[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

Oct 25 1863 (Sunday)

General Marmaduke leads his cavalrymen against the Union garrison force at Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Colonel Powell Clayton reports, "An armed party, bearing a flag of truce, came forward, and...insisted that [they] should be allowed to pass....He said he had dispatches...demanding a surrender. Lieutenant Clark quickly replies: "Colonel Clayton never surrenders, but is always anxious for you to come and take him." Marmaduke's men manage to take part of the town, but after five hours of hard fighting, he grudgingly orders a withdrawal. General Steele reports, "All my available cavalry are now in pursuit of Marmaduke, who...is falling back toward Arkadelphia....My troops have orders to break up the post at Arkadelphia....If I should be let alone here for a few weeks, I think Arkansas could be reclaimed."

HEADQUARTERS MARMADUKE'S DIVISION, Princeton, Ark. - Lieut. Col. J. F. BELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, District of Arkansas. - COLONEL: I have just returned from Pine Bluff....The post was garrisoned by two cavalry regiments..., and seven pieces of artillery. I occupied the whole town except the court-house and yard, which was fortified by heavy and effective breastworks of cotton bales. The Federals could only be captured by storming the works, which would have cost me the loss of at least 500 men. I did not think it would pay. I have captured about 250 mules and horses, about 300 negroes. The women and children I could not bring away. Some 400 blankets and quilts destroyed (burning a considerable amount of quartermasters', commissary, and ordnance stores), also about 600 or 1,000 bales of cotton, which had been brought to Pine Bluff for sale....The Federals fought like devils....Very respectfully, J. S. MARMADUKE, Brigadier-General, Commanding, &c.

Joe Hooker's difficulty in getting his troops in position delays the Brown's Ferry operation. He reports, "It will not be possible to bring all the force together in season to march to-morrow. Let everything be in readiness for an early start the following morning." Charles Dana reports Hooker's lethargic disposition to Secretary Stanton: "I am going to Bridgeport to observe General Hooker's movement to Raccoon Mountain, in which he has so far manifested a surprising unreadiness....Palmer's division moved...last night on it's way to Rankin's Ferry, where it will cross the Tennessee to co-operate with Hooker....Reconnaissance yesterday showed the rebels have only a cavalry picket at Brown's Ferry."

HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, OFFICE OF CHF. ENGR., Chattanooga. - GENERAL: I was assigned to the command of the expedition, and the troops were distributed as follows: Fifteen hundred men, under Brigadier-General Hazen, were to embark in the boats and pass down the river a distance of about 9 miles...It was deemed better to take this risk than to attempt to launch the boats near the ferry, because they would move more rapidly than intelligence could be taken by infantry pickets....The boats were called off in sections, and the points at which each section was to land were carefully selected and pointed out to the officers in command...The remainder of General Turchin's brigade and General Hazen's brigade were marched across, and encamped in the woods out of sight, near the ferry, ready to move down and cover the landing of the boat....The equipage for the pontoon bridge was also ready to be moved down to the river so soon as the troops were across. Axes were issued to the troops, to be used in cutting abatis for defense so soon as the ridge was gained. General Hazen was to take the gorge and the hills to the left, while General Turchin was to extend from the gorge down the river....Respectfully submitted. WM. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Chief Engineer, Comdg. Expedition.

Casualties at Pine Bluff, Arkansas: Union 56 Confederate Unknown.

Other activity reported on this date:

Attack on Union supply train near Warrenton, VA, by Major Mosby's command.


[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

Oct 26 1863 (Monday)

General Shelby completes his successful retreat from enemy territory by crossing the Arkansas River. Colonel J.J. Gravely reports, "I followed them 75 miles in two days....The rebels burned the court-houses at Buffalo and Huntsville, and robbed all the Union men on their route of...everything portable....They were too far gone before I could obtain force enough to follow." From Fort Smith, Arkansas, General McNeil reports, "Although we did not overtake Shelby, we kept him from extended pillage, punishing him severely, and drove him across the river at a point near Clarksville."

HEADQUARTERS SHELBY'S BRIGADE, Camp Price. - Maj. L. A. MACLEAN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Price's Division. - MAJOR: Colonel [William F.] Cloud, then at Fayetteville, hearing of my successful escape from Missouri, came hard after me with 3,000 men. A scout I sent from my camp to Huntsville, distant 14 miles, brought me the first intelligence of their advance. I retired slowly before them, and they as slowly followed, never urgent in their pressure until we arrived at the foot of the Buffalo Mountains, where they made a weak charge, easily repulsed. They followed us to Clarksville, where I crossed the Arkansas River....Hoping this report may prove satisfactory, I remain, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JO. O. SHELBY, Colonel, Commanding Expedition.

