THE MAP ROOM (Corinth 10/03/62)
THE MAP ROOM (Corinth 10/04/62)

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Oct 05 1862 (Sunday)

Stephen Hurlbut has led the Fourth Division of the Army of Tennessee on a grueling twenty-three mile march and is now in position to capture the Davis Bridge over the Hatchie River. This bridge is one of only two bridges, within a day's march, that Earl Van Dorn's army can use to cross the unfordable river.

HOSPITAL NEAR DAVIS' BRIDGE, ON THE HATCHIE RIVER, October 5, 1862. - Major-General GRANT. - GENERAL: We are in severe engagement across the Hatchie at Davis' Bridge. We drove the enemy for about a mile to that point, taking at least 200 prisoners and two batteries. The enemy has four batteries playing upon us and a large body of infantry, and General Ord is apprehensive we will have to fall back unless we are speedily re-enforced....General Ord was severely wounded just as he was directing to send this dispatch to you. A. B. SHARPE, Captain and Aide-de. Camp.

Earl Van Dorn, desperate to save his army, turns his attention to the "small and rickety" Crum's Bridge six-miles away. Brigadier-General Frank Anderson, who is in the process of burning the bridge is given new orders to "have the bridge repaired" by the time the army is in a position to cross the river.

Report of Maj. Gen. Mansfield Lovell, C. S. Army, commanding First Division, District of the Mississippi. - HDQRS. FIRST DIV., ARMY OF THE DIST. OF MISS., Holly Springs, Miss. - Maj. M. H. KIMMEL, Assistant Adjutant-General. - MAJOR: Leaving Bowen's brigade as a rear guard on the Corinth road, Villepigue and Rust were pushed forward rapidly. The former arriving first was put in line of battle on the road to Hatchie Bridge to hold the enemy in check in that direction, while Rust was directed to proceed with General Price in advance to the crossing at Crum's Mill, where it was decided to pass the army over. Villepigue held the enemy back with skirmishers. Bowen, however, was attacked in force on the other road, but repelled the attack....They were driven clear from the field, when he crossed...and burned the bridge, all the wagons having been passed over in safety....Good order, discipline, and subordination suffered no relaxation under this severe and trying ordeal. Respectfully submitted. M. LOVELL, Major-General, Commanding.

William Rosecrans' pursuit is stymied by tired men, a lack of forage, and imprecise instructions. Attempting to untangle his snarled advance, "Old Rosy," issues "elaborate special orders" to his division commanders. Despite these orders, only two of his generals, John McArthur and James McPherson, are able to make good time until they are halted at Chewalla by a Confederate burial detail under a flag of truce.

HEADQUARTERS, Corinth, October 5, 1862. Major-General GRANT. - Dispatch from Hamilton 11 a.m. Flag of truce from Van Dorn requesting permission to bury the dead, dated Chewalla. Answered, "Ample provision has been made...." Now is his time to pitch in. If they stand this side of Chewalla we shall fight where there is no water. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.

The advance of General Sill's column forces the evacuation of Frankfort, Kentucky but is delayed when the railroad and turnpike bridges are burned and "almost rendered useless." Evacuation orders are also issued a thousand miles away at the port city of Galveston, Texas.

VIRGINIA POINT, October 5, 1862. - Maj. T. S. MOISE. - Just arrived here. Galveston cannot be defended, and a fight in the city would be a useless braggadocio against forty guns....The place shall not be surrendered, but slowly evacuated by Colonel Cook....I shall by all means prevent a landing and protect the railroad....The four days allowed by the enemy for the citizens to move expires on Wednesday night, when I expect an attack here....X. B. DEBRAY.

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Oct 06 1862 (Monday)

Benjamin Butler, tarnished by allegations that he has illegally confiscated $800,000 from the Dutch consul and the financial dealings of his brother "Colonel" Arthur Butler, has had better success in keeping the city of New Orleans clean and free from crime. Gone are the street gangs, "the most godless, brutal, ignorant, and ruthless ruffianism the world has ever known of, " and even the local papers admit that the city has never been "so free from burglars and cut throats." His "rigid and judicious quarantine regulations" has also produced a city "that never was as healthy during the sickly season, nor as clean...as it has been under Major-General Butler's administration."

