This blog chronicles the life of the 17th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry in the American Civil War on the 150th aniversary of their service. Follow these volunteers through several major battles while experiencing both the pace and duration of the conflict. The posts may be read chronologically by accessing the archives and selecting them individually, beginning with the Preface.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Public Duty
Major-General Don Carlos Buell's character shows between the lines of this telegram sent by his Assistant Adjutant-General on this day in 1862. The fact that Buell does not send this telegram himself speaks volumes. How many would bear such an affront yet continue to serve in such hazardous duty?
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0559
By order of Major-General Buell:
[J. M. WRIGHT,Assistant Adjutant-General.]
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 30, 1863-1 p.m.
Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief:
I received last evening your dispatch suspending my removal from my command. Out of sense of public duty I shall continue to discharge the duties of my command to the best of my ability until otherwise ordered.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.
And General Buell wastes no time in appointing Thomas his second in command.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0560
SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
No. 159. Louisville, Ky., September 30, 1862.
I. Major General G. H. Thomas is announced as second in command in this army. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
* * * * * * * * * *
By command of Major-General Buell:
J. M. WRIGHT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
But General Morgan's withdrawal from the Cumberland Gap is imperilled by the Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's cavalry, so assistance is requested from Cincinnati.
Ref.: ibid
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, September 30, 1862.
Major General D. C. BUELL,
Commanding, &c., Louisville, Ky.:
The following dispatch just received:
MAYSVILLE, September 29, 1862.
Major-General BUELL, Louisville, Ky.:
Our General Morgan is at Proctor, Owsley County, Ky. John Morgan (rebel) is before him. Kirby Smith is at Mount Sterling, with Leadbetter, Heth, McRae, Reynolds, and Churchil.
Gentlemen from Lexington Stevenson (rebel) and 14,000 men at Richmond, Ky., on Friday. The rebels burnt Augusta on Saturday. They are menacing us. We are looking to you.
W. H. WADSWORTH.
Respectfully forwarded.
N. H. McLEAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
The Death of Nelson (9/29/1862 Part 2)
The death of Major-General William "Bull" Nelson, who had led the Seventeenth Kentucky from Shiloh to Pulaski, occurred on this day in 1862 and deserves a separate announcement on this blog.
The following summary is taken from Wikipedia.
In social situations Nelson was genial and entertaining, but whenever he thought someone was shirking their military duty he would too often erupt into a volcanic rage.During the defense of Louisville in September 1862 that disdain for lackadaisical behavior led Nelson to angrily dismiss Brig. General Jefferson C. Davis. One week later Davis was publicly humiliated by Nelson when he thoughtlessly confronted him in the lobby of the Galt House. The unexpected embarrassment caused Davis to lose control and he killed the unarmed Nelson with a single shot to the heart. Davis was never prosecuted for the cold-blooded murder, and both generals became better noted for that affair rather than the otherwise commendable service they gave to their country.[1]
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0558
GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
No. 47a. Louisville, September 29, 1862.
The general commanding announces with inexpressible regret the death of Major General William Nelson, which occurred in this city at 8.30 o'clock this morning.
The deceased was bred a sailor, and was an officer of the Navy, while holding a commission in the military service. History will honor him as one of the first to organize, by his individual exertion, a military force in Kentucky, his native State, to rescue her from the vortex of rebellion, toward which she was drifting.He was a man of extensive information, comprehensive views, and great energy and force of character. By his nature he was intolerant of disobedience or neglect of public duty; but no man was more prompt to recognize and foster merit in his inferiors, and in his own conduct he set an example of that vigilance, industry, and prompt attention to duty which he exacted from others. In battle his example was equally marked. On more than one field-at Shiloh, Richmond, and Ivy Mountain-he was conspicuous for his gallant bearing.
The funeral of the deceased will take place at 3 p.m. to-morrow, at Cavalry Church, Third street.
By command of Major-General Buell:
JAMES B. FRY,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.
The reorganization that followed marked the end of a terribly confusing day at Louisville and oddly culminated in a meeting at the Galt House, the site of Nelson's death only 12 hours prior.
Ref.: ibid
SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE OHIO,
No. 158. Louisville, September 29, 1862.
I. Following organization of corps is announced and will be observed until further orders, viz:
First Corps.-Major General A. McD. McCook commanding; Second Division (McCook's), Third Division (Rousseau's), Tenth Division (Jackson's).
Second Corps.-Major General T. L. Crittenden commanding; Fifth Division (Crittenden's), Sixth Division (Wood's), Fourth Division (Smith's).
Third Corps.- Major General C. C. Gilbert commanding; First Division (Schoepf's), Ninth Division (Mitchell's), Eleventh Division (Boyle's).
Division commanders will report in person to their corps commanders, and commanders of corps will report to the general commanding at the Galt House at 9 o'clock this evening.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Who's in Charge? (9/29/1862 Part 1)
On this day in 1862, Col. McKibbin arrives at Louisville. It appears that Halleck tries to intercede but the colonel has wasted no time in evaluating the situation and delivering his dispatches. Because of the significance of this sequence of events for present and future commands, the following exchanges will be allowed to speak for themselves.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0554 et al.
WASHINGTON, D. C., September 29, 1862.
Colonel J. C. McKIBBIN, Louisville, Ky.:
Await further orders before acting.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862.
(Received 12.45 p.m.)
Major-General HALLECK:
The dispatches are delivered. I think that it is fortunate that I obeyed instructions. Much dissatisfaction with General Buell. There is no probability of a fight within a week. I shall await orders before leaving.
J. C. McKIBBIN.
* * *
WASHINGTON, D. C., September 29, 1862.
Colonel J. C. McKIBBIN, Louisville:
You will return to Washington.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862-2.30 p.m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
I have received your orders of the 24th instant, requiring me to turn over my command to Major General G. H. Thomas. I have accordingly turned over the command to him, and in further obedience to your instruction I shall repair to Indianapolis and await orders.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862-11.45 a.m.
Major General HALLECK, General-in Chief:
Colonel McKibbin handed me your dispatch, placing me in command of the Department of the Tennessee. General Buell's preparations have been completed to move against the enemy, and I therefore respectfully ask that he may be retained in command. My position is very embarrassing, not being as well informed as I should be as the commander of this army and on the assumption of such a responsibility.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT,Washington, September 29, 1862.
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Louisville, Ky.:
The order relieving General Buell was not made by me nor on my advice and I have no power to change it. It was made before General Buell arrived at Louisville, and Colonel McKibbin was twice telegraphed not to deliver the dispatches till further orders, but he received the telegrams too late. This statement is necessary to explain the telegrams sent by me to General Buell. Please show it to him. You may consider the order as suspended till I can lay your dispatch before the Government and get instructions.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT,Washington, September 29, 1862.
Major General D. C. BUELL and
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Louisville, Ky.:
General orders changing the command of the Department of the Tennessee and the troops at Louisville and my instructions based on those orders are, by authority of the President, suspended, and General Buell will act on my telegram of a later date.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
In the midst of this bureaucratic turmoil, the war in Eastern Kentucky continues. The once feared union of Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg is now considered the best hope for General Morgan's safe return from the Cumberland Gap.
At least we now know that Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief of the Western Theater did not participate in the decision to relieve Buell. This decision obviously rested on political as much as military foundations. Could this be an extension of the total vs. conciliatory war argument that supported General Turchin ?
( http://17thky.blogspot.com/2012/07/duty-in-pulaski.html ) He was tried by General James Garfield on Buell's orders, found guilty on two of three specifications, sentenced to dismissal "for the good of the service" and then reinstated and promoted to Major-General by Abraham Lincoln? This was an insult to both Buell and the furture president that neither general ever forgot.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0555
CINCINNATI, September 29, 1862.
