Monthly Archive

Letter from an unidentified Union soldier during the Siege of Vicksburg

Opposite Vicksburg

May 28 1863,

The battle of Vicksburg still progresses with no decisive results. Yesterday the gunboats made another desperate effort to silence the formidable batteries on the bluffs above and below the city. Our gunboat and 8-10 mortar boats made the attack from above and 5 gunboats from below. I was at the lower end and had a splendid view of the city and lower batteries. The attack was made about 8 oclock. Between 9 and 10 the gunboat attacking the upper batteries was sunk with 150 men on board, I have not heard how many of the crew were saved. About 10 oclock the lower gunboats withdrew and drifted down the river out of range, for what reason I have not learned. It is difficult for the gunboats to do much for this reason. The bluffs are so high that the rebels can shoot down on the decks of the boats and right through men while if they struck the sides of the boat they would glance off and do no damage. At the same time, the guns on the boats can not be elevated sufficiently to do much damage to the rebel works. Vicksburg must be taken by the land forces and I am confident we shall do it. We are gradually going ground on them. About 100 men from our division were taken prisoners last night while out on picket. They were paroled and sent over the river this morning by the rebels. One or two deserters came over who report the rebels are down to quarter rations already. My firm trust in god and hope of soon seeing my loved ones at home cheers me up. Do not cease to hope.

Source: Nate Sanders online auction

Joseph C. Felton of the 2nd Vermont Infantry

Dated 28 May 1862, letter reads in part: ‘

‘we are now about 8 miles From Richmond & six miles from the enemes lines near the centre of our lines? heavy cannonading was herd all day yesterday about Richmond? think from circumstances it is favorable to us? Received news since I sat down to write that our men have taken a thousand prisoners as the Result of yesterdays engagement? News came from the Chaplain of the Sixth Regiment. Suppose it to be true coming from a divine. I have learned to take little stock in camp stories. You do not know [how] anxious I am to see you and my dear children and sit down to the table with you who are so dear to me. I fail to know how you get along without the government pay. It is said we shall sign the pay roll next month and then you will have it in June. Hope it true? What I draw here I shall send nearly all home?”

The 2nd Vermont Infantry saw action at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor. Joseph C. Felton mustered into service on 12 April 1862. He re-enlisted 18 April 1864 and was killed 8 June 1864 at Cold Harbor, Virginia.

A visit to Charleston would not be complete without at least one cruise of the harbor.

Civil War Gazette recommends a dinner cruise aboard one of the SpiritLine boats. They offer trips to Ft. Sumter and a relaxing dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina.

You don’t have to dress up. Reservations are recommended. The views are awesome. The music on board is also very nice.

To learn more, visit their web site.

Pursuing Confederate forces from Missouri into Tennessee, on May 26, 1862, Taylor wrote:

“Tha are a fighting a little every day but haven’t braught on an genral ingagement yet. We will be marched out to the line to day or tomorrow. I expect thare will be Bloody times before this fight is over…”

The land, he later added, was devastated. From Corinth, Miss., in June, he described the desolation:
“you can see a grate many houses here that you can see no body but a few blacks. Sometimes you see white wimon and children but no men an ast them whare their men are som will tel you that their men has volunteered in the rebel armey an som will say that their men was prest in the rebel armey.”

Taylor died that autumn at the Battle of Perryville.

A surgeon in the 124th Indiana, William King’s Civil War service was at its most intense during the Atlanta Campaign, when his regiment was almost continuously engaged.

May 21, 1864:

“Two weeks ago the great fight commenced and we have been in line of battle or on the march guarding trains ever since… We have driven the rebels from their fortifications and have been all this week following them up and fighting them as we go. They will probably make a stand twenty miles from here and give us another battle. The boys have marched hard… We are encamped in the most beautiful country but is desolated by an immense army. The most of the people have gone and left their splendid homes to be ransacked by soldiers. The little village of Cassville near which we are encamped is a beautiful town but the houses are torn down, fences destroyed, and everything laid waste. I have seen enough of war to make me ardently hope for a final close to it.”

We suppose few events that have taken place during the war have produced a heartier chuckle of satisfaction than the capture of the rebel armed steamed Planter . . . . It is a remarkable instance, even in these times, of riches taking themselves to wing and flying away. Here were eight ‘contrabands’ made out of the commonenst clay imaginable, and with souls so vulgar that their very existence had been questioned; yet they actually emancipated not only themselves, but as many others, bringing a highly valuable present to Uncle Sam . . . The fellow who managed the affir proves that, in spite of his name, for he is no Small man.

The New York Commercial Advisor, May 19, 1862
Miller, p. 9-10

One attraction you definately don’t want to miss when you visit Charleston is the Confederate submarine, the H.L. Hunley.

It is on display, in a tank, at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center just a few miles outside of Charleston.

Tours are for 20 minutes (where the Hunley is actually displayed) but you can take as much time as you want outside the Hunley exhibit area. Tours are available only on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the Friends of the Hunley web site for up-to-date information.

You can NOT take pictures of the actual submarine in the holding tank. There is a part of a replica in the common exhibit area where you can take pictures though.

This is a MUST SEE stop if you’re an enthusiast of the Civil War or of Southern maritime history.

“Our Southern ideals of patriotism provided us with the concepts of chivalry. I tried to excel in these virtues, but others provided a truer interpretation of gallant conduct. A devoted champion of the South was one who possessed a heart intrepid, a spirit invincible, a patriotism too lofty to admit a selfish thought and a conscience that scorned to do a mean act. His legacy would be to leave a shining example of heroism and patriotism to those who survive.”
- Jeb Stuart, December 3, 1862, in a letter to R.H. Chilton

On this day, May 11th, 1864, Confederate General Jeb Stuart was killed at the Battle of Yellow Tavern, VA.

