December 4, 1864 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

Both armies have moved to Nashville and are digging in across from each other.

John Baer is discharged from the service soon after writing the entries below.  We have no more of his diary after the entry of the 4th.  On his way home, he must have had many thoughts of his time in the Union army:

In 1861, his 3-month regiment, the 10th Indiana, was rushed to the front in West Virginia, and ran immediately into a hornet's nest at Rich Mountain, but in the end the battle was won,  On the 10th's dispersal, he had the summer at home, but in the fall joined his 3-year regiment, the 40th Indiana, formed by men from the Lafayette area.

January 1962 found them in the cold winter of Kentucky, drilling daily and getting used to army life for several weeks, before the Confederate army fell back and they captured Nashville.  Racing in March and April for the Shiloh battlefield, they arrived late on the second day; suffering few casualties, but horrified by the slaughter of the battle.  A long, hot summer of moving slowly across Tennessee, repairing railroads and bridges, ended in the rush toward Louisville to protect it from the advancing Confederates.  The 40th was in the part of the army that remained idle as the Perryville battle raged; after that, much waiting, until the battle at Stones River, where John received a wound in the arm.

Early 1863 was relatively quiet, as General Rosecrans advanced the army slowly; the 40th spent some weeks north of Chattanooga, observing the city and holding the Confederates' attention as the rest of the army moved around the city to the south.  When the rebels were flanked out of the city, they moved in; but must have been astonished as a defeated Union army streamed back into the city after the disaster of Chickamauga.  Weeks of gloom and reduced rations followed until the arrival of General Grant.  After the battle of Lookout Mountain, an improbable charge up Missionary Ridge secured Chattanooga, setting the stage for Sherman's advance.

1864 saw them rushed to defend Knoxville, leaving their supplies and equipment behind.  They suffered from the cold and lack of shelter in East Tennessee.  Eventually in the spring, a month's leave to return home, and John took the opportunity to get married.  In summer, there was the advance toward Atlanta, flanking the Confederates, advancing, entrenching, and flanking again.  In late June was the failed attack at Kennesaw Mountain, where the regiment was decimated and John was captured.  The unspeakable horrors of the Andersonville camp followed.  A fortuitous exchange of prisoners, one of the few happening at the time, returned John to the army, and then he was sent north to Tennessee again.  Some maneuvering and then John's final battle at Franklin, rushing in retreat after being trapped outside Union lines.

Now John returned home to Jenny, and to a farm in an unknown state.  And with little time to relax, likely needing to find firewood, make repairs, and do all the things required for the animals and for the next planting season only a few months away.

This story will now have updates of only once or twice a month, as John is out of the army; but the war rages on, and the 40th Indiana will remain until the end.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - November 19th to 22nd.

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DIARY ENTRY - Thursday, December 1st, 1864

Daylight still found us on the road to Nashville, where we arrived about noon, having marched 42 miles in 52 hours and fought two battles - getting through with the loss of about 20 or 30 wagons and about 12 or 15 hundred men killed, wounded and captured - while we inflicted a loss of from 6 to 8,000 killed and wounded on the rebels, and captured between 1 and 2,000 prisoners.  Arrived at Nashville and went into position, stacked arms and rested till evening, when we moved back in reserve and pitched camp for the night.

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DIARY ENTRY - Friday, December 2nd, 1864

Regiment went on picket in the morning.  Brigade took up position in line and began throwing up works.  The rebels did not follow up so closely after the backset at Franklin.  Made another effort to get our rolls through, but did not effect anything.

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DIARY ENTRY - Saturday, December 3rd, 1864

 

Regiment returned from picket and reported to the Brigade, made still another effort with the rolls, succeeded in getting them examined, and the mustering gratified us with the intelligence that they were correct, and that we would get out in a day or two.  Rebels made a feint which caused some commotion in camp.

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DIARY ENTRY - Sunday, December 4th, 1864

During the night was waked by the roar of artillery, the cause of which I judged to be the rebels making an attempt to cross the river, as the firing was in that direction.  Was informed today that such was the case.  Went to the company having decamped and gone to the rear the day before, not having a desire to a more intimate acquaintance with musket balls or shells than was actually necessary.  The rebels are observed in front, throwing up works, and our artillery from four different points in the line are giving them the benefit of a decent shelling, which I should think would make them feel rather uncomfortable, especially if they have such a fear of them as I have.

