View looking east of Lookout Mountain over Chattanooga

Here is a view from Lookout Mountain facing east. The Confederate artillery was initially placed on this spot in September 1863. What a commanding view. Lookout Valley would be to the left of this picture. The city of Chattanooga can be seen on the right. Chattanooga is roughly 6-7 miles northwest of Chickamauga, Georgia.

JANUARY 23-FEBRUARY 1, 1863. — Expedition from Beaufort, S. C., up the Saint Mary’s River, in Georgia and Florida.

Report of Col. T. W. Higginson, First South Carolina Infantry (Union).*

ON BOARD STEAMER BEN DE FORD,
February 1, 1863.

GENERAL: I have the honor to report the safe return of the expedition under my command, consisting of 462 officers and men of the First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, who left Beaufort on January 23, on board the steamers John Adams, Planter, and Ben De Ford:

The expedition has carried the regimental flag and the President’s proclamation far into the interior of Georgia and Florida. The men have been repeatedly under fire; have had infantry, cavalry, and even artillery arrayed against them, and have in every instance come off not only with unblemished honor, but with undisputed triumph.

At Township, Fla. a detachment of the expedition fought a cavalry company which met it unexpectedly on a midnight march through pine woods and which completely surrounded us. They were beaten off, with a loss on our part of 1 man killed and 7 wounded, while the opposing party admits 12 men killed, including Lieutenant Jones, in command of the company, besides many wounded. So complete was our victory that the enemy scattered and hid in the woods all night, not venturing back to his camp, which was 6 miles distant, until noon next day, a fact which was unfortunately unknown until too late to follow up our advantage. Had I listened to the urgent appeals of my men and pursued the fleeing enemy we could have destroyed his camp; but in view of the darkness, his uncertain numbers, and swifter motions, with your injunctions of caution, I judged it better to rest satisfied with the victory already gained.

On another occasion a detachment of about 250 men, on board the John Adams, fought its way 40 miles up and down a river regarded by the naval commanders as the most dangerous in the department — the Saint Mary’s –a river left untraversed by our gunboats for many months, as it requires a boat built like the John Adams to ascend it successfully. The stream is narrow, swift, winding and bordered at many places with high bluffs, which blazed with rifle-shots. With our glasses, as we approached these points, we could see mounted men by the hundred galloping through the woods from point to point to await us, and though fearful of our shot and shell, they were so daring against musketry that one rebel actually sprang from the shore upon the large boat which was towed at our stern, where he was shot down by one of my sergeants. We could see our shells scatter the rebels as they fell among them, and some terrible execution must have been done, but not a man of this regiment was killed or wounded, though the steamer is covered with bullet-marks, one of which shows where our brave Captain Clifton, commander of the vessel, fell dead beside his own pilot-house, shot through the brain by a Minie ball. Major Strong, who stood beside him, escaped as if by magic, both of them being unnecessarily exposed without my knowledge.

The secret of our safety was in keeping the regiment below, except the gunners; but this required the utmost energy of the officers, as the men were wild to come on deck, and even implored to be landed on shore and charge on the enemy.

Nobody knows anything about these men who has not seen them in battle. I find that I myself knew nothing. There is a fiery energy about them beyond anything of which I have ever read, except it be the French Zouaves. It requires the strictest discipline to hold them in hand. During our first attack on the river before I had got them all penned below they crowded at the open ends of the steamer loading and firing with inconceivable rapidity, and shouting to each other, “Never give it up.” When collected into the hold they actually fought each other for places at the few port-holes from which they could fire on the enemy. Meanwhile the black gunners, admirably trained by Lieutenants Stockdale and O’Neil, both being accomplished artillerists, and Mr. Heron, of the gunboat, did their duty without the slightest protection and with great coolness amid a storm of shot.

This river expedition was not undertaken in mere bravado. Captain Sears, U. S. Army, the contractor of Fort Clinch had urged upon the War Department to endeavor to obtain a large supply of valuable bricks, said to remain at the brick-yards, 30 miles up the Saint Mary’s, from which Fort Clinch was originally supplied. The War Department had referred the matter to Colonel Hawley. who approved my offer to undertake the enterprise. Apart from this, it was the desire of Lieutenant Hughes, U. S. Navy commanding U. S. steamer Mohawk, now lying at Fernandina, to obtain information regarding a rebel steamer, the Berosa, said to be lying still farther up the river, awaiting opportunity to run the blockade. Both objects were accomplished; I brought away all the bricks and ascertained the Berosa to be worthless.

I have the honor to states that I have on board the Ben De Ford 250 bars of the best new railroad iron, valued at $5,000, and much needed in this department This was obtained on Saint Simon’s and Jekyl’s Islands, Georgia, from abandoned rebel forts, a portion of it having been previously blown up and collected by Captain Steedman, of the Paul Jones. I have also eight large sticks of valuable yellow-pine lumber, said to be worth $700, which came from Saint Mary’s, Ga. There is also a quantity of rice, resin, cordage, oars, and other small matters suitable for army purposes. On board the John Adams there is a flock of 25 sheep from Woodstock, Fla.

