“I regard these (shot proof) boats as an indispensable element in any system of operations, whether offensive or defensive.”
Headquarters Department of the Ohio,
Cincinnati, Ohio, May 21, 1861.
Col. E. D. Townsend,
Assistant Adjutant-General:
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May 15, sent by Lieutenant Williams, and beg to assure the lieutenant general commanding that I will leave nothing undone to carry out his wishes as expressed therein. I have received from several different sources important information in relation to the movements and position of the rebels in Tennessee, the substance of which is as follows: Nashville and Memphis are evidently the strongholds of the secessionists in that State. There are counties in Western Tennessee, such as Stewart, Henry, Haywood, Lauderdale, and Henderson, where the Union feeling is predominant, if not repressed by main force. I learn that the Union men have determined to go armed to the polls, and, if necessary, use force to enable them to deposit their votes. Their ulterior course is not yet determined upon, but their leaders say that the presence of the troops of the General Government would be beneficial and would rally to the cause of the Union many who are now outwardly secessionists. I am told that there is much excitement among the negroes there, who in their private talks have gone so far as to select their white wives. Reliable information has reached me that a detachment of Arkansas troops, stationed on the Mississippi above Memphis, has been suddenly recalled to Searcy, White County, Ark., to repress a negro i?surrection. A white preacher and six negroes were hung there a few days since, and thirty negroes were to be hung there yesterday, charged with being concerned in the insurrection. Intercepted telegraphic dispatches indicate the movement of 1,000 Arkansas troops from the interior of the State to Fort Smith yesterday. Other Arkansas troops are said to have passed through Memphis en route to Lynchburg. The indications are that the disposable troops in the regular Confederate service from Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana have taken the same direction. The troops remaining in Tennessee seem to be State militia, and not in the regular Confederate Army. They are represented as being but indifferently armed, under no discipline, consisting to a large extent of boys and old men, much excited by liquor and politics, and anxious to fight. Desertions are said to be frequent, and it is said there will be much difficulty in keeping them together for any great length of time. Some allowance, of course, must be made for these statements. The following points are undoubtedly occupied: Germantown, in Shelby County, Tenn., is a rendezvous; Camp Harris, on the Mississippi, about six miles above Memphis, by 3,000 men, with three guns, one of which is said to be a rifled cannon recently smuggled through from Boston; Randolph, on the Mississippi River, is held by from 3,000 to 5,000 men, with the six light guns formerly constituting Bragg’s battery; atUnion City, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, in Obion County, from two to three regiments without guns; at Clarksville, about 1,000 men without guns. It is probable that two regiments, formerly posted in eastern Tennessee, passed through Nashville two days ago to take post on the railroad near Springfield, in Robertson County. I learn that various small detachments are posted at different points near the Kentucky line. I hear from excellent authority that Governor Harris has expressed a determination to occupy Columbus, Ky., by the troops now at Union City; this to be done whether Governor Magoffin consents or not, and the movement to be effected within a few days. Some indifferent iron guns are being cast at the foundry of A. Street & Co., Memphis. Efforts are being made to establish a powder factory at Nashville. Parties have been buying up all the niter to be had in the State in small quantities, and they expect to derive large supplies from the Mammoth Cave. I am more and more convinced that it is necessary for us to have without a day’s delay a few efficient gun-boats to operate from Cairo as a base. If these are rendered shot proof, we can by means of them at least seriously annoy the rebel camps on the Mississippi River and interfere with their river communication, which is their main dependence. Competent parties have been sent out here by the War and Navy Departments, but neither funds nor the authority to use the credit of the Government have been given to me. I anxiously await instructions on this point, and shall take the necessary measures to provide suitable gun boats as soon as I receive your authority to make the requisite expenditure. I regard these boats as an indispensable element in any system of operations, whether offensive or defensive.
I have already adverted to the necessity for some light batteries in this department. The resources of Alleghany Arsenal and of the State of Ohio will furnish almost immediately the material necessary for three or more light batteries. The disposable recruits at Newport Barracks will far more than complete the personnel of the companies of the Fourth Artillery now here. I would respectfully suggest that the two companies remaining at Randall be relieved by volunteers and ordered to report at these headquarters. In view of the nature and condition of the troops under my command, and of the necessity that may at any moment arise for affording prompt assistance to the Union men of Kentucky, or to effect a diversion in favor of Cairo, or to operate in Western Virginia for the purpose of relieving a pressure on Washington, it is evident we require a large force of light artillery, as well as some companies to take charge of a park of heavy guns. If more than these five companies could be spared their services would be invaluable to me. I think it absolutely necessary to mount at once Captain Getty’s and Captain Howe’s companies, and to do so need but little more than the authority to fill their ranks from the recruits at Newport or to open special rendezvous for that purpose on this side of the river, and to purchase the necessary horses, which I have reason to believe can be had on a credit extending to, say, July 31. I cannot urge too strongly the necessity of having these horses at once. I should be glad to have authority to arm all the men of the light batteries with the last pattern of Colt’s revolver. Until I can receive other companies of artillery I propose retaining that commanded by Lieutenant Mack, in charge of the park.
Captain Getty, the bearer of this, will explain to you more fully my views and wishes. From your letters I infer that the nine regiments of the three-years’ volunteers assigned as the quota of Ohio shall be taken from the three-months’ troops already mustered into the service. I think that the Governor of the State takes a different view of the matter. My own opinion is that the three-months’ troops should have the preference. Will you be good enough to give me specific instructions by telegraph and letter? If operations in the West are to be conducted on a large scale, I should think the quota assigned to Ohio under the new call insufficient to enable us to accomplish any great results, and would be glad to see at least twenty regiments called for from this State. In the almost entire absence of money from the General Government, or of authority to use its credit, I find myself placed in a very embarrassing situation—one, too , which renders it very difficult, if not impossible, to make the service efficient. Many of the articles for the supply and equipment of the troops can readily be purchased here on a credit long enough to render available appropriations made by Congress at its next meeting.
I need not say it is impossible to organize, equip, and maintain an army without money or credit; of course I should prefer money if it can be had, as we can buy things cheaper for cash. In the absence of funds I would be glad to have authority to use the credit of the General Government in the purchase of such articles as the Regulations authorize as necessary to render the troops efficient, and would ask your earliest attention to this very vital and important subject. A question has arisen in regard to the two Kentucky regiments already mustered into the service at this point. Colonel Terrell states that the understanding in Washington was that they should be mustered in for three years. In the absence of any special instructions
they have been mustered in for three months. What are the wishes of the War Department in regard to this point? It has occurred to me that if circumstances would permit my absence from this department for a few days after having completed its organization, a few hours’ personal interview with the lieutenant-general commanding would put me more fully in possession of his wishes and intentions than can be done by letter. If the general concurs in this view, I would be glad to be authorized to repair to Washington, should I deem it safe to leave the department during the period necessary.
they have been mustered in for three months. What are the wishes of the War Department in regard to this point? It has occurred to me that if circumstances would permit my absence from this department for a few days after having completed its organization, a few hours’ personal interview with the lieutenant-general commanding would put me more fully in possession of his wishes and intentions than can be done by letter. If the general concurs in this view, I would be glad to be authorized to repair to Washington, should I deem it safe to leave the department during the period necessary.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. B. MCCLELLAN,
Major-General, U. S. Army.