OCTOBER 6, 1862. - Upon consulting the records of the Charity Hospital for the last forty-five years, I find that yellow fever has commenced in this city as late as the 25th day of September, and this was in the year 1859. It is now, therefore, nearly two weeks later than, during nearly the past half century, it has ever commenced, and we consequently have reasonable hope that this year we may escape, seeing that during this long period it has not once commenced in October. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES McCORMICK, Medical Director Department of the Gulf.

Leaving General McClellan after his brief visit, President Lincoln believes that "Little Mac" understands that now is the time for action. To emphasize the point, Lincoln issues peremptory orders instructing McClellan to advance.

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 6, 1862. - Major-General McCLELLAN: The President directs that you cross the Potomac and give battle to the enemy or drive him south. Your army must move now while the roads are good. If you cross the river between the enemy and Washington...you can be re-enforced with 30,000 men. If you move up the Valley of the Shenandoah, not more than 12,000 or 15,000 can be sent to you. The President, advises the interior line...but does not order it. He is very desirous that your army move as soon as possible. You will immediately report what line you adopt and when you intend to cross the river; also to what point the re-enforcements are to be sent....I am directed to add that the Secretary of War and the General-Chief fully concur with the President in these instructions. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.

"Old Rosy's" pursuit of Van Dorn is progressing far smoother than it had yesterday. "The enemy are totally routed, throwing everything away. We are following sharply." However, Stephen Hurlbut's division, upon which Rosecrans is depending, is rendered immobile by the drunken state of its commander. Hurlbut gives many reasons for his immobility, "but the real reason Hurlbut stopped was personal; he was too drunk to do otherwise."

HATCHIE, October 6, 1862. - Major-General GRANT, Jackson: I am compelled to send back for transportation for my wounded. I am out of rations. The enemy have twenty-four hours' start and are flying light and cannot be overhauled by my command. Rosecrans is in pursuit, as I am told, but my command is too much crippled in wounded men and dead artillery horses to follow. S. A. HURLBUT, Major-General.

As the Federal and Confederate armies of Don Carlos Buell and Braxton Bragg struggle along the, "hot, dry roads of central Kentucky," the lack of adequate supplies of drinking water becomes a serious problem. "Every well and spring was drained," and the foot sore men resort to "pushing, scrambling, often fighting for a few muddy drops." It is a search for potable water that brings both armies to Perryville where the Chaplin River, Doctor's Creek, Bull Run, and Wilson's Creek promise relief for the parched men.

OCTOBER 6, 1862---11.30 p.m. - General McCook: You will...march on Perryville....Captain Williams, the bearer, feels confident that he can conduct your column through by Willisburg or Mackville to within 5 miles of Perryville by to-morrow night. This would be very desirable, as it would put you in position to take part in anything which may result from the advance on Perryville to-morrow by the other corps....General Sill must make forced marches to join you, moving by Bloomfield, Glenville, and Springfield, and the direct road to Perryville....You must of course be prepared for action at any moment....Respectfully, JAMES B. FRY, Colonel and Chief of Staff. -

NOTE BY GENERAL BUELL.---The original dispatch should have added here: "Other information indicates that the enemy will concentrate at Perryville or Harrodsburg." D.C. BUELL, Major-General.

The organization of divisions into corps is approved by the Confederate Congress.

AN ACT to provide for the organization of army corps. - The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That the sixth section of an act to provide for the public defense, approved March sixth, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, be so amended as to authorize the President to organize divisions of the Provisional Army of the Confederate States into army corps, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint officers to the command thereof. Approved October 6, 1862.

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Oct 07 1862 (Tuesday)

General William Hardee's division, falling back from Bardstown, stops at Perryville to get water. Hardee is uncomfortable because of a "Federal force of unknown strength shadowing his left flank." Hardee's commander, Bishop Polk, does not share his concerns: "I cannot think it large." Braxton Bragg, acting on the Bishop's information, orders an attack on the nearby Union force.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 2, Harrodsburg, Ky., October 7, 1862--5.40 p.m. - General POLK: - GENERAL: You had better move with Cheatham's division to his support and give the enemy battle immediately; rout him, and then move to our support at Versailles....No time should be lost in these movements....Respectfully and truly, yours, BRAXTON BRAGG, General, Commanding.

Newly minted Brigadier-General Phil Sheridan's division leads the Union advance towards Perryville. After forcing the Confederate pickets from Peter's Hill, Sheridan gets his men into position to occupy the heights in front of Doctor's Creek "so as to secure that water " for the thirsty Union soldiers.

