MY OWN SICKNESS--RESUME OF THE MOVEMENTS OF MY
REGIMENT--MOVEMENT OF SHERMAN TOWARD MEMPHIS--THE
CAMP SEVEN MILES FROM CORINTH--MARCH RESUMED--CAMP
ON THE "HEIGHTS OF THE HATCHIE"--ADVANCE TO THE BIG
MUDDY--A HARD MARCH--CAMP AT SPRING CREEK--NEXT
DAY'S MARCH--REACH AND CAMP ON WOLF RIVER--COL.
WILLIAMS AGAIN--LAGRANGE, TENN.--RAILROAD
COMMUNICATIONS--MOVEMENT UPON HOLLY SPRINGS--INCIDENTS
OF THE MARCH--OCCUPATION OF THAT PLACE--RETURN
TO LAGRANGE--RESIGNATION OF LIEUT. COL. SCOTT--A
FORAGING EXPEDITION--FEAT OF GENERAL GRANT--START FOR
MEMPHIS--DETAILS OF THE MARCH--ARRIVAL IN MEMPHIS--GO
INTO CAMP--GEN. SHERMAN AS A MILITARY MAN--THE
NEGRO--OUR SOJOURN AT MEMPHIS--MARCHING ORDERS--LETTER
OF GENERAL SHERMAN.
Among the most interesting recollections of my soldier life, are
those of the period I spent in military hospitals. Though much of the
time my mind was so enfeebled by disease, as not to observe closely
that which transpired around me; yet, long as I may live, I shall
remember most vividly the sufferings I experienced while there,
sometimes relieved by friends, by comrades, and by those appointed
and detailed to take care of the sick and wounded; and sometimes in
part, or entirely, neglected. It was there that I saw, more than
anywhere else, human character divested of its artificial coloring,
and exhibited in its brightest tints and gloomiest shades.
It was there that I contracted a debt of gratitude to some that I
can never repay, and conceived a hatred for others that I can never
forget. Memories born in the heart amid scenes like these can never
be blotted out. But glad as I should be to linger over the names of
those who were kind and gentle to me amid these scenes of sickness
and gloom, I shall hasten to consider those affairs in which my
comrades had a more direct and positive interest.
And here my comrades would have to regret the absence of a link in
the chain of this "grave, interesting and authentic narrative," had
not a comrade who kept a diary of the wanderings of the Third Iowa,
while I was absent from it during this term of sickness, generously
come to my aid. After describing the scenes attending the occupation
of Corinth, this Cid Hamet of my history goes on to tell us, that,
on the afternoon of the 2d of June, orders came to the Third Iowa to
march immediately, and before night the 4th and 5th divisions, under
command of Major General W. T. Sherman, moved out, taking all their
baggage, and, passing through Corinth, camped about a mile to the
west of that place on the south side of the Memphis and Charleston
Railroad. There was no water in this vicinity to relieve the troops
from the effects of the suffocating heat and dust of the day; but
this state of things was somewhat mitigated by a light shower of rain
which fell in the forepart of the night.
The following morning reveille sounded at daylight, and an early
march, the 5th division in advance, brought the troops to a small
stream of water on the south side of the railroad, where they
established a camp, and commenced repairing the road about four
miles to the west, so as to enable them to proceed. For this purpose
the Third Iowa furnished a small detail each day. On the 6th, the
regiment changed camp to the north side of the railroad. This was
about seven miles from Corinth.
On the 10th the troops again moved, and after a toilsome and dusty
march of fifteen miles, both divisions camped on a commanding bluff
that overlooks the Big Hatchie. As the 4th Division rested upon these
hills, little did its soldiers dream that the valley below would one
day be consecrated with the blood of many of its members, and that
the "Heights of the Hatchie" would be forever linked in memory with
its glorious achievements, and the prowess of its commander. It was
the "Field of Matamora!" Two days they rested here, during which
time a bridge was thrown across the Hatchie by the troops of the 5th
Division, in place of the old one which had been burned by the enemy;
and then they moved forward four miles, and camped on a stream known
as the Big Muddy.
Resuming the march the following morning, June 13th, they defiled all
day through a desolate waste of woods, and over dry ridges. The heat
was intense. Save from occasional mudholes, there was no water to
be found. The dust was shoe-top deep and rose in dense, suffocating
clouds, which there was no wind to dispel. The dreariness of the
country was relieved by but two farm houses during the whole day's
march. Notwithstanding the unparalleled fatigue and suffering, the
men kept in the ranks well, and there was little straggling. After
a march of thirteen miles, they camped on Spring Creek, a tributary
of the Hatchie. Here they found excellent water, and moved at four
o'clock in the morning about two miles, and rested for the day in the
vicinity of some clear and cold springs.
At five o'clock the next morning the march was resumed. The men had
no water during the day except what they took in their canteens in
the morning. The march was more fatiguing, if possible, than on
any previous day. They passed through Grand Junction and found an
excellent camping place on Wolf River, having made a distance of
twelve miles.
The following day, the 2d Brigade of the 4th Division made a
reconnoissance towards Ripley; they were gone two days. There was
much straggling from their ranks, and a number were missing when they
returned. For two or three days afterwards, they continued to come up
and report to the pickets.
After the evacuation of Corinth, Colonel Williams resumed command of
the regiment, and during this march had begun to renew his obnoxious
practices. He arrested the quartermaster and reduced Hulbert, the
commissary sergeant. Both, however, were vindicated. The former
resigning, was appointed Colonel of the 34th Iowa, and the latter was
soon after appointed sergeant in his own company in which capacity he
served, no one better or more bravely, and was reappointed commissary
sergeant under Lt. Col. Trumbull.
On the 22d of June, the 4th Division moved to a position near
LaGrange, Tenn., the Third Iowa going into camp on a beautiful wooded
hill overlooking Wolf River. This village, which, in prosperous
times, contained about 2,000 inhabitants, is beautifully situated on
an eminence which commands a view of ten or twelve miles of level
country to the south of the river. It is supplied with excellent
springs of water, is surrounded by wide and well cultivated fields,
and its elegant residences, surrounded with costly evergreens, gave
evidence of the cultivation of its inhabitants. It possessed far
more attraction than any town they had yet seen in Tennessee. It was
pleasant indeed, after so long a sojourn in the gloomy woods, to
pitch tents amid scenes of civilization.
They had advanced slowly from Corinth, had built on the way two
bridges ruined by the rebels, besides repairing the railroad so that
the cars were now running regularly between LaGrange and that place.
The removal of certain obstructions between LaGrange and Moscow, a
station nine miles to the west, was all that now remained to put
the road in working condition between Corinth and Memphis. A train
coming from Memphis had been thrown off the track at Moscow. Part of
the soldiers on board marched through to LaGrange in safety, while
those who remained were captured by guerrillas, who burned the train.
Whether this accident had anything to do with admonishing General
Sherman of the impracticability of holding with so small a force so
long a line of railway parallel to the enemy's front of operations,
my informant does not pretend to judge. At least this line was soon
after abandoned, and that by way of Jackson and Columbus opened in
its stead.
It seems to have been known that the enemy under command of
Breckenridge, were in the vicinity of Holly Springs, Miss., a small
city twenty-six miles to the south. This force probably was merely
one of observation, the enemy's main body having retired upon
Grenada. But there came in exaggerated reports of his immense numbers
there, and preparations to attack us. General Sherman determined
to move against him, the two divisions starting simultaneously the
morning of June 30th, the 4th from LaGrange, the 5th from Moscow. Two
days rations were taken in haversacks. They camped at night near a
brick church, in the neighborhood of the railroad station of Lamar.
There was no water to be procured here except out of one or two wells
and some dirty pools, at which places there was such a rush that each
regiment was compelled to station a guard over them while its own men
took their turn.
The next day, July 1st, was cool and pleasant. A march of seven miles
brought the column to Cold Water River, a small stream, pure and
clear. The only incident of this day's march was that a battalion of
the 4th Illinois had been drawn into an ambuscade, losing four killed
and six wounded.
The following day, the 32d and 53d Illinois regiments went forward to
reconnoiter, but discovered nothing. On their return, they were taken
for rebels, and an alarm throughout the whole force ensued.