General BUELL:
Have just received intelligence, in which I place much confidence, that Marshall, instead of moving westward, had halted at Mount Sterling, and that Heth, with 4,000 or 5,000 men, left Paris on Thursday to join him. This looks like an attempt to intercept Morgan in his retreat from the Gap, and it is too late to prevent the attempt by any movement from here. Indeed Morgan ought to be near the Ohio by this time if not retarded by the rebels. Still the movement you are making ought to bring up Kirby Smith's forces to join Bragg and prevent serious combination against Morgan.
Very truly, yours,
H. G. WRIGHT,Major-General.
In the face of tragedy, the political fallout begins immediately. More on the fate of General Nelson is to follow in the next post.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0557
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862.
His Excellency the PRESIDENT:
We grieve to announce to you that this morning General William Nelson was killed in a rencounter with General Davis. About the same time intelligence was received that General Buell was superseded and directed to pass over to General Thomas his command. These two ovents have caused great regret and something of dismay. General Buell has, in a very high degree, the confidence of this State and of the army. His removal, especially at this critical moment, will be dispiriting to the people and to the army. The latter, be assured, prefer him to any leader you could send them. It is not because they respect General Thomas less, but that, knowing more of General Buell, they confide in and love him more. But one day ago General Wright openly expressed the highest commendation of General Buell and his entire confidence in him. The lamented Nelson entertained the same opinion, and so far as we know do the general officers who have served under him. In our judgment the removal of General Buell will do great injury to the service in Kentucky.
J. J. CRITTENDEN.
GARRETT DAVIS.
R. MALLORY.
G. W. DUNLAP.
Editor's Note: John J. Crittenden was a preeminent public servant from Russellville, KY and father of General George B. Crittenden (CSA) and General Thomas L. Crittenden (USA). If the reader is not familiar with this gentleman's resume, please follow the above link and prepare to be impressed.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0554 et al.
WASHINGTON, D. C., September 29, 1862.
Colonel J. C. McKIBBIN, Louisville, Ky.:
Await further orders before acting.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862.
(Received 12.45 p.m.)
Major-General HALLECK:
The dispatches are delivered. I think that it is fortunate that I obeyed instructions. Much dissatisfaction with General Buell. There is no probability of a fight within a week. I shall await orders before leaving.
J. C. McKIBBIN.
* * *
WASHINGTON, D. C., September 29, 1862.
Colonel J. C. McKIBBIN, Louisville:
You will return to Washington.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862-2.30 p.m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
I have received your orders of the 24th instant, requiring me to turn over my command to Major General G. H. Thomas. I have accordingly turned over the command to him, and in further obedience to your instruction I shall repair to Indianapolis and await orders.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862-11.45 a.m.
Major General HALLECK, General-in Chief:
Colonel McKibbin handed me your dispatch, placing me in command of the Department of the Tennessee. General Buell's preparations have been completed to move against the enemy, and I therefore respectfully ask that he may be retained in command. My position is very embarrassing, not being as well informed as I should be as the commander of this army and on the assumption of such a responsibility.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT,Washington, September 29, 1862.
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Louisville, Ky.:
The order relieving General Buell was not made by me nor on my advice and I have no power to change it. It was made before General Buell arrived at Louisville, and Colonel McKibbin was twice telegraphed not to deliver the dispatches till further orders, but he received the telegrams too late. This statement is necessary to explain the telegrams sent by me to General Buell. Please show it to him. You may consider the order as suspended till I can lay your dispatch before the Government and get instructions.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT,Washington, September 29, 1862.
Major General D. C. BUELL and
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS, Louisville, Ky.:
General orders changing the command of the Department of the Tennessee and the troops at Louisville and my instructions based on those orders are, by authority of the President, suspended, and General Buell will act on my telegram of a later date.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
In the midst of this bureaucratic turmoil, the war in Eastern Kentucky continues. The once feared union of Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg is now considered the best hope for General Morgan's safe return from the Cumberland Gap.
At least we now know that Major-General Halleck, General-in-Chief of the Western Theater did not participate in the decision to relieve Buell. This decision obviously rested on political as much as military foundations. Could this be an extension of the total vs. conciliatory war argument that supported General Turchin ?
( http://17thky.blogspot.com/2012/07/duty-in-pulaski.html ) He was tried by General James Garfield on Buell's orders, found guilty on two of three specifications, sentenced to dismissal "for the good of the service" and then reinstated and promoted to Major-General by Abraham Lincoln? This was an insult to both Buell and the furture president that neither general ever forgot.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0555
CINCINNATI, September 29, 1862.
General BUELL:
Have just received intelligence, in which I place much confidence, that Marshall, instead of moving westward, had halted at Mount Sterling, and that Heth, with 4,000 or 5,000 men, left Paris on Thursday to join him. This looks like an attempt to intercept Morgan in his retreat from the Gap, and it is too late to prevent the attempt by any movement from here. Indeed Morgan ought to be near the Ohio by this time if not retarded by the rebels. Still the movement you are making ought to bring up Kirby Smith's forces to join Bragg and prevent serious combination against Morgan.
Very truly, yours,
H. G. WRIGHT,Major-General.
In the face of tragedy, the political fallout begins immediately. More on the fate of General Nelson is to follow in the next post.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0557
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 29, 1862.
His Excellency the PRESIDENT:
We grieve to announce to you that this morning General William Nelson was killed in a rencounter with General Davis. About the same time intelligence was received that General Buell was superseded and directed to pass over to General Thomas his command. These two ovents have caused great regret and something of dismay. General Buell has, in a very high degree, the confidence of this State and of the army. His removal, especially at this critical moment, will be dispiriting to the people and to the army. The latter, be assured, prefer him to any leader you could send them. It is not because they respect General Thomas less, but that, knowing more of General Buell, they confide in and love him more. But one day ago General Wright openly expressed the highest commendation of General Buell and his entire confidence in him. The lamented Nelson entertained the same opinion, and so far as we know do the general officers who have served under him. In our judgment the removal of General Buell will do great injury to the service in Kentucky.
J. J. CRITTENDEN.
GARRETT DAVIS.
R. MALLORY.
G. W. DUNLAP.
Editor's Note: John J. Crittenden was a preeminent public servant from Russellville, KY and father of General George B. Crittenden (CSA) and General Thomas L. Crittenden (USA). If the reader is not familiar with this gentleman's resume, please follow the above link and prepare to be impressed.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Don Carlos in Charge
The command of the combined forces at Louisville is momentarily established in the following query and response on this day in 1862. Halleck gives the nod to General Don Carlos Buell by virtue of his seniority in the rank of Major-General. Actually, H.G. Wright's appointment to that position has yet to be confirmed by Washington.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0549
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 27, 1862.
Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief:
General Buell is here with his army, and I have a force here of raw troops, somewhat superior in number. There is no doubt that for operations against the enemy tense forces should be combined into one army. General Buell thinks it his duty to control the entire force, and that I have neither control nor responsibility in the matter of my own troops even. The question of the relations between us (he being my senior in date) should be at once decided, in order that the most effective steps may be promptly taken for operating against the rebel forces in Kentucky.
H. G. WRIGHT.
Major-General.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Washington, September 27, 1862.
Major General D. C. BUELL,
Louisville, Ky.:
You will by virtue of your rank exercise command of the troops in Louisville until further orders. It is hoped that your force is now strong enough to enable you to immediately advance upon the enemy. there are many reasons-some of them personal to yourself-why there should be as little delay as possible.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
It appears that Halleck is giving a not-so-subtle heads-up prior to the arrival of the courier from Washington. Remember that if Buell is engaged with the enemy, the orders for him to retire to Indianapolis and hand over his army to Thomas are not to be delivered.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0549
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 27, 1862.
Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief:
General Buell is here with his army, and I have a force here of raw troops, somewhat superior in number. There is no doubt that for operations against the enemy tense forces should be combined into one army. General Buell thinks it his duty to control the entire force, and that I have neither control nor responsibility in the matter of my own troops even. The question of the relations between us (he being my senior in date) should be at once decided, in order that the most effective steps may be promptly taken for operating against the rebel forces in Kentucky.
H. G. WRIGHT.
Major-General.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Washington, September 27, 1862.
Major General D. C. BUELL,
Louisville, Ky.:
You will by virtue of your rank exercise command of the troops in Louisville until further orders. It is hoped that your force is now strong enough to enable you to immediately advance upon the enemy. there are many reasons-some of them personal to yourself-why there should be as little delay as possible.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
It appears that Halleck is giving a not-so-subtle heads-up prior to the arrival of the courier from Washington. Remember that if Buell is engaged with the enemy, the orders for him to retire to Indianapolis and hand over his army to Thomas are not to be delivered.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Buell Seeks Clearification of Command
On this day in 1862, Buell advises his superior in Washington that he has assumed command at Louisville, but his request for support implies that all is not settled in the command structure. The orders for reorganization have obviously not been delivered.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0546
LOUISVILLE, KY.,
September 26, 1862-11.40 p. m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
My troops are concentrated at this place. They have made long and rapid marches, and require clothing, which is being issued to-day. I shall immediately advance against the enemy. I suppose his main force to be at Bardstown. Two brigades have arrived within 12 miles of this place to-day. I am not satisfied that tit signifies an advance in force, but I shall be prepared. I am exercising commando the whole force here, but something is necessary to make the command homogeneous.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0547
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Louisville, September 26, 1862.
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS,
Commanding First Division:
GENERAL: General Buell desires the First, fifth, and Sixth Divisions to occupy a certain line of battle which will be pointed out to General Thomas by Captain Gilman, of this staff, and with a view of taking up their positions to -night if necessary or to-morrow. The general wisher Generals Wood and Crittenden to join General Thomas at Oakland this afternoon and examine the ground before dark, and also look at the ground for a mile or so in front. Major-General Thomas will be in command of this line and will give such directions to the three divisions as may be necessary.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. WRIGHT,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0546
LOUISVILLE, KY.,
September 26, 1862-11.40 p. m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
My troops are concentrated at this place. They have made long and rapid marches, and require clothing, which is being issued to-day. I shall immediately advance against the enemy. I suppose his main force to be at Bardstown. Two brigades have arrived within 12 miles of this place to-day. I am not satisfied that tit signifies an advance in force, but I shall be prepared. I am exercising commando the whole force here, but something is necessary to make the command homogeneous.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0547
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Louisville, September 26, 1862.
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS,
Commanding First Division:
GENERAL: General Buell desires the First, fifth, and Sixth Divisions to occupy a certain line of battle which will be pointed out to General Thomas by Captain Gilman, of this staff, and with a view of taking up their positions to -night if necessary or to-morrow. The general wisher Generals Wood and Crittenden to join General Thomas at Oakland this afternoon and examine the ground before dark, and also look at the ground for a mile or so in front. Major-General Thomas will be in command of this line and will give such directions to the three divisions as may be necessary.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. WRIGHT,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Wright to Meet Buell at Louisville
Finally, the heads meet. It is yet to be seen if the two are better than either one.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0545
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 25, 1862.
General A. J. SMITH,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Covington, Ky.:
GENERAL: I shall go to Louisville to-morrow morning, leaving you in command of the troops in this vicinity. Keep good watch over the enemy's movements, as he amy be disposed to make a sudden dash upon you, though I have no reason to suppose he has any large force in your vicinity. Keep General Gillmore supplied with as much cavalry as you can spare and have the Independence road well watched,
buell is in Louisville this afternoon.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0545
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 25, 1862.
General A. J. SMITH,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Covington, Ky.:
GENERAL: I shall go to Louisville to-morrow morning, leaving you in command of the troops in this vicinity. Keep good watch over the enemy's movements, as he amy be disposed to make a sudden dash upon you, though I have no reason to suppose he has any large force in your vicinity. Keep General Gillmore supplied with as much cavalry as you can spare and have the Independence road well watched,
buell is in Louisville this afternoon.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Louisville is Now Safe
Buell's army arrives at Louisville on this day in 1862. He has yet to seriously engage General Bragg whose men are currently at Bardstown, Kentucky which has been the home of the best Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries since 1776. This supports the contention that the Confederate generals, many of whom were native Kentuckians, invaded the state because they could no longer imbibe the whiskey of their Tennessee cousins.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0540
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 24, 1862.
Major General WILLIAM NELSON, Louisville, Ky.:
GENERAL: If I understand matters Bragg is on the Bardstown road and Buell is on the Elizabethtown road, whence he can move via Salt River or shepherdsville if he desire, forming junction with you. If this be so, it seems to me your best course is to hold your position at Louisville, being ready for any contingency. Buell ought to move as rapidly as Bragg; if so, the latter will hardly trouble you. I have reduced the force already further than is prudent, and shall send no more unless indispensable to your safety. Smith may turn on Cincinnati if not watched closely. Answer.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 24, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati:
Major General Thomas L. Crittenden has crossed Salt River with the advance of Buell's army, consisting of 12,000 men and six batteries of artillery. Louisville is now safe. We can destroy Bragg with whatever force he may bring against us.
God and liberty.
W. NELSON,
Major-General.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0540
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 24, 1862.
Major General WILLIAM NELSON, Louisville, Ky.:
GENERAL: If I understand matters Bragg is on the Bardstown road and Buell is on the Elizabethtown road, whence he can move via Salt River or shepherdsville if he desire, forming junction with you. If this be so, it seems to me your best course is to hold your position at Louisville, being ready for any contingency. Buell ought to move as rapidly as Bragg; if so, the latter will hardly trouble you. I have reduced the force already further than is prudent, and shall send no more unless indispensable to your safety. Smith may turn on Cincinnati if not watched closely. Answer.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 24, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati:
Major General Thomas L. Crittenden has crossed Salt River with the advance of Buell's army, consisting of 12,000 men and six batteries of artillery. Louisville is now safe. We can destroy Bragg with whatever force he may bring against us.
God and liberty.
W. NELSON,
Major-General.
Buell's Time is Running Out
Patience with General Buell's deliberate pace following the redistribution of Halleck's combined armies at Corinth has come to an end in the War Department. The following orders were issued on this day in 1862.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0538
WASHINGTON, September 24, 1862.
Colonel J. C. McKIBBIN, Aide-de-Camp:
COLONEL: As the bearer of the accompanying dispatches you will proceed by the most practicable to the army of General Buell in the field.
The Secretary of War directs that if General buell should be found in the presence of the enemy preparing to fight a battle, or if he should have gained a victory, or if General Thomas should be separated from him so as not be able to enter upon the command of the troops operating against the enemy, these dispatches will not be delivered,* and you will in either of the contingence above mentioned telegraph to these headquarters for further instructions.
If while en route to General Buell you should ascertain that either of these contingencies have occurred you will telegraph the facts and await orders.
If neither of these events should occur you will present the dispatches to both General Buell and General Thomas and return to these headquarters.
This mission is strictly confidential, and the nature of your instructions or object of your visit will not be communicated to any one.
If by any accident you should fall into the hands of the enemy you will destroy your dispatches.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Such instructions must clearly accompany orders of the highest priority. The following were prepared on the 23rd and handed to Col. McKibbin on this day in 1862.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0539
[Inclosures.]
GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. GEN'S OFFICE,
Numbers 138. Washington, September 23, 1862.
I. By direction of the President, the State east of the Tennessee River and such parts of Northern Alabama and Georgia as may be taken possession of by our troops will constitute the Department of the Tennessee.
II. Major General George H. Thomas is assigned to the command of the Department of the Tennessee.
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. TOWNSEND,Assistant Adjutant-General.
* * *
WASHINGTON, September 24, 1862.