What happened at the Battle of Yellow Tavern?

As the battle between Grant and Lee raged at Spotsylvania Court House, the Union cavalry corps under Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan embarked on a cavalry raid against Richmond. After disrupting Lee’s road and rail communications, Sheridan’s cavalry expedition climaxed with the battle of Yellow Tavern on May 11. The outnumbered Confederate cavalry was defeated, and Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart was mortally wounded. Sheridan continued south to threaten the Richmond defenses before joining Butler’s command at Bermuda Hundred. After refitting, Sheridan rejoined the Army of the Potomac on May 25 for the march to the southeast and the crossing of the Pamunkey.

Source: National Park Service

For further reading:

J.E.B. Stuart’s Revenge
[Civil War Times Magazine]
A stolen hat and wounded pride spurred Southern cavalryman J.E.B. Stuart into action. His vengeance would be swift, daring, and–unexpectedly–funny.

J.E.B. Stuart: Battle of Gettysburg Scapegoat
[America's Civil War Magazine]
Following the Confederate debacle at Gettysburg, many blamed Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart for leaving General Robert E. Lee in the dark. But was Stuart really to blame for the defeat? And if so, was he the only one at fault?

Major General J.E.B. Stuart: Last Stand of the Last Knight
[Civil War Times]
Major General J.E.B. Stuart posted his horsemen at Yellow Tavern — between Union attackers and Richmond — and waited for the collision. It would come with a deadliness he could never have imagined.

“With such noble women at home and such heroic soldiers in the field, we are invincible.”

- Jefferson Davis, President of The Confederate States of America, Richmond, January 5th 1863

On May 10th 1865 Jefferson Davis was captured near Irwinville, Georgia.

Read the full Wikipedia article

The Jefferson Davis Papers at Rice University

Jefferson Davis’s uniform on display at The Museum of the Confederacy

Jackson began keeping his book of maxims in 1848. He polished and gave attention to them while on the faculty at VMI in the early 1850s.

The original book is held at Tulane University.

“The maxims–Jackson’s self-selected principles of personal conduct and self-improvement–are brief and to the point. They were recorded by the general in a small blue-marbled notebook over a five-year period, starting in 1848, and are largely drawn from the collective practical and philosophical teachings of others who influenced Jackson’s life, including Lord Chesterfield, John Bunyan, Joel Parker, O. S. Foster, George Winfred Hervey, and, most significantly to Jackson, the Bible.”

He was not the original author of most of the sayings. Instead, he compiled them and organized them according to to three major headings. The first was accumulating friends. The second heading related to social conversation. The third relates to good behavior.

1. Through life let your principal object be the discharge of your duty: if anything conflicts with is, adhere to the former and sacrifice the latter.

Be sociable - speak to all who speak to you and those whose acquaintance you do not wish to avoid, hesitate not to notice them first.

When in company, do not endeavor to monopolize all the conversation unless such monopolization appears necessary, but be content with listening and gaining information, yet converse rather than suffer conversation to draw to a close unnecessarily.

2. Disregard public opinion when it interfears with your duty.

After you have formed an acquaintance with an individual, never allow it to draw to a close without a cause.

3. Endeavor to be at peace with all men.

Never speak disrespectfully of any one without a cause.

4. Endeavor to do well every thing which you undertake through preference.

5. Spare no effort to suppress selfishness unless that effort would entail sorrow.

6. Sacrifice your life rather than your word.

Be temperate. Eat too little rather than too much.

7. Let your conduct towards men have some uniformity.

Temperance - Eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation.

Silence - speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid triffling conversation.

Order - Let all things have their places: let each part of your business have its time.

8. Resolution - Resolve to perform what you ought: perform without fail what you resolve.

Frugality - Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e., waste nothing.

Industry - Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Sincerity -Use no hurtful deceit: think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly.

Justice - Wrong none by doing injuries or ommitting the benfits that are your duty.

Moderation -Avoid extremes: forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Cleanliness - Tolerate no uncleanliness in body clothes or habitation.

Tranquility - Be not disturbed at trifles nor at accidents common or unavoidable.

Chastity

Humility

You may be whatever you resolve to be.

Motives to action (Viz)

1. Regard to your own happiness.

2. Regard for the family to which you belong.

3. Strive to attain a very great elevation of character.

4. Fix upon a high standard of character.

5. Fix upon a high standard of action

It is man’s highest interest not to violate or attempt to violate the rules which infinite wisdom has laid down.

The means by which men are to attain great elevation may be classed in three great divisions: physical, mental & moral.
Whatever relates to health belongs to the first.
Whatever relates improvement of the mind belongs to the second.
The formation of good manners & virtuous habits constitutes [the ] third.

Politeness and good-breeding

Good breeding or true politeness is the art of showing men by external signs the internal regard we have for them.

It arises from good sense improved by good company.

It must be acquired by practice and not by books.

Be kind, condescending & affable.

Any one who has any thing to say to a fellow human being to say it with a kind feeling & sincere desire to please & this when ever it is done will atone for much awkwardness in the manner of expression.

Forced complaisance is fopping 9sic0 & affected easiness is ridiculous.

Good breeding is opposed to selfishness, vanity or pride.

Endeavor to please with out hardly allowing it to be perceived.

Plain rules for attaining the character of a well bred man:

1. Never weary your company by talking too long or too frequently.
2. Always look people in the face when addressing them & generally when they address you.
3. Attend to a person who is addressing you.
4. Do not interrupt the person who speaking by saying yes or no & such at every sentence.
An occasional assent by word or action may be well enough.

List source in Robertson, Stonewall Jackson, [1997: 154ff.] .