Robert E. Lee takes advantage of the lull in activity to catch up on his correspondence. To Secretary Seddon, Lee protests the commutation of two death sentences handed down to Privates Newton and Scroggin for desertion. "It must be remembered that the punishment of death for desertion is inflicted almost exclusively for the warning of others....I am...convinced that in a strict adherence to a stern discipline...[is] the only means of avoiding the recurrence of these bad occasions." Lee also replies to the letters sent to him by Generals Leonidas Polk and James Longstreet before the Bristoe campaign. To Polk, Lee writes: "I wish I could be of...service in the west, but I do not feel that I could do much anywhere. In addition to other infirmities, I have been for more than a month a great sufferer from rheumatism in my back, so that I can hardly get about. I hope the President has been able to rectify all difficulties in your army."

General LONGSTREET: - MY DEAR GENERAL: I rejoice in your great victory deeply. It seemed to me to have been complete. I wish it could have been followed up by the destruction of the Federal army....In addition to other infirmities, I have been suffering so much from rheumatism in my back that I could scarcely get about. The first two days of our march I had to be hauled in a wagon, and subsequently every motion of my horse, and indeed of my body, gave much pain. I am rather better now, though still suffering. We could not come up with Meade....Our men were dreadfully off for shoes, blankets, and clothes. One division alone had over 1,000 barefooted men....The country was a perfect waste. A northeast storm broke upon us. There was neither shelter or food for man or beast. I saw no real good I could accomplish by remaining....I therefore withdrew to the Rappahannock....Your cheerful face and strong arm would have been invaluable. I hope you will soon return to me....We are resting on the Rappahannock for the sake of the grazing for our animals, who much require it. You have never seen such a waste as the country this side of Bull Run presents. Similar destruction was being waged in Culpeper, and houses and property were maliciously and wantonly burned and destroyed. You must present my kindest regards to all your officers, in which those around me join. I trust we may soon be together again. May God preserve you and all with you. Very truly, yours, R. E. LEE.

General Grant reports his arrival at Chattanooga to Henry Halleck. "I arrived here...after a ride on horseback of 50 miles...over the worst roads it is possible to conceive of....It is barely possible to supply this army from it's present base, but when winter rains set in it will be impossible." He continues, "General Thomas...set on foot...a plan for getting possession of the river from a point below Lookout Mountain to Bridgeport. If successful..., the question of supplies will be fully settled."

BRIDGEPORT, October 26, 1863--2 p.m. - Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: The movement for the occupation of Raccoon Mountain and Lookout Valley was to have begun this morning. Everything is ready at Chattanooga, and Palmer will be at Rankin's Ferry in season, but Hooker is behindhand and it is postponed till to-morrow. The forces sent from here are Howard's two divisions and Geary's, 10,000 men in all. Our advices from Lookout indicate that the rebels have withdrawn from the valley and from the top of the mountain, keeping only a small force at Stevens' and Cooper's Gaps and Nickajack Trace. Their pickets were also much diminished last evening at the foot of the mountain on the Chattanooga side....The steam-boat...here will be ready to run within three days. Cloudy; rain threatened. [C. A. DANA.]

Other activity reported on this date:
Skirmish at Warm Springs, NC.
Skirmishes near Cane Creek and at Barton's Station, AL (on the Memphis & Charleston RR).
Skirmish at Ravenswood, WV.
Skirmish at Vincent's Cross-Roads near Bay Springs, MS.
Skirmish at Jones' Hill, TN.
End of Union expedition to the Snake River, Idaho Terr.
Skirmish at King's House near Waynesville, MO.


[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

Oct 27 1863 (Tuesday)

From Loudon, Tennessee, Ambrose Burnside warns that a heavy concentration of Rebel forces are threatening both of his flanks. U.S. Grant reports, "General Burnside thinks troops from West Virginia are concentrating about Abington...; also toward Loudon, from Bragg's army. Present lack of supplies and poverty of stock will prevent effective assistance being given from here." Burnside describes his next move. "I will now hold Kingston and Knoxville as strongly as possible. If it becomes necessary to evacuate this country, we will hold ourselves ready to do it, though it would be a sad thing for this country."

LOUDON, TENN., October 27, 1863--2 p.m. (Received 11.10 p.m.) - His Excellency ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President United States: I deem it my duty to say to you that the state of my health is such that I may at any moment become unfit for duty in the field. I have been suffering more or less ever since the Mexican war with chronic diarrhea, but having a remarkable constitution the effects of disease have not been apparent to any save those intimately connected with me. This is one of the reasons why I have been so anxious to quit the field, and I am now suffering very much from it, and therefore deem it my duty to let you know this that you may think of the possibility of making other arrangements for the command of the department. I do not ask to be relieved during the present emergency, and shall continue at my post as long as it is possible and desirable for the interests of the public service. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General.