OCTOBER 7, 1862-7 p.m. - General THOMAS, Second in Command: From all the information received to-day it is thought the enemy will resist our advance into Perryville....We expect to attack and carry the place to-morrow. March at 3 o'clock precisely to-morrow morning without fail, and if possible get all the canteens filled and have the men cautioned to use water in the most sparing manner....There is no water near us, and we can expect but little, if any, until we get it at Perryville....Respectfully, &c., JAMES B. FRY, Colonel and Chief of Staff.

Earl Van Dorn reports on his defeat to Secretary of War George Randolph: "Got within the town. Enemy received...reinforcements and we could not complete the work; retired." Van Dorn marches his "fast shrinking army" through Ripley and heads towards Holly Springs, Mississippi. Once there he can regroup and resupply his army from the Mississippi Central Railroad. As Van Dorn works to extricate his army, Rosecrans' pursuit is halted when he asks General Grant for additional supplies. "If [Hurlbut's men] are out now they must have wasted them....We can do nothing with our weak forces but fall back to our old places. Order the pursuit to cease."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Jonesborough, October 7, 1862--midnight. - Major-General GRANT. - GENERAL: I most deeply dissent from your views as to the manner of pursuing. We have defeated, routed, and demoralized the army which holds the Lower Mississippi Valley....The effect of our return to old position will be to pen them up in the only corn country they have west of Alabama...and to permit them to recruit their forces, advance and occupy their old ground....All that is needful is to continue pursuing and whip them. We have whipped, and should now push to the wall and capture all the rolling stock of their railroads....If, after considering these matters, you still consider the order for my return to Corinth expedient I will obey it and abandon the chief fruits of a victory, but I beseech you bend everything to push them while they are broken and hungry, weary and ill-supplied....W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.

Henry Halleck, again urges the recalcitrant George McClellan to get his army moving.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, October 7, 1862. - Major-General MCCLELLAN, Commanding, &c.: - GENERAL: You cannot delay the operations of the army for...[the] drafts....The country is becoming very impatient at the want of activity of your army, and we must push it on....There is a decided want of legs in our troops. They have too much immobility, and we must try to remedy the defect. A reduction of baggage and baggage trains will effect something; but the real difficulty is, they are not sufficiently exercised in marching; they lie still in camp too long....If we compare the average distances marched per month by our troops for the last year with that of the rebels, or with European armies in the field, we will see why our troops march no better. They are not sufficiently exercised to make them good and efficient soldiers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief.

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Oct 08 1862 (Wednesday)

Ulysses Grant and William Rosecrans are at loggerheads over Grant's decision to halt the pursuit of Van Dorn. Grant submits "Old Rosy's" objections to Henry Halleck and is dismayed when the normally cautious "Old Brains" responds: "Why order a return of your troops? Why not reinforce Rosecrans and pursue the enemy into Mississippi...?"

JACKSON, TENN., October 8, 1862--7.30 p.m. - Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief. An army cannot subsist itself on the country except in forage. They did not start out to follow for more than a few days, and are much worn out....Although partial success might result from farther pursuit disaster would follow in the end. If you say so, however, it is not too late yet to go on, and I will join the moving column and go to the farthest extent possible. Rosecrans has been re-enforced with everything at hand, even at the risk of this road against raids. U.S. GRANT, Major-general.

While George McClellan reassures Henry Halleck, "I am pushing everything as rapidly as possible," Robert E. Lee prepares to launch Jeb Stuart's cavalry on another raid around the hapless "Little Mac."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, Camp near Winchester, Va., October 8, 1862. - Maj. Gen. J. E. B. STUART, Commanding Cavalry, &c.: GENERAL: An expedition into Maryland with a detachment of cavalry, if it can be successfully executed, is at this time desirable. You will, therefore, form a detachment of from 1,200 to 1,500 well-mounted men, suitable for such an expedition, and...you are desired to cross the Potomac above Williamsport, leave Hagerstown and Green-castle on your right, and proceed to the rear of Chambersburg and endeavor to destroy the railroad bridge over the branch of the Conococheague....You are desired to gain all information of the position, force, and probable intention of the enemy which you can....Having accomplished your errand, you will rejoin this army as soon as practicable. Reliance is placed upon your skill and judgment in the successful execution of this plan, and it is not intended or desired that you should jeopardize the safety of your command, or go farther than your good judgment and prudence may dictate....I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

Generals Bishop Polk, William Hardee, Simon Bolivar Buckner, and Benjamin Cheatham hold a council-of-war to discuss Braxton Bragg's attack order. Treating the order to "give the enemy battle immediately," as "simply suggestive and advisory," and believing that Bragg's order is misguided, the generals decide upon a cautious "defensive-offensive strategy."