“O Captain! my Captain, our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather’d every rack,
the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear,
the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel,
the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up–for you the flag is flung–for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths–for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
The arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
But I with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

Walt Whitman, “Leaves of Grass”, Philadelphia: David McKay, 1891-92

1864 Battle diary of George A. Stolp
2nd Illinois Light Artillery, Company I.

Excerpts include the regiment’s participation in the Atlanta Campaign battles of Rocky Faced Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Pine Hill, Kennesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek:

On the 2d of May, 1864, I marched from Rossville, Ga. (attached to the Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. J. C. Davis commanding), to Ringgold, Ga. On the 5th marched for Cherokee Springs.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery.

May 7th Reveille at 3, O.C. A.M
all ready to move before daylight tour forces drew up in line of battle our Batt took position on a rise of ground sheltered by timber

7th, marched at daylight for Tunnel Hill, arriving there at 11 a. m.; fired sixty rounds at a rebel battery, which retired. 9th, worked all night, placing three guns in position on a hill fronting Rocky Face Ridge, and relieved three guns on the left of the railroad with the other three.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery.

May 10th
We had just settled down last night for a good nights rest when we were called to the front started at dark + worked our way up to a position in front of the rebs fortifications. We came into position on a very high ridge having to draw our guns up by hand for more than one half mile. Worked till morning throwing up breast works done some considerable firing

10th, fired 196 rounds at the enemy; at night fell back, and took the harness off for the first time in thirty-six hours.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery

May12th
Started at six this morning down the valley with our whole Corps to join Hooker some 15 miles below leaving two corps at Buzzards gap to hold the Rebs there. It is impossible for us to take the gap from this side

12th, marched at 6 a. m. for Snake [Creek] Gap, arriving in camp at 2 a. m, on the 13th. 13th, formed line of battle in front of Resaca, Ga.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery

May 14th
There is a family living within twenty rods of our Batt consisting of mother + daughter the father being in the rebs Army .the woman is feeling pretty bad seeing our large Army. She sees that the rebs have but little chance to win. Afterward the man + two brothers came into our lines + gave themselves up + he sent word to his wife + she feels much better

Sunday 15th
And such a Sunday I never witnessed before. Ordered out to take position at 8, O.C. A.M. about 500 yards in front of the rebs rifle pits we were obliged to work on our knees to dig trenches + throw up breast works for a protection against Sharp Shooters we got in position ready for action at 2 O.C. P.M The rebs are well protected with log breast-works. while I am writing this the bullets are flying altogether to thick for comfort. Our killed + wounded up to last night was estimated at one thousand I do not think to days fighting quite as bloody .yet it may be before night

15th, went into position and kept up a steady fire all day; at night the enemy opened with musketry in our front, when, supposing they were advancing, I fired a few rounds; in half an hour all was quiet.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery

May16th
Moved our section after dark last night to a less exposed position .we had just finished our breast work when the rebs made a charge. it was about midnight. so many demons. we gave them the best we had. Gen Palmer says there is not a Battery in the service that ever done better

16th, marched for Rome, Ga., under Gen. Davis.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery

May 17th
had a little fun + some fresh pork this afternoon Secesh hogs mussn’t come around our camp. especially if we leave been without fresh meat any lengths of time We are getting farther + farther down in dixie hope we have shant stop till rebs are in the dust

17th, arrived at 5 p. m. within two miles of Rome, where we had a sharp fight, and drove the enemy across the river into the town.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery

May 18th
two miles from Rome our troops have possession after about two hours hard fighting our loss estimated 15 killed + 40 wounded

18th, in position to shell the city, when a rebel battery opened on us returned their fire and silenced them. At noon our division had the town. 21st, moved into Rome.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery

28th May
warm work on the skirmish line all night. It seemed one blaze of fire the whole length of the line. We can not help our boys. half as much as we wish sometimes because the country is so. heavily timbered it is impossible to do much with Art. only now + then can we get a position. cheering news. this morning to good to be true I am afraid report has it that Gen Thomas on our extreme left killed + captured one whole corps of rebs yesterday + that our cav got around in the rear of the rebs + burnt a train of four hundred wagons + another report says that Gen Rosecrans has come up on our sight with forty thousand men If this last is true we certainly have got Johnson caged.

21st, moved into Rome. 24th and 25th, marched in a southeasterly direction twenty-five miles. 26th, arrived at Dallas, Ga., at 5 p. m. 27th to 31st, in position fronting west.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery

May 29th
got in camp I don’t know more than a fool where we are more than that it is some where in Georgia. These movements appear very strange to us our boys are laughing about the move + call it strategy

May 30th
The rebs charged our lines four or five times in as many different places in the course of the night but were repulsed every time. very hard fighting they left two thousand dead on the field.

June 1864

June 2nd
heavy skirmishing in front of us all the time I expect we will take position pretty soon. lost very heavily in the last few days fighting. 83 killed + wounded. 3rd heavy skirmishing. Hooker is on our left.

June 19th
The rebs are in position on what is called lost mountain. we have been shelling their position for sometime

19th, at 8 a. m. enemy falling back; brought up a section and shelled them on the crest of Kenesaw Mountain; 9 a. m. placed the whole battery in position; fired 600 rounds. 20th, moved within 1,400 yards of Kenesaw Mountain, and expended 702 rounds ammunition. 22d, enemy opened from crest of the mountain with artillery; at night I built bastions for the battery within 1,400 yards of the crest of the mountain. 23d, returned the enemy’s fire when they opened on us, and a sharp artillery duel ensued, but having built small magazines for my ammunition and sent my horses to the rear, I did not receive any damage.
- Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery

June 24th
we finished bringing in Ammunition which we are obliged to bring in after dark as we have to cross an open field in plain sight of the rebs + as our ammunition was getting a little short the Capt gave orders not to fire unless the rebs opened on us. consequently we have a quiet day prisoners report that to day was set apart as a day of fasting + prayer by the Rebs so that accounts for their keeping so quiet

May 26th
rebs opened on our lines with all their art + our boys returned the compliment + such a roar. I can think of nothing to compare it to.

