Statewide County TN Archives Military Records.....Chapter X Civilwar 1st TN Cavalry (Union) ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tn/tnfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com April 12, 2007, 8:50 pm Chapter X CHAPTER X. BATTLE OF FAIR GARDEN—CAPTURE OF COLONEL BRGWNLOW —HE BRIBES THE GUARD AND MAKES HIS ESCAPE—THE REGIMENT RETURNS TO THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND —CAMP LIFE AT CLEVELAND—WHEELER'S ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE THE REGIMENT. Soon after the Union army fell back from Dandridge to Knoxville, Longstreet immediately sent his cavalry, under General Martin, to the east side of French Broad River, in order that he might operate more freely on the right wing of the Union army, which was held at that time by a small force of cavalry under Brownlow and Palmer, numbering about one thousand men and composed of the following regiments: First Tennessee, Fifteenth Pennsylvania and Tenth Ohio. This small brigade had been operating in this mountainous country for some time, watching a force that was reported to be approaching from North Carolina. Martin marched his army across the country from Dandridge and went into camp near Fair Garden. This unexpected movement of Longstreet's cavalry made it necessary to push forward the divisions of McCook and Wolford from Knoxville to our support. Late in the afternoon of the 26th, the enemy under Martin was discovered advancing toward Sevierville, on the Fair Garden road. McCook's division was at once ordered forward to meet this force. The division moved through Sevierville, and when four miles beyond, Campbell's brigade struck the enemy well posted behind the east fork of Pigeon River. Campbell formed his brigade in line of battle to the right of the road, and in a few minutes Martin opened fire on him with his artillery, which was posted on a high range of hills north of Pigeon River. The second shell that was fired by this battery exploded directly over the colors of the First Tennessee, doing no damage except wounding one horse. One section of Lilly's battery was sent to the front, and soon the natives heard for the first time the reverberating sound of the loud-mouthed monsters, while the swift messengers of death went flying through the air high above our heads into the ranks of the enemy beyond the river. Darkness soon ended this artillery duel. The First Tennessee was moved a short distance to the left, in the bend of the river, where it lay in line of battle during the night, which was exceedingly cold. There seemed to be great activity in the enemy's camp during the night, indicating to us that reinforcements must be arriving. There was sharp firing on the picket-line during the night. On the morning of the 27th there was a heavy fog along the river, making it impossible to see but a short distance, but as soon as the fog lifted, lively skirmishing began all along the line. Campbell's brigade was ordered forward and at the crossing at Dr. Hodsden's, the enemy was encountered in force, and after a sharp skirmish with some Texas troops, we drove them back and crossed the river, capturing several prisoners on the opposite side. Among them was a major, with long, black hair, who was badly wounded. The enemy fell back about one mile and took up a new position at McNutt's bridge, a covered structure over the Little East Fork of Pigeon River, where we found them well posted behind a rail barricade along the north bank. Lilly's battery was sent to the front and after shelling them vigorously they fell back into the woods. Our whole line was ordered forward to the river, and a detachment of the Second Michigan was dismounted and ordered to cross a short distance above the bridge for the purpose of turning their left flank. The brave Michigan boys were overpowered, and after a sharp engagement were compelled to fall back, pursued by the enemy. On account of their superior number we were unable to hold them in check at the bridge, and after a gallant resistance our whole line was forced back a short distance. General McCook, finding the enemy's position too strong to be carried, sent the Second Brigade, under LaGrange, on a road to his left that intersected the Fair Garden road about two miles from the latter place. Here General Martin had selected a strong position in the timber and was holding a part of his force in reserve. LaGrange soon encountered the enemy under Morgan and drove them back along the road almost to the intersection of the two roads, and now waited for Campbell's brigade to come up on the main Fair Garden road. The enemy still occupied the bank of the river, with a strong line of skirmishers, but the main force had taken up a new position in the timber, about a half mile from the stream. Campbell's brigade was now ordered to advance and carry the bridge, which it did