Report of Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, commanding Army of the Mississippi. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Knoxville, Tenn. - Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General. - SIR: At a meeting of the general officers, held about daylight, it was resolved, in view of the great disparity of our forces, to adopt the defensive-offensive, to await the movements of the enemy, and to be guided by events as they were developed....Light skirmishing opened the operation of the morning, which grew heavier as the day advanced. About 10 o'clock...it became evident that the enemy was disposed to press upon our right. I directed General Buckner to retire...and...fall back upon our general line....Respectfully, your obedient servant, L. POLK, Major-General, Commanding.

Despite orders not to bring on a general engagement, Phil Sheridan, emboldened by his successful occupation of Peter's Hill, decides to continue the attack. His advance past Doctor's Creek carries "considerably beyond the main line of the corps" and Sheridan is ordered to withdraw back to his position on Peter's Hill.

HDQRS. ELEVENTH DIV., ARMY OF THE OHIO, CAMP ON THE ROLLING FORK, Six miles south of Lebanon, Ky. - Capt. J. EDWARD STACY, A. A. A. G., Third Corps. - CAPTAIN: I directed Col. Daniel McCook...to occupy the heights in front of Doctor's Creek....This was done very handsomely after a sharp skirmish at daylight in the morning, giving us full possession of the heights....The enemy then placed two batteries on my right flank and commenced massing troops behind them, with the apparent intention of making an attack on that point. I-then...reoccupied the crest of the hill....I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. SHERIDAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Braxton Bragg, still uncertain as to the exact position and strength of Don Carlos Buell's army, intends to join Kirby Smith near Frankfort where he believes the bulk of Buell's army is converging. However, disturbed by the unexpected activity near Perryville, he heads south to determine for himself the situation developing outside the little town.

Reports of General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding Department No. 2. - HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE. - SIR: From unofficial sources I was led to fear the existence of serious misapprehension in regard to the position and strength of the enemy's forces near Perryville....Having ordered the attack and that no time should be lost, I was concerned at not hearing the commencement of the engagement early in the morning, but was much relieved...by receiving from General Polk a note, dated Perryville, 6 a.m., October 8, informing me that the enemy's pickets commenced firing at daybreak and that he should bring on the engagement vigorously. To my surprise, however, no gun was heard, and on my arrival, about 10 a.m., I was informed that it was determined not to attack, but to assume the "defensive-offensive...." The general officers at the meeting about daylight who resolved on this delay must have acted without correct information and in ignorance that my orders were urgent and imperative for the attack. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BRAXTON BRAGG, General, Commanding.

Braxton Bragg is even more dismayed when, upon examining the army's position he discovers that "General Polk's line [is] weak, his right if outflanked...would cut us off from Harrodsburg and General [Kirby] Smith." To remedy the situation, "General Bragg at once...ordered Cheatham's division to be marched by the right flank as rapidly as possible." After covering two miles with "the hot sun beating," Bragg's plan is for Cheatham's division to attack "in echelon from the right," against the Union left flank. The twice delayed attack in now ready to begin.

Report of Maj. John Knight, Forty-first Georgia Infantry, Maney's Brigade, Cheatham's Division, Right Wing. - KNOXVILLE, TENN., October 1862. - Capt. THOMAS H. MALONE, Assistant Adjutant-General. - Sir: General Maney's brigade, was led into the battle by a flank movement across a creek in the direction of the battle guided by the sound, and brought into line of battle by filing to the right through a brush-wood under heavy cannonade...and moved forward. As it emerged from the woods it came in view of the enemy's battery, situated on an eminence in a cleared field....In an instant the brigade was ordered forward...and...as soon as it was in view the enemy opened upon them a most terrific and deadly fire....It was a fearful time. At this critical moment General Maney passed down our line, encouraging the men by his personal presence and urging them forward. Just at this place our regiment sustained one-half, if not two thirds, of their entire loss during the battle. Finally this suspense was relieved by the enemy's lines giving way, which was closely followed up by our troops, who seemed to vie with each other in seeing who could do the most to drive the enemy from the field. Never perhaps did troops fight more desperately than did these on this occasion....I am, sir, yours, truly, &c., JNO. KNIGHT, Major, Comdg. Forty-first Regiment Georgia Volunteers.