Quincy Gillmore begins another massive bombardment of Fort Sumter. He reports, "The operation of our breaching guns in Wagner and Gregg, against the southeast face of Fort Sumter, has been as successful as I could desire. That face is now more completely a ruin that the gorge wall....No guns have been disclosed....Sumter replies with harmless musketry fire only." The damage is so severe in the fort, that General Beauregard orders: "All walls in Fort Sumter, the fall of which will endanger the lives of the garrison, must be thrown or blown down by powder."

Extract from Journal of Operations in Charleston Harbor. - October 27, 1863.--At 7 a.m. the enemy again opened fire from Batteries Gregg, Wagner, and the low battery to the east of Gregg....Their principal attack was against Sumter....At dark, 625 shots had been fired at this work. Only 90 missed. The enemy at this time ceased firing for a short period, and then reopened with two guns from Battery Gregg, a few shots from a monitor, and a mortar from the battery east of Gregg....The result of the fire to-day was to seriously injure the entire sea face, the arches of the second tier being all breached and the material falling outside....The gorge wall was also much damaged. Several shots penetrated through, exploding and dropping beneath. The remains of the north wall were breached in several places....One of the enemy's shots penetrated the magazine of the Brooke Gun Battery at Fort Johnson, and exploded about 125 pounds of powder, killing 1 private and wounding another...It is thought only three shells were thrown in the direction of the city, and, of these, two fell short. The fire from our batteries to-day was very slack, and the enemy did not appear to pay much attention to it.

At 3 a.m., "Baldy" Smith's small assault force departs from Chattanooga on it's voyage to Brown's Ferry. He reports, "Thanks to a slight fog, and the silence observed, [the boats] were not discovered until about 5 a.m." As soon as Smith's men capture the ferry, General Turchin's brigade is ferried across the river. Smith continues, "The skirmish was soon over, and General Turchin...quietly took possession of the hills assigned to him....The axes were set to work felling an abatis, and in two hours the command was sufficiently protected to withstand any attack." General Longstreet dismisses the enemy's move in his report to General Bragg. "The enemy's design seems to be...for the purpose of shortening...his line of communication and possibly for the purpose of creating a diversion near the point of Lookout Mountain, while he moves a heavier force to occupy the mountain....The latter move and object seems to me to be more important, essential indeed, than any such partial move as his present one."

HEADQUARTERS LAW'S BRIGADE, Lookout Valley. - [Capt. R. M. SIMMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.] - CAPTAIN: Just before daylight, the enemy, taking advantage of the fog which was very dense, commenced the passage of the river at Brown's Ferry. They crossed in two boats carrying about 40 men each. They were fired upon by the pickets at that point, and the landing was resisted as long as possible.....Captain Terrell...at once brought forward the reserve, consisting of about 150 men, and attacked the first detachment of the enemy, which had landed and been placed so as to cover the passage of other troops. This detachment was driven almost to the river bank, where a second line was formed in position. This re-enforcement had crossed and been placed in position while the fighting with the first detachment was going on. Encountering this additional force, which could not be driven by the mere handful of our men engaged, our line was ordered to retire....In about two hours and a half from the time the crossing began a brigade of the enemy moved out from the hills bordering the river into the valley beyond....Upon information that the enemy was crossing at another point above them, the two regiments (Fourth and Fifteenth Alabama), which had now succeeded in collecting their pickets...retired slowly toward Lookout Mountain. I met them with the remainder of the brigade at Lookout Creek, where I placed the command in line to await any farther advance. The enemy, however, did not advance as far as the creek, but continued to strengthen his position on the hill above Brown's Ferry, and commenced the construction of a pontoon bridge half a mile above the ferry, which was completed before noon....Respectfully submitted. E. M. LAW, Brigadier-General.


Other activity reported on this date:
Skirmishes near Rappahannock Station and Bealeton, VA.
Skirmish on Big Sandy Creek, WV.
Sailing of Rio Grande expedition under command of Major General Banks.
Skirmish at Little Bear Creek (on Memphis & Charleston RR).
Skirmish in Cherokee County, NC.
Skirmish at Clinch Mountain, TN.
Union scout toward Pulaski from Columbia, TN.
Skirmish at Tulip, AK.