The day after this, Lieut. Barnes of General Lauman's staff, went out
with three others to some farm houses to buy provisions, and were
fired upon by bushwhackers, and all of them wounded. The affair
caused considerable excitement, and threw General Lauman into a great
rage.
The next day was the national anniversary. The 4th Division moved
forward and entered without opposition Holly Springs, "the Saratoga
of the South." This delightful little city is situated on the
Mississippi Central Railroad, contains excellent springs of water,
and was celebrated as a Southern watering place. The citizens behaved
toward their new visitors with as much insolence as they dared to
manifest. Little did they then, suppose that they were sowing in
the bosoms of these men the seeds of a hatred, which would one day
lay their beautiful city in ashes! The next day the column started
back, and on the 7th again entered LaGrange and Moscow. During the
fortnight my comrades stayed at the former place few incidents of
note took place. It was here that Lieut. Col. Scott resigned and left
the regiment. There was an universal regret at being compelled to
part with the man who had commanded us so bravely and befriended us
so well. All felt as though they had lost their best field officer,
and turned with gloom to the prospect of being commanded, no one
could tell how long, by a man who, whatever might be his merits or
faults, had, with scarcely an exception, lost the confidence and good
will of his men.
One day a forage train of sixty wagons went out in the direction of
Cold Water, guarded by six companies of the Third Iowa, under Captain
Smith. On their return the escort was menaced by Jackson's cavalry,
who endeavored to capture the train. But the Captain's tactics were
quite equal to those of the rebel Colonel. He chose open ground and
very coolly marched along in plain view of the enemy. They attempted
by demonstrations to draw his fire, but failed, and finally withdrew,
having for once found their match.
About this time General Grant performed the remarkable feat of
riding in one day from Corinth to Memphis, unattended except by one
company of cavalry, his body guard and a few staff officers. It must
be remembered that with the exception of the immediate vicinity of
LaGrange and Moscow, where General Sherman's troops were stationed,
the whole country was in the hands of the enemy. At LaGrange the
party halted an hour for refreshments, and left one of the staff who
had given out. It is said they reached Memphis before night.
Meanwhile General Sherman and staff proceeded to Memphis, leaving
orders behind that it was his intention to select at that place
grounds for the encampment of the two divisions, and that no officer
or soldier should be allowed to follow him to that place ahead of his
corps.
July 17th, at 1 P. M., the 4th Division broke up camp at LaGrange,
and moving along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, after a
tiresome march of nine miles in which many gave out and fell behind
their regiments, camped for the night at Moscow, from which place the
5th Division had just moved.
Starting at 3 o'clock next morning, and with little improvement on
yesterday's march in respect of straggling, although the weather was
cooler than usual both days, the column arrived at Lafayette Station,
having marched ten miles.
The march was resumed at 2 o'clock in the morning, the 5th Division
still in lead. The forenoon was excessively hot, and marching was
difficult in the extreme. The dust rose in such clouds that a man
in the ranks could scarcely see the comrade ahead of him. Seventeen
miles being accomplished, the column halted for the night at
Germantown.
Next day, the column moved forward six miles to White Station, and
on the day after that, July 21st, a march of nine miles brought it
to Memphis. Foot-sore, ragged and weary, the battalions marched into
the city. The Third Iowa had the honor of being in lead of the 4th
Division. So thick was the dust on men's faces, that it was difficult
to distinguish soldier from contraband--all looked alike. Many had no
shoes, and some even were without pants, and had nothing but drawers
and shirt in way of uniform. But the boys dressed their files and
proudly kept step to the music, while from balconies and windows the
Union ladies waved white handkerchiefs in welcome.
Wallace's division was garrisoning the city, but now relieved by
Sherman, it embarked to reinforce the army of General Curtis at
Helena. General Sherman disposed his troops so as to environ the city
and guard all the approaches to it. Our regiment being on the right
of the line was camped on the south side of the city and near the
river. We had a delightful camping ground, greensward beneath our
feet, and noble shade trees waving over our heads.