in gallant style, driving the enemy back from every position they attempted to hold. We continued to drive them back along the road leading to Fair Garden, and as we neared the junction of the two roads the column we were pursuing began to show signs of a panic. Both brigades had driven Martin's troops back on their position at the intersection of the two roads, where they made a bold and determined stand, opening on us a heavy artillery and musketry fire. A portion of the Second Brigade was dismounted and advanced across an open field, driving back the enemy's right. The dismounted men now wheeled to the left and opened a brisk flank fire upon the force that was confronting Campbell's brigade. The enemy, being hard pressed all along their line, began to show signs of wavering, when Colonel LaGrange led a portion of the Second and Fourth Indiana Cavalry in a gallant saber charge, routing Morgan's division, capturing his battle-flag and a part of his escort, two pieces of artillery and one hundred and twenty-five prisoners. While the Second Brigade was engaged in this "cutting and slashing" business, Campbell's brigade was driving a superior force on a parallel road just to the right of the Second Brigade, and as the two brigades were approaching the junction of the two roads, the Second, being a little in advance, were in danger from the fire of the First Brigade. Campbell's brigade pushed Martin's troops back rapidly on the Fair Garden road, capturing scores of prisoners and throwing them into great confusion. Martin's troops being thoroughly routed, now fled in all directions, the road being lined with guns, accoutrements and hats. Colonel Brownlow was ordered to charge down the road with his regiment after the fleeing enemy, which he did with his usual gallantry, but in doing so he charged by two regiments, said to be the Eighth and Eleventh Texas, who were approaching the same road he was on, but to his left and rear. They came on the gallop and were either reinforcements or some of Martin's scattered troops. It was a critical moment, as the regiment was some distance beyond the support of the brigade, and it was "fight or be captured." But Brownlow was equal to the emergency. He hurriedly formed his men in line to the right of the road, and as the enemy passed by he ordered the regiment to give them a volley, which emptied several saddles. Colonel Brownlow now led his regiment in a charge against this force, throwing it into rapid retreat. It was now growing dark, but the pursuit was continued until the First Tennessee was some distance in advance of the brigade, and at the same time was without support and within the enemy's lines. Colonel Brownlow, deeming it unwise to pursue further, halted his troops and started to return to his command, and in the darkness became separated from his men and was captured by some Texas troops; but by a little strategy and a gold watch, he succeeded in making his escape during the night and early the next morning returned to camp. There was a feeling of sorrow and uneasiness in camp during the night, as we were unable to determine whether he was slain on the field or a prisoner. But imagine our surprise on the following morning when Brownlow came into camp safe and sound. The boys crowded around him and after congratulations on his fortunate escape, cheer after cheer went up from the regiment, for he was the idol of his men and a general favorite of the entire brigade. If the troops making the capture had known who their prisoner was it would have taken several gold watches to win them over; in fact, no bribe or strategy would have saved him, but, supposing the "doughty" colonel was only a poor private who wanted to see his family, let him go. Campbell's brigade captured about one hundred and fifty prisoners during the day. The loss in the First Tennessee during the day was remarkably light. Company C lost two men wounded at McNutt's bridge, as follows: Corporal John A. Potter, wounded in right arm, and Private James Baysinger, mortally wounded and died in hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., February 16. At Fair Garden, Private Andrew Edens, Company E, was severely wounded, and Colonel Brownlow captured. McCook's division were the only troops engaged at McNutt's bridge and Fair Garden, and for the length of the engagement and the loss inflicted the casualties were exceedingly light, being twenty-eight killed and wounded. Our division mourned the loss of the brave and gallant soldier, Lieutenant-Colonel John P. Leslie, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, Second Brigade, who fell at the head of his regiment in the moment of victory, leading a saber charge. His loss was keenly felt not only in his own regiment, but in all the command. The regimental flag of the Thirty-first Indiana Volunteers, a silk American flag and a battery guidon