Grierson Raids

Front matter

Taken from the authors Grierson Raids and Hatch’s Sixty-Four Days March, with Biographical Sketches, also The Life and Adventures of Chickasaw, the Scout ( Chicago , Round and James, 1865)

CHICAGO:

ROUNDS AND JAMES, STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS.

Preface

DEAR READER After waiting a sufficient length of time for some competent writers to place before the Public the particulars of these world-renowned Raids, and as yet nothing hut imperfect reports have appeared in print, I therefore take the responsibility of offering to you the contents of my journal, together with items furnished by others. It was written under most embarrassing circumstances; just imagine yourself trying to write in an army tent, with six jolly comrades seated and standing around, talking and laughing on various subjects, (for soldiers like ladies gossip over the incidents of the day before retiring) and you will need no other apology. Having performed a conspicuous part on the Raid, I will try and furnish you with some items of a startling and amusing character, hut nevertheless true.

AUTHOR.

GRIERSON RAIDS.

It was in the spring of eighteen hundred and sixty-three, that considerable emotion could he perceived in and about the camps of the sixth and seventh Illinois cavalry regiments, also the second Iowa, all of which were stationed at La Grange, Tennessee, on the line of the Memphis and Charleston railroad, fifty miles southeast of Memphis, at one time a very pretty, enterprising town, situated on a high ridge of land, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country; hut this place, like many others of importance, has felt the effects of a civil war, and now presents a truly sad picture. It was upon this day that I shall commence my narrative.

“What’s up?” is die question asked by a score or more of voices.

“A big scout, I reckon,” is the general reply. A certain member is seen to emerge from headquarters, when the inquisitive ones gather around him.

“Come, John, tell us all about it; where are we going, and how long will we be gone?”

John’s retreat being cut off, he replies as follows: “Now, boys, I’ll tell you, hut you must not say word to any one, for it must be kept secret.”

“Oh! no; we ll not tell; you know us.”

“Well, hoys, we are going on a big scout to Columbus, Mississippi, and play smash with the railroads.”

“All right; we’ll keep mum, and when we get to Columbus we ll make it pay.” The sequel will show how correct John was in his opinion.

General W. S. Smith was at that time commander of the post, a gentleman and a soldier. The men had been complaining for more active service, or as they expressed it, “spoiling for a fight.” General Smith finally announced to them, through their officers, that they should in a few days have a chance to try their fighting qualities, which report was received with loud cheers; and a few 7 days after this an order was issued to the commander of the first cavalry brigade to be ready for a march or scout, requiring all effective men, with five days rations in haversacks, with the understanding they were to last ten, and double rations of salt.

On the morning of the seventeenth of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-three, at an early hour, the following regiments left camp: the second Iowa cavalry, numbering between six and seven hundred men, rank and file, commanded by Colonel Edward Hatch, the seventh Illinois cavalry, numbering five hundred and forty-two, rank and file, commanded by Colonel Edward Prince, the sixth Illinois cavalry, with about five hundred men, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Loomis, and accompanied by Company K, first Illinois battery, numbering six pieces light artillery, under the command of Captain J. B. Smith, the whole commanded by Colonel B. H. Grierson. Before proceeding further, I will state that Colonel Grierson planned this expedition some three months previous to this time, and it was submitted to General Hurlbut and remained null until again referred to by Colonel Grierson, when it was forwarded to General Grant, then near Vicksburg, who readily approved it, and sent suitable instructions how Colonel Grierson was to proceed.

The morning upon which the command moved out was a beautiful one, with a gentle breeze from the south. The fruit trees were all in full bloom, the gardens were fragrant with the perfume of spring flowers, the birds sang gaily, all of which infused a feeling of admiration and gladness into the hearts of all true lovers of nature. The men seemed to feel highly elated, and, as they marched in column of twos, some were singing, others laughing, while many were speculating as to our destination.

The following poetry I thought would express the feelings of the men at the time of our departure.

SONG OF THE FIRST BRIGADE.

