Albert Potter Civil War letters vol 3 ***** Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. This message must appear on all copied files. Commercial copying must have permission. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Submitted by Michael Ruddy Henry Albert Potter and his comrades get in over their heads out on the Alexandria Pike. Seems after meeting the Rebels with artillery on the other side of Lebanon, the Col (Robert Minty, Commander of the Regiment) decided the orders only told them to go to Lebanon, and "orders is orders" so they returned, rather hastily, it seems, to Baird's Mill safely on the Murfreesboro side of Lebanon. Knowing high troop estimates always coincide with wise decisions, I would question the rebel force being at 4000, and in my opinion 1500 (or less) Rebels with artillery attacking a nightime Union encampment at dusk that far away from the Union base at Murfreesboro, would make any Col have second thoughts about the prudence of staying there. In Minty's report which I enclosed following the letter, Minty laments not having any artillery and that he could have taken Alexandria if he had had such. HeadQuarteres 4th M.V.C. Camp Park, June 17/63 Dear Father We just got in from our 6 days scout and it has been a hard one -- I tell you. We did not start until about 3 pm and went to Lebanon 28 miles distant that night. We traveled out six miles from town where we halted and fed. We had heard from our scouts in that direction that there was about 1000 or the rebels at Lebanon and we intended to clean them out. On dismounting, when we halted, one of the 5th Iowa boys was almost instantly killed by his comrade next to him. His Carbine caught in some manner on the saddle or stirrups and went off. The ball passing thro’ his left lung and out on right side cutting one of the large arteries. Poor Fellow! He never spoke. One cannot be too cautions. I would hate to be killed by my friend or by myself. After feeding at about ten o’clock we started again. We had about 1500 all told. We had a passable road and went along pretty good jog. Got into Lebanon just daylight. No rebels there. All went away last night was what the citizens told us. Went off on the Alexandria Pike. It is a mystery to me how they get their information for they heard of our coming even before we knew where we were going ourselves, for we never know where we are going until we move. But they did. We followed after them on the Alexandria Pike – came upon their near guards about 11am had a little skirmish in which one to the 4th regulars was killed. Then went back a short distance and fed our horses, gave them wheat in bundle about noon we started again. It was a very hot day and our poor horses were tired in the forenoon our Reg’t was on the left as skirmishers and the ground was very rough, stony and hilly. We moved cautiously skirmishing all the way about six miles into a nice valley with good feed and the Col concluded to stay there all night. We had orders to move only to Lebanon and our coming any farther was at our own risk. Well, we posted our pickets in front and in the right and left strongly and were settling down to rest when Bang! Bang! Came their artillery from a hill. Our pickets rushed in letting us [know?] there was quite a force in front with 5 pieces of artillery. They were mountain howitzers I tho’t by the sound. We immediately formed and went out to see what was there, but they had run back again and it was growing dark. The Col had also learned that they were about 4000 strong with artillery at Alexandria and so of course it would not be prudent to move after them and their demonstration in front was only to divert our attention while they were trying to FLANK US on BOTH SIDES. So we moved back after calling in our pickets by a cross road and an ugly one too. Baird’s Mill on the Lebanon Pike 21 miles from Murfreesboro. Got there 3 ½ am this morning as tired a lot as you ever saw -- not a wink of sleep had we. I never was so sleepy in my life and when we got to the Mill I just lopped down on the ground and slept about two hours as sound as a log. When we moved on and got into camp about 3pm tired and dusty--- Wheat is ripe, partly cut, corn is growing very fast. I saw some drawing in hay as we came along. Their wheat is poor. It is very dark and I will stop. I am well until now Albert I got a letter from Amelia today, it is as you say. I don’t get all the letters you write and you don’t get all that I write. I have not got the box yet. Albert For background here is the Colonel Minty's report of the skirmish at Alexandria and the "retire" to Lebanon -- Mike JUNE 15-17, 1863.