Southern Storm (105 page)
Authors: Noah Andre Trudeau
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*
Davis much preferred West Point graduates for high-level military appointments.
Davis much preferred West Point graduates for high-level military appointments.
*
Davis later agreed to promote the officer one step in rank, but before the order could be implemented the officer in question died of yellow fever.
Davis later agreed to promote the officer one step in rank, but before the order could be implemented the officer in question died of yellow fever.
*
Howell Cobb had to have the last word, telling the crowd that if all eligible men rallied now to the colors they would “very speedily send the Yankees back to stink and rot and go to——!”
Howell Cobb had to have the last word, telling the crowd that if all eligible men rallied now to the colors they would “very speedily send the Yankees back to stink and rot and go to——!”
*
Brown’s resolution never had a chance. Backed by a scornful rejection from Richmond, the governor’s foes had little trouble killing the measure.
Brown’s resolution never had a chance. Backed by a scornful rejection from Richmond, the governor’s foes had little trouble killing the measure.
*
So called after a manufacturing process, these were soldiers whose “new” allegiance thinly coated over their original loyalties.
So called after a manufacturing process, these were soldiers whose “new” allegiance thinly coated over their original loyalties.
*
Ironically, this encouraged some to believe that Savannah had been made more secure, since the Yankees would no longer consider it a priority target.
Ironically, this encouraged some to believe that Savannah had been made more secure, since the Yankees would no longer consider it a priority target.
*
Sherman is referring to civilian organizations devoted to soldier welfare, such as the U.S. Sanitary Commission.
Sherman is referring to civilian organizations devoted to soldier welfare, such as the U.S. Sanitary Commission.
*
The Right Wing was also referred to as the Army of the Tennessee (after the river), while the Left Wing was sometimes called the Army of Georgia.
The Right Wing was also referred to as the Army of the Tennessee (after the river), while the Left Wing was sometimes called the Army of Georgia.
†
Howard had just turned thirty-four; Slocum was thirty-seven.
Howard had just turned thirty-four; Slocum was thirty-seven.
*
Since Wheeler’s effort had been focused east and south of the city, his scouts missed spotting the Fourteenth Corps, which was marching in from the northwest.
Since Wheeler’s effort had been focused east and south of the city, his scouts missed spotting the Fourteenth Corps, which was marching in from the northwest.
*
No one contemplated a serious defense of Georgia’s capital, Milledgeville; nevertheless, Governor Brown and the state assembly expected to be kept informed.
No one contemplated a serious defense of Georgia’s capital, Milledgeville; nevertheless, Governor Brown and the state assembly expected to be kept informed.
*
Referred to in contemporary accounts as “Judge Lyon’s house” after its occupant at the time.
Referred to in contemporary accounts as “Judge Lyon’s house” after its occupant at the time.
†
The corps had been commanded during the Atlanta Campaign by Major General John A. Logan, who was on leave, politicking in Illinois, when the army departed the Gate City.
The corps had been commanded during the Atlanta Campaign by Major General John A. Logan, who was on leave, politicking in Illinois, when the army departed the Gate City.
*
The corps marched today without its late-arriving Fourth Division, which would spend the next twenty-four hours resting and resupplying in Atlanta.
The corps marched today without its late-arriving Fourth Division, which would spend the next twenty-four hours resting and resupplying in Atlanta.
†
The Seventeenth Corps consisted of three divisions for this campaign, its Second Division having been assigned to Major General Thomas in Nashville.
The Seventeenth Corps consisted of three divisions for this campaign, its Second Division having been assigned to Major General Thomas in Nashville.
*
Martin would make the entire journey as an invalid. A mention of him dated December 15 describes his condition as “very low.”
Martin would make the entire journey as an invalid. A mention of him dated December 15 describes his condition as “very low.”
*
The village had been the site of a major Union headquarters during summer operations around Atlanta.
The village had been the site of a major Union headquarters during summer operations around Atlanta.