The 2nd Illinois Light Artillery mustered into service on 23 May 1861 and mustered out on 28 July 1865. In addition to their participation in the Atlanta Campaign, the regiment also fought at Corinth, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Jonesboro and Bentonville.

Source: Nate Sanders auction

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Battery I was recruited in Will county and was mustered into the U.S. service at Camp Butler Dec. 31, 1861. It remained at Camp Butler until Feb. 7, 1862, when it was ordered to Cairo. It took part in the siege of Island No. 10, under Gen. Pope; was active in the advance upon Corinth, and was in several engagements prior to the evacuation of the place, among which was Blackland and Farmington. It went into action at daybreak at Perryville, Ky., and was under fire until dark, having 4 men wounded in that fight. On Sept. 13, 1863, it went into camp at Rossville, Ga., and a week later took an active part in the battle of Chickamauga. It also took part in the battles of Lookout mountain, Missionary ridge and Chattanooga.

On Jan. 1, 1864, all of the old members were mustered out and remustered as veterans. They arrived at Springfield, Ill., Jan. 16, where they were given 30 days’ furlough and ordered to report for duty at Joliet, Ill.

Returning to the field, it started in May, on the Atlanta campaign, in which it took a prominent part, the last battle being at Jonesboro. It marched from Atlanta to Savannah, and from the latter place proceeded with Sherman’s army through South and North Carolina, being in every engagement of 14th army corps. Upon the surrender of Gen. Johnston’s army, the battery proceeded to Washington, took part in the grand review, and from there was ordered to Springfield, Ill., to be mustered out.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

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Report of Capt. Charles M Barnett, Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery.

HDQRS. BATTERY I, SECOND ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTY.,
Jonesborough, Ga., September 6, 1864.
MAJ.: I have the honor to tender the following report of the
operations of this battery during the campaign in Georgia of 1864:

On the 2d of May, 1864, I marched from Rossville, Ga. (attached to the Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. J. C. Davis commanding), to Ringgold, Ga. On the 5th marched for Cherokee Springs. 7th, marched at daylight for Tunnel Hill, arriving there at 11 a. m.; fired sixty rounds at a rebel battery, which retired. 9th, worked all night, placing three guns in position on a hill fronting Rocky Face Ridge, and relieved three guns on the left of the railroad with the other three. 10th, fired 196 rounds at the enemy; at night fell back, and took the harness off for the first time in thirty-six hours. 11th, placed three pieces in the gap on the railroad and fired forty rounds. 12th, marched at 6 a. m. for Snake [Creek] Gap, arriving in camp at 2 a. m, on the 13th. 13th, formed line of battle in front of Resaca, Ga. 15th, went into position and kept up a steady fire all day; at night the enemy opened with musketry in our front, when, supposing they were advancing, I fired a few rounds; in half an hour all was quiet. 16th, marched for Rome, Ga., under Gen. Davis. 17th, arrived at 5 p. m. within two miles of Rome, where we had a sharp fight, and drove the enemy across the river into the town. 18th, in position to shell the city, when a rebel battery opened on us returned their fire and silenced them. At noon our division had the town. 21st, moved into Rome. 24th and 25th, marched in a southeasterly direction twenty-five miles. 26th, arrived at Dallas, Ga., at 5 p. m. 27th to 31st, in position fronting west.

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“I hate newspapermen. They come into camp and pick up their camp rumors and print them as facts. I regard them as spies, which, in truth, they are. If I killed them all there would be news from Hell before breakfast.”

William Tecumseh Sherman

“…we are not only fighting hostile armies, but a hostile people, and must make old and young, rich and poor, feel the hard hand of war, as well as their organized armies. I know that this recent movement of mine through Georgia has had a wonderful effect in this respect. Thousands who had been deceived by their lying newspapers to believe that we were being whipped all the time now realize the truth, and have no appetite for a repetition of the same experience…

Many and many a person in Georgia asked me why we did not go to South Carolina; and, when I answered that we were en route for that State, the invariable reply was, “Well, if you will make those people feel the utmost severities of war, we will pardon you for your desolation of Georgia.”

William T. Sherman, in a letter to Major-General H. W. Halleck, Chief-of-Staff, Washington, D.C., December 24, 1864

5 May 1864 - to father

There are many choices for Civil War walking tours while in Charleston. How do you know which one is best for you?

You will probably enjoy any walking tour you take. Your guide could be a student from the College of Charleston, someone who rotates from leading walking tours to hosting carriage rides, and everything in between.

Civil War Gazette would suggest you start with Jack Thomson and The Civil War Walking Tour of Charleston. If you have time, try some other tour companies.

We recommend Jack Thomson for several reasons:

Southern Historical Society Papers.
Vol. XVIII. Richmond, Va., January-December. 1890.
General P. R. Cleburne.

May 10th, 1891, which was observed as decoration day at Helena, Arkansas, and also witnessed the dedication of the monument erected to the memory of the gallant General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne, by the devoted exertions of the patriotic ladies of the Phillips County Memorial Association. The reverential occasion convened numerous gallant veterans from a distance, including many from Memphis, Tennessee.

ADDRESS BY GENERAL GORDON.

General Gordon, after acknowledging the complimentary introduction, said:

“One of the noblest duties of the living is to perpetuate the virtues and memories of the dead. And in obedience to the impulse of this sacred sentiment, we have here assembled to dedicate that beautiful monument (pointing to the shaft), with its expressive and appropriate symbols, to the glory and memory of a great soldier, a true patriot and a grand man–General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne, who fell at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864. Although more than a quarter of century has elapsed since he perished in the cause of his country, that shaft but now gives visible expression to those cherished sentiments of remembrance and veneration which have ever since, and ever should, animate the minds and hearts of a grateful people.

