAL BLUFF"
[Microfilm Department - Robert W. Woodruff Library - Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia]