Monthly Archive

Franklin, Tenn.,
March 31, 1863.

Detachment of Cavalry from the Army of the Cumberland.

Maj.-Gen. Gordon Granger, commanding at Franklin, reported as follows:  “Our cavalry moved out on the Lewisburg and Columbia pike today, encountering the rebels some 7 miles out, and, skirmishing for several hours, and, skirmishing for several hours, took 5 prisoners from them.”

Source:  The Union Army, Vol. 5, p.439

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 68.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE,
Tullahoma, Tenn., March 31, 1863.

The general commanding announces with pride and gratification to the troops of his command two brilliant and successful affairs, recently achieved by the forces of the cavalry of Major-General Van Dorn.

On the 5th instant, Major-General Van Dorn made a gallant charge upon a large force of the enemy at Thompson’s Station.

He utterly routed them, killing and wounding a large number, capturing 1,221 prisoners, including 73 commissioned officers, and many arms.

On the 25th Brigadier-General Forrest, with the troops of his command, daringly assailed the enemy at Brentwood, who could not withstand the vigor and energy of the attack, and surrendered. The results of his successful expedition were the capture of 750 privates and 35 commissioned officers, with all their arms, accouterments, ammunition, and 16 wagons and teams. The troops here captured constituted the remainder of the brigade so successfully attacked by Major-General Van Dorn on the 5th instant.

The skillful manner in which these generals achieved their success exhibits clearly the judgment and gallantry which animated them, and the discipline and good conduct of the brave troops of their commands. Such signal examples of duty the general commanding takes pleasure in commending. They are worthy of imitation by all commands, and deserve the applause and gratitude of their comrades in arms and their country.

By command of General Bragg:
GEORGE WM. BRENT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#5
Page 732

David L. McNees was from Lawrence County, PA when he enlisted on 10/12/61, mustering in to Company H., 78th PA Infantry. He was discharged for disability on 7/11/64.  He died August 21, 1864.

He wrote the following letter:

29 March 1863
Murfreesboro Tenn., [while the regiment was engaged in provost duty]

a mildly cold morning - everything is in full bloom.  There has been no move in this army yet - General Rosecrans reviewed General Negleys Division this week. There is almost daily skirmishing going on handy here, some thinks that the rebels is going to attack us.  There is also good deal of talk about the rebels invading Kentucky.

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In Jan., 1863, the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Rosecrans, was divided into three corps, the 14th, 20th and 21st, and the 78th was assigned to the 3rd brigade (Col. Miller), 2nd division (Gen. Negley), 14th corps (Gen. Thomas).  It was engaged in provost duty at Murfreesboro until April, and in June shared in Rosecrans, campaign from Murfreesboro to Tullahoma.  It then encamped at Decherd until Aug. 15, when it moved with the army in pursuit of Bragg.
Source: The Union Army, vol. 1

********

Source: Nate Sanders auction

The March 26th NY Evening Post had the following article covering the action at Brentwood, March 25, 1863.

Serious Losses of the Rebels in Killed and Wounded - One and Fifteen Prisoners Captured.

Philadelphia, March 26 - The Press of this city has a special dispatch of the Brentwood, Tennessee fight, which says that over fifty rebels were buried by our troops; that one hundred were wounded; that we took one and fifteen prisoners; and that are loss was twenty killed and wounded and missing, including four officers.

Official records report:

Numbers 9. Report of Brigadier General Nathan B. Forrest, C. S. Army, commanding First Division, First Cavarly Corps.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIRST CAVALRY CORPS, April 1, 1863.

MAJOR:

I respectfully submit the following report of expedition to Brentwood:

On the 24th ultimo I ordered Colonel [J. W.] Starnes, commanding Second Brigade, to proceed with his command in the direction of Brentwood, leaving Franklin on the left and crossing Harpeth River at Half-Acre Mill, 6 miles east of Franklin, and to pass through fields and by-roads thence to Brentwood, ordering him to throw out a squadron on the pike and railroad between Brentwood and Franklin, cutting the telegraph wires, and tearing up the track of the railroad, sending two regiments forward to attack the stockade, and posting the balance of the Third [Fourth] Tennessee Regiment so as to cut off any retreat of the enemy toward Nashville and Triune. He was ordered to bring on the attack at daylight on the 25th, at which time I was to join him with General Armstrong’s brigade, with the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, temporarily attached to his brigade, which marched on Brentwood via Hillsborough and the Hillsborough pike. I failed to reach Brentwood with General Armstrong’s command at the appointed hour, owing to delay in getting the artillery across Harpeth River. I arrived there, however, at 7 o’clock in the morning, sending one squadron of the Tenth Regiment down the Hillsborough pike to protect my rear, and another to the left and rear of Brentwood to prevent any retreat of the enemy toward Nashville, and give me timely information of any re-enforcements from Nashville. With the other six companies of the Tenth Tennessee and my escort, I moved to the right of the road running from Hillsborough pike to Brentwood, ordering General Armstrong, with this brigade and a section of Freeman’s artillery, to move to the left of that, and attack the Federals at Brentwood.

After disposing of my troops as stated, I moved rapidly on with my escort to the Franklin pike, capturing a courier with a dispatch to the commander of the Federal forces at Franklin, asking for help. I found he enemy had thrown out his skirmishers on the pike and on the surrounding hills. A flag of truce was sent in, demanding an immediate and unconditional surrender. The colonel commanding replied that we must come and take him. By this time the other six companies of the Tenth Tennessee, commanded by Major [William E.] De Moss, had arrived at the pike. He was ordered to dismount his men and attack in front, while messengers were sent to General Armstrong to move up and open upon them with his artillery in the left and rear. Major De Moss promptly attacked them. As soon as this was done, with my escort I moved rapidly to the right of the pike, and, gaining a high position, found the enemy were preparing to make their escape toward Nashville. My escort was ordered to advance to the pike and engage them. By this time the firing in front between the enemy and Major De Moss became general. The enemy had been driven inside of their works, and I ordered my escort to charge them. Just as this order was given, and General Armstrong had taken position on the left, the enemy hoisted a white flag, and surrendered, with all their arms, wagons, baggage, and equipments.

I ordered General Armstrong to send off the prisoners, arms, wagons, &c., as quickly as possible to the Hillsborough pike, and to destroy by fire all the tents, camp equipage, &c., that could not be transported. With the Fourth Mississippi Cavalry, and the Tenth Tennessee and the pieces of artillery, I moved on the stockade at the bridge across Harpeth River, about 2 miles south of Brentwood. After getting position and firing one gun, they surrendered. We captured there 275 prisoners, 11 wagons, 3 ambulances, with all their arms and equipments.

We moved off as soon as possible to the Hillsborough pike, after destroying the railroad bridge and all the tents and supplies which could not be removed.

Before leaving Brentwood to attack the stockade, I ordered Colonel [J. H.] Lewis, of the First [Sixth] Tennessee Cavalry, to dash down the pike with his command toward Nashville. He ran their pickets in at Brown’s Creek, capturing some negroes and a sutler’s wagon within 3 miles of the city. He there turned to the left with his regiment, making a circuit around Nashville from the Franklin to the Charlotte pike.

Before the rear of my command reached the Hillsborough pike, they were attacked by a force of Federal cavalry. They succeeded in getting possession of several of the wagons captured at the stockade, and cut out and stampeded the mules.

As soon as the lines were formed, the enemy were repulsed and driven back to Brentwood; but having no harness or mules for them, several of the wagons were burned, and not knowing what forces might be marching on us, I deemed it expedient to move off with the prisoners as rapidly as possible.

I will here remark that Colonel Starnes reached the stockade at daylight; but, not knowing the force of the enemy, and being without artillery, and ignorant of the whereabouts of my portion of the command, moved over to the Hillsborough pike, where he remained until after the capture was made.

I refer you to official report of killed and wounded on our side, which is very small indeed. The enemy lost about 15 killed and 30 wounded and 800 prisoners. We captured and brought away 3 ambulances and harness, 9 six-horse wagons and harness, 2 two-horse wagons and harness, 60 mules, and 6 horses, which were placed in chargee of Major [N. C.] Jones, assistant quartermaster First Brigade,who was ordered to turn them over to quartermaster at Columbia. Many of the men in the command who were unarmed got guns on the field, and many who had inferior guns, muskets, shot-guns, &c., exchanged them on the field, placing (or, at any rate, so ordered) their old guns in the wagons in lieu of them.

I ordered Colonel [J. H.] Edmondson’s regiment and [E. J.] Sanders’ battalion to take charge of the prisoners and wagons, and proceed direct to Columbia, via Williamsport. With the balance of the division I moved toward Spring Hill, regulating my march so as to keep on the flank of the commands with the prisoners, so as to meet promptly any attempt at recapture by the enemy’s forces at Franklin.

Respectfully submitted.

N. B. FORREST,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS WHARTON’S CAVALRY DIVISION,
Unionville, March 24, 1863-2 p.m.
Lieut,  Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding, &c. :

GENERAL: My scouts have all returned. Twelve men, sent between Triune and Murfreesborough, ambuscaded a party of Federals on the dirt road; wounded 2, and put the party to flight. My men returned in safety.

The Eleventh Texas was sent below College Grove, on Harpeth, but could not draw the enemy into battle. They captured 1 cavalryman from Johnson’s First Tennessee Cavalry. I will send him to-morrow.

No change in the enemy’s position. The Second Georgia, under Major [F. M.] Ison, drove them from the forks of the pike yesterday toward Triune. I attack them every day. Steedman is still at Triune. I think he has only two brigades.

Last Wednesday a very large train of wagons, joined by two brigades of infantry, went from Murfreesborough to Nashville.
I hope in the course of a few days to send you a large Yankee mail. Malone stays away unaccountably, and he has a guide of mine with him who would now be worth [his weight] in gold. If you know his whereabouts, please say to him I desire his return.

I would be much obliged for late papers. I have no news from Van Dorn.

Please let me know the extent of Morgan’s disaster.

Most respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier-General.

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#5
Page 725

HEADQUARTERS WHARTON’S CAVALRY,
Unionville, March 23, 1863-3.30 p.m.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding at Shelbyville:

GENERAL: Captain [M. L.] Gordon, of my scout, with 15 men from his company and 6 men from Company B, Texas Rangers (my escort), passed to the rear of the enemy last night.

He visited the houses of George Smith, 4 miles from Murfreesborough, Wilkinson pike, and Mr. Hardin, 1½ miles of Triune, on the same pike.

He learned that Rosecrans’ army was still at Murfreesborough; that he has received no re-enforcement lately; that he has fortified all around the town; fortifications from Mr. James’ to Stone’s River, toward Breckinridge’s line, extending on both sides of the river. They have torn down the Murphy house (General Cheatham’s headquarters), and erected fortifications in its stead. Fortifications on Little’s plantation.

McCook’s corps is near Salem; his headquarters at Tom Turner’s, 2 miles from Salem, toward Murfreesborough. They were under arms all Wednesday night, occasioned by Captain Gordon’s attack upon them that evening. They pretend to expect an attack from General Bragg, who, they say, has received large re-enforcements. Yankee officers say, if we want a fight, we will have to come to them.

No truth in reports about demoralization. Officers say conscript law will be enforced.

Couriers to Triune and Franklin do not travel the Wilkinson pike, but go out several miles on the Nashville road, and then turn off. Captain Gordon was within one-half mile of their main camp on Wilkinson pike. He would have attacked it, but thought his presence ought not to be made known, as he might be called upon to go again, in which, I think, he acted wisely.
I have several scouts out, the result of which I will report promptly. I will be in town to-morrow, to see you, if nothing occurs to prevent.

Twenty-three Federal cavalry who would approach the rear of Shelbyville, within 1½ miles of Triune, would be considered bold and daring scouts.

Most respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier-General.

P. S.–I send you a report of General Morgan’s fight at Auburn on the 20th, which you have doubtless had the particulars of.

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 722-23

MARCH 23, 1863–7.30 p.m.
General POLK,
Shelbyville, Tenn.:

GENERAL: I report everything quiet in our front. Our demonstration in front of the enemy on Harpeth was not productive of any results.

Very respectfully,
P. D. RODDEY,
Colonel.

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 722

COLLEGE GROVE,
Sunday Evening, [March 22, 1863]–3 o’clock.
Colonel RODDEY:
SIR: In accordance with instructions received from you this morning, we proceeded down the pike leading from College Hill to College Grove until we discovered the outposts of the enemy. We met with no obstruction between College Hill and the bank of Harpeth River. Dr Webb informed us that a man whom we perceived standing on the pike, about a quarter of a mile on the farther side of the river, was the Yankee picket. We received information from a lady in the Grove that on Friday morning the Yankees ambushed for your command, in the lower part of town. We also heard (and give it as a report to be investigated) that the enemy camped on this side of Harpeth, below Eagleville, last night.

We learned that the force of the enemy who followed you across the river yesterday consisted of 400 cavalry and 300 infantry. They gave our boys credit for good fighting, and were badly scared.

Yours, respectfully,
[ZENAS] MOODY.

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 721

UNIONVILLE, March 22, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK:

GENERAL: Inclosed you will find dispatch from General Van Dorn. I sent 200 men to cross Harpeth below College Grove, and attack to-morrow the enemy between Franklin and Triune. I likewise ordered Roddey to advance a portion of his regiment to College Grove. This was done before I heard from General Van Dorn, and I am glad of it, as it will be a diversion in his favor. I have two scouting parties now in rear of Murfreesborough; will hear from them to-morrow. The enemy followed Roddey to College Grove last evening. Has General Bragg been transferred?

Most respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier-General.

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 720

HEADQUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY CORPS,
Spring Hill, Tenn., March 21, 1863.
Colonel RODDEY,
Commanding Cavalry :

COLONEL: I send a brigade and section of artillery around the post of Franklin to Brentwood to-night, and will make a demonstration in front of that place (Franklin) to-morrow morning. Communicate this please, to General Polk at Shelbyville.

Let me know your movements. I shall remain in this vicinity sometime unless driven back again. Please inform me of any movement this way by the enemy.

Yours, &c.,
EARL VAN DORN,
Major-general

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 721

 MARCH 21, 1863—8 p.m.
General LEONIDAS POLK,
Shelbyville, Tenn.:

GENERAL: My scouts run the pickets in from Jordan’s Store, and followed near College Grove. Citizens told the captain that there were two regiments (infantry) on this side of the river,-besides one cavalry [regiment].

I am off to that place immediately, to try and find out all about and attack them, if practicable.

Very respectfully,
P. D. RODDEY,
Colonel

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 719

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS,
Columbia, Tenn., March 20, 1863.
Maj. K. FALCONER,
Adjutant and Inspector  General, Tullahoma:

SIR: The dispatches of General Bragg, in regard to the information that the enemy were probably falling back from Murfreesborough, and ordering that I should follow them if true, have been received. I have constantly had scouts in every direction, in front and on both flanks, and although run, ors have reached me that such a movement was contemplated, no report of any actual movement of the kind has been made. I have been shoeing my horses and resting them after the very trying forced marches I have recently made. I had intended moving back across Duck River as soon as possible. 1 had ordered the corps over this morning, but owing to reports that the enemy were advancing this way again, I crossed part of the command last night; the balance are going over this morning. I will get in their rear, if possible, and strike at Franklin, Brentwood, and other points in that vicinity. I can only take, however, about 5,000 men. If no movement is made from Franklin, and none against General Bragg’s main position, I would respectfully suggest the propriety of allowing my horses rest for a short time, to gain sufficient flesh and strength for the final contest. I am sorry that I must report that they are not in very good condition now; that is, there are many that are not.

Very respectfully, major, I am, your obedient servant,
EARL VAN DORN,
Major-general.

P. S.–Scout just in from College Grove and Eagleville reports Steedman’s brigade and two regiments of cavalry at Triune, fortifying hill in vicinity. Some troops came from Nolensville to Triune last Tuesday. The impression among citizens near Murfreesborough is that the enemy intend moving back; part of their army has gone across Stone’s River.

A deserter from Franklin yesterday states that he heard officers discussing plans for taking Columbia; they had maps, &c., and that preparations were being made for the movement. The enemy had, he says, 9,000 men

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 715

TULLAHOMA, March 20, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK:
The following dispatch received this morning from Columbia:
General BRAGG:

I am watching enemy. I have just received report this moment that the enemy are advancing upon me on the three pikes–Lewisburg, Carter Creek, and Columbia. I had made every preparation to march in the morning, in obedience to your orders. Am ready to fight, and will do so.
EARL VAN DORN.

GEORGE WM. BRENT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 714

Letter from Franklin A. Whitney to mother the day after he enlisted in Company F. 36th Illinois.

He was listed as from Mission, Illinois, [Kendall County] when he enlisted as a Private on 2/29/64. He mustered into Company F, 36th Illinois infantry 3/19/64. Mustering out 10/8/65 in Washington, D.C.

*************************

This transcript is from a copy of the handwritten original.  Original letter location is unknown.

Letter reads:

Aurora, [Illinois]

March 19, 1864

Dear mother,

I received your kind letter with a great many good advices. I expect to send this letter home by James. We was mustered in this afternoon and received my bounty. I intend to send home $50 of it that will lack ten dollars of being all the bounty. I will try to pay that up when we receive our next payment. The boys seem to think that #20 was more too much to take with me. Tomorrow morning we leave for Louisville at eight o’clock. The new recruits meet at the hall at five o’clock so to get our clothes. Then I will have a chance to send my clothes home. I was afraid that I would have to carry them to Chicago. Uncle H and Mr S was here this orning and I believe I was glad to see them. I wish that some came from our house had come up with them but still I don’t know but it would be a waste of time. The boys are all very well.  [end page one]

I have formed some new friends since I have been in. A[****] it is a Dr. Higgins. I was at his office and after a while he asked me to go home with him. I didn’t like to go at first but he urged pretty hard and said that he had two sisters there that was pretty good company so I went with him and found it as he said. In the evening his father got out the checker board and spent the time very well. I learned him well how to play ‘peremids] (sic). He was so much taken up with the game that he kept me at it all the evening and wanted some to there this eve! He is about 73 years old and has [next six words unreadable] full grown. They want I should kill reb, them and right to them. It is now ten and I must close. How are all the friends at home. Excuse all mistakes and right soon.

From your son,

Franklin A. Whitney

I suppose the money belongs to father if it does go in your letter

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Post-war photograph of Franklin A. Whitney, 36th Illinois Infantry.

Image copyright protected, the Kraig McNutt Civil War Collection.

Other related letters:

17 Nov 64 - to mother

13 Nov 64 - mother to son

HEADQUARTERS WHARTON’S CAVALRY,
Unionville, March 19, 1863–8.30 p.m.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding at Shelbyville:

GENERAL: Yours of 1.30 p.m. of this date has just been received. My scout has just returned. They went within 1 mile of Salem. They learned that the enemy moved out infantry (the number not known) to Salem last night. The officer could learn nothing of the evacuation, save that he was told that they were moving their wounded from Murfreesborough, and that the negroes are running to the Yankees, both of which might indicate a retrograde movement. The enemy are at the same position on this pike. I sent 250 picked men yesterday to attack the enemy near College Grove, and ordered Roddey to support them. They engaged the enemy 1½ miles south of College Grove, drove them before them, and burned the bridge which they have just built over the Harpeth, near College Grove. Please advise General Bragg that I have destroyed this bridge. I learn that the enemy sent thirteen transports, laden with troops, to Carthage last Thursday. It may be General Rosecrans is about to adopt my campaign, via Carthage to Kingston, E. Tenn.

I have sent a lieutenant, with three good men, with Mr. House as a guide, to the enemy’s rear, passing around to the Wilkinson pike. I will hear from them by 12 m. to-morrow. I have four men now near Triune; will report when they return. The fight at College Grove and its results are very creditable. I have a scout now at Lebanon. I will use every exertion to advise you of the movements of the enemy, and will attack them upon every opportunity. Please give me your suggestions from time to time.

I send you Cincinnati Enquirer of the 9th and 14th instant. One contains the recent elections in New York; the other a speech from Hon Mr. [George H.] Pendleton, of Ohio.
Most respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier-General.
[P. S.]–Please return the Cincinnati Enquirer of the 14th, as it does not belong to me.

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 710

CHAPEL HILL, March 19, 1863–1.30 p.m.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,  Shelbyville, Tenn.:
Major Johnson has just returned from his scout. He reports finding the Federal pickets, 1 mile this side of College Grove, at daylight. At about sun-up he advanced upon and drove the party from the bridge (the bridge only a skeleton, not complete), and skirmished with him until he burned it. Some time afterward the enemy re-enforced with two regiments of infantry. He fell back, and continued the fight until about 10 or 11 o’clock; then fell back, no one of the enemy pursuing. A Yankee colonel stated to Dr. Webb, yesterday, that their falling back was made to meet a change General Bragg had made, by which move he was likely to get in their rear and cut off their communication with General Grant’s army.
Very respectfully,
P D. RODDEY,
Colonel

Interview background: Life on the Plantation

Part One | Two

Health and Medical Care on the Plantation

GVD: what did you do for medical care, with so many people on a plantation to attend to?

NBD: My mother had a magnificent constitution or she could never have accomplished the amount of work required of her. I never knew her to have until her latter years a physician for herself. But for family needs we had colored nurses who, under a physician, were competent and devoted in sickness.

It was a revelation to me of the tender care that old patriarch gave to his slaves, no wonder that they loved him. . . . . If a negro was sick, your father would always send him food from his own table, which was received with great pleasure.

Typical Day-Life on the Plantation

GVD: What kind of resources did your plantation provide?

NBD: We had a steam mill for sawing lumber, and mills for grinding corn and wheat. Sugar was made in quantities for negroes, but there was no way of refining it. Everything was bountiful and we lacked nothing, but coffee and tea. Every known and unknown substitute was used for these drinks, but none were satisfactory; otherwise we never lived with greater abundance. Our swamps yielded us all game bountifully, venison, wild turkeys, partridges, and reed birds. It was a rich country and could feed an army.

GVD: how did a typical day begin on your plantation?

NBD: The day was always begun with family prayers, for my father’s religious principles were his staff in life, and he derived much strength from them. Fortunately, the love he gave the slaves was fully returned, and I doubt if there was ever a more devoted and united family.

GVD: what did slaves typically do in the evenings after work?

NBD: . . . . they [slaves] gathered in groups about their bright fires, roasting corn and singing their quaint and wonderfully sweet plantation songs.

GVD: What normally took place after breakfast on the plantation?

NBD: .… after breakfast it was customary for the head nurse to report any cases of sickness on the plantation to my mother. Mother’s medicine chest was brought out and together they consulted about the condition of each patient. If anyone were very ill, a man was sent to call in a physician who lived several miles away. My mother then hastened to the negro quarters, and if the invalids could be removed they were brought to the sick house - a large, long building fitted with cots - where they could be better cared for.

I can remember going fearlessly in and out of the cabins, carrying dainty dishes to many little ones who were suffering with what they then called putrid sore throat. It was really diphtheria, and, strange to say, not one of our family took the disease, though there were forty cases on the plantation.

GVD: After attending the sick, what was next?

NBD: After attending the sick, mother’s next duty was to give out the daily provisions. She made a pretty picture in her quaint gown carrying a basket of keys on her arm. The Bible verse, “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness,” could well have been written of her. With twenty-five house and garden servants and the many little children to be looked after, this daily provisioning took a great deal of time, and thought. The house servants had their own kitchen and cook.

GVD: What was a typical Sunday like?

NBD: On Sunday they attended the same churches as the family, the galleries being reserved for them. I might have added in telling of their prayer meeting, that when we were present they always prayed for “Ole Massa and Missus,” and the various members of the family, including the “young Missus from the North.” The little negro children would leave their play to gather around me as they saw me walking about the grounds. On Sundays your mother and her daughters used to go around to the negroes’ houses to read the Bible, and teach the children Bible verses.

GVD: Were young mothers expected to work?

NBD: Mothers with babies were only required to do light work, such as raking leaves, spinning, or sewing, that they might be ready and in condition to nurse their babies.

GVD: How were the slaves provided clothing?

NDB: Another care of hers was to provide clothing for all the negroes, of whom there were over five hundred. To accomplish this, seamstresses were at work all the year round; three in the house and five or six in the negro quarters. These made the men’s and women’s clothing. All the cutting was done under mother’s supervision; and during the early part of the war, all the spinning and weaving of cloth, and even of blankets, was done on the plantation.

HEADQUARTERS WHARTON’S CAVALRY,
Unionville, March 18, 1863–7 p.m.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding at Shelbyville:
GENERAL: Your dispatch just received.(*) I have no guides who know the country. Colonel Roddey has been in his present position six weeks, and ought to know the country now. My scouts are just in. The enemy are still encamped at the junction of this and the College Grove pike. Another scout met a regiment of Federal cavalry to-day about 12 m., 1 mile this side of Salem. As yet I can see nothing which induces me to believe the enemy are evacuating Murfreesborough. Scouts are ordered for to-morrow, and, should they discover a retrograde meeting [movement?], the enemy will be pressed. Please let me [know] to-night why you think the enemy are leaving Murfreesborough. A dispatch from Colonel [J. R.] Butler, stationed at Beech Grove, advises me that the enemy attacked his pickets 3 miles out on the Bradyville road to-day. He would dispatch me again as soon as the movement was developed. I send you two late papers.
Most respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier-General

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 708

CHAPEL HILL, March 18, 1863—5 p.m.
General POLK,  Shelbyville, Tenn.:
GENERAL: So far have heard nothing from the party who left last night. Their instructions were to procure guides whenever they could, and to ascertain the whereabouts and movements of the enemy about Murfreesborough; to report everything deemed important as soon as ascertained.
I learn to-day that some Federals are on this side of Harpeth River, about 3 miles below College Grove, foraging, but have not learned their strength or position. Citizens say they were foraging for camps at Triune. Will endeavor to learn more about them.
Very respectfully,
P. D. RODDEY,
Colonel.

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O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 707-08

An authentic interview between Grapevine Dispatches and Mrs. De Sausssure (1837-1915).

Nancy Bostick (1837-1915) was one of twelve children born to a prominent plantation owner in Hampton County, South Carolina. She was educated at home by private tutors and took music lessons in Charleston, where she met Henry William De Saussure. They married in 1859 and settled in Robertville, South Carolina, a central location from which Dr. De Saussure found it easier to visit patients.

During the Civil War, Dr. De Saussure served the Confederacy as a surgeon, first with the Charleston Light Dragoons, and later along the South Carolina coast. While her husband was away, Nancy and her young daughter lived at Nancy’s father’s plantation, which was close enough to her husband’s camp to enable her to visit him relatively frequently. When General Sherman’s army swept through South Carolina, Nancy fled their home, which was destroyed by fire. After the Civil War, Nancy Saussure taught at Vassar College.

Nancy Bostick De Saussure wrote Old Plantation Days: Being Recollections of the Days Before the Civil War (1909) in the form of a letter to her granddaughter, Dorothy.

What you are about to read is an “authentic” interview between Grapevine Dispatches and Mrs. De Saussure. The answers Mrs. De Saussure [pronounced DES-suh-sore] provides are historically-accurate, taken from her journal, diaries or letters. The questions are contemporary, but chosen and phrased in a manner as if Mrs. De Saussure were interviewed by a 21st century reporter.

No attempt has been made to contemporize the language of Mrs. De Sausssure. For example, she often used the term ‘negroes’. Though certain terms, idioms and phrases are no longer used, or perhaps acceptable today, we feel it is important to hear Mrs. De Saussure in her context, which includes her original language.

This is a fascinating interview. In it, you will learn things like:

• What life was like for slaves on a real plantation during the Civil War?
• How were slaves cared for medically?
• Was there a master-slave attachment?
• Were de Saussure’s slaves treated well?
• What was it like to personally observe the firing upon Ft. Sumter?
• How did Charlestonians feel about the war?
• What kind of destruction and ruin did Charlestonians experience?
• And many more interesting questions answered by a personal witness who was just 24 years old in 1861.

Imagine a reporter from Grapevine Dispatches sitting down with Mrs. De Saussure in 1909, on a large shaded porch, in Charleston of course; sipping ice tea . . . . asking questions we’d all love the answers to.

In 1861 the De Saussure’s lived in Robertville, SC; a little northwest of Beaufort.

This interview will cover these topics:

• The Old South vs The New South
• The de Saussure Family
• The Slaves and the Plantation
  • The Master/Slave Attachment
  • Health and Medical Care
  • Typical Day/Life on the Plantation
  • Education for the de Saussure Children
  • The Social-life Around the Plantation Community
• Life and Times in Charleston during the Civil War (1861-1865)
  • Early in the War
  • The Firing on Sumter, April 1861
  • Post-Sumter Days
  • The Capture of Port Royal, November 1861
  • Late-War Reminscences, Charleston-area
  • The Effect of War: Ruin and Destruction
  • Sherman’s march through the Carolinas
  • The War Comes to an End
    

Interview background: Life on the Plantation

Part One

Part Two: Interview with N.B. de Saussure

The Slaves and the Plantation

GVD: How did your parents come into owning slaves?

NBD: My father and mother inherited most of their negroes . . .

The Master-Slave Attachment

GVD: Can you speak to the “attachment” between slave and master that often occurred?

NBD: There was an attachment existing between master and mistress and their slaves which one who had never borne such a relation could never understand. In one of my rare visits South to my own people, the old-time darkies, our former slaves, walked twenty miles to see “Miss Nancy” and her little daughter, and the latter, your dear mother, would often be surprised, when taken impulsively in their big black arms, and hugged and kissed and cried over “for ol’ times’ sake.”

GVD: to be candid, wouldn’t your had preferred freedom?

NBD: When I would inquire into their welfare and present condition I heard but one refrain, “I’d never known what it was to suffer till freedom came, and we lost our master.” Yes, Dorothy dear, a lot of children unprepared to enjoy the Emancipation Proclamation were suddenly confronted with life’s problems.

GVD: Can you speak more to the attachment of the slave to the master, as you experienced?

NBD: In spite of many misrepresentations by those who can never comprehend the tender attachment existing in those days between master and slave, I want you to have a clear idea of it, and I want you to know that the Southerner understood, and understands to this day, the negro’s character better than the Northerner, and is in the main kinder to, and more forbearing with him. There were countless incidents during the war of love and loyalty shown by the negroes to their former owners, which you will read of in the many stories written now by those who know the truth.

GVD: you have a letter from a Reverend Lathrop who speaks to the master/slave attachment. Would you mind sharing some of it with us?

[A letter to N.B. from an Edward Lathrop…]

I was nursed by a negro woman to whom I was most fondly attached, and who, I believe, loved me as she would her own son. I have had the opportunity to mingle freely with slaveholders of different characters and dispositions, and while I regard slavery as such an enormous evil and am heartily glad that it has been abolished in this country, I am bound in candor to say that my observation, during all these years of my residence in Georgia and South Carolina, thoroughly convinced me that in the majority of cases slaves were more kindly treated and brought into more intimate and kindly relations to white families than they are now, though free. This, of course, is not given as an apology for slavery, but it is a simple statement of facts. I might refer, for example, to what I witnessed and felt, while a guest, on more than one occasion, in the house of your honored father and mother. Your father seemed to me to be as watchful of the interests, both temporal and spiritual, of his slaves as of his own immediate white family. It was, to my mind, a beautiful illustration of patriarchal slavery, as it existed in the days of Abraham. Of course there were exceptions to this treatment of slaves by their owners, but, as a rule, so far as my observation extended, your father’s methods were universally approved, while the cruel slaveholder was indignantly condemned and repudiated.

Beaufort District (now county) was probably the largest slaveholding district in the State. Most that I have stated above, as to the kindly treatment of slaves was emphatically true of Beaufort. The Baptist Church, in addition to its white membership, embraced about two thousand slaves. These slaves, as church members, enjoyed equal privileges with the whites. The Lord’s Supper was administered to them and to the whites impartially and at the same time.
– Edward Lathrop

UNIONVILLE, March 17, 1863–8 p.m.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,
Commanding at Shelbyville :
GENERAL: A scout has just returned from College Grove. They report the bridge over Harpeth, near that place, as almost completed; that the enemy have desisted from work on it, saying that it will be finished when they desire to use it. They are yet camped at the junction of this and the College Grove pike.
I am as yet unable to give you certain intelligence as to whether the enemy are retiring from Murfreesborough. Exertions are being made to ascertain this to a certainty, and during the morrow you will be advised.
I send you a late paper with a speech in it from Brady, of New York, a quondam friend of ours. I believe we will have to win our independence by our own valor and patient endurance, without aid from foreign powers or domestic broils among our enemies. Any late papers will be most acceptable.
Most respectfully, general, your obedient servant,
JNO. A. WHARTON,
Brigadier-General

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O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 704-05

CHAPEL HILL, March 17, 1863–9 p.m.
Lieut. Gen. LEONIDAS POLK,  Shelbyville, Tenn.:
GENERAL: Yours, directing greater vigilance and activity, is at hand this moment. A messenger from my scouts near Versailles says the pickets on the Triune and Eagleville pike fell back from the position they held yesterday. My scouts are bold, energetic men, and have been scouting with me for sixteen months, and I know them to be reliable in everything. They come in thoroughly disgusted with the guides furnished them. They represent that they are led backways and by-roads, such as are never traveled by the enemy, and they think the guides seek only for safe places, &c. You will at once perceive the difficulty under which we labor. I have represented all this to Generals Van Dorn, Wheeler, and Hagan; still, no efficient guides come. I shall use every means in my power, with the greatest industry, to keep you posted in regard to the movements of the enemy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. D. RODDEY,
Colonel.

********************************
O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 703

HEADQUARTERS WHARTON’S BRIGADE,(*)
Dr. Frazier’s, March 17, 1863–12 pm.
Maj. THOMAS M. JACK,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Shelbyville:
MAJOR: The enemy have retired since yesterday morning from the Salem pike, so that there is no force on that road 2 miles south of Murfreesborough. My scouts report large bodies of the enemy (no definite number), supposed to be 10,000, gone in the direction of Triune. Union citizens are leaving the country above Middleton and Versailles, going to Nashville. I have scouts near Murfreesborough, from whom I will get reports before night, I hope. A wagon train from near Salem went on last evening toward Nashville, by dirt road.

The above information is from Colonel [J. S.] Prather’s command.
Very respectfully,
WILL. T. MARTIN,
Brigadier-General

O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXIII/2 [S# 35]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Kentucky, Middle And East Tennessee, North Alabama, And Southwest Virginia, From January 21 To August 10, 1863.
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE. ETC.–#4
Page 703

For background on this interview read this post.

The Old South versus The New South

GDV: Mrs. De Saussure [pronounced DES-suh-sore], how do you see the South now, forty years since the Civil War?

NBD: The South as I knew it has disappeared; the New South has risen from its ashes, filled with the energetic spirit of a new age.

GVD: So those days were . . . ?

NBD: . . . the happy plantation days, the recollection of which causes my heart to throb again with youthful pleasure, and near them are the days, the dreadful days, of war and fire and famine.

The de Saussure Family

GVD: We’ve heard your great-grandmother was a special woman. Tell us about her.

NBD: My great-grandmother’s eldest son, at nineteen, was a captain in the Revolutionary War, and she was left alone, a widow on her plantation. When the British made a raid on her home, carrying off everything, she remained undaunted, and, mounting a horse, rode in hot haste to where the army was stationed, and asked to see the general in command. Her persistence gained admittance. She stated her case and the condition in which the British soldiers had left her home, and pleaded her cause with so much eloquence that the general ordered the spoils returned to her. Dearest child, in the intrepid spirit of this ancestor you will find the keynote to the brave spirit of the women of the South.

GVD: And would you tell us about your mother? She ran a plantation, right?

NBD: Mother was a woman of remarkable sweetness of disposition and intelligence, and had great executive ability, which latter quality was dispensable in the mistress of a large household of children and servants. She gave unceasing care and attention to her children, and personally supervised every detail of their education. Besides these duties, the negroes of the plantation, their food and clothing, care of their infants and the sick, all came under her control.

GVD: Who was your grandfather (father’s side)?

NBD: Henry William De Saussure, who was a descendant of the Huguenot family of that name, and a grandson of Chancellor Henry William De Saussure.

GVD: Your father was a spiritual man, was he not?

NBD: His devotion to Christ was unusual, and I never knew him to doubt for an instant that he himself was a child of God. Having a most affectionate disposition, he loved his wife and children intensely, and lived in and for them.

Excerpts….

we have made another successful attact at Newberne which we done in bold and brave courage.

There they had four large heavy guns bearing upon us but a few shells from our gunboats soon silenced that one which the rebels left and proceeded up the river…

It was a bold attempt but we won the victory driving the rebels in every direction.

8th Connecticut Infantry, Company C., Pvt. Cyrus B. Harrington of Canton, CT., enlisted in September 1861 and mustered in on 9/25/61. He re-enlisted on December 24, 1863. Sadly, Harrington died on the very last day of the war - the day Lee signed surrender papers - on April 9th, 1865.

As part of the 8th CT., Harrington was engaged at New Berne, seige of Ft. Macon, Antietam, Fredricksburg, Walthall Junction, Drewry’s Bluff, Cold Harbor and Fort Harrison.

Read the complete letter

Nancy Bostick De Saussure (1837 - 1915) describes the evening she watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter from a roof top in Charleston on April 12, 1861. She was in her mid 20s.

It was an all-day journey with a drive of twenty miles to the railway. We reached Charleston about eight o’clock in the evening. My father-in-law met us, and after a warm greeting to the little stranger and ourselves, said, “You are just in time to see the fight at Fort Sumter, for it begins to-night.” I was terrified and begged to be taken home, but there was no train until morning and, therefore, we had to remain.

That night I was too frightened to sleep. Toward morning, about four o’clock, the first gun was fired, and it seemed to me as if it were in my room. I sprang up, as I suppose everyone else did in the city. I hurriedly dressed myself and went down to cousin Louis De Saussure’s house, which is still standing on the corner of South and East Battery.

From its numerous piazzas, which commanded a fine view of the harbor, we watched every gun fired from the two forts, Moultrie and Sumter. The house was crowded with excited mothers and wives, who had sons and husbands in the fight, and every hour added to their distress and excitement, as reports, which afterwards proved false, were brought to them of wounded dear ones. It was a day I can never forget.

That night we returned to Grandfather De Saussure’s and when morning came we spent another most anxious day following an anxious night, but when Fort Sumter took fire and the white flag was raised, our spirits rose over the Southern victory, to confidence and hope.

We little realized the long years of struggle that were to follow ending in defeat, and ruined homes and country. Later on I was in Charleston several times when it was under shot and shell and heard the explosions of the shells as they shrieked over our houses. Those were sad and exciting times, the awful memories of which are still active with me.

By Mrs. Nancy Bostick De Saussure (1837 - 1915), who lived just outside of Beaufort, South Carolina. This excerpt, and her war record is found in OLD PLANTATION DAYS : BEING RECOLLECTIONS OF SOUTHERN LIFE BEFORE THE CIVIL WAR. NEW YORK. DUFFIELD & COMPANY. 1909; which she wrote.

8th Connecticut Infantry, Company C., Pvt. Cyrus B. Harrington of Canton, CT., served from Sept of ‘61 to his death on April 9, 1865.

The Connecticut Historical Society has numerous letters from other 8th CT soldiers on their web site; including the following from Company C: Andrew Byrne, Noah Ives, and Michael Kelley.

Harrington captures in great detail the Battle of New Bern, March of 1862.

Newbern , North Carolina
Mar 15th 1862

Dear Brother

I had a few leisure moments to myself I thought I would write and let you know that we have made another successful attact at Newberne which we done in bold and brave courage. The fight commenced on Friday morning about 7 miles below New at the mouth of the Neuse River an lasted until about sundown. Our troops were landed at the mouth of the river and the gunboats proceeded up the river. The first fire was shot from the rebels about [?] mile from where our troops were landed. There they had four large heavy guns bearing upon us but a few shells from our gunboats soon silenced that one which the rebels left and proceeded up the river to another battery mounted with 12 guns where they again opened fire but when our old gunboats got along up broadside they soon cooled down and started on still further up the river. From the east side about two thirds the way across where they had another strong battery mounted with 11 guns but they hadn’t time to do much before our boats was close upon them.

They fired a few shots and started for the City and our boats [ ? ] on after them. They had a telegraph dispatch from Richmond early in the morning to burn the railroad bridge and city if they could not hold it. The bridge is half mile long and it was so splendid a piece of work but they set fire to it and its all burnt to ashes. It cost 15 hundred thousand dollars. They had a number of pitch and tar pits in and around the city which they set fire to. That was their principal business making turpentine tar & resin in Newbern but the fire did not spread much around the city. The rebels took the cars and started for Beaufort. They got away before our troops got up their. They had one breastwork thrown up to the City a mile long with fourteen guns strung along about equally distance apart for a mile. When our troops came upon them where they slide shell & shot upon our troops. The 8th was the first in the battle in which they fought bravely [ unable to make out several words] The 24th Mass flanked in on the [ ] side of us and made a charge into the Battery but was driven back again by the rebels. Upon that Gen Burnside came along up side of our Regt an order us to charge on them in which we did in double quick time in which they fired upon us killing 8 wounding several. It was a bold attempt but we won the victory driving the rebels in every direction.

We planted the stars & stripes on the battery of the [ ] rebels soil of North Carolina. The other Rmgts following on after the [ ] in which they succeeded in capturing several hundred but I don’t know how many their was [ ] [ ] of them but I suppose the most of them got away on the cars stood ready to take them on board before our troops got near enough to stop them. But they left everything behind all their armes and equipments with [ ] trunks packed full of clothes everything to make ourselves comfortable provisions of all kinds and enough of it all that the boats took 7 large schooners and two small steamers loaded down with flour & cotton. But we don’t expect to remain here long. We should soon push on to Beaufort from there Goldsborough where we make good success their we should be all right. Our next from their will be to Norfolk where we shall be on one side and Gen McClellan on the other. Where we expect to have something to do as it is strongly fortified with 30 to 40 thousand troops but it won’t take long to silence them. Gen Burnside on one side and McClellan on the other side we will soon quell them down. We soon shall see the soil of Old Conn. I expect to see it myself before the fourth of July. But I shall have to draw my letter to a close for I think I have wrote you a long letter for the times down here. I am well & hope you are the same. Write soon as you get this and let me know how you are all getting along and all the particulars. Yours in the mind.

Signed

Cyrus B. Harrington

Newbern North Carolina

Source: item purchased by The Center for the Study of the American Civil War, February 2005, Used with Permission

March 14, 1862
Federals capture New Madrid, Missouri, and New Berne, North Carolina.

After the Federal capture of Roanoke Island, Burnside, with some 11,000 men, moved on to the important old community of New Berne, N.C. He captured it after some fighting, driving back the Confederates of about 4000 under L. O. B. Branch. The attack began on the thirteenth and worked its way up to the right, or the west bank of the Neuse River through rain and over muddy roads. Casualties were 471 for the Federals an, including 90 killed, to nearly 600 for the Confederates, most of them captured or missing, with 64 killed. Another serviceable base had been established for Federal inland expeditions and a new vantage point gained for cultivating the considerable pro-Union elements of North Carolina. [pages 184-85] The Civil War Day-by-Day, E.B. Long

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According to the official regimental history (see full copy below):

After a month’s stay at Roanoke Island, Burnside’s forces moved toward Newbern, by transports to Slocum’s Creek (about eighteen miles below the city), thence marching up the south bank of the Neuse to the city’s line of defense.

The attack upon the defenses of Newbern (March 14th) was made at an early hour, and the Eighth assisted in the capture of about five hundred Confederate troops. This was the regiment’s first baptism of blood. Its killed were privates Phelps of Company B and Patterson of Company I, with four wounded. The personal bravery of Colonel Harland amid the whistling bullets at Newbern, together with his skill and cool-headedness as a tactician, and his evident desire to shield his men from harm whenever possible, gave them a confidence in him which was never afterward shaken.

Jesse Reno

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Letters of the Garrigus Brothers (Horace & Jacob Henry) Company E - 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry

Horace Garrigus enlisted on Sept. 23, 1861 from his home at Waterbury, CT. He was 18 years old and had been a farmer. He was wounded severely in the hip at Antietam, but recovered and re-enlisted on Dec. 24, 1863. He was wounded again in the head at the Battle of Walthall Junction. Horace was promoted to Corporal on May 1, 1865. Jacob Henry Garrigus enlisted at the same time as his brother, in Waterbury, CT. He was a Joiner by trade and was age 23. He was promoted to Corporal on July 1, 1862, and to Sergeant on July 1, 1865.

Interview background: Life on the Plantation

Part One | Two | Three

Education for the de Saussure Children

GVD: What kind of education was provided for plantation families?

NBD: We had a schoolhouse on the plantation where we went after breakfast with our governess. In those days, as teachers were not paid well for their services, it was difficult to find refined and cultured people to fill the position. Knowing this, father paid the highest salaries and thus secured the best talent there was to be had for us.

GVD: Did your education include exposure to music?

NBD: Besides a governess, we also had a music teacher, so we were expected to devote many hours to practicing music, and thus we were employed while mother was busy housekeeping.

GVD: Did you or your siblings attend college? If so, where?

NBD: As soon as the girls in our family were old enough they were sent North to school to finish their education, and the boys were sent to Northern colleges.

Social Life around a Plantation community

GVD: we have heard that it was common for planters to host guests fairly often, and oftentimes, many at one time. Can you speak to that?

NBD: As there were no inns in our country, and plantations were miles apart, some provision had to be made for the entertainment of travelers, who were never turned away. We often had delightful house parties and hunting parties, but our chief enjoyment was riding through the wild and beautiful country. We also went on fishing excursions, and on picnics. We thought nothing of driving ten miles to dine at a neighbor’s house.

Life and Times in Charleston during the Civil War (1861-1865)

Early in the War

GVD: What were the times like in South Carolina, more specifically, Charleston-area, in March 1861, just a month before the firing on Sumter?

NBD: It was a turbulent time; the feeling ran high between the North and the South, and we heard rumors of war, but it seemed too far away to invade our peaceful country.

The Firing on Sumter, April 1861

GVD: We understand you reached Charleston on April 12th, the very evening (and following eraly morning) that Sumter was fired upon. Tells us about that.

NBD: We reached Charleston about eight o’clock in the evening. My father-in-law met us, and after a warm greeting to the little stranger and ourselves, said, “You are just in time to see the fight at Fort Sumter, for it begins to-night.” I was terrified and begged to be taken home, but there was no train until morning and, therefore, we had to remain.

GVD: You were 24 years old and had a five-week old baby girl in April 1861; did you sleep that night (the 12th)?

NBD: That night I was too frightened to sleep.

GVD: Did you personally observe the bombardment of Ft. Sumter? If so, from what vantage point?

NBD: Toward morning, about four o’clock, the first gun was fired, and it seemed to me as if it were in my room. I sprang up, as I suppose everyone else did in the city. I hurriedly dressed myself and went down to cousin Louis De Saussure’s house, which is still standing on the corner of South and East Battery. From its numerous piazzas, which commanded a fine view of the harbor, we watched every gun fired from the two forts, Moultrie and Sumter.

GVD: Did others join you?

NBD: The house was crowded with excited mothers and wives, who had sons and husbands in the fight, and every hour added to their distress and excitement, as reports, which afterwards proved false, were brought to them of wounded dear ones. It was a day I can never forget.

We spent another most anxious day following an anxious night, but when Fort Sumter took fire and the white flag was raised, our spirits rose over the Southern victory, to confidence and hope.

GVD: Not knowing how long the war would last (four years), and the devastation Charleston would endure; how do you reflect on this today, some 40 years later (1909)?

NBD: We little realized the long years of struggle that were to follow ending in defeat, and ruined homes and country. Later on I was in Charleston several times when it was under shot and shell and heard the explosions of the shells as they shrieked over our houses. Those were sad and exciting times, the awful memories of which are still active with me.

Interview background: Life on the Plantation

Part One | Two | Three | Four |

Post-Sumter Days

GVD: We understand that after returning home in May, your husband joined the CSA war effort. Talk about that.

NBD: After a visit of several weeks, we returned to our home in Robertville, and my husband continued his practice, but his restlessness and anxiety to join the army was so great that I ceased to dissuade him. Physicians were needed at home, but he thought the older men should serve there, and the younger go to the front. He joined the Charleston Light Dragoons, and became surgeon of Major Trenholm’s brigade. When this brigade was was transferred to Virginia, he was, on account of his health, detailed to look after the hospitals on the coast.

The Capture of Port Royal, November 1861

GVD: Union forces capture Port Royal in early November 1861. Do you recall much about that?

NBD: Before we left our home, the fort below our country town, Beaufort, was taken, and the Northern fleet sailed in while the inhabitants were asleep. This fight at Port Royal was the second battle of the war.

GVD: What did people do when they learned the Port Royal region was taken by the North?

NBD: When the tidings of the invasions of their town was brought to them, the people, thinking the town would be shelled, fled in their carriages, many of them not waiting to dress themselves, so great was their fright. This long procession of carriages and wagons passed through our village about dusk, the occupants not knowing what to do or where to go. Every house was thrown open to them and these first refugees remained in the neighborhood during the war. They were taken care of, until in turn we had to flee before Sherman’s army.

Late-War Reminscences, Charleston-area

GVD: Take us back to December 1864. It’s late in the war, but of course you had no idea then when the war would be over. But in late 1864 the Eastern seaboard, Georgia and South Carolina particularly, are feeling the effects of Sherman’s famous March to the Sea. Can you talk about that a little?

NBD: The year 1864, in the month of December, found me still in the old homestead [in Robertville]. Sherman had passed on the Georgia side of the river, to Savannah, which was taken. We wondered what would be his next move, but never for an instant thought he would retrace his steps, and go through South Carolina.

GVD: Did your father provide support or care for retreating Southern troops as Sherman marched through South Carolina?

NBD: The Southern troops which had guarded Savannah retreated to our neighborhood, and we cared for them for several weeks. There were at least five thousand troops on our plantation of nine thousand acres. Barbecues of whole beeves, hogs, and sheep were ordered for them. The officers were fed in the house, there being sometimes two hundred a day. The soldiers had their meals in camp.

GVD: What did you do for money during the war?

NBD: For money we had no use, as everything was grown or manufactured on the plantation.

Interview background: Life on the Plantation

Part One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six

De Saussure category (Links to all content items related to De Saussure)

The Effect of War: Ruin and Destruction

GVD: Was your plantation destroyed or damaged by the Union during the war?

NBD: It was a wise provision that father was spared the sight of the destruction of his house and property, and possibly personal violence from the hands of the Northern soldiers, for during the raid, my uncle, an old man who was reputed to be wealthy was asked by the soldiers where he had buried his gold; and twice was he hung by them and cut down when unconscious, because he would not confess its hiding place. He had no gold, his wealth lay in his land and negroes.

GVD: Do you remember the day the Union army arrived at your plantation?

NBD: Shortly after father and mother’s departure, one morning, early, the remaining negroes came running to the house in a state of wild excitement, and said that Sherman’s army was crossing the Savannah River at the next landing below my father’s.

GVD: Do you remember precisely what you were doing that day?

NBD: I was picking oranges when the news came. Green oranges, blossoms, and ripe fruit all hung together on the tree. It was a favorite tree grown to an unusual size by the care given it, as it was always protected in winter. I have only to close my eyes at any time and see plainly the beautiful tree in all its glory of fruit and flower. We had picked from it that day a thousand oranges, the most luscious fruit, but they were left for Sherman’s army to devour, for we were thrown into a panic by the news the negroes brought us, and hastily got into our carriages and fled.

GVD: what happened to your slaves?

NBD: The negroes followed us in wagons, and we left our lovely home as if we had gone for a drive.

Sherman’s march through the Carolinas

GVD: Did you avoid coming in contact with Sherman after fleeing?

NBD: It was a strange fate that Sherman followed us in our flight passing through Columbia and within ten miles of us. His scouts came in and stole all our horses, except a few which we had time to hide in the swamps.

GVD: And your slaves?

NBD: The soldiers ordered many of the negroes, choosing the best young men, to mount the horses and go with them. All of them returned to us that night; they had broken away from camp, but were on foot.

GVD: What happened to Columbia?

NBD: Sherman’s army burned Columbia. Sherman may not have given the order, but he was undoubtedly responsible for the plunder and destruction engaged in by those under his command.

GVD: And . . .

NBD: Officers as well as soldiers had gone into houses and taken all food that could be found and burned it in the yards of the various houses; leaving the women and children to starve.

The War comes to an End

GVD: Finally, in mid-April 1865, you finally heard the news, “The war is over, Lee has surrendered.” What did you think? How did you feel?

NBD: My feelings were tumultuous; joy and sorrow strove with each other. Joy in the hope of having my husband back and the brothers and friends who were left, return to me, but oh, such sorrow over our defeat!

GVD: Did you long to return home to your plantation on the Savannah River?

NBD: As one after another of the family came back to us, worn out and dispirited, our thoughts turned to the dear old home on the Savannah River, and we longed to go back. Before yielding to our desires, it was considered wise for the men of the family to go first and investigate.

GVD: What did they find when they returned?

NBD: They found only ashes and ruin everywhere in our neighborhood, and father’s place, except a few negro cabins, was burned to the ground. There were thirty buildings destroyed. The steam mill, blacksmith’s shop, carpenter’s shop, barns, and house - nothing was left standing except chimney and brick walls to mark the place of our once prosperous, happy home. There was but one fence paling to indicate the site of our little village. The church, too, was burned, and now negro cabins are standing where it once graced the landscape. Our beautiful lawns were plowed up and planted in potatoes and corn by the negroes, who were told we would never return.

GVD: We’ve heard that even many years after the war was over, that people from the North sent personal items back that were stolen during the war by Northern soldiers. Things like pictures, jewelry, and Bibles too.

NBD: . . . . even family Bibles, which were taken from the old homes, have been returned to me. Looting was the order of the day during the Civil War, and wanton destruction followed.

GVD: The destruction and loss must have been very difficult to bear. Your final thoughts about the destruction you and your family experienced?

NBD: Sherman left a track of fire for three hundred miles through the State. When you hear the war song “Marching through Georgia,” which stirs the hearts of the Northerner, think of the scenes of desolation and heartbreak the song recalls to the Southerner.

“I know that Mr. Davis thinks he can do a great many things other men would hesitate to attempt. For instance, he tried to do what God failed to do. He tried to make a soldier of Braxton Bragg, and you know the result. It couldn’t be done.”

-Joseph E. Johnston, commander of the Army of Tennesee, just a few days before he was replaced by John Bell Hood by Jefferson Davis, mid July 1864.

The Western Theater during the Civil War consisted of: parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana; North Carolina and all of Tennessee and Kentucky.

Links are keyed to the Battle Summaries of the National Park Service.

Arkansas

Arkansas Post | Helena |

Missouri

Belmont (1861) | New Madrid (1862) | Island No. 10 (1862)

Indiana

Corydon |

Georgia

1863
Davis’ Cross-Roads | Chickamauga | Ringgold Gap | Allatoona |

1864
Rocky Face Ridge | Resaca | Adairsville | New Hope Church | Dallas | Pickett’s Mills | Marietta [Operations] | Kolb’s Farm | Kennesaw Mountain | Peachtree Creek | Atlanta | Ezra Church | Utoy Creek | Dalton II | Lovejoy’s Station | Jonesborough | Allatoona |

Alabama

1864
Mobile Bay | Decatur | Fort Blakely |

1865
Selma |

Mississippi

1862
Iuka | Corinth| Hatchie’s Bridge| Chickasaw Bayou|

1863
Port Gibson | Champion Hill | Big Black River Bridge| Vicksburg |

1864
Meridian | Tupelo | Brice’s Cross Roads |

Louisiana

1863
Milliken’s Bend |

Tennessee

1862
Fort Henry | Fort Donelson | Shiloh | Corinth | Memphis| C