May 18, 1863, The New York Herald
The Great Cavalry Operations in the Southwest.
Our Baton Rouge Correspondence.
BATON ROUGE, La., May 5, 1863.
I embrace the first opportunity to forward to you the particulars of one of the most important expeditions of the war. The excitement of the hour will hardly permit me to do more than relate the dry details, which of themselves will be found sufficiently interesting.
WHERE THE CAVALRY WERE RENDEZVOUSED.
For some time we have had a considerable cavalry force in Lagrange, Tenn. – a small place on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, about fifty miles east of Memphis, and nearly four miles west of the junction of the Mississippi and Charleston railroads. This force formed a part of General Grant’s army, and has been considered made up of the best material in the service.
THE PLAN, ITS OBJECT, ITS DESIGNER AND IT EXECUTOR.
Colonel Benjamin H. Grierson, commanding First brigade of cavalry under General Grant, has for a long time been desirous of visiting the rebels in Mississippi, and has repeatedly submitted a plan with that view to General Grant. On the 1st of last month it was intimated to Colonel Grierson at headquarters that his wishes would be gratified, and that he would be permitted to take his command into the heart of the enemy’s country. One of the objects of the original plan was the destruction of all lines of communication between the rebel army of the West and that of General Bragg in Middle Tennessee.
THE START – COMPOSITION OF THE FORCES.
On the morning of the 17th of April Colonel Grierson received instructions from General Grant to move his forces, consisting of the Sixth Illinois cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Loomis commanding; the Seventh Illinois cavalry, Colonel Edward Prince, and this Second Iowa cavalry, Colonel Edward Hatch, out on the Ripley road, which he did, and bivouacked for the night about five miles northwest of the town of Ripley, on the plantation of Mr. Davis. Previous to the marching of the expedition feints were made in force from Lagrange, Memphis and Corinth, in order to divert the attention of the enemy as much as possible from the movements of Colonel Grierson.
CAPTURE OF GUERILLAS.
During the night of the 17th scouts from the Seventh Illinois captured two guerillas, and the Sixth Illinois, taking the road to Salem, which runs in a westerly direction, secured three prisoners of the same character.
RIPLEY – CROSSING THE TALLAHATCHIE.
Early on the morning of the 18th the command proceeded to Ripley. From that place the Second Iowa, marching on the left flank of the column, took a southeasterly direction, crossing the Tallachatchie, about five miles northeast of New Albany. The main body proceeded directly south, crossing the river two miles east of that point. At the same time a battalion, of the Seventh Illinois, under command of Major Graham, marched on the right flank of the column and crossed the Tallachatchie at New Albany.
SKIRMISHING.
All portions of the command were at times skirmishing with the enemy’s pickets, who were on both sides of the river, evidently for the purpose of attempting to prevent our forces from crossing. The enemy engaged was a part of the rebel General Chalmers’ command, who was stationed with the main body of his troops at Senatobia, a distance of between five and six miles from New Albany. The enemy’s pickets were soon driven in. They crossed the river at several points and
ATTEMPTED TO FIRE THE BRIDGE at New Albany, but were prevented by our rapid advance. During most of the afternoon the rebels made their appearance in small detachments at very long range. Although the march was not impeded by them, skirmishing was kept up until nightfall. This day closed with the following dispositions of our troops: – The Sixth and Seventh Illinois encamped at Sloan’s plantation, about four miles south of New Albany; the Second Iowa, four miles east of that place. Near midnight the latter regiment was attacked by a considerable force of the enemy, which was promptly repulsed.
THE FORCE DISPERSED, AND WHY.
On the morning of the 19th Colonel Grierson ordered a detachment to proceed eastward, another to move back to New Albany, and a third to march northwest towards Kingbridge, where it was understood a rebel force was encamped, under command of Major Chalmers, nephew of the rebel general of that name.
These movements were made principally with a view to mislead the enemy and make him believe the object of the expedition was to break up the different military organizations in that part of the country. The ruse succeeded, and the enemy were left in entire ignorance of the route taken by our forces.
THE MARCH RESUMED – PONTOTOC.
During the night of the 18th a hard rain set in, and continued until nine o’clock the next morning, at which hour Colonel Grierson, with the main body, took up the line of march in a southerly direction, Colonel Hatch moving on the left flank, as heretofore. The different detachments sent out soon after joined the centre column, when the whole force proceeded to Pontotoc, where the advance encountered a small rebel force, a portion of Capt. Wetherellcommand. After the exchange of a few shots the enemy fled, and were pursued through the own by our cavalry.