“General Cleburne was born in the county of Cork, Ireland, March 17, 1828, and was consequently in the thirty-seventh year of his age at the time of his death, and just in the full prime and pride of his glorious manhood. He was a descendant of William Cleyborne, the colonial secretary of Virginia in 1626.(*) His mother was of the lineage of that Maurice Ronayne, who obtained from King Henry the IV ‘a grant of the rights of Englishmen.’ He early indicated a predilection for the profession of arms by leaving Trinity College, England, where he was being educated for the medical profession, and enlisted as a soldier in the English army. After several years of service in that capacity, he came to the United States and located in this city (Helena, Ark.), where he began the study and practice of law, in which he was succeeding at the outbreak of our civil war. He enlisted in the Confederate army as a private; contrived the capture of the United States arsenal in Arkansas in March, 1861, thus early displaying that promptness, sagacity and enterprise which characterized him throughout his military career. He was made captain of a company, and very soon afterward promoted to the rank of colonel, and as early as March, 1862, was made a brigadier-general. At the battle of Shiloh he commanded a brigade, and was highly commended for his courage and ability. Was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., in October, 1862, and in December following was advanced to the important rank of major-general. His martial qualities were recognized and rewarded in his rapid promotion to higher commands. At the battle of Stone river, or Murfreesboro, he commanded a division of the right wing of the Confederate army and again signalized himself for valor and efficiency.

At the battle of Chickamauga, one of the most interesting and thrilling conflicts of the war, the persistent spirit and shining courage of General Cleburne and his gallant command were again conspicuous. This great battle was fought on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of September, 1863, the contending armies being pretty equally matched as to numbers. On Friday, the 18th, there was heavy outpost fighting, on Saturday heavy fighting, and on Sunday desperate fighting. On the morning of the last and third day, the contest was renewed with augmented fury. All day the earth trembled with the thunder of three hundred guns and the clamor of one hundred thousand rifles. The very waters quivered within the banks of the Chickamauga river from the concussion of artillery. Troops were rushed from point to point. Column after column was hurried into combat. The thrilling shouts of contending hosts could be heard amid the battle’s roar. Couriers bearing orders dashed on panting steeds through the jungles and into the lines. Battle flags and flying banners mingled in the dreadful strife. The lurid smoke of battle rose and spread in purple waves as volley after volley thundered its deadly contents amid surging columns and resounding arms. All day the battle raged, and the issue seemed doubtful. But late in the afternoon both wings of the Federal line began to recede, and later were driven to confusion. But the left center of the enemy still stood firm and fighting. Upon that fortified point the flower of the Confederate army, embracing Cleburne and his division, had been hurled and rehurled without success. Charge after charge had been made and repulsed, and it seemed that the position was not to be taken. But just as the sun, encrimsoned with the smoke of battle and like a great, bloody disk in the sky, was sinking beneath Lookout mountain, that towered upon our left, news was swiftly brought to our center that both wings of the enemy’s line were in full retreat, and orders were given to charge again the Federal center. Quickly our shattered columns were rallied for the last grand struggle. The “charge” was sounded, and, with a shout that rent the heavens and an impetuosity that swept away all opposition, they dashed into the enemy’s works and poured a volley into their flying forces. The battle was over, the victory won, the rout complete. Pursuit was brief. Night closed the scene. For a few moments a strange silence reigned. It was indeed strange, in its mysterious contrast to the uproar and confusion of the last three days. But just then, miles away to our left, through the deep and darkening forest, could be faintly heard the shouting of troops. And what did that mean? Listen! listen! it is the shout of victory! Nearer and nearer it came, louder and louder it grew, grander and grander it rose, as it was taken up by each successive command in the line, till it passed and repassed the entire line of the Confederate army. From wing to wing it went and returned, from flank to flank it rolled. Shout after shout rent the skies, echo after echo died upon the heavens. I imagine it was like the shouting of the hosts of Joshua at the taking of the city of Jericho. In the exultation of that moment, every man felt that he was compensated for all the effort, all the anguish, and all the danger that the three days’ fight had cost him. For let me here say, that the sublimest emotion that ever filled the human heart, is that inspired by the shout of victory after a long and doubtful contest. The exultation ceased. Then was a time for memory and tears. The army sank down upon the earth to rest, “the weary to sleep, and the wounded to die.” Silence and moonlight wrapped the bloody scene. General Cleburne and his valiant division were in the charge that I have just described–the charge that completed the Confederate victory on the famous field of Chickamauga. The Confederate loss in this battle, as I now remember it, was about seventeen thousand in killed, wounded and captured–the Federal loss being about the same.

The next battle in which General Cleburne participated was that of Missionary Ridge, November 30th, 1863, where he achieved additional distinction by the handsome manner in which he repulsed the repeated assaults made upon his position in the right wing of the Confederate line. And although this battle resulted in a victory to the Federal arms, General Cleburne’s position was never shaken, much less taken, by any of the furious and repeated assaults that were made upon it during the action, but was abandoned in good order after the left wing of the Confederate army had been outflanked, beaten and routed by largely superior numbers–storming in column of three lines of battle, and making one of the most superb and gallant charges that we witnessed during the war. General Cleburne again distinguished himself in covering the retreat of the Confederate army from this field, and for his heroic defence of Ringgold Gap was specially commended by the Confederate Congress.

He was among the first to suggest and advocate the use of the colored troops in the armies of the Confederacy. This was in the winter of 1863 and 1864 when the “Army of Tennessee” was en-camped at Dalton, Georgia. His advice in this regard was met with a prompt and almost unanimous rejection by that army. But viewed in the light of the vital fact that at that time our available resources in men were practically exhausted; that our armies in the field were daily diminishing by death from disease and casualties in battle, and no means by which to increase them; and also viewed in the light of subsequent results, the wisdom and propriety of such a policy cannot be successfully questioned. There were then no other available resources by which the ranks of our armies could be recruited and maintained. And so it now appears that General Cleburne and his few supporters in this idea were wiser and more prescient than the many who differed with them. Expediency suggested the policy he advised.

General Cleburne was a division commander under General Joseph E. Johnston during his celebrated campaign in North Georgia, and distinguished himself in a number of its various battles, and more especially at New Hope church, where he repulsed the enemy with signal firmness and efficiency and with heavy losses to their charging columns. He commanded an army corps at the battle of Jonesboro’, Georgia, and covered the retreat of General Hood’s defeated army from that field. He also commanded a corps at the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, where he was killed in storming the second line of the <shv18_266>Federal works. Touching his action in this, his last charge, his last battle, I speak as a messenger from the field where he fell. This battle-ground lies in a beautiful valley and immediately south of the town of Franklin. About noon of November 30, 1864, the Confederate army under command of General Hood, appeared on the heights of an elevated range of hills that overlooked the valley and the village, and distant about one and a half miles from the main line of the Federal works, which were immediately south of the town and inclosing the same. Some hours after our arrival on these heights, and after examining the enemy’s fortified positions, General Hood determined to assault the place. Troops were promptly moved from the central and main road, upon which they had arrived, to the right and left under the cover of these hills, until they were opposite the positions they were directed to take in the line of battle, and were then moved over the hills to the front, and to their proper posts, preparatory to the assault. When these dispositions were made the advance was ordered–not in battle array, however, for we were too far off to begin the charge–but in a regimental movement we called “double columns at half distance,” in order that we might move with more system and facility, and also more easily pass obstacles, such as fences and small groves of trees which here and there interspersed the otherwise open plain upon which the great struggle was soon to take place. In the battle disposition General Cleburne’s corps was immediately on the right of the main highway or pike leading into Franklin from the south, and Cheatham’s corps was immediately on the left of it. This road was Cleburne’s left guide, and Cheatham’s right guide in moving to the attack. And as General Granberry’s brigade constituted the extreme left flank of General Cleburne’s command, and my brigade the extreme right flank of Cheatham’s, we were therefore contiguous in the order of battle, and both in the front line. As the array of columns which I have mentioned, with a front of two miles or more in length, moved steadily down the heights and into the valley below with flying banners, beating drums and bristling guns, it presented a scene of the most imposing grandeur and magnificence. When we had arrived within about four hundred paces of the enemy’s advanced line of entrenchments our columns were halted and deployed into two lines of battle preparatory to the charge.

This advanced position of the enemy was not a continuous but a detached line, manned by two brigades, and situated about six hundred paces in front of his main line of formidable works. This detached line was immediately in front of Cleburne’s left and Cheatham’s right. When all was ready the “charge” was ordered. With a wild shout we dashed forward upon this line. The enemy delivered one volley at our rushing ranks and precipitately fled for refuge to his main and rear line. At this juncture the shout was raised, “Go into the works with them.” This cry was taken up and vociferated from a thousand throats as we rushed on after the flying forces we had routed–killing some in our running fire and capturing others who were slow of foot–sustaining but small losses ourselves, until we arrived within about one hundred paces of their main line and stronghold, when it seemed to me that hell itself had exploded in our faces. The enemy had thus long reserved their fire for the safety of their routed comrades who were flying to them for protection, and who were just in front of and mingled with the pursuing Confederates. When it became no longer safe for themselves to reserve their fire, they opened upon us (.regardless of their own men who were mingled with us) such a hailstorm of shot and shell, musketry and canister that the very atmosphere was hideous with the shrieks of the messengers of death. The booming of cannon, the bursting of bombs, the rattle of musketry, the shrieking of shells, the whizzing of bullets, the shouting of hosts and the falling of men in their struggle for victory, all made a scene of surpassing terror and awful grandeur.

“Such a din was there,
As if men fought on earth below,
And fiends in upper air.”

It seemed to me if I had thrown out my hand I could have caught it full of the missiles of death, and it is a mystery how any of us ever reached the works. Amid this scene General Cleburne came charging down our lines to the left, and diagonally toward the enemy’s works, his horse running at full speed, and if I had not personally checked my pace as I ran on foot, he would have plunged over and trampled me to the earth. On he dashed, but for an instant longer, when rider and horse both fell, pierced with many bullets, within a few paces of the enemy’s works. On we rushed–his men of Granberry’s brigade and mine having mingled as we closed on the line, until we reached the enemy’s works; but being now so exhausted and so few in numbers, we halted in the ditch on the outside of the breastworks, among dead and dying men–both Federals and Confederates. A few charged over, but were clubbed down with muskets or pierced with bayonets. For some time we fought them across the breastworks, both sides lying low and putting their guns under the head-logs upon the works, firing rapidly and at random, and not exposing any part of the body except the hand that fired the gun. While this melee was going on across the works we were exposed to a dangerous fire from some of our own men of General Stewart’s corps to our right rear, there being an angle in the enemy’s line in that direction. At the same time we were subjected to an enfilading fire from the enemy to our left. Finally, the fatality to us from these three fires–front, rear and left–became so great that we shouted to the enemy across the works to “cease firing” and we would surrender. At length they heard us, understood us, and ceased their fire; we crossed the works and surrendered.