†
Actually, about 750 feet.
Actually, about 750 feet.
*
Wheeler’s strength during the opening phase of the campaign was approximately 2,500 men.
Wheeler’s strength during the opening phase of the campaign was approximately 2,500 men.
*
In order to reduce the ordnance train size, all army batteries—which normally consisted of six guns during the Atlanta Campaign—were reduced to carrying just four.
In order to reduce the ordnance train size, all army batteries—which normally consisted of six guns during the Atlanta Campaign—were reduced to carrying just four.
*
Modern Hampton.
Modern Hampton.
*
Also known as Planter’s Mill, Ocmulgee Mill, Nutling’s Mill, Hunter’s Mill, and Button’s Factory.
Also known as Planter’s Mill, Ocmulgee Mill, Nutling’s Mill, Hunter’s Mill, and Button’s Factory.
*
His fate is not recorded.
His fate is not recorded.
*
Hardee’s reinforcements consisted of 200 men; Taylor was bringing only himself.
Hardee’s reinforcements consisted of 200 men; Taylor was bringing only himself.
*
Needing the laborers, Brown had offered amnesty to any prisoner willing to serve in the present emergency.
Needing the laborers, Brown had offered amnesty to any prisoner willing to serve in the present emergency.
*
One postwar story records her hiding in a neighbor’s upstairs room, whose door was concealed by a large piece of furniture. Other accounts have her out of town at the time of Sherman’s visit.
One postwar story records her hiding in a neighbor’s upstairs room, whose door was concealed by a large piece of furniture. Other accounts have her out of town at the time of Sherman’s visit.
*
The delay would prove fatal. Mackey escaped and directly joined the regiment, while Barber and his friend were held up in the exchange process. Mackey was later captured and killed by guerrillas in North Carolina, before Barber or Mallory returned to the unit.
The delay would prove fatal. Mackey escaped and directly joined the regiment, while Barber and his friend were held up in the exchange process. Mackey was later captured and killed by guerrillas in North Carolina, before Barber or Mallory returned to the unit.
*
A nearby bridge across the Little River was torched by retreating Confederates but saved by an alert Federal lieutenant, who rounded up some foragers to secure the span. However, the bridge was not part of Sherman’s plan, so the Federals would wreck it themselves.
A nearby bridge across the Little River was torched by retreating Confederates but saved by an alert Federal lieutenant, who rounded up some foragers to secure the span. However, the bridge was not part of Sherman’s plan, so the Federals would wreck it themselves.
*
Only the 100-foot-tall brick chimney survived the factory blaze. This striking symbol of Sherman’s wrath stood for more than a century afterward.
Only the 100-foot-tall brick chimney survived the factory blaze. This striking symbol of Sherman’s wrath stood for more than a century afterward.
*
This refers to a very early type of rail which consisted of a thin iron strap laid along the upper surface of a wood “stringer.”
This refers to a very early type of rail which consisted of a thin iron strap laid along the upper surface of a wood “stringer.”
†
Local lore says that the oversize flag usually displayed was safely hidden in a hollow tree.
Local lore says that the oversize flag usually displayed was safely hidden in a hollow tree.
*
Although Major Hitchcock thought the two would meet either at the factory or in Eatonton, there is no evidence that such a meeting took place.
Although Major Hitchcock thought the two would meet either at the factory or in Eatonton, there is no evidence that such a meeting took place.
*
A later historian of the region, and even Major Hitchcock in one place, refer to this individual as Mr. Vaughn, while Sherman, in his memoirs, notes him as Mr. Vann.
A later historian of the region, and even Major Hitchcock in one place, refer to this individual as Mr. Vaughn, while Sherman, in his memoirs, notes him as Mr. Vann.
*
Ironically, even as Hardee was reaching this conclusion, Major General Henry C. Wayne, commanding the patchwork garrison at Gordon, was pulling out the last of his force and heading east to take position behind the Oconee River bridge.