-Expedition to, and skirmish near, Lebanon, Tenn. Report of Colonel Robert H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, commanding brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION, Camp near Murfreesborough, Tenn., June 18, 1863. SIR: In accordance with orders received from Major-General Stanley, I marched with the First Brigade at 5 p. m. on the 15th instant, taking the Lebanon pike. I arrived at Stone's River at 7 p. m., fed horses, and halted until 10 p. m., so as to strike Lebanon by daybreak. At Baird's Mills the enemy's picket fires were found burning, but evidently the posts had not been occupied for some hours. I arrived at Lebanon at 4 a. m., and had some difficulty in learning anything definite about the enemy. I at [last] learned from some negroes and a Union family that the rebels, about 600 strong, under Colonel Duke, had left Lebanon at about 5 p. m., the 15th, by the Sparte (or Alexandria) road. I immediately followed them to Spring Creek, 5 miles out, watered the horses, and dismounted to feed, when the rebels attacked my pickets from toward Alexandria, driving them in, and following them sharply with about 300 men, mounted and dismounted. I sent Lieutenant-Colonel Sipes, with the Seventh Pennsylvania, to the right, and Major Mix, with the Fourth Michigan, to the left (directing them to keep a little in advance of the head of the column on the pike), the Fourth Regulars on the pike, the Fifth Iowa in reserve, and the battalion Third Indiana guarding the ambulances. My advance was necessarily slow, in consequence of the rough nature of the ground over which the flanking columns had to pass. The rebels retired slowly, fighting stubbornly, until near Shop Spring, where the advance of the Fourth Regulars, under Lieutenant O'Connell, charged and drove them from the fences, from behind which they had been fighting. Our horses were tired, and those of the enemy apparently fresh, so that the only result was to drive them. Having now arrived at the junction of the cross-road leading to Baird's Mills, which gave me a good line of retreat, I took a position on the right side of the road, to allow the men to get their breakfasts. Unfortunately, there was no feed to be had for the horses. At 11.30, I again moved forward, the Seventh Pennsylvania in advance, followed by the Fourth Michigan, Third Indiana, and Fourth Regulars, the Fifth Iowa on the flanks. We drove the enemy as before. At about 2 o'clock I arrived at Watters' Mill, halted the column, and sent Colonel Sipes, with the Seventh Pennsylvania and two companies of the Fifth Iowa, 2 miles to the front; threw out strong pickets 1 1/2 miles in every direction, and fed horses. At Lebanon, and at all points along the road, I received information that Morgan was at Alexandria with 4,000 men and from six to twelve pieces of artillery. When Colonel Sipes returned he brought confirmation of these reports. Skirmishing was kept up with my pickets on the Alexandria road it intervals all the afternoon. At 7 p. m. a courier came in from the front, reporting that the enemy was advancing in force, and immediately after they opened fire with their artillery. I sent the parties from both the right and left reported that a heavy column was moving down each flank. I immediately doubled my pickets, and remained in position until 9 o'clock, when I fell back, taking the crossroad from Shop Spring to Baird's Mills, at which place I arrived at 2.30 a. m. without molestation. Up to this time we had marched 56 miles. Some of the men had had one hour's sleep, and the others no sleep whatever. At 6.30 I resumed the march for Murfreesborough, arriving at Stone's River at 10 o'clock. I halted for a couple of hours to rest the horses, and then returned to camp. Captain Davis, Seventh Pennsylvania, who commanded the rear guard from Baird's Mills, reports that a strong force of the enemy came into that place from toward Lebanon as he was leaving it, but attempted nothing further than an exchange of shots. If I hand a couple of pieces of artillery, John [H.] Morgan should either have given me battle or Alexandria; but without them, I felt that I would be fighting at too great a disadvantage and uselessly sacrificing the lives of my men. I therefore considered it my duty to retire. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBT. H. G. MINTY, Colonel, Commanding. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes a short note to his sister in which he explains the problems of shipping butter through the mail. HeadQuarters 4th Mich Cav. Camp Park June 19th 1863 Dear Sister It is after Taps and I am all alone in the office so I will write a line. I received your letter and Mary Longcor’s by today’s mail and of course was glad to hear from both of you. Mrs Longcor need not be ashamed of her letter I am sure, for I seldom get a better one. I am well and contented as long as I am so. We were out on a scout this week but I wrote to Father about that the day after I got in. We are all just as glad to get back to camp from a scout as I used to come home from a hard jaunt or a day’s work in fact it is our home. I got my box yesterday. I am sorry [to tell?] you but in the butter it was all oil and run over everything. Spoilt nearly all the paper and greased and scented the shirts and handkerchiefs most beautifully. But it is all right. Dan’s sugar was nearly all dissolved, the apples were rotten – but, hold on, I am telling the bad side. The Maple Sugar was all right much obliged to Mrs L for the plums and to Malbone and John for the Paper and envelopes. The tie is very nice. Tell Emma, the one I did have was burnt with my things. The coffee and Tea, combs and pencil suspenders……[lost] [On outside of letter] Headquarters 4th MVC June 19th 1863 Potter Lieut and Act’g Adj’t Writes home sending love and acknowledging rec’t of box and letter etc etc. Respectfully forwarded "via" Uncle Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes his sister and tells of