It was fatal to leave the ditch and endeavor to escape to the rear. Every man who attempted it (and a number did) was at once exposed and was shot down without exception. Pardon me if I further digress sufficiently to say that the left of my brigade, under command of Colonel Horace Rice (I was on the right), successfully broke the line and some of my brave and noble men were killed fifty paces or more within the works. But just at this critical juncture a reinforcement of a Federal brigade confronted them with a heavy fire, and being few in numbers they were driven back to the opposite side of the works, behind which they took position and bravely held the line they had previously taken. Night soon intervening, the Federal army withdrew from the field and retired to Nashville.

This was a gallant and glorious fight on the part of the Confederates, but a sad disaster to their cause and their country. The intrepid Cleburne had fallen. Generals Granberry and Adams of his command, Generals Carter, Strahl and Gist of Cheatham’s command and of the division of which my brigades composed a part, had also fallen, while hundreds of others, less notable but no less brave and self-sacrificing, had made their last charge and had fought their last battle. For reckless, desperate courage this conflict will rank with Gettysburg or Balaklava.

Referring again to General Cleburne’s action upon this memorable field, it appears upon first view as if inspired by desperation. For he was so close to the enemy, so conspicuous upon his stately steed, as he charged along the closing lines, that it seems impossible that he could have expected any other result to himself than that which occurred. But, be it remembered that he was without fear, that he loved victory and defied defeat. I am informed by those who knew him better than I, and who were usually closer to him in battle, that he often exposed himself unnecessarily to the most imminent danger. Besides, it is not improbable that he had predetermined to win a victory upon this field or die in the attempt. This hypothesis is supported by Hon. T. W. Brown, of Memphis, who relates that during the march of the army on General Hood’s ill-fated campaign from Georgia to Tennessee, some occasion at night had called together a large number of officers and soldiers. Public speaking became the order of the evening, and General Cleburne was called on for a speech. He at first declined, for he was not a talking man. But being repeatedly called for, he at last appeared, and after instructing the soldiers as to how they should fight, and especially advising them that when once under fire to press bravely forward and never turn back, he said in effect: “I will accomplish what I next undertake or else I will perish in making the attempt.” Franklin was his next battle; it was also his last. Thus perished the “Stonewall of the West,” as he was often called. A truer patriot or knightlier soldier never fought and never died. Valor never lost a braver son or freedom a nobler champion. As he charged amid the tempest of conflict he seemed the impersonation of the genius of battle–a veritable Mars on the field of war. He was a patriot by instinct and a soldier by nature. He loved his country, its soldiers, its banners, its battle-flags, its sovereignty, its independence. For these he fought, for these he fell. He could not have done more for his own loved fatherland than he did for the land of his chosen allegiance, in whose just defence he relinquished his life. He fell in the uniform of his adopted country, amid her soldiers and advancing flags. He died unconquered, and in doing so, threw Eastern lustre upon Southern valor. Two countries share in the glory of his name. Ireland gave him to the world; the Confederacy to immortality. Their joint emblems–a happy conception–fitly mark the monument that here speaks to posterity–Erin’s harp in bed of shamrock; the Confederate seal, showing Washington on warhorse, wreathed in Southland’s blooms and products; the sunburst of Ireland over the inscription “Franklin,” symbolizing that his life passed thence in an effulgence of glory. All the honors we can do him cannot equal his deserts. This beautiful monument, which love erects to memory and gratitude gives to glory, is but a modest expression of his country’s esteem. I think we do no injustice to any one, living or dead, when we say that he was the most distinguished and efficient soldier of his rank that fought in our Western armies–the most illustrious exponent of Irish valor and prowess that has yet appeared upon American fields. He knew how to lead a charge or rally a wavering column; possessed those martial qualities that achieve success and inspire in soldiers devotion to their leader. Though a stern disciplinarian, he was loved by his soldiers, who were ready to go wherever he commanded. He was not only a commander, but a comrade, fighting with his men. And if every Confederate soldier had been a Cleburne, we question not that the issue of the war would have been reversed and the political destiny of a people changed. He was a fearless soldier, a sagacious leader, a true patriot and a reproachless man. In his devotion to the cause he espoused he shrank from no sacrifice. Inspired by a sense of right “and sustained by a sublime courage he challenged danger and died gallantly in the cause of his country.”
His deeds we honor, his death we mourn; and in token of our recognition of his sacrifices, our admiration of his deeds and our veneration for his memory this modest monument has been erected. And on behalf of the ex-Confederate soldiers, and indeed of the people of the South, I would offer our thanks to those who have especially had charge of and accomplished this noble work. Beautify it with flowers, wreath it with laurel and crown it with immortelles. At the call of Arkansas he went to the field and it is fitting that his remains should repose in her soil; and more especially upon this beautiful spot, said to have been a favorite resort in his walks before the war. Tennessee, whose bosom received his blood, unites in honoring his memory to-day. Her soldiers, her patriots, her citizens are here, while her histories contain high tributes to his name. A work, entitled the “Military Annals of Tennessee,” contains a chapter (written by Colonel C. W. Frazer, of that State, and who served in General Cleburne’s command), in which this paragraph appears:

“The hero worship (amounting almost to idolatry) on the one hand, and the sympathy and admiration on the other, that existed between this regiment (the Fifth Confederate, composed of Tennesseeans), and General Cleburne was remarkable, and can only be partially accounted for by their common birthplace, their devotion to the Southern cross, and the ties that bind men who have often met a common foe in the death grapple. The snows of twenty winters have covered his modest grave at Helena, Ark., but now the mention of the name of Pat. Cleburne, brightens the eye and quickens the pulse of every man who fought under him. A born soldier, he was in battle the embodiment of war, and as a general, in his position, I think he had no superior; and withal he was as modest and true-hearted a man as ever wore the gray. It ought to be the pride as it is the duty of the historian to give this dead hero a white stone.” This book (The Military Annals of Tennessee) contains an excellent steel engraving of General Cleburne, and also a beautiful poem in honor of his memory by a Tennessee poetess, Mrs. Virginia Frazer Boyle.