Major General D. C. BUELL, Commanding, &c.:
GENERAL: You will receive herewith the orders of the President placing Major General G. H. Thomas in command of the Department of the Tennessee. You will therefore turn over your command to him and repair to Indianapolis, Ind., and await orders. All officers of your staff except your personal aides will report for duty to Major-General Thomas.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
WASHINGTON, September 23, 1862.
Major General GEORGE H. THOMAS,Commanding, &c.:
GENERAL: You will receive herewith the order of the President placing you in command of the Department of the Tennessee.
I am directed to say to you that the Government expects energetic operations by the troops placed under your command. In you movements you will pay no regard to State or department line, but operate against the enemy; find him and give him battle. If you form a junction with any troops belonging to the Department of the Ohio take command of them and use them.
Look well to the amount of your transportation and carry nothing with you which is not absolutely necessary. So far as you can subsist your army on the country passed over, paying or receipting for supplies as directed in general orders. The immobility of our armies results from the excess of transportation.
This evil must be immediately remedied.
Send dispatches as often as possible giving information of your movements.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
The logic is inescapable. "The immobility of our armies results from the excess of transportation." Could these words possibly be emanating from the mind of "Old Brains" Halleck? Buell's army is moving at a pace of 25-50 miles per day, compared to the 0.8 miles per day of Halleck's own march on Corinth. Who is really behind this reorganization, is it Lincoln, himself? Is the Union Army really plagued by poor generalship in the field, as H.G. Wright complained, or rather a lack of understanding by the generals in the War Department, most of whom had little experience in the frontier states before the war much less in the ever-changing landscape of wartime Tennessee and Kentucky.
The suggestion that the army will move much faster without supplies, surviving on forage indicates a tragic lack of understanding by the War Department. The once bountiful farmlands of Tennessee and Kentucky have already been plundered. The officials in Washington fail to appreciate that the consumption rate of the combined Confederate and Federal armies in the West far exceed the replenishment capacity of the women, children and slaves who were left behind to tend the fields. Can they really expect to camp outside a "city" of 2,500 civilians and expect them to sustain an army of 40,000? It seems the "Belt-Way Mentality" predated the Washington outer loop by nearly 100 years.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
McCook's Division Near Fort Duffield
The official record does not tell us where the Seventeenth Kentucky and the rest of Alexander McCook's Division is on this day in 1862. These few lines, however, do provide some insight to their location and state of mind. They have been on the road for the past two weeks and the terse wording of General McCook's reply suggests that they are near exhaustion.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0536
SEPTEMBER 23, 1862.
General McCOOK:
March to the mouth of Salt River and cross to-morrow.
D. C. BUELL.
* * *
[SEPTEMBER -, 1862.]
Colonel FRY:
I will be at the mouth of Salt River to-night, but must march so as not to leave my men upon the road.
A. McD. McCOOK,
Major-General.
The Salt River drains a watershed southeast of Louisville and opens into the Ohio River at West Point, about 35 miles southwest of the city at the northern terminus of the Dixie Highway. McCook's reply indicates that his division is at or approaching Muldraugh Hill, site of Fort Duffield (1861) and the future Fort Knox Military Base, some 40 miles west of Bardstown and 10 miles south of the mouth of the Salt River.
Wright sends this message containing a message within a message to Halleck in Washington. It illustrates the problematic communications created by Buell's being cut-off from his headquarters in Louisville by the advancing troops of Braxton Bragg. Buell's forward troops are still nipping at the heels of the Confederate general.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0537
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 23, 1862.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
The following dispatch just received from General Nelson at Louisville:
Major-General WRIGHT:
The advance of the enemy was at Bardstown yesterday. I cannot learn o their having moved this way. Three young men arrived to-day from Munfordville with a letter without signature, but known by me the handwriting of a friend at Munfordville, which is as follows:
"WOODSONVILLE, KY., September 11, 1862.
"Bragg Buckner, Hardee, and, they say, Polk are here with about 30,000 a few more or less. They say they are going to Louisville. They report that Buell has attacked their rear. They are in line of battle between here and Horse Cave. Skirmish out there this evening. Say they have other troops coming on. Colonel Wilder fought them Sunday, and Tuesday, and was compelled to surrender at day-light. Look out; a large force is coming on you certain
January[end of message].
The troops are in the best of spirits possible, and I shall make good the defense.
Very truly,
W. NELSON,General.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0536
SEPTEMBER 23, 1862.
General McCOOK:
March to the mouth of Salt River and cross to-morrow.
D. C. BUELL.
* * *
[SEPTEMBER -, 1862.]
Colonel FRY:
I will be at the mouth of Salt River to-night, but must march so as not to leave my men upon the road.
A. McD. McCOOK,
Major-General.
The Salt River drains a watershed southeast of Louisville and opens into the Ohio River at West Point, about 35 miles southwest of the city at the northern terminus of the Dixie Highway. McCook's reply indicates that his division is at or approaching Muldraugh Hill, site of Fort Duffield (1861) and the future Fort Knox Military Base, some 40 miles west of Bardstown and 10 miles south of the mouth of the Salt River.
Wright sends this message containing a message within a message to Halleck in Washington. It illustrates the problematic communications created by Buell's being cut-off from his headquarters in Louisville by the advancing troops of Braxton Bragg. Buell's forward troops are still nipping at the heels of the Confederate general.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0537
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 23, 1862.
Major General H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief:
The following dispatch just received from General Nelson at Louisville:
Major-General WRIGHT:
The advance of the enemy was at Bardstown yesterday. I cannot learn o their having moved this way. Three young men arrived to-day from Munfordville with a letter without signature, but known by me the handwriting of a friend at Munfordville, which is as follows:
"WOODSONVILLE, KY., September 11, 1862.
"Bragg Buckner, Hardee, and, they say, Polk are here with about 30,000 a few more or less. They say they are going to Louisville. They report that Buell has attacked their rear. They are in line of battle between here and Horse Cave. Skirmish out there this evening. Say they have other troops coming on. Colonel Wilder fought them Sunday, and Tuesday, and was compelled to surrender at day-light. Look out; a large force is coming on you certain
January[end of message].
The troops are in the best of spirits possible, and I shall make good the defense.
Very truly,
W. NELSON,General.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Beseeching Thomas
For Buell's pursuit to continue, he must have support from General Thomas at Bowling Green, where troops and supplies had been held for the defense of that city. Bowling Green was also a key waystation for the Army of the Ohio as it moved north from Nashville. As usual, however, the orders are flying faster than the trains are rolling and Thomas weighs in with his daily dose of reality.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0533
U. S. Volunteers.
MUNFORDVILLE, September 22, 1862.
General THOMAS: We must be at Nolin probably at 11 to-morrow. You must come through to-morrow night, notwithstanding the march will be long. The last train will soon pass you, and will be safe to return without your being on the road. You had best therefore march at dusk this evening, except perhaps two regiments at Cave City to put the sick on the return train for Bowling Green. Your wagon train is, I presume, there by this time. It must be reported to-night, so as to start by daylight in the morning with the remainder of the supplies.Let two regiments, a section of artillery, and a regiment of cavalry, which will wait here, bring up the rear of the wagon train.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General, Commanding.
* * *
SEPTEMBER 22, [1862]- 5 P. M.
General THOMAS:
GENERAL: Send your wagons forward at once to-night to report to Captain Darr on the railroad at or near Rowlett's Station, to be loaded with provisions. The order was to send your train forward this morning, and we have been looking for it. Send escort with it.
JAMES B. FRY,Colonel, &c.
* * *
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Woodland, KY., September 22, 1862.