his recent illness. He reflects on the rumored death of Jeff Davis and the positive morale of the Union forces in Tennessee and his (incorrect) forecast of a speedy end to the war. Camp near Salem Tenn July 23rd 1863 Dear Sister You are doubtless anxious to hear from me and perhaps uneasy for fear of my safety. At last we are encamped but for how long I cannot tell. We have been constantly on the move since June 24th. The day the army moved from Murfreesboro. I am well as usual excepting a bad cold, but am feeling well at heart. When I wrote you last I was at Murfreesboro in hosp. I was there about one week. My poison is cured We are about ten miles from Winchester near the Fayetteville branch of the Nashville and Chattanooga RR The cars run down to Descherd’s Station about 12 miles from here and I understand there are no obstructions as far as Bridgeport. Our Brigade has been to Huntsville, Alabama. Just came back this week. There are no rebels this side of the Tennessee River excepting a few guerrillas in the mountains. They dare not show themselves. Centerville is the prettiest place I have seen in the South. The news we are getting daily is most Encouraging I have had read since the war commenced, for a speedy termination. Vicksburg and Fort Hudson are ours giving us clear sweep of the great River and loosing our large army there. I believe by this time Jackson is ours and General Johnson is whipped – at Charleston we are doing nobly. We will take the place no doubt. Bragg we know nothing about, He has, I think, divided his Army and Morgan is reported captured, while Lee’s army is very much demoralized. The army here is highly excited over the good news. Our star is in the ascendant again. There is a rumor here that Jeff Davis is dead but whether so or not can’t tell. The old scamp would die, it might save him much disgrace and humiliation and a blessing to the distracted Country. I have rec’d the likeness at last - they are very good. I must close. Write some. I rec’d yours of the 13th. I will write oftener now. Yours affectionately Albert ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter, in a tradition still followed today, blames the government and not the people for the problems they are in. This letter was written about one month before the battle of Chickamauga. Potter is writing from a courier line set up between Rosecrans' army (General Crittenden) moving toward Chattanooga and Burnside's army moving toward Knoxville. Courier Station No 4 Sunday, August 30, 1863 Dear Father I have no news to tell you this morning only that I am well. It is a cool sunshiny morning rather too cool, in fact, for comfort. I don’t see that but you have as warm weather at home as we do down farther south. I am stationed on the courier line yet, don’t have but little to do as the whole company is here. I have written aunt Sarah Ann this morning. The people here are a poor and ignorant set as you ever saw. They are to be pitied more than blamed for their disloyalty. They have always lived in the mtns and know nothing of what transpires outside of their own little world. They were told by leaders that there was no Union or government and as we had no advocates or army here, what could they see? They believed it. But now they see they were mistaken, nearly all have taken the oath of allegiance once more and glad to have their property and persons protected from confiscation and conscription. How long we will remain here I cannot say. We are liable to move at any time. I think we will move as soon as we get sufficient supplies to reach Chattanooga. I will write as often as I can write. I remain, as ever, Yours in love, Henry Albert Potter ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter takes time out from chasing CSA General Wheeler to scribble a note. (We needn't worry about General Wheeler: he survived without being "gobbled" as Potter put it and played a prominent role as always in CSA cavalry operations in the west.) On the day this letter was written one part of the brigade under Colonel Minty was in Murfreesboro due to a mixup in command which left Minty relaxing instead of joining up with the rest of the brigade at Farmington, TN where a battle was in progress. When the orders got unscrambled Minty took off and arrived at the end of the fight, for which tardiness Minty was arrested. Minty was later cleared of all charges at a courts marshal and returned to command of the brigade. Minty's brigade consisted of the 4th Mich(Potter's unit), the 7th Penn and the 4th Regular Army Cavalry regiments and, sometimes, the Chicago Board of Trade Artillery battery. Murfreesboro Oct 8th 1863 Dear Folks I am in the above place in chase of Wheeler. Have been after him from the Tennessee. They are making a big raid. Have cut communications with Chattanooga now. Have had a couple of fights. Think we will succeed in gobbling all of them. We have enough to do it. I am tough and rugged. In love and haste Albert ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Headquarters 4th Michigan Cavalry Camp near Maysville, Alabama Sunday Oct 25th 1863 E M Potter [Evan Malbone Potter, his Uncle] Dear Sir This is a cold wintry uncomfortable Autumn day and I feel ill-natured but I am going to scratch off a line to you, for it has been a long time since you have heard from