The morning star is paling,

The camp-fires flicker low,

For the bugle bids us go;

So put the foot in stirrup,

And shake the bridle free,

For to-day the fearless first Are bound for Mississippi.

CHORUS— With Grierson for our leader,

We’ll chase the dastard foe,

’Till our horses bathe their fetlocks In the Gulf of Mexico.

Our men are from the prairies,

That roll broad, proud and free;

From the loyal State of Illinois And brave old Iowa;

And their hearts are open as their plains,

Their thoughts as proudly brave;

With Hatch for their commander,

They’ll resist the rebel wave.

CHORUS.— Then quick into the saddle,

And shake the bridle free,

To-day with gallant Grierson We’ll leave old Tennessee.

’Tis joy to be a trooper,

To fight for this free land,

’Tis Joy to follow Grierson,

With his gallant, trusty band;

’Tis joy to see our Prince

Plunge like a meteor bright Into the thickest of the fray,

And deal his deathly might.

CHORUS.— Oh! who would not be a trooper.

And follow Grierson’s eye,

To battle for their country,

And, if needs be, to die.

By the many streams of water,

And the deep, murmuring shore,

On our soft, green peaceful prairies,

Our homes, we may see no more;

But in those homes our gentle wives,

Are loving us with tender hearts,

And shielding us with prayers.

CHORUS.— So trusting in our country’s God,

We draw our stout good blade,

For those we love at home,

And those who need our aid.

It is under such circumstances, with nothing to mar the feelings, that time passes swiftly away. The order of march for this day was to he as follows: Sixth Illinois cavalry in advance. Through some mistake the sixth took die wrong road near La Grange, was thrown to the west, and did not join the command until near camp, which was on the plantation of Dr. Ellis, four miles northwest of Ripley, Mississippi, distance from La Grange thirty miles. Just before going into camp five or six rebels were discovered crossing a field, and immediately a party was sent in pursuit, who captured three of them. Our advance met a young man who looked rather seedy; he was driving an ox team, and, unfortunately for him, wore a very good looking hat, which one of the hoys took a fancy to and relieved him of, leaving the poor fellow looking rather sad. Colonel Prince, on coming up, noticed the man and inquired ol him what was the matter; he stated his loss, when the Colonel pulled out his pocket-book and gave him a two-dollar greenback, which seemed to please him very much.

SECOND DAY.

Next morning, the eighteenth. At seven o’clock the command moved out, the seventh Illinois in advance. At eight o’clock we passed through Ripley, in Tippah County, making a halt of one hour, then moved south towards New Albany. The day was delightful, and nothing occurred to interrupt the quiet prevailing, until we had marched four miles, when our ears were startled by the report of fire-arms. A party of eight rebels had fired on our advance, then retreated rapidly. A few shots were sent after them, no harm done to either side, and all became quiet again. Colonel Prince then detached the first battalion, under the command of Captain Graham, who took the direct route to New Albany, while the main column passed through Arizabee, crossing the Tallahatchie River two miles east of New Albany, arriving there at five o’clock, P. M.

Captain Graham arrived at the bridge near the latter place in time to prevent a rebel picket demolishing it. He had been there an hour when the main column arrived, and crossed in safety. Previous to leaving Ripley Colonel Hatch had been detached to move with his regiment eastward and southward, to cross the Tallahatchie about five miles above New Albany, with a view of rejoining the brigade some five or six miles below the latter place, (which Colonel Hatch accomplished with success). The seventh Illinois captured this day four prisoners, two of Bartue’s and two of Wetherall’s men. The command camped for the night at Mr. Sloan’s plantation, five miles below New Albany, a small place composed of a few dry-goods stores, whose stock needed replenishing; also some fine residences; altogether a pleasantly situated country town.

THIRD DAY.