in possession of the enemy, were captured. General Morgan narrowly escaped capture himself. General Martin left a large number of dead and wounded on the field and his loss was estimated at three hundred and fifty. While the battle of Fair Garden is not classed as one of the leading cavalry engagements as to loss, yet in many respects it was a severe blow, and resulted in serious loss to Longstreet's cavalry and artillery and the discomfiture of his men. We had been engaged in a running fight during the day of seven miles, beginning at Hodsden's, on the East Fork of Pigeon River, and ending at Fair Garden. General Longstreet makes the following report of the battle: MORRISTOWN, Jan. 29, 1864. GENERAL S. COOPER,. Adjutant-General: Genera] Martin had a severe cavalry fight on the 27th. He was driven back four miles with the loss of 200 killed, wounded and missing, and two pieces of artillery. The enemy's cavalry has been greatly increased by cavalry from Chattanooga. Most of the cavalry from that place is now here. The men, about half that should be in our regiments, are, I understand, in the camps about Dalton. I hope they may be sent here or these sent there. We can do but little while this superior cavalry force is here to operate on our flanks and rear. Do send me a chief of cavalry. J. LONGSTREET, Lieutenant General. General Sturgis makes the following report: HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Dickey's, Jan'y 27th, 1864—6 p. m. GENERAL: After driving the whole cavalry force of the enemy steadily all day long, our troops went in about 4 o'clock with the saber and a yell and routed them, horse, foot and dragoon, capturing over 100 prisoners and two pieces of artillery—3-inch steel guns. Our troops are very much worn down with continuous fighting and little to eat, but they are a band of as patient and brave soldiers as I have ever seen thus far. Some fifty or sixty of the enemy were killed and wounded in this charge alone. In the whole day's fighting their loss must be very large. As Walford and Garrard were brought from a long distance, they fell in as a reserve, so that this glorious day's work was performed alone by the gallant men of LaGrange's and Campbell's brigades of McCook's divison. Respectfully yours, etc., S. D. STURGIS, Brigadier General Commanding. It will be seen from the above letter that Longstreet was of the impression that most all the cavalry from the Army of the Cumberland was then confronting him. The only cavalry from that army were the First and Second Brigades, The Seventh Kentucky Cavalry of the Third Brigade and Lilly's Eighteenth Indiana Battery, all of the First Division, and the Fifteenth Pennsylvania and Tenth Ohio Cavalry, two small regiments of the Third Brigade, Second Division—in all, nine regiments and one battery. After the battle of Fair Garden, all the Union troops fell back to Sevierville. On the 29th, the cavalry was ordered to Maryville, sixteen miles south of Knoxville, and went into camp a short distance east of town. Maryville is well and favorably known throughout the land as an educational center. Here it was that Rev. Isaac Anderson, a Presbyterian minister and pioneer in educational work, established a college in 1819 that has since become famous as an institution of learning. Several members of the First Tennessee were forced to leave school before completing their education to avoid conscription into the Confederate army. On the first day of February, the First Tennessee and Fourth Indiana, Second Brigade, all under the command of Colonel Brownlow, First Tennessee, were ordered to make a reconnoissance toward Sevierville. Reveille called us at 2 a. m., and with the stars for a light, we arose from our warm beds and soon hundreds of blazing camp-fires were seen all over the camp, as the men went about the preparation of this early meal. Coffee-pots and tin-cups with water and coffee in them were suspended over the fires, and when the boiling point was reached the rich aroma whetted our appetites, while some of the boys, skilled in the business, manipulated the flapjack pans. Breakfast over, we mounted and marched along the main Sevierville road to Little River, where we were joined by two regiments of infantry and one section of artillery as a support. We forded Little River at McCamey's Ford and marched to Trundle's Cross Roads, sixteen miles from Maryville, where we bivouacked for the night. At 5 130 the next morning we left camp and went as far as Boyd's Creek, and within eight miles of Sevierville, where we learned that the enemy were in force behind Pigeon River. The object of the reconnoissance having been accomplished, Colonel Brownlow returned to camp at Maryville. For the next eight or ten days our camp was very quiet, with nothing but the usual routine camp duty to perform, affording the boys a splendid opportunity to wash their