Colonel J. B. FRY,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Ohio:
COLONEL: The provision train will not reach this point before 5 p. m. I will therefore make arrangements to start early to-morrow morning. I have reports of cavalry and infantry near Mammoth Cave, the same probably referred to in your note of this morning.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General
And General Nelson takes it on himself to finally get a reliable report of Bragg's strength, reporting to Wright on this day in 1862.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0534
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 22, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati:
Previously to the surrender at Munfordville certain officers demanded to see whether the enemy really encompassed the works with the force they pretended to have. Granted; and 3 officers went through their lines and report as follows:Total strength, 45,000 men; eight batteries of artillery on the south side; on the north side they professed to have thirteen regiments and three batteries-about 10,000 men. The batteries are good. Know nothing of Kirby Smith. Saw Buckner, but not Bragg. While there Buell's advance molested pickets; made great excitement. The infantry miserable looking objects. Artillery good. Saw no cavalry.
W. NELSON,
Major-General, Commanding.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0533
U. S. Volunteers.
MUNFORDVILLE, September 22, 1862.
General THOMAS: We must be at Nolin probably at 11 to-morrow. You must come through to-morrow night, notwithstanding the march will be long. The last train will soon pass you, and will be safe to return without your being on the road. You had best therefore march at dusk this evening, except perhaps two regiments at Cave City to put the sick on the return train for Bowling Green. Your wagon train is, I presume, there by this time. It must be reported to-night, so as to start by daylight in the morning with the remainder of the supplies.Let two regiments, a section of artillery, and a regiment of cavalry, which will wait here, bring up the rear of the wagon train.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General, Commanding.
* * *
SEPTEMBER 22, [1862]- 5 P. M.
General THOMAS:
GENERAL: Send your wagons forward at once to-night to report to Captain Darr on the railroad at or near Rowlett's Station, to be loaded with provisions. The order was to send your train forward this morning, and we have been looking for it. Send escort with it.
JAMES B. FRY,Colonel, &c.
* * *
HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE OHIO,
Woodland, KY., September 22, 1862.
Colonel J. B. FRY,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Ohio:
COLONEL: The provision train will not reach this point before 5 p. m. I will therefore make arrangements to start early to-morrow morning. I have reports of cavalry and infantry near Mammoth Cave, the same probably referred to in your note of this morning.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major-General
And General Nelson takes it on himself to finally get a reliable report of Bragg's strength, reporting to Wright on this day in 1862.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0534
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 22, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati:
Previously to the surrender at Munfordville certain officers demanded to see whether the enemy really encompassed the works with the force they pretended to have. Granted; and 3 officers went through their lines and report as follows:Total strength, 45,000 men; eight batteries of artillery on the south side; on the north side they professed to have thirteen regiments and three batteries-about 10,000 men. The batteries are good. Know nothing of Kirby Smith. Saw Buckner, but not Bragg. While there Buell's advance molested pickets; made great excitement. The infantry miserable looking objects. Artillery good. Saw no cavalry.
W. NELSON,
Major-General, Commanding.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Buell Pursues Bragg
Buell is finally in actual pursuit of Braxton Bragg, believing him to be headed for Louisville. This seems to be the generals' consensus as support of that city is now every one's priority. Notice that both Generals, Commanding now have troops at Louisville.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0531
IN THE FIELD, September 21, 1862.
General GILBERT, Louisville:
It is just reported that Bragg has left Munfordvile. I am not advised of the road he is on, but it is understood that his destination is Louisville. At all events you cannot be too well prepared. I am following rapidly. I requested you to have a bridge ready to be thrown across the mouth of Salt River. I hope you have attended to it, though it will depend upon the movements of the enemy whether I go that way. We shall need supplies. Please have them ready.
The messenger (Eaton), whom I sent to you from Dripping Springs, was captured returning, and I have no answer to my dispatch.
endeavor to communicate with me on the Louisville road.
D. C. BUELL.
However, General Wright understands that finding and fighting Bragg in the field before he reaches Louisville is Buell's ambition. He therefore advises Nelson to be prepared for two eventualities and offers additional support for the defense of the city, should Bragg make it that far.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0532
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 21, 1862.
Major General WILLIAM NELSON,Commanding, &c.,
Louisville, Ky.:
Your dispatch giving report that Buell's forces at or near Horse Cave and that latter had recrossed Green River is received. It is too late to re-enforce Buell from Louisville for this battle now going on, and you can only hold command ready to move in the direction in which you can best co-operate with him on getting further intelligence. Say what action you propose in the matter. Buell's movements ought to to govern yours.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding
* * *
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 21, 1862.
General WILLIAM NELSON,
Louisville, Ky.:
I will send you six gunboats. You have now or on the way eleven steamers, which you should keep. Four more are there, if they have not started back. Do you want more? How many more troops do you require with which to make successful defense of Louisville? We must not give it up while a chance of holding it remains. Eight regiments from here have been sent you, which with those promised form Illinois will give you a large force. A few more might be sent from here if absolutely necessary. Only ne ferry-boat can be sent. Others of too deep draught.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0531
IN THE FIELD, September 21, 1862.
General GILBERT, Louisville:
It is just reported that Bragg has left Munfordvile. I am not advised of the road he is on, but it is understood that his destination is Louisville. At all events you cannot be too well prepared. I am following rapidly. I requested you to have a bridge ready to be thrown across the mouth of Salt River. I hope you have attended to it, though it will depend upon the movements of the enemy whether I go that way. We shall need supplies. Please have them ready.
The messenger (Eaton), whom I sent to you from Dripping Springs, was captured returning, and I have no answer to my dispatch.
endeavor to communicate with me on the Louisville road.
D. C. BUELL.
However, General Wright understands that finding and fighting Bragg in the field before he reaches Louisville is Buell's ambition. He therefore advises Nelson to be prepared for two eventualities and offers additional support for the defense of the city, should Bragg make it that far.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0532
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 21, 1862.
Major General WILLIAM NELSON,Commanding, &c.,
Louisville, Ky.:
Your dispatch giving report that Buell's forces at or near Horse Cave and that latter had recrossed Green River is received. It is too late to re-enforce Buell from Louisville for this battle now going on, and you can only hold command ready to move in the direction in which you can best co-operate with him on getting further intelligence. Say what action you propose in the matter. Buell's movements ought to to govern yours.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding
* * *
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 21, 1862.
General WILLIAM NELSON,
Louisville, Ky.:
I will send you six gunboats. You have now or on the way eleven steamers, which you should keep. Four more are there, if they have not started back. Do you want more? How many more troops do you require with which to make successful defense of Louisville? We must not give it up while a chance of holding it remains. Eight regiments from here have been sent you, which with those promised form Illinois will give you a large force. A few more might be sent from here if absolutely necessary. Only ne ferry-boat can be sent. Others of too deep draught.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
A Word from our Sponsor
Today is a day of military mobilization in Kentucky, as both sides try to effect a unification of forces. In the midst of this flury of activity, telegrams from Washington arrive.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0530
By command of Major-General Halleck:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington,September 20, 1862.
Major-General BUELL, Kentucky:
Your telegram of the 14th is just received. Unquestionably the condition of affairs has so changed since that time as to render any instructions based on your then representations entirely inapplicable. After Bragg had turned your left your movement into Kentucky was probably the best thing you could do; but I fear that here as elsewhere you move too slowly, and will permit the junction of Bragg and Smith before you open your line to Louisville. The immobility of your army is movement of Price into Tennessee.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September, 20, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati, Ohio:
Thomas A. Morris is appointed brigadier-general. I suggest that he be placed in command of troops on the Kanawha. That force should be increased as soon as possible. It seems to me of vast importance that the junction of Bragg and Kirby Smith should be prevented, or at least you and Buell should unite first.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0530
By command of Major-General Halleck:
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington,September 20, 1862.