In conclusion, while we would especially memorialize General Cleburne to-day, we cannot forget the thousands of our humbler comrades who also died valiantly for the country they loved. They, too, deserve our grateful remembrance, our paeans of praise, our tributes of love. All grateful people have remembered and venerated their patriot dead. Erin, that little land that has given more than her share of genius and valor to the world, still honors the name of her martyred Emmet. Enslaved and unhappy Poland still breathes a sigh for her Poniatouski; Sparta, though dead, echoes from her tomb the name Leonidas. Buried Carthage consecrated her sepulcher with the dust of her patriots. And the South, God smile upon her, still remembers her martyred dead, and speaks of their deeds with veneration and pride. Peace to their shades, honor to their ashes!

Numerous were the outbursts from his audience while touched upon the character of Cleburne, and the instances of the war which were deeply inscribed in the hearts of many of his listeners, who, too, had engaged in the battle at which General Cleburne fell and saw him meet his death.

Tears glistened in the eyes of many as the eloquent speaker’s words portrayed to them the vivid pictures which even the flight of years is unable to dim.

Immediately following the orator a choir composed of male and female voices sang the hymn, “When the Spirit Leaves Its Clay.”

Then followed the benediction by Rev. Father O’ Reilly, of Helena, after which the graves of the Confederate deceased were completely covered by loving hands with beautiful flowers. A larger crowd of visitors never before gathered in Helena for a purpose of this kind. For several days visitors have been coming from all parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky.

The ladies of the Memorial Association, of Memphis, contributed a beautiful floral offering, which was placed upon the monument. It was a Confederate flag composed of geraniums, helitropes, and stars <shv18_272>of Bethlehem. In attendance upon the ceremonies were several relatives of the lamented Cleburne, in whose memory the shaft has been erected. It is a shaft of white marble, twenty-five feet in height, with the following inscription on the western side:

PATRICK RONAYNE CLEBURNE,
Major-General of C. S. A.,
Born in County of Cork, Ireland, March 17, 1828.
Killed at the Battle of Franklin, Tenn., November, 1864.

On the north side the word “Chickamauga” and the Confederate seal, and the following words from the poem of Mrs. Virginia Frazer Boyle:

A rift of light
Revealed the horse and rider, then the scene was dim;
But on the inner works the death hail
Rang in dying Cleburne’s ears a battle hymn.

On the east side was the sunburst and the legend, “Franklin.” On the side facing the south was the harp of Erin entwined with the shamrock, below which was the stanza:
“Memory ne’er will cease to cherish deeds of glory thou hast won.”

After appropriately decorating the graves, Confederate and others, the spectators departed for the outgoing trains and boats, which bore away the various crowds who joined in commemorating and honoring the noble Confederates of rank and file.

Undated…

Since Commencing this letter Letter [sic] I Read a letter from you dated May 3rd which was written to a dead man But think I am as good as 2 dead men yet. So you will not have to wear any mourning yet awhile. Fear nothing for when I am dead I will write and let you know. You will do well not to believe more than half of the lies you hear expechialy when it comes from Pick Hayes. I seen death in all its hordes, but the worst sight I witnessed was to see the wounded laying in the woods and it on fire. The woods was dry and fire run like mad hundreds of poor fellows wounded so they could not help themselves wer Burnt to death. Others came hopping out on one leg, or cralling on all fours. anyway they escape the flames. Such sceans as this is some of the horrors of War. Which might of been closed but for the damed infernal God forsaken “Copperheads” dam em and may god dam their souls if they have any

I would have writen to you while the fight was going on had I had a chance to do so and if I had writen I could not of sent it out. We should not have been out so long had it not Rained and Raised the River so we could not cross. We wer through Culpper and out to that long to be Rememberd Mountain where the first battle was fought last fall by Pope before his Retreat from the Rappahannock. Before the fight it was called Cedar Mountain but after the slaughter of our troops by bad Generalship it was called Slaughter Mountain and goes by that name yet and always will by that witnessed the Battle. Bully for the young Haden. Tell Hulday if she wants it to carry the name of an infidel to call it Bine. Who if not true to his god is same view it dam true to a better cause that of his country. If you see sist give her my Compliments and tell her this. I have sent you $75.00 which will come to Warren J.P. Hawleys name I intended to pay the expressage here but could not do it so you will please pay Tom what ever he may expend and for his trouble if he will take it if not thank him for me, and tell him if I ever catch him in any fix and I in his place I will do the same or more for him if I can. I want you to get some one to stir up that matter of County fund. get some good advice and get some one to Run the thing for you if you have to pay all you get and my wages two Rumor [?] & to hell and gone but they come to termes dam Kellogg dam any man that had any thing to do with it

Cole Rising owes me $18.00 which he promised to take home with him when he got his discharge and pay it to you if he does not go home I expect he will it to Electa & give it to you. so you get it is all I care for

I guess I have wound up the Fell family I donot get any letters onley from Malvina. she is all right, But cuss the one that opens on me with any abuse

You Kneed not send me any Stamp for some time if not longer as I have Bought a lot will let you know when I am out

Our dismounted Men are yet at Dumfries they have to go on scouts dismounted stand picket and do more duty than we do here. Bully for them most of them are lay backs who always try to get into some dismounted camp or something of the kind so they will not smell Burnt powder or fresh blood they got the dead wood this time. Them those 2 new Co are mounted. Lake he is hired out to Capt. Dickenson for a while he can go home when he wants & he is here with us Major Ben Stanhope is in command of the dismounted camp at Dumfrie he will not let a man come to jear his troop (Co) Capt Barrett still says h