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Oct 28 1863 (Wednesday)

Two days ago, General Nathaniel Banks set sail with an expeditionary force "for the Rio Grande" He reports, "If a landing is affected, as I hope, at the Brazos Santiago..., we shall immediately effect a lodgement at Matagorda, and seize an interior position." Banks' hopes that General Franklin's occupation of the Teche region will divert Rebel attention from his movements, are quickly dashed. Shortly after his departure, General Magruder sends a circular to all the commanders in the region. "Information, deemed authentic, has been received...that an invasion by the enemy under General Banks may be expected daily. Officers in command along the coast will prepare a vigorous defense of their positions...The few troops left on the lower Rio Grande will destroy what might fall into the hands of the enemy, and fall back to Roma or Ringgold Barracks."

NEW ORLEANS, October 28, 1863. - Maj. Gen. W. B. FRANKLIN, Comdg. Troops in Western Louisiana, in the Field: - GENERAL: The major-general commanding sailed from the Southwest Pass of the Mississippi River, with the troops under command of Major-General Dana....Should he be successful in effecting a lodgment, as he desires, he will immediately dispatch steamers to Berwick Bay, to receive troops as re-enforcements to the coast expedition. He desires that the troops should, therefore, be so disposed as to enable the prompt shipment of as many as the available steamers can transport....While such a force as that indicated should be held ready for prompt transfer from Berwick, it is desirable that the enemy should still regard the movement in your direction as the real one, and as much show as possible should be made of an intended push westward toward the Sabine, or northwesterly toward Alexandria. Again, it may become necessary to make the movement in one of those directions....Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier-General, and Chief of Staff.

Braxton Bragg reports to President Davis that "General Buckner continues to give me great trouble." To Buckner, Bragg snaps: "You [are] required to assume the command of the troops suitable to your rank and position in this army. In that capacity, a division commander, you are therefore recognized, and in no other." Buckner complains: "[General Bragg's] conduct toward me has been arbitrary and unjust....I think the tone of his communications, the imperious style of his indorsements...show clearly to my mind that the feelings of the commanding general are so thoroughly prejudiced that it is impossible for him to judge dispassionately of me or my command. I cannot but regard my usefulness with this army as seriously impaired, if not destroyed."

OCTOBER 28, 1863. - [Lieutenant-General POLK:] - MY DEAR GENERAL: General Buckner has been repeatedly requested to furnish you his notes of operations on the left wing in the recent battle, which he repeatedly promises to do, but never does. We are nursing the matter, and the notes shall be sent you the moment they are received. I have requested Generals Cheatham, Walker. Breckinridge, and Cleburne for their reports....I shall continue to press the matter on their attention, and send you the reports at the earliest possible moment....It has been commonly expected here that the President would again visit us. It seems to me his presence and counsel are greatly needed in this army. There seems to prevail a feeling of dissatisfaction and restlessness I have never before observed. Surely something is due to officers and men such as these. At any rate, something is due to the cause. The gentlemen of your staff are well, and your name is often heard around their camp fire. Most respectfully, general, your friend and obedient servant, THOMAS M. JACK.

"Cump" Sherman prepares to divest himself of the task of rebuilding the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and proceed as quickly as possible to Chattanooga. He reports, "It is now manifest that all the 'powers that be' want the mass of available troops over toward Huntsville, and the only question is how to get them there, and feed them when there....I will take immediate steps to cross a body of troops to Florence and Huntsville." Sherman's actions puzzle Stephen D. Lee. He reports, "The enemy have retired from opposite Decatur. I cannot account for the enemy allowing me to destroy so much of the railroad, as they have seen the work and are aware of it....I shall annoy them in every way, and break their communications." It is not long however, before Lee realizes Sherman's intentions. "They have given up this route and the idea of repairing the railroad....I do not think my forces will be longer required in this valley."

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Iuka, Miss., October 28, 1863. (Received 12 p.m., 30th.) - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: General Blair entered Tuscumbia yesterday, and General Ewing will be in Florence to-morrow, having crossed at Eastport. I tried to get a boat over Colbert Shoals, to enable Blair to cross over, but failed....I will push the whole of the Fifteenth Army Corps at Eastport, and occupy Florence at once....Lee's, Wheeler's, and Ferguson's cavalry are on my front and right flank....Ferguson's (rebel) encountered the First Alabama (Union) Regiment, on its return from a raid, and worsted it....At all other points we got decidedly the advantage. Railroad across Bear Creek is done, but unless I can get boats to Tuscumbia, so as to cross over, we gain nothing by repairing any more of it....W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General, Commanding. (Same to Grant.)