Major-General BUELL, Kentucky:
Your telegram of the 14th is just received. Unquestionably the condition of affairs has so changed since that time as to render any instructions based on your then representations entirely inapplicable. After Bragg had turned your left your movement into Kentucky was probably the best thing you could do; but I fear that here as elsewhere you move too slowly, and will permit the junction of Bragg and Smith before you open your line to Louisville. The immobility of your army is movement of Price into Tennessee.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, September, 20, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati, Ohio:
Thomas A. Morris is appointed brigadier-general. I suggest that he be placed in command of troops on the Kanawha. That force should be increased as soon as possible. It seems to me of vast importance that the junction of Bragg and Kirby Smith should be prevented, or at least you and Buell should unite first.
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Isolated, Buell on the Offensive
Having concentrated his forces near Bowling Green and located Bragg at Munfordville, Buell is finally on the offensive even though his communications to the north have been severed.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0526
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 19, 1862.
General BUELL:
yours of 15th, via Evansville, received.
I have a force of about 30,000 men at Louisville, mainly raw troops, with which I will co-operate with you I can learn of your movements. it is of the first importance to know what your plans are, that there be no mistake. Nelson is at Louisville in command. Notify him at once. He has orders, so far as I can give them under the uncertainty of your movements. They are to retard enemy as far as he can and to form junction with you, if desirable and practicable. With united forces we ought to whip Bragg, and acting separately, but in concert, we ought, to be able to protect Louisville till movements can be arranged. Will re-enforce Louisville by 10,000 men, and expect addition of five regiments this week and ten more next. Don't fail to communicate; it is of utmost importance.
Yours, most truly,
WRIGHT.
Editor's Note: The previous communications, and those that follow, are reprinted in their entirity to allow the reader to gain a sense of what was going on in these general's minds. Buell and Wright are commonly derided for their performance, or lack thereof, in these events following the invasion of Kentucky. The reader is left to draw his own colclusions.
The would of, should of and could of gallery that held court in Cincinnnati on Buell's conduct,and those in Washington that later denied Wright's appointment, as well as a host of historians have all had their say.
The intent here is to present what can be known of the reality on the ground at the time and the problems of communications and logistics as reported by the men, themselves.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0527
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 19, 1862.
General WRIGHT:
General Bragg has crossed the Green river in force. General Buell was at Dripping Springs on the 17th. He should be at Munfordville to-day. He is following close on the heels of Bragg, with the intention of bringing him to action, but Bragg may be here before that is possible. I want troops. The messenger from Buell has just arrived.
W. NELSON,
Major-General.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 19, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT:
I beg leave to send the following message just received from General Buell. Send me all the troops you can at once; it is of the most momentous consequence.
W. NELSON,
Major-General.
[Inclosure.]
DRIPPING SPRINGS.
General GILBERT:
I learn that the garrison at Munfordville surrendered this morning and that Bragg immediately threw his entire force across the river. The opinion prevails that he will post rapidly for Louisville, expecting to overpower your new troops without difficulty. If that is his purpose I shall be close upon him, and you should be prepared either for that contingency or to come out if he should take a position to oppose me. My expectation is that he will do the latter, either at Green River or at Muldraugh's Hill; probably the former. I expect to be at Green River early to-morrow. It is impossible to ascertain with any certainty what Bragg's force is; probably between 30,000 and 40,000 independently of Smith, with whom he will expect and no doubt will be able to form a junction. Troops should be concentrated without a moment's delay at Louisville. Cincinnati is not the point of attack.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.
Arriving at Louisville, Wright finally gains an appreciation of the danger in this, Kentucky's largest city not in rebel hands. Recall that Kirby Smith entered Lexington earlier this month.
Ref.: ibid
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 19, 1862-8 p. m.
General A. J. SMITH,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Covington, Ky.:
Get ready to send off speedily as possible eight or ten regiments of your command to Louisville, making use of all available transportation by river and railroad. Don't lose a moment in doing this. Bragg crossed the Green River with Buell behind him, and we must meet and check him if we can get the force. Call upon the quartermaster's department and any of my staff for such aid as you may need. I return to-morrow morning.
H. G. WRIGHT.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0526
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 19, 1862.
General BUELL:
yours of 15th, via Evansville, received.
I have a force of about 30,000 men at Louisville, mainly raw troops, with which I will co-operate with you I can learn of your movements. it is of the first importance to know what your plans are, that there be no mistake. Nelson is at Louisville in command. Notify him at once. He has orders, so far as I can give them under the uncertainty of your movements. They are to retard enemy as far as he can and to form junction with you, if desirable and practicable. With united forces we ought to whip Bragg, and acting separately, but in concert, we ought, to be able to protect Louisville till movements can be arranged. Will re-enforce Louisville by 10,000 men, and expect addition of five regiments this week and ten more next. Don't fail to communicate; it is of utmost importance.
Yours, most truly,
WRIGHT.
Editor's Note: The previous communications, and those that follow, are reprinted in their entirity to allow the reader to gain a sense of what was going on in these general's minds. Buell and Wright are commonly derided for their performance, or lack thereof, in these events following the invasion of Kentucky. The reader is left to draw his own colclusions.
The would of, should of and could of gallery that held court in Cincinnnati on Buell's conduct,and those in Washington that later denied Wright's appointment, as well as a host of historians have all had their say.
The intent here is to present what can be known of the reality on the ground at the time and the problems of communications and logistics as reported by the men, themselves.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0527
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 19, 1862.
General WRIGHT:
General Bragg has crossed the Green river in force. General Buell was at Dripping Springs on the 17th. He should be at Munfordville to-day. He is following close on the heels of Bragg, with the intention of bringing him to action, but Bragg may be here before that is possible. I want troops. The messenger from Buell has just arrived.
W. NELSON,
Major-General.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 19, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT:
I beg leave to send the following message just received from General Buell. Send me all the troops you can at once; it is of the most momentous consequence.
W. NELSON,
Major-General.
[Inclosure.]
DRIPPING SPRINGS.
General GILBERT:
I learn that the garrison at Munfordville surrendered this morning and that Bragg immediately threw his entire force across the river. The opinion prevails that he will post rapidly for Louisville, expecting to overpower your new troops without difficulty. If that is his purpose I shall be close upon him, and you should be prepared either for that contingency or to come out if he should take a position to oppose me. My expectation is that he will do the latter, either at Green River or at Muldraugh's Hill; probably the former. I expect to be at Green River early to-morrow. It is impossible to ascertain with any certainty what Bragg's force is; probably between 30,000 and 40,000 independently of Smith, with whom he will expect and no doubt will be able to form a junction. Troops should be concentrated without a moment's delay at Louisville. Cincinnati is not the point of attack.
D. C. BUELL,
Major-General.
Arriving at Louisville, Wright finally gains an appreciation of the danger in this, Kentucky's largest city not in rebel hands. Recall that Kirby Smith entered Lexington earlier this month.
Ref.: ibid
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 19, 1862-8 p. m.
General A. J. SMITH,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Covington, Ky.:
Get ready to send off speedily as possible eight or ten regiments of your command to Louisville, making use of all available transportation by river and railroad. Don't lose a moment in doing this. Bragg crossed the Green River with Buell behind him, and we must meet and check him if we can get the force. Call upon the quartermaster's department and any of my staff for such aid as you may need. I return to-morrow morning.
H. G. WRIGHT.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Federal Troops Converge on Louisville
On this day in 1862, General Wright sends the following update to Major-General Halleck in Washington. Keep in mind that communications are still cut south of Louisville and Wright may not have heard of Bragg's victory at Munfordville.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0526
CINCINNATI, Ohio, September 18, 1862-3.20 p. m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief:
Enemy has retreated from front of Cincinnati. Have received dispatch from Buell, at Bowlington Green, that his forces would all be up on the 17th, and that on the would move on Bragg, who had entered Kentucky and was in force at Glasgow. He feared a junction between Kirby Smith and Bragg and called for co-operation. Have sent Granger's division from here to Louisville and have ordered the whole force at that place to move forward at once under Nelson. Instructed him to take up strong position before fighting, and think he may be able to occupy Muldraugh's Hill or form junction with Buell The latter will have his hands full I fear, but his troops are all veterans. Morgan has supplies for from seventy to eighty and feels secure. His last dispatch was dated the 11th instant.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0526
CINCINNATI, Ohio, September 18, 1862-3.20 p. m.
Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief:
Enemy has retreated from front of Cincinnati. Have received dispatch from Buell, at Bowlington Green, that his forces would all be up on the 17th, and that on the would move on Bragg, who had entered Kentucky and was in force at Glasgow. He feared a junction between Kirby Smith and Bragg and called for co-operation. Have sent Granger's division from here to Louisville and have ordered the whole force at that place to move forward at once under Nelson. Instructed him to take up strong position before fighting, and think he may be able to occupy Muldraugh's Hill or form junction with Buell The latter will have his hands full I fear, but his troops are all veterans. Morgan has supplies for from seventy to eighty and feels secure. His last dispatch was dated the 11th instant.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
Monday, September 17, 2012
The Fall of Munfordville
The news reaches Lincoln that Munfordville has been taken by the rebels and H.G. Wright dares to move south, leaving A.J. Smith in charge of the armies amassed at Covington, Kentucky, across the river from Cincinnati. Recall that Wright had transferred most of Louisville's defenses to Covington to protect his headquarters across the Ohio in Cincinnatti, despite the fact that he had been promoted and appointed to protect Kentucky from the rebel invaders.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0525
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 17, 1862.
Honorable ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President:
After more than two day's fighting and great slaughter to the rebels I think our force at Munfordville has had to surrender. bragg is in force at Glasgow and near Munfordville. Kirby Smith has formed a junction with him. There may be a small force in front of Cincinnati. General Buell is at Bowling Green; his force not sufficient to attack Bragg. We have heard from buell, but he is cut off from re-enforcements from here if we had them. The rebel force in Kentucky much larger than at first supposed.
J. T. BOYLE,
Brigadier-General.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0524
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1862.
Brigadier General A. J. SMITH,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Covington, Ky.:
GENERAL: I shall leave for Louisville to-night, as stated in a previous communication, and you will be in command of the forces in this vicinity.The columns under Gillmore and Murray should not I think proceed beyond Crittenden; unless therefore there is some good excuse for farther advance order them back after the advance reaches that vicinity or if thought best keep them a short time. Louisville is in some danger some of our force must be sent to that point.Please therefore hold, say ten regiments ready to be transported to that point by rail and river, with as much transportation in the shape of wagons, ambulances, &c., as can be had.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
The impetus for Wright's new-found adventurism is found in this report from General Lew Wallace, who had been sent to challenge the 3,500 rebel forces that so threatened the 40,000 Federal troops at Covington.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0525
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Covington, Ky., September 17, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT:
SIR: Mr. B. E. Bradford, a citizen of Georgetown, indorsed by General G. Clay Smith as perfectly reliable, just arrived from Georgetown, reports having passed through the enemy's column on the full retreat.Their rear guard stopped him yesterday about 4 o'clock or the would have been in sooner. Their main body, he says, is now beyond Crittenden.
Respectfully,
LEW. WALLACE,
Major-General, &c.
The Crittenden referred to is not the division of General Thomas Leonidas Crittenden (USA), his brother, General George B. Crittenden (CSA) or their cousin General Thomas Turpin Crittenden (USA). Rather, Wallace is referring to Crittenden, Kentucky, a small town about 25 miles south of Covington along a road that is today called the "Dixie Highway" (US 25) that leads south to Tennessee. Forty-file miles to the south on the Dixie Highway lies Georgetown. From Georgetown, Lexington is 20 miles further south, Frankfurt 20 miles to the west and Louisville another 55 miles west of Frankfort. It is clear that the rebels are rapidly consolidating their forces, and Wallace apparently does not realize that his fleeing enemy is headed for a rendezvous with Kirby Smith and Bragg. This will create the largest "main body" of Confederate soldiers to be found on Northern soil, following Lee's withdrawal from Maryland.
Lee withdrew to Virginia on this date in 1862, unhindered, after the bloodiest single-day battle in American history near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Will another battle comparable to Antietam be required to drive this force from Kentucky? The casualties at Shiloh and Antietam were comparable in number, although the devastation in Maryland was accomplished in only one day. Are the volunteers from the 17th and 25th Kentucky Regiments that survived two days of Shiloh, and now form the Seventeenth Kentucky under Alexander McCook, headed for yet another "bloodiest battle", this time on their own soil? Will the hand of God reach out and take another one out of three men from their ranks, or maybe more? Certainly, the generals on both sides are anticipating such a decisive battle before the month is out.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0525
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 17, 1862.
Honorable ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President:
After more than two day's fighting and great slaughter to the rebels I think our force at Munfordville has had to surrender. bragg is in force at Glasgow and near Munfordville. Kirby Smith has formed a junction with him. There may be a small force in front of Cincinnati. General Buell is at Bowling Green; his force not sufficient to attack Bragg. We have heard from buell, but he is cut off from re-enforcements from here if we had them. The rebel force in Kentucky much larger than at first supposed.
J. T. BOYLE,
Brigadier-General.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0524
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,
Cincinnati, Ohio, September 17, 1862.
Brigadier General A. J. SMITH,
Commanding U. S. Forces, Covington, Ky.:
GENERAL: I shall leave for Louisville to-night, as stated in a previous communication, and you will be in command of the forces in this vicinity.The columns under Gillmore and Murray should not I think proceed beyond Crittenden; unless therefore there is some good excuse for farther advance order them back after the advance reaches that vicinity or if thought best keep them a short time. Louisville is in some danger some of our force must be sent to that point.Please therefore hold, say ten regiments ready to be transported to that point by rail and river, with as much transportation in the shape of wagons, ambulances, &c., as can be had.
H. G. WRIGHT,
Major-General, Commanding.
The impetus for Wright's new-found adventurism is found in this report from General Lew Wallace, who had been sent to challenge the 3,500 rebel forces that so threatened the 40,000 Federal troops at Covington.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0525
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES,
Covington, Ky., September 17, 1862.
Major-General WRIGHT:
SIR: Mr. B. E. Bradford, a citizen of Georgetown, indorsed by General G. Clay Smith as perfectly reliable, just arrived from Georgetown, reports having passed through the enemy's column on the full retreat.Their rear guard stopped him yesterday about 4 o'clock or the would have been in sooner. Their main body, he says, is now beyond Crittenden.
Respectfully,
LEW. WALLACE,
Major-General, &c.
The Crittenden referred to is not the division of General Thomas Leonidas Crittenden (USA), his brother, General George B. Crittenden (CSA) or their cousin General Thomas Turpin Crittenden (USA). Rather, Wallace is referring to Crittenden, Kentucky, a small town about 25 miles south of Covington along a road that is today called the "Dixie Highway" (US 25) that leads south to Tennessee. Forty-file miles to the south on the Dixie Highway lies Georgetown. From Georgetown, Lexington is 20 miles further south, Frankfurt 20 miles to the west and Louisville another 55 miles west of Frankfort. It is clear that the rebels are rapidly consolidating their forces, and Wallace apparently does not realize that his fleeing enemy is headed for a rendezvous with Kirby Smith and Bragg. This will create the largest "main body" of Confederate soldiers to be found on Northern soil, following Lee's withdrawal from Maryland.