clothing, rest and get ready for the next move. The last duty performed by the regiment in the Army of the Ohio was the reconnoissance toward Sevierville, as we were now under orders to return in a few days to the Army of the Cumberland. The First Tennessee had spent nearly three months in this East Tennessee campaign, during the coldest and most disagreeable weather the regiment had ever experienced. Our ranks had "been invaded by disease, while shot and shell and the much-dreaded "minie," with its dull thud, had laid low some of our best and bravest men. But the First Tennessee responded to duty with a will, and it mattered but little whether it was on the scout, or the march, or around a kettle of well-cooked beans or a pot of steaming coffee, it was always present. The men composing the regiment had many peculiarities. If the commissary had no hard-tack or flour for the men, they would do without either; if they had no beef, they were content with fat pork; if no rice, they would put up with beans; if no coffee, they were satisfied with water; if none of the articles mentioned were to be had, they were willing to satisfy the "craving stomach" with parched corn. But with all the trials and hardships incident to a soldier's life, the men composing the First Tennessee can point with pride to duty well performed, under the most trying and adverse circumstances, receiving from their commanders the highest admiration for obedience and unmurmuring endurance on the march or the field of battle. When it became known that the First Tennessee was to return to the Army of the Cumberland, all over our camp men could be seen taking from their saddle-bags their small stock of stationery, and, while sitting around a smoky camp-fire or beside a sturdy oak, were engaged in writing a hasty letter to the dear ones at home, and to some it was the last. On the 10th day of February, McCook's division, to which the First Tennessee belonged, broke camp at Maryville and started by slow and easy march for Cleveland. The route we marched over presented to the observing cavalrymen one of rare beauty and grandeur. Old "Mother Earth" was still wearing her winter dress, while the cold, biting frost had robbed the trees of their beauty, giving us an unobstructed view of the grand old mountains, while on every hand the clear, rippling streams, that were rushing madly on to form and help to make up the mighty ocean, furnished us with plenty to drink. We marched through Madisonville and crossed Little Tennessee River at Nile's Ferry, camping for a few days on Tellico River and near the celebrated Tellico Plains. A detachment of the Second Brigade was sent from this place on a scout to Cherokee county, North Carolina, where it succeeded in capturing thirty-eight prisoners, mostly Indians, and twenty-five horses and mules. This scout was accomplished without any loss on our side. The Indians were very sullen and refused to talk much. Among them was a minister who preached on Sunday to a large audience of "Yankees." Forage being scarce at this place, we moved a few miles up the Little Tennessee River and went into camp near the foot of Smoky Mountain, where we found only a small amount of grain for our horses. While at this place a light snow fell, whitening up the earth and the mountain, adding grandeur to the scenery. February 18 found us again on the move. We marched through Athens and went into camp near Chestooa camp-ground, said to be one of the oldest churches and camp-grounds in all that country, the church deriving its name from a small, sluggish stream of the same name near by. At this camp pay-rolls were made out, but we were not paid until Cleveland was reached. About the last of the month the whole division was moved to Calhoun, on the Hiwassee River, where it went into camp some four miles below. Major Thornburgh, who was painfully wounded at Dandridge, December 24, 1863, rejoined the regiment at this place and was warmly received by the boys. On the nth day of March, we left camp and marched back to Calhoun, crossed Hiwassee River on a pontoon bridge, and marched a few miles beyond Charleston, where we camped for the night. The next morning, McCook received orders from General Elliott to move his division to Cleveland, which place he reached late in the afternoon and camped for a few days west of town on the Cotton Port road. Good camping-grounds were selected and tents put up with great care, adding greatly to the appearance and beauty of the camp. This was the first regular camp that we had laid out during the East Tennessee campaign, and was the first time that our tents had been stretched in three months, and we again enjoyed the almost forgotten luxury of sleeping in tents. We now began to "play" soldier again. Company and battalion drills and dress-parades had been unknown to us during this mid-winter campaign, and while