The Confederate attack, after initial success, is repulsed by Sheridan's "well organized position." When Colonel William Carlin's brigade is "ordered to counterattack," the Rebel forces are driven from the field.

Report of Maj. Gen. Charles C. Gilbert, U. S. Army, commanding Third Army Corps. - HDQRS. THIRD CORPS, ARMY OF THE OHIO, Near Crab Orchard. - Col. J. B. FRY, Chief of Staff. - SIR: The enemy's columns, as they followed up their success, came now to present their left flank to Sheridan's batteries, and he at once turned his guns upon them and disposed his infantry to demand their further attention if they should presume to continue their progress. This, with the movement of the brigade from Schoepf's division, brought to a stand the left of the enemy's attack. At the same time Mitchell threw forward his right upon the repulsed and broken lines which had attacked Sheridan and himself, and, with gallant Carlin in the lead, drove them beyond Perryville and occupied the town with his skirmishers. C. C. GILBERT, Major-General Volunteers, Commanding Third Corps.

When requests for reinforcements reach General Buell's headquarters, he is astonished. The roar of the battle, a mere two and one-half miles away, has not penetrated to the Dorsey House and Buell cannot believe that a full-scale battle has taken place in his absence. This phenomenon, called an acoustic shadow, is little understood and is caused by varying air densities which can prevent sound from carrying in one direction while the same sound can be heard miles away in another direction.

Reports of Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell, U.S. Army, commanding Army of the Ohio. - LOUISVILLE, KY. - General LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U.S. Army, Washington, D. C. - SIR: At 4 o'clock...Major-General McCook's aide-de-camp arrived and reported to me that the general was sustaining a severe attack, which he would not be able to withstand unless re-enforced....He added, to my astonishment, that the left corps had actually been engaged in a severe battle for several hours, perhaps since 12 o'clock. It was so difficult to credit the latter that I thought there must even be some misapprehension....I sent word to him that I should rely on his being able to hold his ground, though I should probably send him re-enforcements....Before the orders could be delivered and the right corps make the attack night came on and terminated the engagement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. C. BUELL, Major-General.

Casualties for the day: Union 4,211 Confederate 3,396.

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Oct 09 1862 (Thursday)

Jeb Stuart prepares his 1,800 man force for their second ride around McClellan. They cross the Potomac River near Black Creek and head towards Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

ORDERS No. 13. - HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION, October 9, 1862. During the expedition into the enemy's country...brigade commanders will make arrangements for seizing horses, the property of citizens of the United States, and all other property subject to legal capture....Individual plunder for private use is positively forbidden, and every instance must be punished in the severest manner....Brigade commanders will arrange to have one-third of their respective commands engaged in leading horses...each man...to lead three horses....No straggling from the route of march or bivouac for the purpose of obtaining provisions, &c., will be permitted in any case....The utmost activity is enjoined upon the detachments procuring horses, and unceasing vigilance upon the entire command....By command of Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart: R. CHANNING PRICE, First Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

In Minnesota, the defeated Dakota Indians begin arriving at Camp Release under a flag of truce. Once they arrive at Colonel Sibley's camp they are disarmed and "all but the very old men" are held as prisoners.

SAINT PAUL, MINN., October 9, 1862--10.45 p.m. - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: The Sioux war may be considered at an end. We have about 1,500 prisoners--men, women, and children--and many are coming every day to deliver themselves up. Many are being tried by military commission for being connected in the late horrible outrages, and will be executed. I have disarmed all, and will bring them down to Fort Snelling until the Government shall decide what to do with them....The Indians are greatly terrified. I have destroyed all the fields and property of the Sioux....JNO. POPE, Major-General.

Despite the protestations of William Rosecrans, Henry Halleck is unwilling to overrule the decision of General Grant to call a halt to the pursuit of Earl Van Dorn's defeated army.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Jacinto, October 9, 1862. - Major RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. - MAJOR: The dispatch of the major-general commanding...directing our return to Corinth, is just received. I shall take the most prompt and efficient measures to carry the orders into execution with as little prejudice as practicable to the interest of the service. W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General, Commanding.