me - or I from you. I wrote a letter to John [John N Gilbert, Ovid, Mich] the other day and one to father[ Edward Coke Potter]. They are the only two I have written this Month. My Health has been excellent except for two or three days last week I caught cold but feel better now. We have had a very different Fall from what we had last. It has been cold cloudy, windy and rainy mostly all the month - decidedly uncomfortable. The brigade has not seen a wagon or piece of a train since it left Washington, East Tennessee Sept 30, 1863 to chase old Wheeler day and night from that place to Pikeville in the Sequatchee Valley, to McMinnville, to Murfreesboro, to Shelbyville, Lewisburg, Pulaski from there to the Tennessee river at Lamb’s Jenny 3 miles above Muscle Shoals where they got away from us. I rather think they got worsted. We captured mostly all their artillery and took about 600 prisoners and killed. I have not seen a clean shirt or pr of drawers or socks since the 30th ult. The consequence I need not tell you – for Oh! I feel – I feel – a louse in my pantaloons – this minute. ‘Jolus – (?) True as preaching by Hokey We have not had any news that can be relied upon in a long time. We hear Rosecrans is sent to the Potomac and Grant succeeds and that Stanley is relieved of his command. I know that Col Minty[Robert H G Minty, Ireland] is under arrest for not moving the brigade up in time at the fight with Wheeler and Wharton below Shelbyville, but he had r’cd orders, they want to make much of him. I would hate to be a citizen living in this country about this time. We have moved so fast and so meteor-like Uncle Sam couldn’t touch us – consequence was didn’t draw any rations and Uncle Jeff had to suffer. We had to forage on the country. We lived well but I admit the thing went almost too far with some. A great many have been ROBBED OUTRIGHT of everthing but it is stopped now. We have lost one good Officer this month. Lieut. Tucker[Edward L Tucker, Macon Mich] wounded in skirmish near Washington Sept 30, died at Chattanooga seven after he was a 1st Lt and comdg Co. I am now in command of two Co.s H and B. Lt Carter[Julius M Carter, Ovid Mich] is sick & at Murfreesboro. I presume Mrs Carter has heard from him ere this. We have four month’s pay due us Nov 1st I am going to apply for a leave of absence as soon as we are paid. Going to try hard to come and see you. Can’t tell how it will end. Suppose our folks would like to see me – don’t know. Maysville is about 10 miles north east from Huntsville, Ala, near the line of the Charleston and Memphis RR. The cars run now as far as Paint Rock 15 miles from here and 35 miles from Stevenson(?) where the road intersects the Nashville and Chattanooga RR. Malbone, write and tell me what you are doing and what you intend to do next year. I think some of resigning but only think of it at present – don’t mention it. I am doing well here and my chance for promotion is good as soon as there is a chance – but sometimes I think I would rather be home doing something there – but I am only writing this to fill it with, Love to all, Remain, affectionately yours, Henry A Potter (Direct as before) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Henry Albert Potter's father {Edward Coke Potter] has sold the family horses and must have indicated he was thinking of joining the army -- not something Henry Albert recommends. Henry Albert Potter explains the changes that took place in the Union Army after the battle of Chickamauga and before the battle of Missionary Ridge (Chattanooga). Always the optimist he sees the changes as good. Hearquarters 4th Mich Cav’l’y Maysville Ala, Nov 8th 1863 Dear Father Your letter of the 25th ult. was received a few days ago and found me well able to eat my allowance. It is a sunshiny but rather windy day. I think I have rec’d nearly all the letters sent me, have got 3 from Amelia[Amelia Potter, HAP’s sister] and two from you lately. But a week ago yesterday was the first mail received in over a month. I have written to Amelia two or 3 times. I heard by Lewis Wilcox[Lewis H Wilcox, Ovid Mich] wife’s letter that John Gilbert[Ovid, Mich] had fell on sidewalk and hurt his leg again severely. I have recd a letter from John saying nothing about it. Is it so? I am sorry almost that our horses are gone but if you think it best all right, but I don’t see how you can get along without them. If you would rather be at home I would stay there and not bother myself abut the debts. I had calculated to help along some of them myself, if we ever get our pay. U.S. owes me now about $500 all clear. I owe nobody so you see I am going to help some - sometime – well you can go without a little while. Money well buy as good as you sold I suppose. You talk of coming to war – you are joking, of course. You would be foolish. If you should happen to be drafted (but I thought you was exempt) $300 would be a cheap sale. I do not hold that it is every man’s Duty *to enlist himself*, but to persue every exertion to procure them where he can not come consistently and I think your case is excusable in all respects. But there is no excuse for many - too many even in the little town of Ovid. Therefore I say, Draft them, the country is of more consequence than their individual interests. If they are sacrificed they did it to help