A REBEL CAMP CAPTURED.
The entire camp equipage of the rebels was captured, also four hundred bushels of salt, all of which was destroyed. Colonel Grierson continued his march until about eight o’clock, when he encamped six miles south of Pontotoc, on the road leading to Houston.
EARLY MOVEMENTS – ANOTHER FEINT.
The reveille was sounded on the morning of the 20th at two o’clock. At three o’clock Major Lull, of the Second Iowa, with about one hundred and seventy-five of the least effective portion of the command, one piece of flying artillery and all the prisoners and captured property, proceeded northward on his return to Lagrange, whither he had been ordered by Colonel Grierson, for the purpose of relieving the force of all encumbrance and to induce the enemy to believe he had retraced his steps, which the return of Major Lull would indicate. As directed, the Major sent a single scout west to cut the telegraph wires in the vicinity of Oxford.
GUERILLAS KILLED AND WOUNDED – A REBEL MAIL DESTROYED.
In addition to the damage done to the rebels at Pontotoc should be added the capture of a large mail, which was destroyed, the killing and wounding of several guerillas, and the taking of a small number of prisoners. After the departure of Major Lull, Colonel Grierson resumed his march southward, passed the town of Houston, and encamped for the night on a plantation about ten miles from that place.
THE ORDER TO DESTROY THE MOBILE AND OHIO RAILROAD.
On the 21st about five A. M., Colonel Hatch was ordered to take his command up the Columbus road and destroy as much of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad as possible, to attack Columbus if the opposing force at that point was not too strong, and march thence to Lagrange, taking such route as he might deem most expedient. Up to the present writing no positive information has been received concerning the movements of Colonel Hatch; but it has since been reported in rebel newspapers that he was successful in reducing Columbus and had reached Lagrange in safety.
(Colonel Hatch’s forces were successful in their operations, and returned north, rejoining the forces under General Dodge. This movement entirely deceived the rebel General Chalmers, who was on the lookout for Colonel Grierson, and thus the main body of the cavalry obtained two or three days’ start. – ED. HERALD)
NEAR STARKVILLE – ANOTHER MAIL CAPTURED – A TANNERY FIRED.
The forces remaining continued their march to Starkville, where another mail was captured and destroyed. Four miles from Starkville, at Dismal Swamp, a halt was ordered and half of the command left. The rest continued on southward for about five miles, and, after swimming bayous and wading through almost impassable swamps, reached one of the principal tanneries in the country, which was fired and completely destroyed.
THE DESTRUCTION OF LEATHER, SADDLES, BOOTS, ETC.
The buildings at the time of their destruction contained a very large stock of boots and shoes, saddles, bridles, &c. and several thousand dollars worth of leather. The destruction of this property inflicted a severe blow upon the rebel army, which will most seriously felt, as every article was immediately needed, and had been packed for deliver […..] despatch.”
THE MARCH – ITS DANGERS AND MISERIES.
After the uniting of the command on the 22d a further march was had to within one mile of Louisville, Mississippi – a distance of twenty-seven miles. The route through this part of the country was anything but pleasant. In many instances the men were compelled to swim their horses over streams and lead them through blind marshes. Many of the animals sank so deep in mud and water that it was impossible to extricate them, and they were left to perish. Frequently a horse and rider would go down together, the horse drowning, and the rider barely escaping with his life. No written account can convey a fair idea of the perilous march on the 22d. Our men, however with unparalleled fortitude and a determination to overcome all obstacles continued their march until ten o’clock the next morning, when, after a short halt, they proceeded on towards Philadelphia, Miss. Before reaching that place they crossed a bridge over Pearl river which was reported destroyed. It was found on examination that the rebels had attempted to fire the structure, but were driven from their work by the news of our approach.
ANOTHER MAIL DESTROYED.
At Philadelphia, as well as at several other places through which our troops passed, the mail was taken from the Post Office and destroyed: but nothing else was disturbed.
ON THE RAILROAD LEADING TO JACKSON – CARS CAPTURED.
On the 23d, about two o’clock in the afternoon, a battalion was ordered to take the road to Decatur, thence to Newton, on the Southern Railroad. In a short time the main force took up the line of march, and, following the advance, reached Newton about daylight.
STORES DESTROYED.
At Newton two trains of cars were captured – one of twenty-five, the other of thirteen – loaded with all kinds of quartermaster and commissary stores: also a large quantity of ammunition and loaded shell. The cars, with their contents, were destroyed, and the locomotives rendered unserviceable.