The morning of the nineteenth day was anything but agreeable, a heavy rain having fallen all night and continued the next morning until noon. At an early hour Colonel Prince, by order of Colonel Grierson, sent two companies of the seventh Illinois, under command of Captain Trafton, back to the Tallahatchie, who drove a force of the enemy out of New Albany and rejoined the command at ten o’clock the same morning. Two companies of the same command being sent to the right to look after Captain Wetherall’s (Confederate) company, which was camped in that vicinity, they had taken the hint and retired during the night. They however captured from Major Chalmers’ command four prisoners, and destroyed some camp and garrison equipage. Two companies were also sent to the left to find some horses, said to be bid in the woods. They returned to the column in a few hours, having had very poor success. The command left camp at ten o’clock in the morning. The road being slippery and muddy somewhat retarded our progress and damped our feelings. At a late dinner hour we stopped to feed, and while so doing some of the fortune-seeking ones were searching a house close by, in which they found concealed one keg of powder, several revolvers, and a few old United States muskets, which unfortunately resulted in the burning of the house and most of its contents. The officers made every effort to find the guilty party, but it occurred mysteriously, no one knew anything about it.

The sixth Illinois, occupying the advance, entered Pontotac, county-seat of Pontotac County, at four o’clock, killing a rebel who persistently fired on the advance; (his name was Beers.) A small party of rebels were in town, when hearing of our advance skedaddled, leaving a wagon-load of ammunition and camp equipage which we destroyed. Captain Graham, of the seventh Illinois, with three companies, found and destroyed between four and five hundred bushels of salt, (government property.) Pontotac is, or rather was before the war, a brisk business place, boasting a population of about three thousand inhabitants, a fine brick court-house, and beautiful residences, denoting wealth. After remaining about an hour we proceeded eight miles south, and encamped on the plantation of Mr. Wetherall, (brother of Captain Wetherall) and Mr. Daggett. The whole command camped in sight of each other, having marched in the last two days sixty 7 miles.

FOURTH DAY.

Next morning, the twentieth, at three o’clock, hoots and saddles was sounded. Lieutenant Wilt and sixty men with a number of lead horses belonging to the seventh Illinois, together with about the same number of the sixth Illinois and second Iowa, and one piece of artillery, all under the command of Major Love of the latter regiment, were sent back to Le Grange; the rest of the command, with the second Iowa in advance, continued south passing through a good section of country somewhat rolling. The day being cloudy and damp, there was little interest displayed in viewing the country, and it was not until I had discovered that we had left the main road, and was making a new one through a wheat field of some extent; it was about six inches in height and of a beautiful green, which was a change from the mud; the question arose, what does this mean, and various were the conjectures.

The prevailing opinion was, that the enemy was near at hand, and we were on a flanking expedition, however, our fears were soon dispelled, the column had been conducted through the fields in order to avoid passing through the town of Houstan, leaving it on our right; a very 7 pretty little place in Chickasaw County. Either the citizens had held out some inducements, or our commanders through a pure motive avoided marching the troops through, that pillaging might be avoided; there may have been some other motive, that of disguising our forces as much as possible— however, Houstan this time was favored by a side view of our column, while house tops and church steeples presented a picturesque appearance to us, we proceeded on to Clear Springs and camped for the night, having marched forty 7 miles.

FIFTH DAY.

Left camp on the morning of the twenty-first at daylight, the seventh Illinois in advance; Colonel Hatch with the second Iowa and one piece of artillery turned eastward from Clear Springs with orders to proceed toward Columbus, Mississippi, and destroy as much as possible of the Mobile and Ohio railroad, and make his way to Le Grange again. Some fears were felt for his success, as forces were concentrating in our rear, expecting to intercept us on our return, it was of the utmost importance that a feint should he made in the direction of Columbus in order to draw the enemies’ forces that way and conceal the real movement which was then making all speed south. Colonel Hatch was just the officer to he entrusted with this perilous task, he accomplished the object but had some hard fighting, reaching our lines in safety. The sixth and seventh were now alone and various were the opinions expressed by the men as to our destination. The proceedings of the past few days showed that something was to he done; they felt equal to any task and, notwithstanding the heavy rain that was falling, they were cheerful and enlivened the march with songs and jokes.