Ironically, even as Hardee was reaching this conclusion, Major General Henry C. Wayne, commanding the patchwork garrison at Gordon, was pulling out the last of his force and heading east to take position behind the Oconee River bridge.
*
In addition to the primary supply train, which traveled in the rear of the Right Wing, each division maintained its own train, carrying ammunition and other supplies required for immediate needs.
In addition to the primary supply train, which traveled in the rear of the Right Wing, each division maintained its own train, carrying ammunition and other supplies required for immediate needs.
*
The unyielding Kelly fought a short engagement with the Yankee advance. He was knocked from his horse, captured, eventually escaped his captivity, and slipped back into Gordon’s civilian population. Interviewed thirty years later by one of General Wayne’s aides, the doughty Rebel regretted nothing of what he had said that day. Declared Kelly: “I thought so then and I think so yet!”
The unyielding Kelly fought a short engagement with the Yankee advance. He was knocked from his horse, captured, eventually escaped his captivity, and slipped back into Gordon’s civilian population. Interviewed thirty years later by one of General Wayne’s aides, the doughty Rebel regretted nothing of what he had said that day. Declared Kelly: “I thought so then and I think so yet!”
*
Even with every available person in place, the Macon garrison likely never exceeded 7,000 men. Of the Rebel leaders cited by Howard, General Beauregard was still in transit, General Hardee on his way out the door, and General Johnston relocated to South Carolina.
Even with every available person in place, the Macon garrison likely never exceeded 7,000 men. Of the Rebel leaders cited by Howard, General Beauregard was still in transit, General Hardee on his way out the door, and General Johnston relocated to South Carolina.
*
This was just the second appearance in Sherman’s
Memoirs,
and the first in a conversational context, of the word that would become synonymous with freewheeling foragers.
This was just the second appearance in Sherman’s
Memoirs,
and the first in a conversational context, of the word that would become synonymous with freewheeling foragers.
†
Not long after sending this note off, a courier arrived from Kilpatrick with a report on his actions through November 21. The dispatch, which emphasized the positive, brought relief and cheer to Sherman’s headquarters.
Not long after sending this note off, a courier arrived from Kilpatrick with a report on his actions through November 21. The dispatch, which emphasized the positive, brought relief and cheer to Sherman’s headquarters.
*
Soldier slang for a supply line.
Soldier slang for a supply line.
*
In the process, the small rural chapel was completely dismantled.
In the process, the small rural chapel was completely dismantled.
*
Though Philips’s name is often spelled with two
l
’s historian William Harris Bragg pointed out to me that this officer’s gravestone, many of his signatures, and a special presentation sword all have only one.
Though Philips’s name is often spelled with two
l
’s historian William Harris Bragg pointed out to me that this officer’s gravestone, many of his signatures, and a special presentation sword all have only one.
*
“Lieutenant Generals Hardee and Richard Taylor, and other officers of prominence, reached Macon,” Smith wrote with some asperity, “but they brought no troops with them.”
“Lieutenant Generals Hardee and Richard Taylor, and other officers of prominence, reached Macon,” Smith wrote with some asperity, “but they brought no troops with them.”
*
On average. There were younger and older volunteers in the ranks.
On average. There were younger and older volunteers in the ranks.
*
A seventh regiment, the 26th Illinois, was detached on train guard duty.
A seventh regiment, the 26th Illinois, was detached on train guard duty.
*
Afterward given the name Battle Line Creek.
Afterward given the name Battle Line Creek.
*
The size of this force was estimated by Wayne at two hundred, by Hartridge at four to five hundred, and reported to be at battalion strength by Major General Frank Blair, commanding the Seventeenth Corps.
The size of this force was estimated by Wayne at two hundred, by Hartridge at four to five hundred, and reported to be at battalion strength by Major General Frank Blair, commanding the Seventeenth Corps.
*
There is no report of any Federal casualties for the day’s engagement at the bridge, while there is an estimate of “10 or 12 killed and wounded” at the ferry crossing.