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Oct 10 1862 (Friday)

The Harper's Ferry Commission, organized shortly after the Antietam campaign, is investigating the "circumstances attending the...evacuation of Maryland Heights...and the subsequent surrender of Harper's Ferry."

*Record of the Harper's Ferry Military Commission. - WASHINGTON, D.C., October 10, 1862. - Col. DANIEL CAMERON, called by the Government, and sworn and examined as follows: By the JUDGE-ADVOCATE: Question: Will you state to the commission what position you hold in the military service? Answer: I am colonel of the Sixty-fifth Illinois Regiment....Question: What is your judgment as to the necessity of surrendering Harper's Ferry at the time the surrender was made by Colonel Miles? Answer: When Colonel D'Utassy informed me that the place had been surrendered, I was somewhat excited, and expressed deep mortification at the announcement....I do not know as I was qualified from the position I held, to form a correct opinion as to the necessity that existed for the surrender. Question: Do you, or not, believe that Harper's Ferry might have been held by throwing the entire force upon Maryland Heights...? Answer: I have no doubt whatever that it might have been so held....Question: From all that you saw of his conduct and bearing, what judgment did you form as to [Colonel Miles'] capacity for such a command as he held there? Answer: It was my opinion that he was not qualified for the command. His intellect seemed to be dim. He was not excited, but he seemed to be stupid. His intellect was dull, all confusion. Question: You say he was not excited, but simply confused, insensible? Answer: Confused and stupid. It seemed as though everything was mixed up in his mind. Jeb Stuart's horsemen race northwards avoiding the heavily defended Hagerstown and occupying Mercersburg where they "cut the telegraph wires." General McClellan organizes a pursuit force and declares that "these rebels should not be allowed to bet back to Virginia." Late in the day, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton gets a somber message from Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin: "The people have surrendered Chambersburg."

Report of Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Division. - HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION. - Col. R. H. CHILTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army Northern Virginia. - COLONEL: We proceeded northward until we reached the turnpike leading from Hagerstown to Hancock. Here a signal station on the mountain and most of the party, with their flags and apparatus, were surprised and captured....Striking directly across the National road, I proceeded in the direction of Mercersburg, Pa., which point was reached about 12 m. I was extremely anxious to reach Hagerstown, where large supplies were stored, but was satisfied...that the notice the enemy had of my approach and the proximity of his forces would enable him to prevent my capturing it. I therefore turned toward Chambersburg. I did not reach this point until after dark, in a rain....I...sent in a flag of truce, and found no military or civil authority in the place, but some prominent citizens who met the officer were notified that the place would be occupied, and, if any resistance were made, the place would be shelled in three minutes. Brig. Gen. Wade Hampton's command...took possession of the place, and I appointed him military governor of the city. No incidents occurred during the night, during which it rained continuously....I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant. J. E. B. STUART, Major-General, Commanding Cavalry.

John McClernand receives authorization from President Lincoln to begin raising a force in the Northwest for a river expedition against Vicksburg, the Confederate citadel on the Mississippi River.

WASHINGTON CITY, October 10, 1862. - Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: - SIR: As it is possible, perhaps probable, that the debarkation of the Mississippi expedition will be contested by the enemy, it is considered important that it should be formed in part of experienced troops. If the expedition should be limited at first to 20,000 men, one-half or at least one-fourth of that number should be of such troops, and I think they might be taken from the Army of the Tennessee....Taking a few regiments from that army, even if they were only skeleton ones, and incorporating them with the expedition would be to impart a martial spirit and tone which would be of great value to it....The forces designed for the Mississippi expedition might be concentrated either at Cairo or Memphis, there being comparatively little difference in their eligibility as places of rendezvous and for depots of military supplies. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major-General.