waiting for orders our time was occupied in reviewing the early lessons of the regiment. The First Tennessee was never accused of being a "band-box regiment," but its staying qualities were equal to its "style." After a short stay in this camp, the First Tennessee was moved about one mile east of town on the Spring Place road. Our new camp was near a large and famous spring, known about Cleveland as "Rhat's Spring," from which many a weary traveler had slaked his thirst in days gone by at this free, sparkling fountain. The First Tennessee remained in this camp until the general advance of the army in May. The duty imposed upon the troops was light and consisted mainly in scouting and picketing. Our worthy and distinguished chaplain, the Rev. John P. Holtsinger, preached to us regularly every Sunday morning, and here the writer will venture the assertion that no regiment in the service had a higher regard or was more devoted to their chaplain than the First Tennessee. It never fell to the lot of the First Tennessee to be out of sight of the enemy long at a time, and therefore it acquired great fame as a fighting regiment. The dashing Jim Brownlow, than whom there was none braver, led his men constantly at the front, and they were always in at the finish. We were now enjoying the real sunny side of a soldier's life, and what a change it was from the active campaign just closed. "No rumor of the foe's advance Now swells upon the wind, No troubled thought at midnight haunts Of loved ones left behind; No vision of the morrow's strife The warrior's dream alarms, No braying horn or screaming fife At dawn shall call to arms." The greater part of the Confederate army, under the command of General Joseph E. Johnson, was encamped near Dalton, Georgia, about thirty miles from our camp, consequently the outposts of the Union army were kept some distance out. The enemy's cavalry under Wheeler lay encamped near Spring Place, and occasionally their scouting parties would attack our outposts, and especially on the Spring Place road, and as this was considered to be the most important road leading to the enemy's camp, it was kept well picketed. Owing to the long distance of this outpost from camp, the men detailed for picket duty on this road would remain out from two to three days before being relieved. A detachment of the First Tennessee had been on picket on this road, but was relieved by a detail from the First Wisconsin, Second Brigade. General Wheeler, the able and dashing leader of Johnson's cavalry, learned that Jim Brownlow's regiment was on picket on this road, and determined to surprise and capture it. He moved with his accustomed boldness and succeeded in surrounding and capturing the most of the men, and when asked why he brought so large a force to capture a picket-post, remarked that he understood that Jim Brownlow's regiment was on picket and that it could not be captured with a handful of men, as he had met the regiment often and knew of its splendid staying qualities. During our stay at Cleveland and before starting upon the Georgia campaign, some changes were made in the First Brigade. The Ninth Pennsylvania, which had been in the brigade ever since its organization at Triune, was transferred to the Third Division, and their place filled by the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, a new regiment commanded by Colonel J. B. Dorr. We regretted very much to part with this gallant regiment, for we were close friends, and besides, the kindest feeling existed between the three regiments composing the brigade. It made no difference which regiment was in the advance or which one covered the retreat, each could be relied on when in a "tight place." The Iowa boys —nicknamed "Persimmon Knockers"—proved themselves to be good soldiers, and made a good record. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF THE FIRST REGIMENT OF Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry IN THE GREAT WAR OF THE REBELLION, WITH THE ARMIES OF THE OHIO AND CUMBERLAND, UNDER GENERALS MORGAN, ROSECRANS, THOMAS, STANLEY AND WILSON. 1862-1865. BY W. R. CARTER, COMPANY C. ILLUSTRATED. KNOXVILLE, TENN.: GAUT-OGDEN CO., PRINTERS AND BINDERS. 1902. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1896, by W. R. CARTER, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. TO THE SURVIVING MEMBERS OF THE FIRST TENNESSEE CAVALRY; TO THE MEMORY OF OUR DECEASED COMRADES AND THEIR KINDRED; TO THE MARTYRED PATRIOTS OF EAST TENNESSEE WHO DIED ON THE GALLOWS AND IN PRISON, AND TO THE LOYAL AND PATRIOTIC PEOPLE WHO SYMPATHIZED WITH THEM, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, IN FRATERNITY, CHARITY AND LOYALTY, BY THE AUTHOR. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/tn/statewide/military/civilwar/other/u1sttncav326nmt.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/tnfiles/ File size: 24.8 Kb