There is no report of any Federal casualties for the day’s engagement at the bridge, while there is an estimate of “10 or 12 killed and wounded” at the ferry crossing.
*
Most contemporary accounts spell it “Gum.”
Most contemporary accounts spell it “Gum.”
*
Other sources identify the victim as Mrs. Kate Nichols, said to have been raped by two Federal soldiers. One or two other such accusations are so vague as to be unverifiable.
Other sources identify the victim as Mrs. Kate Nichols, said to have been raped by two Federal soldiers. One or two other such accusations are so vague as to be unverifiable.
*
Brevet Major General Davis had a bad habit of staging his pontoon trains well back in his columns. While this enabled his forward elements to make good time, it also took longer to bring the pontoons forward when needed.
Brevet Major General Davis had a bad habit of staging his pontoon trains well back in his columns. While this enabled his forward elements to make good time, it also took longer to bring the pontoons forward when needed.
*
Howard did make one defensive move in response to unconfirmed reports of Rebel cavalry south of him. He had a detachment sent off to burn a key bridge over Big Sandy Creek to forestall any surprises from that direction.
Howard did make one defensive move in response to unconfirmed reports of Rebel cavalry south of him. He had a detachment sent off to burn a key bridge over Big Sandy Creek to forestall any surprises from that direction.
*
Casualties for this action were not comprehensively reported. Federal losses can be pegged at two killed and a half dozen wounded, while Wheeler’s Confederates suffered at least three dead and an unknown number injured.
Casualties for this action were not comprehensively reported. Federal losses can be pegged at two killed and a half dozen wounded, while Wheeler’s Confederates suffered at least three dead and an unknown number injured.
*
Actually, it was Sherman’s wife, Ellen, who was a Catholic. The General himself, raised an Episcopalian, lived by a personal code that was secular and deist.
Actually, it was Sherman’s wife, Ellen, who was a Catholic. The General himself, raised an Episcopalian, lived by a personal code that was secular and deist.
*
Misspelling of Waynesboro in original.
Misspelling of Waynesboro in original.
*
Cavalrymen were notoriously poor railroad wreckers. The telegraphic communication between Waynesboro and Augusta was restored in less than twenty-four hours, and a traveler passing between the two towns on November 29 reported the railroad operational.
Cavalrymen were notoriously poor railroad wreckers. The telegraphic communication between Waynesboro and Augusta was restored in less than twenty-four hours, and a traveler passing between the two towns on November 29 reported the railroad operational.
*
Also, animals deemed too broken down to continue were killed. One soldier estimated that 400 were destroyed at this place.
Also, animals deemed too broken down to continue were killed. One soldier estimated that 400 were destroyed at this place.
*
This officer estimated the number of animals put down at 200–300, though some sources suggest a total as high as 500.
This officer estimated the number of animals put down at 200–300, though some sources suggest a total as high as 500.
*
Fifty-five years after the war, Mrs. “L.F.J.” used the columns of the
National Tribune
(a newspaper for veterans) to locate her benefactor. She had by then remarried and was living in nearby Madison as Mrs. L. F. Harris. Her appeal resulted in what the paper’s editors termed “many letters from different men…and every day or so more…are coming in.” Based on details known only to the participants, Mrs. Harris identified her compassionate sentry, but the newspaper account garbled the name as M. C. Canney. Given the facts as known, Private Michael Carney of the 61st Ohio seems the likely angel.
Fifty-five years after the war, Mrs. “L.F.J.” used the columns of the
National Tribune
(a newspaper for veterans) to locate her benefactor. She had by then remarried and was living in nearby Madison as Mrs. L. F. Harris. Her appeal resulted in what the paper’s editors termed “many letters from different men…and every day or so more…are coming in.” Based on details known only to the participants, Mrs. Harris identified her compassionate sentry, but the newspaper account garbled the name as M. C. Canney. Given the facts as known, Private Michael Carney of the 61st Ohio seems the likely angel.
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