BRIDGES DESTROYED.
After this our troops fired a bridge about half a mile east of the place, and three heavy trestle work bridges ten miles further up the road in the same direction. In this manner the time of our troops was occupied until the 25th inst. When the force reached Nichols’ plantation, about seven miles west of Montrose.
THE ROUTE OF MARCH CHANGED.
Here the course of the cavalry was slightly changed, they moving in a more southerly direction.
RALEIGH – A SCOUT SENT OUT.
On reaching Raleigh a halt was ordered for the night. Here a single scout was detailed to cut the telegraph wires on the Southern Railroad, between Lake Station and Jackson.
HE MEETS THE ENEMY, IS QUESTIONED, BUT MISLEADS THEM.
The man who was sent out, after arriving within about seven miles of the railroad, came upon a regiment of the enemy cavalry, who had left Brandon in search of Colonel Grierson forces. Our cavalry scout was closely was closely questioned, and although the enemy was on the direct road to our camp, which was but fourteen miles distant, he succeeded in misleading them and returning to give information of their approach.
COL. GRIERSON MOVES ON AGAIN .
Colonel Grierson, immediately upon ascertaining that the enemy were so near him, moved his command over Leaf River bridge, which he destroyed, thereby preventing the possibility of a surprise in the rear. Our cavalry then marched on to Raleigh and Westville, and crossed Pearl river by swimming their horses and ferrying themselves over at a point about ten miles distant from Westville.
THE AFFAIR AT HAZLEHURST – CARS BURNED AND STORES DESTROYED.
The two battalions in advance, under command of Colonel Prince, Seventh Illinois, made a rapid march to the railroad at Hazlehurst Station, where our men captured forty cars, four of which were loaded with shell and ammunition, the balance with quartermaster and commissary stores. Had our troops been a few moments earlier they would have succeeded in capturing another train which left about five minutes before their arrival.
A DETACHED FORCE, AND WHAT IT DID.
Capt. Forbes, Company B, Seventh Illinois, was detached south of Starkville, with orders to proceed to Macon. He made a rapid march to within a short distance of that place, when he found that a bridge had been destroyed, and that Macon was occupied by a considerable force of rebels. He then moved to Newton, after which he proceeded to Enterprise, nearly one hundred miles east of the main body of our forces. Upon reaching Enterprise, Capt. Forbes sent a flag of truce to Col. Goodwin, commanding the enemy’s forces in the place, demanding the surrender of the town. The rebel Colonel requested an hour in which to determine upon his reply. Capt. Forbes, finding the rebels stronger than he had supposed, and having accomplished his object, which was to divert their attention, before the expiration of the hour was on a rapid gallop to join Colonel Grierson, who was then more than a day’s march in his advance. The company took a westward course, and soon struck the route taken by the main force at Pearl river, which they soon joined by rapid marches.
A THIRTY TWO-POUND GUN CAPTURED AND SPIKED.
When near Gallatin our cavalry suddenly came upon a team hauling a thirty-two pound Parrott gun destined for Port Gibson. The piece was captured and spiked.
ANOTHER DETACHMENT AND ITS OPERATIONS.
About five miles east of Gallatin Colonel Grierson detached a battalion with orders to immediately march to the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad at Bahala. The work of this battalion was exceedingly destructive to the rebel interest. The railroad for some distance was destroyed, several cars, water tanks and a considerable amount of other property were burned and the telegraph wires cut.
BROOKHAVEN – THE REBELS CAUGHT NAPPING.
At daylight on the 28th the advance moved towards Brookhaven, and entered that town so suddenly that two hundred rebels were surprised and taken prisoners. Some of them were found asleep in their quarters.
A CAMP OF INSTRUCTION DESTROYED – SKIRMISH.
A large number of muskets, packed and ready for transportation, also five hundred tents, at a camp of instruction, were destroyed. The camp is said to have been one of the most extensive and beautiful in the State. After leaving Gallatin our men encountered Garland’s cavalry, when a slight skirmish ensued, which resulted in a loss to the enemy of several killed and taken prisoners.
OTHER FEINTS.
A feint having been made toward Port Gibson, with a view to deceive the enemy, and a similar movement made in the direction of Natchez, to menace that place, the main body marched on to Brookhaven, already occupied by our advance.
OPERATIONS ON THE NEW ORLEANS RAILROAD BELOW JACKSON – MORE BRIDGES AND CARS DESTROYED.