I have turned over to Captain Sears about 40,000 large-sized bricks, valued at about $1,000, in view of the present high freights. I have also turned over to Judge Latta, civil provost-marshal at Fernandina, 4 horses, 4 steers, and a quantity of agricultural implements, suitable for Mr. Helper’s operations at that location.

I have seen with my own eyes, and left behind for want of transportation (and because brick was considered even more valuable), enough of the choicest Southern lumber to load steamers like the Ben De Ford–an amount estimated at more than 1,000,000 feet, and probably worth at Hilton Head $80,000. I also left behind, from choice, valuable furniture by the houseful — pianos, china, &c., all packed for transportation, as it was sent inland for safe-keeping. Not only were my officers and men forbidden to take any of these things for private use, but nothing was taken for public use save articles strictly contraband of war. No wanton destruction was permitted, nor were any buildings burned unless in retaliation for being fired upon, according to the usages of war. Of course no personal outrage was permitted or desired.

At Woodstock I took 6 male prisoners, whom I brought down the river as hostages, intending to land part of them before reaching Fer- nandina and return them on parole, but in view of the previous attack made upon us from the banks this would have seemed an absurd stretch of magnanimity, and by the advice of Colonel Hawley I have brought them for your disposal.

At the same place we obtained a cannon and a flag, which I respectfully ask for the regiment to retain. We obtained also some trophies of a different description from a slave-jail, which I shall offer for your personal acceptance — three sets of stocks, of different structure, the chains and staples used for confining prisoners to the door, and the key of the building. They furnish good illustrations of the infernal barbarism against which we contend.

We returned at the appointed time, although there are many other objects which I wish to effect, and our rations are not nearly exhausted; but the Ben De Ford is crowded with freight and the ammunition of the John Adams is running low. Captain Hallett has been devoted to our interests, as was also, until his lamented death, the brave Captain Clifton.

Of the Planter I have hitherto said nothing, as her worn-out machinery would have made her perfectly valueless but for the laborious efforts of Captain Eldridge and her engineer, Mr. Barger, aided by the unconquerable energy of Captain Trowbridge, of Company A, who had the command on board. Thanks to this they were enabled during our absence up the Saint May’s to pay attention to the salt-works along the coast.

Finding that the works at King’s Bay, formerly destroyed by this regiment, had never been rebuilt, they proceeded 5 miles up Crooked River, where salt-works were seen. Captain Trowbridge, with Captain Rogers’ company (F) and 30 men, then marched 2 miles across a marsh, drawing a boat with them, then sailed up a creek and destroyed the works. There were 22 large boilers, 2 store-houses, a large quantity of salt, 2 canoes, with barrels; vats, and all things appertaining.

I desire to make honorable mention not only of the above officers but of Major Strong, Captain James, Company B, Captain Randolph, Company C, Captain Metcalf, Company G and Captain Dolly, Company H. Indeed, every officer did himself credit so far as he had opportunity, while the cheerfulness and enthusiasm of the men made it a pleasure to command them.

We found no large number of slaves anywhere; yet we brought away several whole families, and obtained by this means the most valuable information. I was interested to observe that the news of the President’s proclamation produced a marked effect upon them, and in one case it was of the greatest service to us in securing the hearty aid of a guide, who was timid and distrustful until he heard that he was legally free, after which he aided us gladly and came away with us.

My thanks are due for advice and information to Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, of the steamer Paul Jones; to Acting Master Moses, U. S. Navy, of the bark Fernandina; to Acting Lieutenant Budd, U. S. Navy of the steamer Potomska, for information and counsel, and especially to Lieutenant-Commander Hughes. U. S. Navy, of the steamer Mohawk, for 20 tons of coal, without which we could not have gone up the river.

I may state, in conclusion, that I obtained much valuable information, not necessary to make public, in regard to the location of supplies of lumber, iron, rice, resin, turpentine, and cotton, and it would afford the officers and men of this regiment great pleasure to be constantly employed in obtaining these supplies for the Government from rebel sources; but they would like still better to be permitted to occupy some advanced point in the interior with a steamer or two like the John Adams and an adequate supply of ammunition. We could obtain to a great extent our own provisions, could rapidly enlarge our numbers, and could have Information in advance of every movement against us. A chain of such posts would completely alter the whole aspect of the war in the sea-board slave States, and would accomplish what no accumulation of Northern regiments can so easily effect.