Charles Dana reports on the action at Brown's Ferry. "Everything perfectly successful. The river is now open, and a short good road in our possession along the south shore." Joe Hooker pushes his men into Lookout Valley. He reports, "About 5 p.m. [we] halted for the night, and went into camp a mile or more up the valley from Brown's Ferry....Geary's division being in the rear....was directed to encamp near Wauhatchie." General Longstreet is conferring with Braxton Bragg when news of Hooker's advance is received. Plans are hastily made to engage the Union forces near the ferry. "Old Pete" reports, "I sent orders to General Jenkins to concentrate at the base of the mountain his three brigades..., and to be ready to cross as soon as it was dark....I also ordered General Law to advance his brigade...and occupy the height in his immediate front."

HEADQUARTERS LAW'S BRIGADE, Lookout Valley. - [Capt. R. M. SIMMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.] - CAPTAIN: Late in the afternoon I received a note from Lieutenant-General Longstreet directing me to cross the lower bridge over Lookout Creek, near its mouth, at dark, and advance cautiously until I commanded the Brown's Ferry road at its junction with the road leading across the lower bridge to Chattanooga; to blockade that road and capture any trains that might attempt to pass....Just before night I met Brigadier-General Jenkins, commanding division, who informed me that three other brigades of the division were then moving across the mountain with the view of crossing Lookout Creek to cut off the enemy's trains and capture the rear guard and stragglers....I ventured to remark to him that in my opinion the enemy had a large force at the point upon which we intended to move, and that one division was insufficient for the accomplishment of the end in view; that a failure would be the result, and that the troops engaged in it would be seriously injured....General Jenkins replied that he had positive orders to proceed on the expedition. He desired me to send him two guides who knew the country beyond the creek. These were accordingly sent, and I immediately commenced the passage of the creek.....Respectfully submitted. E. M. LAW, Brigadier-General.

Other activity reported on this date:
. Skirmish at Clarksville, TN.
A portion of the 83d Ill. Inf. were engaged in a skirmish with guerrillas near Clarksville and Private John L. Burdick was instantly killed.
Skirmish at Clarksville, AK.


[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]

Oct 29 1863 (Thursday)

General Geary's outposts give the alarm "shortly after midnight." He reports, "The moon was fitful and did not afford light sufficient to see a body of men only 100 yards distant, and...their whereabouts was mostly revealed by the flashes of the firearms." Colonel Bratton leads the assault against the surprised Union forces. "After some little picket firing, our skirmishers...came in sight of the camp of the enemy....I immediately threw three regiments...upon them....The position of things at this time was entirely favorable to a grand charge....At this juncture I received orders to withdraw..., as the enemy were pressing in the rear."

HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Wauhatchie, Tenn. - Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff. - GENERAL: I ordered my command to bivouac upon their arms, with cartridge boxes on, and placed my guns on a knob about 30 yards to the left of the railroad....I selected Colonel Rickards for the duties of general officer of the day, and his regiment for grand guard. I ordered them to be posted according to Butterfield's Outpost Duty, which I always adopt in my command as a most efficient system, and which, well carried out, renders surprise from any force impossible....Shortly after midnight our outposts gave the alarm, their challenge being distinctly heard, as well as the shots which struck them down at their posts....The enemy precipitately hurled his main body, without skirmishers, upon my left, where the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York and One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania and the two left companies of the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania met them with intense and well-directed fire....The enemy pressed forward vigorously with a continuous line of fire....Charge after charge was made, each with redoubled effort upon our left, which they seemed determined to force, but each time the enemy's lines were hurled back under the unintermitting fire, both from infantry and artillery....The order, "Pick off the artillerists," was repeatedly heard along the rebel line. Lieutenant Geary fell, mortally wounded, while resisting this onslaught....The contest raged with vehemence along the whole line, while our artillery threw its missiles unsparingly into the opposing ranks....While thus hotly engaged the enemy attempted to turn our left flank by uncovering it some distance to the left....Our ammunition was now, about 3 a.m., nearly exhausted, and a limited supply was gathered from the hospital and from the persons of the dead and wounded of both sides on the field. I had determined to depend upon the bayonet should our ammunition fail, and hold our position until relieved....At half past 3 o'clock they ceased firing on our left, their hostility manifestly having grown weaker during the last fifteen minutes, and, firing a few volleys at our center, which were promptly responded to, they retired, leaving the field in our possession....I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadier-General, U.S. Volunteers, Commanding.