The citizens were somewhat surprised to see so many “Yanks” so far down in “Dixie,” and many were the questions asked,

“Where are you’ens all going to?”

Rebel courriers were ahead, and for several days our arrival was expected by them; they having had warning had concealed all of their valuable horses, mules, and negroes. Now the question will arise, how did we manage to subsist? Why, we just helped ourselves, or rather, when we stopped at a plantation to feed, a detail of men for guards was immediately made and stationed at the smoke-house, kitchen and dwelling house, with instructions not to allow anything to pass without permission of a commissioned officer, also a suitable person was appointed to issue out to the different companies a proper quantity of hams, shoulders, meal, and so forth, for one or two meals as the case required; this duty devolved upon William Pollard, commissary sargent of the sixth Illinois, he being the only representative of that department along, and fully competent to the task. Respecting the horses, it was seldom that there was any scarcity' of corn and fodder, if there was not enough at one plantation, for the command, part went to the next, always keeping within supporting distance of each other.

Belonging to the non-commissioned staff I was a priveleged character, and undoubtedly took many liberties not allowed me, consequently I had a good opportunity of observing many things, and learning some of the designs of our commanders. Possessed of a venturesome disposition I naturally wanted to he in the front, and it occurred to me I could do so; I immediately suggested my ideas to Lieut. Col. Blackburn (formerly my captain) that of having some scouts in the advance dressed in citizens clothes, they could by proper management gain much valuable information, although not without running some danger. Colonel Blackburn immediately had an interview with Colonel Grierson stating the object of the organization; Colonel Grierson approved the plan provided the right men could he found, Colonel Blackburn said he knew just the men, and without further consideration, he had full permission to organize and control the scouts; it was not long before I was ordered to report to him, and was somewhat surprised when he requested me to act as scout, and take command of a squad of men. This suited me, and without any hesitation I accepted the position with thanks, fully resolved not to abuse the confidence reposed in me. I received orders to take six or eight men, proceed at once on the advance and procure citizens dress, saddles, shot guns, and everything necessary for our disguise. It did not take long to do this, and by noon reported myself and men ready for duty; we excited some little curiosity' and sold the sixth Illinois boys completely, they thought we were prisoners and bored us with a thousand questions; after this we went by the name of “The Butternut Guerillas;” our old uniforms and carbines were placed in the hands of friends.

My instructions from Colonel Blackburn were to keep in the advance, from a quarter of a mile to two as the case required, to obtain all information respecting different roads, their destination, distance, and condition, also that of the streams, bridges, and the whereabouts of the enemy, their force, and was to exercise my own judgment in all cases where it required immediate action, to report to him or Colonel Prince from time to time. Another advantage was, that we would more easily find forage, and save trouble and delay by sending out squads for that purpose.

The advance guard each day being advised and cautioned about us, did not find or take us prisoners, and our signs were soon understood by both parties. We passed through Starkville, Ochtibleher County, and camped eight miles south of that place. Between Starkville and camp the scouts captured a Lieutenant belonging to Vicksburg, who was seated in a fine buggy with a beautiful span of iron gray horses attached; the horses Colonel Grierson assigned to the battery. Also a mounted rebel was secured and taken along.

SIXTH DAY.

Morning of the twenty-second left camp at an early hour— weather favorable. Before leaving camp Captain Graham of the seventh, commanding a battalion, was sent to burn a Confederate shoe and saddle manufactory near Starkville; he succeeded in destroying several thousand pairs of boots and shoes besides a large quantity of leather and hats, capturing a quarter-master from Port Hudson, who was getting supplies for his regiment (the twelfth Tennessee) previous to leaving camp, the field-officers had a consultation and were convinced that it was of the utmost importance to intercept and destroy the railroad and telegraph between Okalona and Macon, as near Macon as possible. This work Colonel Prince offered Captain Forbes, Company B, seventh Illinois, whose company numbered thirty-five men and officers; Captain Forbes accepted at once, though he knew he would be obliged to repulse all attacks and travel at least fifty miles more than the command, would run great risk in being captured, as it was not known what force was at Macon, nor what force was following us; he was instructed, that it a force should, he at Macon, to endeavor to cross the Ranox Bar and move toward Decatur, in Newton County, hy the shortest route.