Colonel Grierson, on the 30th ult. moved his forces along the railroad in a southerly direction, destroying all the bridges between Brookhaven and Bogue Chito Station. At the latter place fifteen freight cars were found standing on the track, partially loaded with army stores, which, with the depot and other railroad buildings, were fired.
MORE CARS DESTROYED.
After completing the work of destruction Colonel Grierson marched rapidly on to Summit, where he destroyed twenty-five freight cars, and, finding no other government property, again left the line of the railroad for a point between Magnolia and Liberty, with a view to reach the Clinton road.
A DASH AT THE ENEMY – THE LOSSES.
Information was received that a regiment of rebel cavalry was moving towards Wassita. After some search they were found at Wallbridge, on the Tickfaw. Our cavalry immediately dashed in among them, killing eight or ten, wounding quite a number and completely putting the balance to the rout. In this engagement Col. Grierson’s loss was one killed and five wounded. Lieutenant Colonel Blackburn, of the Seventh Illinois, who had been conspicuous for his bravery during the entire expedition, was among the latter. He received a wound in the thigh and slight ones in the head and breast. It was believed he would soon recover; but it was deemed advisable to leave him at a house by the roadside. A surgeon and one man remained with him.
THE MARCH AGAIN RESUMED – SKIRMISHES.
After the dispersion of the rebels our forces proceeded east of the Tickfaw for a short distance, when they changed their course and went directly south. At Edward’s bridge they encountered another regiment of the enemy’s cavalry, which had been posted purposely to dispute the passage of Colonel Grierson and his men. One battalion was sent to engage the enemy, while the main force marched on in the direction of Greensburg. At Edward’s bridge the enemy could not be made to fight except in skirmishes, in which they lost several killed and wounded. With our usual good fortune not one of our men was injured.
OUR MOVEMENT A COMPLETE SURPRISE – A PLAN TO CAPTURE GRIERSON.
Thus far during this unprecedented march the appearance of our forces in most instances was a complete surprise to the rebels wherever they were found; but at Csyka a deliberate plan had been laid by the enemy for the capture of Colonel Grierson’s command. Up to this time the rebels evidently thought, and so expressed themselves in their public prints and private correspondence, that it was the intention of our forces to return to Lagrange, and every effort was made with a view to their interception on such return.
DANGEROUS POSITION OF COLONEL GRIERSON’S FORCES – HOW THEY ESCAPED.
The rebels at last becoming convinced that it was Col. Grierson’s intention to pursue his hazardous march entirely through their country, determined to stop, if possible, his further advance. It was well known that to proceed any further south it would be necessary for our forces to cross several bridges. Hence a regiment of rebel cavalry was so posted, as to completely flank Col. Grierson’s men, while a force of infantry was thrown in his front to hold him in check until the enemy’s cavalry could make an attack flank and rear. Colonel Grierson, seeing his danger, at once determined upon the only course left for him to pursue. He ordered a charge on the infantry, and with one dash broke through their lines, and in a few moments left them far in the rear. Again, strange to say, we met with no loss. After escaping the rebel trap our forces marched south to Greensburg, thence direct to Clinton.
CROSSED THE AMITE RIVER – A GUERILLA CAMP ATTACKED.
About ten miles above that place Colonel Grierson crossed the Amite river. On Big Sandy creek a camp of Guerillas, styled Hughes’ and Millburn’s Partisan Rangers, was attacked, and one hundred and fifty tents, camp equipage and private baggage were destroyed. At the same time several horses belonging to the guerillas were captured.
OFF TO BATON ROUGE – STEWART’S CAVALRY CAPTURED.
The force then marched directly toward Baton Rouge, on the Greenville Spring road. At a point within about ten miles of the latter place they suddenly came upon Stewart’s cavalry and captured the entire command. The fight lasted but a few moments, when the rebels rapidly retreated to the river, where they were surrounded and taken prisoners.
ARRIVAL AT BATON ROUGE – THEIR WELCOME.
On Friday, the 1st inst. about noon, the inhabitants of Baton Rouge were startled by the arrival of a courier, who announced that a brigade of cavalry, from General Grant’s army, had cut their way through the heart of the rebel country, and were then only five miles outside of the city. The information seemed too astounding for belief. At four o’clock, however, there was no longer a doubt of the fact; for Colonel Grierson and his heroes were escorted into the city by Captain Godfrey cavalry. At the picket lines they were met by Colonel Dudley and staff who extended to them a hearty welcome. Spontaneously, as it were, the air rang with three cheers, which were loud enough to echo along the hills of Port Hudson.
RESUME – WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.