In the dark night, the Rebel attack quickly breaks down in confusion. General Longstreet reports, "The movement was so much delayed that I fear nothing was accomplished....About an hour and a half...after I left, I got a message...stating that a brigade was heavily engaged....I presume little or nothing was accomplished." General Thomas reports on the attack, "The enemy attacked Geary's division..., and broke his camp at one point, but was driven back in most gallant style....Howard, while marching to Geary's relief, was attacked in the flank. He immediately threw forward two of his regiments and took both [commanding hills] at the point of the bayonet, driving the enemy...across Lookout Creek."

HEADQUARTERS LAW'S BRIGADE, Lookout Valley. - [Capt. R. M. SIMMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.] - CAPTAIN: Soon after the fighting on the left began I was notified by Colonel Sheffield...that a column of troops was moving from the camp on my right along the road in front....While this was taking place other troops were coming up from the right, and, our position having now been disclosed, they turned to attack it....The first attack was easily repulsed. The second was made in heavier force with a like result at all points of the line except one....Here the enemy, forced in by the right of their line upon a vacant space in our own...broke through the line. Parts of both regiments gave way. By the exertions of Colonel Sheffield...the line was re-established and the enemy driven from it....A message was brought me by Captain Jamison, of General Jenkins' staff, to the effect that Colonel Bratton had encountered a heavy force of the enemy; that General Jenkins was withdrawing, and that he wished me to...hold my position until he could retire....I gave orders for the whole line to retire to the hill on which it had first formed; thence into the hollow behind it, and thence by flanking to the left into the road and across the bridge.....The movement was executed in a quiet and leisurely manner, the enemy in front making no effort to follow....When the order for my command to retire was given I had already received information that Colonel Bratton had been withdrawn; that he was actually at the bridge, and the firing on the left had ceased for nearly, if not quite, half an hour. Believing that the object for which my position was occupied had been accomplished, I withdrew....Respectfully submitted. E. M. LAW, Brigadier-General.

Jefferson Davis formally dismisses the charges lodged by Braxton Bragg against Bishop Polk. "I have arrived at the conclusion that there is nothing to justify a court-martial or a court of inquiry." Davis also seeks to soothe Bragg's feathers in his dispute with General Buckner. "The mistake made by him..., must...have resulted from inadvertence or misapprehension, and...I trust it will not be repeated." William Hardee is given the difficult assignment of being the peace-maker in the fractious army. Davis writes to Hardee: "The information from the army at Chattanooga painfully impresses me with the fact that there is a want...of that harmony among the highest officers which is essential to success. I rely greatly upon you for the restoration of a proper feeling...and know that you will realize the comparative insignificance of personal considerations when weighed against the duty of imparting to the army all the efficiency of which it is capable." To drive home the point to Bragg that his purge of the army's general officers must cease, Davis also orders that "the practice of relieving officers from commands..., and ordering them to report...to this office for further assignment, will cease unless specially required by orders from this office."

ATLANTA, GA., October 29, 1863. - General B. BRAGG, Near Chattanooga, Tenn.: - GENERAL: It is reported here that the enemy are crossing at Bridgeport....The indications lead to the opinion that the enemy will attempt to move against your left flank, and, if so, it is plain that it will be to your advantage to attack him when too remote to be supported by the forces at Chattanooga....I am much gratified with the success which has attended your movements against the enemy in East Tennessee...It has occurred to me that...you might advantageously assign General Longstreet with his two divisions to the task of expelling Burnside, and thus place him in position, according to circumstances, to hasten or delay his return to the army of General Lee....The period most favorable for active operations is rapidly passing away, and the consideration for supplies presses upon you the necessity to recover as much as you can of the country before you....I hope General Hardee will be able to aid you effectively in checking such discontents...and the irregularities referred to in your telegram....The removal of officers of high rank, or important changes in organizations, usually work evil, if done in the presence of the enemy....I prefer to postpone the consideration of any further removal of General officers from their commands, and relying upon the self-sacrificing spirit which you have so often exhibited, must leave you to combat the difficulties arising from the disappointment or the discontent of officers by such gentle means as may turn them aside. Very respectfully and truly, yours, JEFFERSON DAVIS.