The Captain proceeded on his perilous journey, and many feared that they would never see him again. The country through which we were passing was not of a prepossessing appearance— it was low and swampy. The scouts were quite successful during the day in finding several droves of horses and mules, with negroes concealed in the woods, to avoid being captured by our forces. The manner in which we obtained our information was quite easy in our assumed characters, when conversing with the hunters we passed ourselves off as confederates, belonging to commands in Tennessee; that we were ordered to keep in advance of the Yankies, watch their movements and when opportunity presented, to report to the nearest post; this story invariably was credited among them, and in a little while by ingratiating ourselves into their favor, we obtained their confidence, and was told where they had concealed their fine animals; I would then leave a man to inform the Colonel when the column came up, and a squad of men would often bring in twenty-five horses and mules, with as many negroes, who would of their own accord accompany us.

I was very much amused one day; had taken three of my men with me and proceeded two miles from the main road expecting to find a Confederate captain at home, hut he had left quite suddenly; found some good mules, upon which I mounted some negroes who were standing round with mouths wide open showing teeth like circular saws, at the sight of a Yankee, having never seen one before. On my return I passed a very fine residence— my attention was suddenly attracted by a motion made at one of the windows, I gave the order to halt; no sooner done than the front door Hew open and three lovely looking females dressed in white appeared at the opening, their faces beaming with smiles, and in a voice soft and sweet invited us to dismount and come in. It was raining, we were all wet to the skin, and spattered with mud, contrasting strongly with the elegant appearance of everything around; I therefore begged to be excused as my time was limited, and we were watching the advanced movements of the Yankies; no sooner said than out they bounded, regardless of the rain, and coming to the gate were joined by an elderly lady who they addressed as mother, insisted upon our remaining over night. Various were the questions asked about the “Yanks” all of which we could answer satisfactorily; they informed us their father and brothers were in the Confederate Army.

One of the boys complained of being hungry; no sooner said than one of the ladies ran into the house, and soon returned with two black servants following, loaded down with eatables; we had to accept half a ham, that would make a hungry man laugh; biscuits, sweet cakes, fried sausage, and peach pie, all in abundance were pressed upon us, while one of the young ladies plucked some roses and presenting one to each bade us adieu, with many blessings and much success in our “holy cause;” on my way back I met a company of the sixth Illinois, and cautioned them to still deceive the “ladies,” and I presume it was some time ere they learned how bad they had been sold.

Another instance occurred where I visited a plantation, accompanied by two of my scouts. We found two young men at home, both belonging to the Confederate army. They were somewhat surprised to hear the Yankees were coming that way; all was excitement, the negroes were called up, and received orders to get all the horses and mules, and saddle two of them. We were invited into the house. Having told them that we would accompany them some distance, the demijohn was brought out, glasses placed upon the table, and a cordial invitation given to help ourselves to some “old rye,” which invitation a soldier never refuses. The blacks soon announced all ready, and we started out, the young men armed with shotguns, eight negroes following with fourteen mules and six fine horses. It was about one and a hall miles to the road, upon which the column was advancing, and in the direction that we were going; when about half way I had a curiosity to examine their guns, which they seemed proud to exhibit; making a motion to one of my men he followed suit, thus we had them disarmed, and in a good humored way informed them they were our prisoners; they laughed, thinking it a good joke, saying they were old soldiers, and not easily scared. We soon came in sight of the column, when our Confederate friends “smelt a rat,” and with downcast countenances became uncommunicative. Shortly after this we passed through Whitefield, a small place ol little importance.