The importance of this expedition can hardly be realized without some reflection on what has been accomplished.
In seventeen days the troops marched over eight hundred miles. They travelled through the very heart of Rebeldom, fighting at every point where they met with opposition. They have killed and wounded a large number of the enemy, and have destroyed over four millions of dollars worth of property which would have been of immense assistance to the rebels in the prosecution of the war. On two important railroads they have completely cut off all communication with the strongholds of the enemy. They have taken over a thousand prisoners, captured over 1,200 horses, and menaced the enemy at points where they were least expected.
ACTIVITY OF COLONEL GRIERSON’S COMMAND.
An idea may be gained of the activity of Colonel Grierson command when the fact is stated that in thirty hours, while in pursuit of a rebel cavalry force, they travelled seventy-five miles, fought four battles, skirmished considerably, forded a river, and all of the time neither men nor horses had anything to eat.
THE REBEL ATTEMPTS AT CAPTURE FOILED.
Every effort was made by the rebel Generals Gardner and Pemberton for their surprise and capture; but in every instance the enemy was completely outwitted by Colonel Grierson’s stratagems and rapid marches. The mails and couriers captured kept our forces constantly in possession of the latest news concerning the movements of the rebels and their intended plans for our capture. During their march an effective force of at least five thousand cavalry was sent against them, which, wherever met, was defeated by our men, with heavy loss to the rebels.
HOW THE REBELS WERE DECEIVED AS TO OUR MOVEMENTS.
As has been before stated, the expectations of the rebels was that Colonel Grierson would attempt to return to Lagrange even after he had reached Hazlehurst. They in consequence laid more of their plans to capture him on his return. Of course they were chagrined at their miscalculations, as well as surprised at the boldness of Colonel Grierson in marching through to Baton Rouge.
HOW OUR TROOPS WERE TREATED BY THE REBEL CITIZENS.
Our troops, although they in many instances passed themselves off for Van Dorn’s or Jackson’s cavalry, whenever recognized by the country people were treated in the most respectful manner, and on a number of occasions the strongest demonstrations were voluntarily made of Union feeling, which is evidently still existing among the people. Our men were frequently cheered, and invited to share hospitalities in the name of the old flag – all showing that it is only necessary to once more establish the authority of the government to bring back to its allegiance the noble State of Mississippi. In many instances the inhabitants along the different routes taken by our cavalry, when they found we were not as we had been described – namely, robbers and assassins, insulters of women and children, and everything else contemptible – bade us God speed, and acknowledged that they had been bitterly deceived. In every instance private property was respected, unless found in the hands of guerillas.
SCENES AND INCIDENTS.
While several of our scouts were feeding their horses at the stables of a wealthy planter of secession proclivities, the proprietor, looking on, apparently deeply interesting in the proceeding, suddenly burst out with – “Well, boys, I can’t say I have anything against you. I don’t know but that on the whole I rather like you. You have not taken anything of mine except a little corn for your horses, and that you are welcome to. I have heard of your all over the country. Your are doing the boldest thing ever done. But you’ll be trapped, though; you’ll be trapped, mark me.”
At another place, where our men thought it advisable to represent themselves as Jackson’s cavalry, a whole company was very graciously entertained by a strong secession lady, who insisted on whipping a negro because he did not bring the hoecakes fast enough.
On one occasion seven of Colonel Griersonscouts stopped at the house of a wealthy planter to feed their jaded horses. Upon ascertaining that he had been doing a little guerilla business on his own account, our men encouraged him in the belief that, as they were the invincible Van Dorn cavalry, they would soon catch the Yankees. The secession gentleman heartily approved of what he supposed to be their intentions and enjoined upon them the necessity of making as rapid marches as possible. As our men had discovered two splendid carriage horses in the planter’s stable, they thought, under the circumstances, they would be justified in making an exchange, which, they accordingly proceeded to do. As they were taking the saddles from their own tired steeds and placing them on the backs of the wealthy guerrilla’s horses the proprietor discovered them, and at once objected. He was met with the reply that, as he was anxious the Yankees should be speedily overtaken, those after them should have good horses. “All right, gentlemen,” said the planter “I will keep your animals until your return. I suppose you’ll be back in two or three days at the farthest. When you return you’ll find they have been well cared for.” Our soldiers were sometimes asked where they got their blue coats. They always replied, if they were travelling under the name of Van Dorn’s cavalry, that they took them at Holly Springs of the Yankees. This always excited great laughter among the secessionists. Our scouts, however, usually wore the regular […..] uniforms.