No officer in this regiment now doubts that the key to the successful prosecution of this war lies in the unlimited employment of black troops. Their superiority lies simply in the fact that they know the country while white troops do not, and, moreover, that they have of temperament, position, and motive which belong to them alone. Instead of leaving their homes and families to fight they are fighting for their homes and families, and they show the resolution and the sagacity which a personal purpose gives. It would have been madness to attempt, with the bravest white troops what I have successfully accomplished with black ones. Everything, even to the piloting of the vessels end the selection of the proper points for cannonading, was done by my own soldiers. Indeed, the real conductor of the whole expedition up the Saint Mary’s was Corpl. Robert Sutton, of Company G, formerly a slave upon the Saint Mary’s River, a man of extraordinary qualities, who needs nothing but a knowledge of the alphabet to entitle him to the most signal promotion. In every instance when I followed his advice the predicted result followed, and I never departed from it, however slightly without finding reason for subsequent regret.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

T. W. HIGGINSON,
Colonel, Comdg. First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.

Brigadier-General SAXTON,
Military Governor, &c.

*In February 1864, the designation of this regiment was changed to the “Thirty-third United States Colored Infantry.”

SOURCE: United States War Department. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Volume 14. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880-1901.

Honoring the Confederate dead in McGavock Confederate Cemetery

One of my favorite places in Williamson County, where I live, is the Carnton Historic Plantation. On this property is the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. I’m not one of those ‘the South must rise again’ kinda people but I do have a profound appreciation for the sacrifice, courage and honor displayed by the brave Confederate soldiers.

On November 30, 1864, the Northern and Southern armies clashed in front of Carter’s farm just south of downtown Franklin. In five hours, more men fell as casualties from this bloody fight than the U.S. soldiers who fell during the invasion of Normandy.

The Battle of Franklin saw 10,000 casualties in just five hours. The Confederates lost at least 2,000 men. Nearly 1,500 Confederate soldiers were buried in McGavock Cemetery in Franklin, TN. I made this video to honor these Southern souls.

Rare modern find of Union soldier’s bones at Antietam

A hiker recently discovered some unearthed human bone fragments that officials believe to be the actual remains of a Union soldier who died at Antietam. The hiker smartly delivered the bones, as well as a metal button, to park officials at the Antietam National Battlefield.

TOP: Antietam National Battlefield Superintendent John Howard stands by the site where the bones of a Union soldier from New York state recently surfaced on the Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Md. Howard says a visitor found bone fragments and a uniform button near a groundhog hole in October. BOTTOM: This button was found near the bones.

Key events occurring in January 1865 during the American Civil War

January 15 – John Bell Hood is replaced as commander of Army of Tennessee.

January 15 – battles for Fort Fisher in North Carolina.

January 31 – 13th Amendment to U.S. Constitution passes abolishing slavery.

For a complete timeline of the American Civil War see the Civil War Gazette’s timeline here.

Key events occurring in January 1862 during the American Civil War

January 15 – Edwin M. Stanton is confirmed by Senate as Secretary of War.

January 27- Discontented with McClellan’s slow pace to prosecute the war, Lincoln issues General War Order #1:

January 30 – U.S.S. Monitor is launched in Long Island, New York.

For a complete timeline of the American Civil War see the Civil War Gazette’s timeline here.

Key events occurring in January 1861 during the American Civil War

January 9 – The unarmed vessel, Star of the West, arrives to reinforce the Federal garrison of soldiers at Ft. Sumter in Charleston harbor and is fired upon by southerners. The reinforcements are never delivered.

January 9 – Mississippi becomes the second State to secede from the Union.

January 11 – Alabama becomes the third State to secede.

January – 19 – Georgia secedes from the Union, becoming the fourth southern State to do so.

January 26 – Louisiana becomes the fifth southern State to formally secede.

January 29 – Kansas is admitted to the Union as a free state.

For a complete timeline of the American Civil War see the Civil War Gazette’s timeline here.

Key events occurring in January 1864 during the American Civil War

January 2 – Confederate General Patrick R. Cleburne – “Stonewall of the West” – proposes freeing slaves and arming them to fight for the South. This sets off a fire-storm among some southern military leaders and arguably costs Cleburne future promotions. Confederate Congress will eventually approve using blacks to fight for Confederacy in March 1865.

For a complete timeline of the American Civil War see the Civil War Gazette’s timeline here.

Key events occurring in January 1863 during the American Civil War

January 1 – President Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation.

January 2 — A major battle takes place over three days in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to become known as the battle of Stone’s River. The forces engaged include the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by Braxton Bragg, and the Army of the Cumberland led by William Rosecran’s. It is the bloodiest battle to date in terms of casualties weighed against the numbers of men fighting. More than one-third of the Confederates were killed, wounded or captures; and the Union suffered similar casualties. The results boosted Northern morale.

January 20-22 – General Ambrose Burnside gets bogged down in trying to flank the Confederates near Fredericksburg. It becomes a major public relations nightmare known as the Mud March.

January 25 – “Fighting Joe” Hooker replaces Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac.

For a complete timeline of the American Civil War see the Civil War Gazette’s timeline here.