a Righteous Cause and a cause which must have the sacrifice. That’s rather stoical philosophy perhaps but it’s true nevertheless. If our rulers would allow their judgment to be swayed by their feelings and look at individual sorrow and suffering – our country would now have been no more "our country" but Jeff Davis. We are doing nothing here at present. Our train is not up yet. I am staying in a "fly" am in command of "H" and "B" yet. My comsy sergeant Charley Kendall[Charles F Kendall, Kalamazoo] received a commission as 1st Lieut. And Commissary of the 11th Mich – pretty good for him. He deserves it all. Lorenzo[Lorenzo T Southworth, Ovid] is my 1st Sergeant. We sleep together. Had quite an excitement yesterday – a horserace between the 4th US and the 5th Iowa – stakes $50 – 4th US beat. There are some fine horses down here. We find them once in a while among the mountains. They hide them to keep them from us. 23 acres of wheat ought to bring a respectable crop, say 400 Bus. Is it all on our land or some on Hiram’s? In the change of commanders and the different organization of the army, I think we are better off although I have all confidence in Rosecrans yet. In a large army there must be unity of action and of purpose. Two or three heads independently acting are too many. If Burnside had been under Rosecrans we would probably have come off ahead. If Rosecrans was ordered to take Chattanooga and nothing further, he certainly did wrong in moving out from there and venturing a battle without reinforcements. At the same time if he had been successful he would not have been blamed for disobeying orders. It makes all the difference in the world which way the cat jumps. But the principle is the same. He risked all and lost. Now Grant commands the whole three departments Burnside’s, Thomas’ (Dept of the Cumberland - ours) and Hooker’s. I believe we are certain now of success whenever we are ready. Bragg cannot get Chattanooga. I must close. Love to you, and to mother and all, Write soon Henry A Potter Lieut 4th MVC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes a letter on the same night Sherman's ill-starred attack began with his troops crossing the Tennessee River and thus began the battle of Chattanooga (Missionary Ridge) Camp near Chattanooga Monday November 23rd 1863 Dear Father I have not had a chance to write a word in some time and now [?] the first opportunity. Our regiment left Maysville the 17th destination unknown. Only it was thought a big raid was contemplated. We were paid up to Oct 31st the day we left. We passed thro Stevenson the 19th. I sent you $400 by Adams Express. The agent informed me the line was clear and had not been molested in some time. It will reach you all right, no doubt. I did not pay charges. I have a Receipt for it with me - write me on reception of it. My Health is excellent - can eat bacon and hard tack right smart. I don’t want to say another word about coming home for I don’t see the smallest chance at present. Even a certificate of disability comes back disapproved, unless it is necessary to save a life. So you see my hopes of home are slim and I don’t want to disappoint you. As long as I keep well you must be satisfied. I believe there will be the biggest fighting done near here that there has been on the continent and the day not far distant either. Our communication must be made good at all hazards, that is the first important step. At present we run up rations by river to within about 8 miles of Chattanooga. From there by wagon Train crossing the river twice on Pontoons. The rebels hold the point of Lookout Mountain, which runs to the river. I have made a sort of a map by which you can form an idea of our lines and also the rebels. You will see the road our supplies have to come over by water to the jenny then by train the rest of the way. Crossing the river twice by pontoons. I was on Raccon[Raccoon] Mountains yesterday at the signal station which is marked from there you have a grand view of both Armies. You can see the rebel tents and earthworks plain. It is about 2 ½ miles air line from the top of Raccoon to Lookout Mt with a glass you can see the rebs’ quite plain. They kept up a cannonading all day yesterday. You would see the smoke from our Batteries fifteen seconds before you heard the report. Amelia[Amelia Potter, Henry’s Sister] can you figure how far off? Sound travels 1142 feet per second. The rebels have a very large Army. We could not see all of it. A part being hid behind Lookout and Missionary Range. Sherman was crossing the river all last night with his Corps. We are encamped opposite Chattanooga a mile from the river. I will mark it. The view from the signal Station was the grandest sight I ever saw. You can see the mountains of North Carolina and north to near Cumberland Gap, Kentucky. Then to have spread below you the two great armies in the world, seemingly within reach of each other. You can imagine I cannot tell you anything about it but I must close. I will write every opportunity. Write as soon as you receive the money. Yours affectionately Henry A Potter Love to all You can see the necessity of getting the Rebels off Lookout -- as they are now they hold the railroad. We must have that at all hazards. Besides the river – they have a good line but Grant will out-general them.