The period we spent here was one of rest but not of idleness. It was
a period of discipline and duty. We were still in the presence of an
enterprising enemy, who constantly menaced our extended line with
attack. General Sherman was no less a general in camp than in the
field. There his great bravery, his splendid tactical combinations
in the face of the enemy, his unwearying energy, and his industrious
attention to details, had impressed his soldiers with a kind of
reverence for him as a military commander, which they felt for no
other general. All could see that in genius and in spirit, he was
a complete soldier. Though he could add nothing to the patriotism
and bravery of the men he commanded, he was now to see they were
better supplied, better drilled, better disciplined, and that there
be infused into them more of the _esprit de corps_. Every one will
recollect his fine figure on review--how keenly he scrutinized
every thing; not a man, nor a uniform, nor a gun seemed to escape
his notice. He exercised the closest supervision over the different
departments, punished corruption and saw that justice was meted out
to all. He administered martial law in the city of Memphis with
justice and rigor, but without violence or cruelty. A young soldier
studying the profession and practice of arms might well think himself
fortunate in being under the tuition of such a general.
It was at Memphis that we first were allowed to admit negroes within
our lines. At LaGrange and Moscow and all along the march from
those places hither, they had flocked to join us in great numbers.
General Halleck's celebrated General Orders No. 3 being then in
force, General Sherman was compelled to issue an order forbidding
his soldiers from encouraging negroes in leaving their homes, and
teamsters from giving them transportation. This order was written
by Captain Hammond, his Assistant Adjutant General, and was couched
in poor and undignified terms. As soon, however, as orders from
Washington allowed him to do so, General Sherman issued orders
authorizing the employment of negroes as cooks, teamsters and
laborers in the various departments and on the fortifications. Large
numbers were put to work on Fort Pickering, an important field work
which was projected for the defense of Memphis. Contrabands thronged
the camps in large numbers, and soon became an important element
in the _materiel_ of the army. All that came within our lines were
received and put to work, and supplied with clothing and subsistence.
This policy was viewed by the soldiers with very general approbation.
While we were thus resting, our comrades in the East were struggling,
through prodigious marches, uncommon hardships, and bloody battles
to check the advance of a superior enemy, and his invasion of our
soil. Reports from that quarter of disaster crowding upon disaster,
disturbed in no small degree the quietude of our camp life, and
embittered the sweets of the comparative repose we were enjoying.
In addition to this, the enemy began to make demonstrations in the
neighborhood of Bolivar, Tenn., and we were not surprised to find
our spell of easy soldiering broken, when, on the 5th of September,
orders came to march at 3 o'clock next morning, in what direction we
could only conjecture.
The two divisions which had been so long together were now to be
separated. They who had grown to consider each other comrades, had
marched and fought together perhaps for the last time. General
Sherman expressed his feelings on this separation in the following
letter to General Hurlbut, which, after we had reached Bolivar, was
published to us in General Orders. We esteemed it a great honor to
receive such compliments from such a general:--
HEADQUARTERS, 5TH DIVISION, }
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 6, 1862. }
_Brigadier General Hurlbut, Commanding 4th Division_,
_Army of the Tennessee_,--
DEAR SIR:--Permit me through you to convey to the
officers and men of your division an expression of my
deep regret that the necessities of the service should
at this time separate our commands. Our divisions were
the first to disembark at Pittsburg Landing, in the
early part of March, and through storm and sunshine,
adverse and prosperous times, we have been side by
side. Not only have social ties arisen between us, but
the habit of acting together has made us one command;
and I feel in parting with you as though my own
division was divided.
I need not express to you my high personal and
official respect; for I hope to have evinced it on
all occasions. I must say that no officers could have
been more zealous, close, and attentive to their
important duties than they have been. I can not recall
an instance of their being absent from their posts for
even an hour. Indeed, with very few exceptions, your
division is composed of a class of steady good men, who
by their behavior in camp, on guard, on the march and
in battle, reflect honor and credit on themselves and
their country.
Be pleased to convey to all my hearty thanks; and
assure them that I will hail the change in events which
will bring us again together.
With sentiments of high respect,
Your friend and servant,
(Signed) W. T. SHERMAN.