After leaving this place the country began to look decidedly swampy, we were crossing the Big Black or Okaxuler River, which was much swollen by the recent rains. In many places we had to swim our horses and mules. Many troopers lost their animals and equipments, barely escaping with their lives. It was a tedious task piloting our way through this bottom, which extended in breadth nearly six miles, and was covered with water to the depth of three feet. You will ask how did we get our artillery over; this was accomplished by taking the ammunition out of the caissons, and packing it over our own horses, thereby keeping it dry. Unfortunately one of the gun carriages broke down, causing some delay, but through the ingenuity of Capt. Smith, commanding the guns, it was mounted next day on buggy wheels.

The sixth Illinois cavalry succeeded in crossing and reached camp about two o’clock; the seventh did not arrive until three the next morning. After leaving this dismal swamp, the country became more rolling, the roads were in better condition, vegetation more forward, and the citizens were impressed with the idea that we belonged to the rebel General Van Dorn’s command, and complimented us on our fine appearance, and said we were right good looking men. No couriers had preceded us on this road, and we enjoyed ourselves very much at die expense of the deluded citizens.

While passing a schoolhouse the teacher gave her pupils recess; the way they Hocked to the roadside was not slow, hurrahing for Beauregard, Van Dorn, and the Southern Confederacy. One little urchin imagined she recognized in one of the men an old acquaintance, and very impatiently inquired how John was, and il her uncle was along.

Before reaching Louisville the scouts captured a mailcoach containing the Port Hudson mail, together with some Confederate money, which was handed to Colonel Grierson. The letters were mostly in French, which was translated into English by Sergeant-Major Le Sure of the seventh; they contained some valuable information. Louisville is a neat little town of pretty' location, in Winston County. After leaving it ten miles in our rear, we camped for the night, having traveled this day fifty miles. On this evening Captain Lynch of Company E, of the sixth Illinois, and one of his men, Corporal W. H. H. Bullard, disguised themselves in citizens’ dress, and started on a reconnoitering expedition towards Macon, with what success will appear hereafter.

SEVENTH DAY.

We left camp at an early hour and were now drawing near Pearl River Valley. A glance at the map will show the importance of this river on the Talla Hoga, and knowing it to be quite high from recent rains, and a possibility of news of our approach reaching them from other routes, it became necessary to secure the bridge. I was instructed to proceed rapidly and cautiously forward, and if possible, to secure it with my squad. When within two miles of the bridge, I met an old citizen mounted upon a mule. We passed the time of day and entered into conversation; he informed me that a picket was stationed at the bridge, composed of citizens, numbering five in all, his son being one of the party; all were armed with shot-guns. They had torn up several planks from the centre of the bridge, and had placed combustibles on it ready to ignite on our approach.

I then wrote down the old man’s name, and the whereabouts of his residence, which was on the opposite side of the river. He began to mistrust that all was not right, and says, “gentlemen you are not what you seem to he, you certainly are Yankees, for we got news in Philadelphia last night that ‘vou’ens’ all were coming this way.” I had now fully resolved upon scaring the old man into an unconditional surrender of the bridge. So, looking him in the face, I told him it now lay in his power to save his buildings from the torch, his own life, and probably that of his son, by saving the bridge. We started, and when within one half mile of our object we descended into a low bottom land, considerably flooded with water, making progress slowly. Unless the enemy had a picket, or videt, thrown out we could approach to within three hundred yards without being discovered. I now told the old man, who was trembling with fear, that he was to visit his friends, and tell them, that if they would surrender, they should not be harmed, but would be paroled as soon as we reached town, but if they did any damage to the bridge, his property would suffer for it.

The old man said he was confident of saving the bridge, but would not promise the surrender of his friends; that we cared nothing about— the bridge was the important point. I impatiently followed the figure of the old man with my eye; when within a dozen yards of the bridge, he halted, and commenced telling his errand; but ere he had [gotten] hardly half through, I could perceive some signs of uneasiness on the side of his listeners, they all at once jumped upon their horses and away they went. We then advanced to the bridge, replaced the planks, found two shot guns, that they had left in their flight, and leaving one man to wait for the column and turn the old man over to the Colonel, I proceeded with the rest to Philadelphia.