When the gun batteries on Saint John's River in east Florida are captured by Union forces, Florida Governor John Milton asks Robert E. Lee to release the Florida regiments serving in the Army of Northern Virginia to return home. Lee, rather that releasing these troops, requests that additional men be sent to "re-enforce...the Florida regiments now with us." Rebuffed by Lee, Milton brings the issue to the attention of President Jefferson Davis.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Tallahassee, October 10, 1862. - His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President of the Confederate States: In the maintenance of the vast efforts which you are making for the salvation of the people of the several States I regard the Governors of the respective States as sentinels upon the watchtowers of liberty, who will be faithless if they do not frankly make known opinions which they may reasonably entertain and submit facts and arguments to your consideration in matters appertaining to the high trust confided to you....I do not complain but sincerely regret that suggestions and remonstrances made by me, with a full knowledge of the geography and resources of the State...have been so frequently disregarded, in consequence of which, in my humble judgment, disaster after disaster has occurred, until the State is exposed to and threatened with immediate subjugation, and many of our citizens have become indignant and almost reckless as to the fearful results. How could it be otherwise, when they know that from the want of proper exertions to prevent it the wives and children of many of our brave soldiers who are in Virginia and Kentucky have been captured and taken off from the State, perhaps to be associated with slaves at Hilton Head...? I have the honor to be, respectfully, sir, JOHN MILTON, Governor of Florida.

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Oct 11 1862 (Saturday)

Frustrated by the lack of supplies being forwarded to his army, "there is no clothing at Hagerstown, and an entire corps is waiting for it," McClellan's advance into Virginia is delayed.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, October 11, 1862. - Maj. Gen. H..W. HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief, Washington: I am compelled again to call your attention to the great deficiency of shoes and other indispensable articles of clothing that still exists in some of the corps in this army. Upon the assurances of the chief quartermaster, who based his calculation upon information received from Washington, that clothing would be forwarded at certain times, corps commanders sent their wagons to Hagerstown and Harper's Ferry for it. It did not arrive as promised, and has-not yet arrived. Unless some measures are taken to insure the prompt forwarding of these supplies, there will necessarily be a corresponding delay in getting the army ready to move, as the men cannot march without shoes. Everything has been done that can be done at these headquarters to accomplish the desired result. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding.

With his army gradually regaining its strength, General Lee outlines his plans to Secretary of War George Randolph.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, October 11, 1862. - Hon. GEORGE W. RANDOLPH, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: - SIR: Whatever may be General McClellan's ultimate intentions, I see no evidence as yet of any advance upon Richmond; and, notwithstanding the assertions in the Northern papers, I think this army is not yet sufficiently recuperated from its campaign in Maryland to make a vigorous forward move. There are no signs now of his advancing up this valley, nor can I discover anything of his intention to cross the Potomac east of the Blue Ridge. While this army holds its position, we are consuming provisions that would otherwise fall into the hands of the enemy. Cattle are also being collected in Hampshire and Hardy Counties, and I hope that some recruits and horses will also be obtained from those counties. If the enemy can be detained in our front for some weeks, it will give them but little time before winter to operate south of the Potomac. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

After capturing almost five hundred horses at Emmitsburg, Jeb Stuart crosses the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad east of Frederick, Maryland. In an effort to trap the Rebel raiders, Brigadier-General George Crook's division is placed in railroad cars with orders to be "ready to move to any point," and the citizens of Fulton County are requested to "turn out with their rifles to annoy the enemy as much as possible." Further confusion results when a paroled prisoner reports that Stuart is heading towards Gettysburg.

HAGERSTOWN, October 11, 1862--7:45 p.m. - Brig. Gen. R. B. MARCY: A discharged officer, named Hamilton, late quartermaster of Bartlett's brigade, was taken prisoner by Stuart last evening at Chambersburg, and paroled. He had, he says, a long talk with Stuart, who told him that he had 3,000 cavalry. Would be in Gettysburg at 12 to-day, and would cross the Potomac at mouth of Monocacy. If he found too large a force there, would go lower. Hamilton says there are about 1,900 cavalry....W. B. FRANKLIN, Major-General.

Veteran Indian fighter and famed scout Kit Carson is ordered to "commence hostile operations against the Mescalero and Navajo Indians," near Fort Stanton, Arizona.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NEW MEXICO, Santa Fé, N. Mex., October 11, 1862. - Col. JOSEPH R. WEST, Commanding the District of Arizona, Mesilla: - COLONEL: I have ordered Colonel Carson, with five companies of his regiment, to reoccupy Fort Stanton....There is to be no council held with the Indians nor any talks. The men are to be slain whenever and wherever they can be found. The women and children may be taken as prisoners, but of course they are not to be killed....I trust that these three demonstrations will give those Indians a wholesome lesson. They have robbed and murdered the people with impunity too long already....I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES H. CARLETON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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