Dorothea Dix, who was appointed Superintendent of Women Nurses in April 1861, is given expanded administrative responsibilities. Dix earned a reputation as a social reformer by her devotion to improving the terrible conditions endured by the mentally ill in the 1840's and 1850's. Through her efforts before the war, fifteen states built special hospitals to care for mentally ill persons who had been confined to prisons. Dix is now in charge of the tens of thousands of female nurses needed to staff the growing number of military hospitals in the North.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 351. - WAR DEPT., ADJT. GENERAL'S OFFICE, Washington, October 29, 1863. The employment of women nurses in the U.S. general hospitals will in future be strictly governed by the following rules: 1. Persons approved by Miss Dix or her authorized agents will receive from her, or them, "certificates of approval," which must be countersigned by medical directors upon their assignment to duty as nurses within their departments. 2. Assignments of "women nurses" to duty in general hospitals will only be made upon application by the surgeons in charge, through medical directors, to Miss Dix or her agents....3. No females, except hospital matrons, will be employed in general hospitals..., without such certificate of approval...4. Women nurses while on duty in general hospitals are under the exclusive control of the senior medical officer, who will direct their several duties, and may be discharged by him when considered supernumerary, or for incompetency, insubordination, or violation of his orders. Such discharge, with the reasons therefor, being indorsed upon the certificate, will be at once returned to Miss Dix. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Casualties at Wauhatchie, Tennessee: Union 420 Confederate 408.

Other activity reported on this date:
Skirmish at Cherokee Station, AL (on Memphis & Charleston RR).
Union expedition to Columbia with skirmish at Centreville, TN.
Skirmish at Ozark, AK.


[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]
Oct 30 1863 (Friday)

Captain Adrian I. Vidal leads a company of Mexican-born Confederate soldiers against their former comrades. General Bee reports, "I had a company of Mexican citizens...stationed at the mouth of the Rio Grande, which has done good service....I was informed...that I was to be attacked...by men..., consisting of Vidal's company and renegades and deserters from Matamoras." After being discovered, Vidal's men escape across the border, but many are quickly subdued by forces from the Mexican army. Bee continues, "The Vidalistas have been dispersed, over 20 have been captured by Cortinas, under orders of Governor Ruiz....I have offered a large reward for the capture of Vidal."

HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF TEXAS, Fort Brown, Tex., October 30, 1863. - His Excellency Brig. Gen. MANUEL RUIZ, Governor of the State of Tamaulipas, Matamoras, Mexico: - SIR: I am credibly informed that...a portion of the band of Vidal, which crossed into Mexico, have been captured. I...ask that you will cause these murderers to be delivered up to me. The victims number at least 10, but so far there has been but time to examine into the causes of the death....I beg leave to express the thanks of the people of this city and myself for the cordial support which has been extended to me by you in this unfortunate affair, and, while I rely with confidence on a continuance of these good offices, I assure you of my earnest intention to shield and protect the innocent while I will punish the guilty. With great respect, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Brigadier-General, Provisional Army Confederate States.

The first supply laden ferry, the Paint Rock, reaches Brown's Ferry. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Hodges reports, "She came down [the river] nicely. In rounding Lookout Point...she was fired into, doing no serious carnage. A hole was made in one of the steam pipes, which will be repaired." According to Charles Dana, the Paint Rock can deliver "200 tons of freight to Brown's Ferry landing daily." Finally aware of the serious consequences of the failure to adequately defend Brown's Ferry and Lookout Valley, James Longstreet blames Colonel Grigsby's cavalry. He reports, "The enemy marched...through the line occupied by our cavalry..., and I have not yet received a word of information...from any cavalry officer....There seems to be some neglect on the part of...this force." Braxton Bragg however, is convinced that it was Longstreet's own negligence that allowed the Union army to seize Brown's Ferry and break the semi-siege of Chattanooga.

MISSIONARY RIDGE, October 30, 1863. - His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, Savannah, Ga.: The enemy crossed a force to this side of river below Lookout Mountain and drove Longstreet's outpost back. As soon as informed, I directed him to retake the position. Failing to do so..., I renewed the order..., placing his two and Walker's division at his disposal, and directed the troops to move before daylight. The attack was not made..., when Longstreet joined me on Lookout Mountain, where I went to witness. I learned no dispositions were made for it. [At] 12 m. a column of the enemy, probably two brigades, appeared on the road from Bridgeport and formed a junction with the forces which had crossed....That night (the 28th) Longstreet asked for another division as a support to his attacking column. It was given. He informed me he should attack with one brigade. I ordered him not to do so with less than a division. He moved a division to the vicinity, but attacked with one brigade, surprised the enemy and routed him, but he rallied on finding the small attacking force, drove it back with heavy loss, and secured his position. We have thus lost our important position on the left, and the enemy holds the railroad within six miles of Chattanooga....BRAXTON BRAGG.

Other activity reported on this date:
Affair at Ford's Mill near New Berne, NC.
Skirmish at Saylersville, KY.
Skirmish at Leiper's Ferry, TN, on the Holston River.
Skirmish at Fourteen Mile Creek, OK. Pvt. Gutter of the 3rk Kans. Inf. Indian Home Guards was killed by guerillas.