Lee withdrew to Virginia on this date in 1862, unhindered, after the bloodiest single-day battle in American history near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Will another battle comparable to Antietam be required to drive this force from Kentucky? The casualties at Shiloh and Antietam were comparable in number, although the devastation in Maryland was accomplished in only one day. Are the volunteers from the 17th and 25th Kentucky Regiments that survived two days of Shiloh, and now form the Seventeenth Kentucky under Alexander McCook, headed for yet another "bloodiest battle", this time on their own soil? Will the hand of God reach out and take another one out of three men from their ranks, or maybe more? Certainly, the generals on both sides are anticipating such a decisive battle before the month is out.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Map Highliting Pursuit of Bragg
Map of Kentucky and Tennessee printed in Harper's weekly, courtesy of www.sonofthesouth.com.
Points of interest in Buell's pursuit of Bragg into Kentucky are marked in blue, as are four locations specific to the Seventeenth Kentucky Infantry. To wit, Hartford, Calhoun and Russellville, Kentucky and Clarksville, Tennessee. Note the vast territory being contested, compared to the relatively concentrated war in the east. (Click to enlarge).
Points of interest in Buell's pursuit of Bragg into Kentucky are marked in blue, as are four locations specific to the Seventeenth Kentucky Infantry. To wit, Hartford, Calhoun and Russellville, Kentucky and Clarksville, Tennessee. Note the vast territory being contested, compared to the relatively concentrated war in the east. (Click to enlarge).
 |
| Harper's Weekly map of Kentucky campaign, September, 1862. Courtesy of www.sonofthesouth.com , annotated by the editor. |
Defense of Bowling Green
Although the exact location of McCook's division, including the Seventeenth Kentucky, is not indicated in the official records, it is likely they are in the vicinity of Bowling Green, where the rest of Buell's army is converging. The following communication describes the situatiion on this day in 1862.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0520
BOWLING GREEN, KY., September 16, 1862.
Colonel BRUCE, Commanding Forces:
SIR: Major-General Buell directs that you post the main body of your troops at Bowling Green, with a view to holding College Hill, and that you keep in readiness to march with the entire command and all the trains at a moment's notice. You must, however, be prepared to make a vigorous defense in case you are attacked. Keep your cavalry out on the principal roads and keep yourself fully informed of all the movements of the enemy by this means and by scouts. Have all the subsistence stores loaded into the wagons, and these, with the ammunition train and all the trains of the troops, parked near the Hill, within direct control of your command. Be especially careful of the ammunition and provision trains and be prepared to send them forward at any moment. Have foraging paries sent out under proper officers to secure forage for all the animals, and see that this is done in a proper manner, receipts being given for payment made to loyal citizens in all cases, and that no depredations are committed. Send parties at once to repair the telegraph wire from this point toward Louisville, and keep in communication by telegraph with General Buell's headquarters, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad south of this place. Grant no leave of absence, and preserve watchfulness and discipline throughout your command.Report anything of interest that comes to your knowledge and inform yourself fully all the roads leading to and from Bowling Green.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. WRIGHT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0520
BOWLING GREEN, KY., September 16, 1862.
Colonel BRUCE, Commanding Forces:
SIR: Major-General Buell directs that you post the main body of your troops at Bowling Green, with a view to holding College Hill, and that you keep in readiness to march with the entire command and all the trains at a moment's notice. You must, however, be prepared to make a vigorous defense in case you are attacked. Keep your cavalry out on the principal roads and keep yourself fully informed of all the movements of the enemy by this means and by scouts. Have all the subsistence stores loaded into the wagons, and these, with the ammunition train and all the trains of the troops, parked near the Hill, within direct control of your command. Be especially careful of the ammunition and provision trains and be prepared to send them forward at any moment. Have foraging paries sent out under proper officers to secure forage for all the animals, and see that this is done in a proper manner, receipts being given for payment made to loyal citizens in all cases, and that no depredations are committed. Send parties at once to repair the telegraph wire from this point toward Louisville, and keep in communication by telegraph with General Buell's headquarters, on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad south of this place. Grant no leave of absence, and preserve watchfulness and discipline throughout your command.Report anything of interest that comes to your knowledge and inform yourself fully all the roads leading to and from Bowling Green.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. M. WRIGHT,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Civil Authority
The following exchange reflects the problems of governance in a border state. Notice the apparent coordination of the two complaining telegrams, and the immediate reaction of Stanton, who made no inquiries as to the details of the complaints.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0519
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 15, 1862-10 a. m.
The PRESIDENT:
I find great dissatisfaction and I fear injury to the Union cause in Kentucky from an irregular and changing system of military arrests, which, as now organized and administered, does more Larm than good. I am of opinion it should all be subordinate to the Executive of the State.
JAS. F. ROBINSON,
Governor of Kentucky.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 15, 1862-10 a. m.
The PRESIDENT:
Annoying arrests continue, very much to our detriment. The good of the cause requires that you should direct Boyle to leave this whole matter to our loyal Governor. Order Boyle to the field. He is a good man there. In his present position he is doing more harm than good. Our cause is weakening under his management.
J. F. SPEED.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT,Washington, D. C., September 15, 1862.
Brigadier-General BOYLE, Louisville, Ky.:
Complaints are made of injudicious military arrests made by your order. There now being a loyal Governor, the necessity for the exercise of military power for such purpose no longer exists. You will therefore abstain from making any more arrests except upon the order of the Governor of Kentucky. Please acknowledge the receipt of this order.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 15, 1862-5.15 p. m.
E. M. STANTON:
I have not ordered the arrest of 20 persons in the State, excepting those arrested here recently during the first excitement of defeat of our forces at Richmond, KY. The representations made to you are false, and made by weak-backed Union men, who hope to so act as to secure rebel protection. I would be glad to know who makes them. There is a bounty of absolute security and protection to be a rebel in Kentucky. If the Government does not intend to put down the rebels in our midst and enforce the President's proclamation by depriving them of their property, the war will have to be fought over in Kentucky every year. Rebel flags are thrown from the windows of houses in this city with impunity, and I countermanded the order for arrests.[?]
J. T. BOYLE,
Brigadier-General.
It is incredible that such a drastic policy change was effected in less than eight hours and without consultation, based on two such vaguely stated complaints.
Ref.: http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/sources/recordView.cfm?Content=023/0519
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 15, 1862-10 a. m.
The PRESIDENT:
I find great dissatisfaction and I fear injury to the Union cause in Kentucky from an irregular and changing system of military arrests, which, as now organized and administered, does more Larm than good. I am of opinion it should all be subordinate to the Executive of the State.
JAS. F. ROBINSON,
Governor of Kentucky.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 15, 1862-10 a. m.
The PRESIDENT:
Annoying arrests continue, very much to our detriment. The good of the cause requires that you should direct Boyle to leave this whole matter to our loyal Governor. Order Boyle to the field. He is a good man there. In his present position he is doing more harm than good. Our cause is weakening under his management.
J. F. SPEED.
* * *
WAR DEPARTMENT,Washington, D. C., September 15, 1862.
Brigadier-General BOYLE, Louisville, Ky.:
Complaints are made of injudicious military arrests made by your order. There now being a loyal Governor, the necessity for the exercise of military power for such purpose no longer exists. You will therefore abstain from making any more arrests except upon the order of the Governor of Kentucky. Please acknowledge the receipt of this order.
EDWIN M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.
* * *
LOUISVILLE, KY., September 15, 1862-5.15 p. m.
E. M. STANTON:
I have not ordered the arrest of 20 persons in the State, excepting those arrested here recently during the first excitement of defeat of our forces at Richmond, KY. The representations made to you are false, and made by weak-backed Union men, who hope to so act as to secure rebel protection. I would be glad to know who makes them. There is a bounty of absolute security and protection to be a rebel in Kentucky. If the Government does not intend to put down the rebels in our midst and enforce the President's proclamation by depriving them of their property, the war will have to be fought over in Kentucky every year. Rebel flags are thrown from the windows of houses in this city with impunity, and I countermanded the order for arrests.[?]
J. T. BOYLE,
Brigadier-General.
It is incredible that such a drastic policy change was effected in less than eight hours and without consultation, based on two such vaguely stated complaints.
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