[Sunday] [Monday] [Tuesday] [Wednesday] [Thursday] [Friday] [Saturday]
Oct 31 1863 (Saturday)

George Thomas reports that he now has "2 steamboats...running between Bridgeport and Kelley's Ferry." He happily announces: "We can easily subsist ourselves now, and will soon be in good condition." Meanwhile, "Cump" Sherman continues to make slow progress in his march to reinforce Thomas' army at Chattanooga.

EASTPORT, MISS., October 31, {1863.] (Received 12.40 a.m., November 3.) - Major-General GRANT: I had three divisions in Tuscumbia, and drove Lee's cavalry beyond Town Creek, but the Muscle Shoals had too much water for us and I had to fall back to Eastport and Chickasaw....I have heretofore been working in foul weather, with a single coal-barge, decked over; but this moment have arrived a ferry-boat, three transports, and two more gunboats, so that my progress will be more rapid. I think I can have all the Fifteenth-Army Corps over to-morrow, and Dodge ought to follow with his division the day after. I can carry ten days' rations, and will draw liberally of meats and corn on the country. The country is full of cavalry and guerrillas. We have had numerous skirmishes, and thus far have had the advantage. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.

The fallout from the failed attack at Wauhatchie continues. General Longstreet orders Micah Jenkins to "furnish...an explanation of the causes and reasons which induced the brigades on your right...to abandon their position." Jefferson Davis laments that this "is a bitter disappointment." He continues in a letter to Bragg: "My expectations were sanguine that the enemy...had insured the success of the operations....Such disobedience of orders [by General Longstreet] and disastrous failure...cannot consistently be overlooked....I shall be pleased if [a satisfactory explanation]...has been given." Bragg seizes upon Longstreet's failure at Wauhatchie to implement Davis' suggestion of sending the troublesome officer and his men to East Tennessee. Although this will seriously weaken his army, Bragg is more than willing to take the risk, as long as it means that he will be rid of Longstreet.

MISSIONARY RIDGE, October 31, 1863. (Via Charleston.) - His Excellency President DAVIS, Savannah, Ga.: I shall faithfully endeavor to discharge the difficult and responsible trust with forbearance but firmness. Further correspondence of a more disrespectful and insubordinate character is received from the general (Buckner)....It is returned to him...for his reconsideration, and with a hope that he will calmly review his course and withdraw it....The Virginia troops will move in the direction indicated as soon as practicable. This will be great relief to me....All is quiet in front. BRAXTON BRAGG.

Disputes about the paroles given to the soldiers captured at Vicksburg and Port Hudson heighten the tension between the Union and Confederate Commissioners for Exchange. Union General Meredith complains to his counterpart, Robert Ould: "Suddenly and without any proper conference..., and but a few days prior to...Chickamauga, as if for the express purpose of increasing the force of General Bragg...you [declared] exchanged a large portion of the troops...captured by General Grant." Ould replies: "Your...extraordinary and groundless statements [have been] read with surprise." He continues, "The purpose of your letter is apparent. It has been well known for a long time that your authorities are opposed to a fair and regular exchange of prisoners under the cartel....Why not be frank once? Why not say, without any further subterfuges, that you have reached the conclusion that our officers and soldiers are more valuable, man for man, than yours?"

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, October 31, 1863. - General R. E. LEE, Commanding, &c.: - GENERAL: Until about a week...[ago] the commissioner of exchange was sanguine that there would soon be, by mutual agreement, a renewal of exchanges. An interview with the Federal commissioner...[has] changed entirely his conviction, and he reported to me his belief that the enemy had adopted as their settled policy the retention of all prisoners. I commenced immediately instituting inquiries, with a view to the selection of an appropriate place, convenient, yet secure, in which the prisoners might be retained for an indefinite period. Arrangements are being made to send a considerable portion to Danville, where we have some large, vacant buildings at command; but as a more appropriate, permanent place of imprisonment I am endeavoring to find and secure possession of some suitable island, surrounded by water of sufficient depth to render an attempt at escape dangerous. Such an island, very convenient..., exists in the Yadkin, and I have made earnest effort to purchase or lease it. The owner positively refuses to sell or lease, and I can only obtain it by the compulsion of impressment, which I am very loath to resort to. There are some other islands in the Roanoke River in the neighborhood of Clarksville not quite so convenient which I am having examined...with the view to the selection of one if suitable....Very respectfully, JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War.

Other activity reported on this date:
Affair near Weaverville, VA.
Skirmish at Washington, LA.
Skirmish at Barton's Station, AL.
Skirmish at Yazoo City, MS.

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