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John relates his final days in the service, as the Yankees move back to Nashville, and are followed by the depleted Confederate army.  His diary ends on the 4th, and we may assume that he was headed for home soon after.

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More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XLV, Chapter LVII, Part I, Correspondence, pp.3-54.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 186-187.
  
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 673-682. 
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 212-224. 
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 647-655.
•  Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 663-668.
  
• Events: 1864    

 NEXT POST: JANUARY 1ST

November 30, 1864 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

Stanley's Corps moved back behind the Duck River at Columbia overnight on the 27th-28th.  On the 28th, it was discovered that Hood's army had moved east and crossed the river,giving them a road to Spring Hill on the east, surprising the Union army that had expected them to stay west of Columbia.  

Thus on the 29th, Wagner's division was rushed to Spring Hill to block the Confederate forces moving northward.  This they successfully did, and remained in position as the rest of the Union army crossed behind them en route to Franklin, TN.  Wagner's division followed toward Franklin after all the other Union troops had passed by.

Battle of Franklin, TN

The Union army reached Franklin and had entrenched in a semi-circle south of the town, with the town and the Harpeth River behind them.  The Union left and right both touched the river.  Wagner's division, however, remained out in front of the trenches about a half a mile.  As the ground was flat, it was not expected that the Confederate army would attack, as there was a clear field of fire wherever they might advance.  

Confederate General Hood had decided that this was the place for the battle, and directed a full frontal assault.  General Wagner inexplicably ordered them to stay and fight, and this forward position was soon overrun.  We may picture John Baer, running full speed up the turnpike, in the midst of the attacking rebels, rushing for the Union lines. He did get there, although many did not; and he was no doubt thankful for it, as he was just about to get out of the army.  General Wagner's behavior during the battle caused him to fall swiftly out of favor; and he was soon after relieved of duty at his own request.

The Confederate attack ended as most of these attacks did; entrenched defenders mowed down the attackers, and the Confederates suffered 3 times as many casualties as the Union (Hood's army had 6252 casualties, including many commanders).  General Schofield, having staved off the attack, moved the whole army north that very night and burned the bridge over the river, leaving the Union dead and immobile wounded behind. 

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - November 19th to 22nd.

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DIARY ENTRY - Sunday, November 27th, 1864

Weather remained damp with occasional showers.  Took the muster out roll to division Headquarters but could get nothing done owing to the fact that teams and desks were all across the river.  The picket line being drawn in, the rebels discovered that we were evacuating - attempted to press us but were checked at the line of works.  Succeeded in crossing safely, having to leave some siege pieces which were chopped down and spiked - the fort and magazines were blown up.

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DIARY ENTRY - Monday, November 28th, 1864

Having got everything across the river except the rear guard, and daylight coming, the rebels attempted capturing it, but the Yankees got across and destroyed the bridges.  Our wagon trains still being in the way, we could not fall back without leaving them for the rebels, and consequently moved around and formed our lines in front of the town - but on the opposite side of the river to where they had been the day previous.  Rebs moved up on the other side and skirmish fighting took place at long range.  Built works in the afternoon.  Supply train came up and we drew rations.

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DIARY ENTRY - Tuesday, November 29th, 1864

During the night the rebels had succeeded in crossing Cheatham’s corps above us and were threatening our rear at Spring Hills about 8 miles to our rear - to meet this emergency our division was detached and moved almost at double quick, and arrived at Spring Hills just in time to meet and check the enemy’s advance, save the train that had already arrived there and secure our line of retreat.  As we were entering town, the rebel cavalry charged our skirmishers and were repulsed.  Our lines were then formed and barricades made of rails for protection, and to check the impetuosity of the rebel cavalry should they attempt to dislodge us.  The 3rd Brigade, General Bradley’s, was on the right covering the pike.  2nd Brigade, Colonel Lane’s, in the center covering the town, and only connected with Bradley’s by a line of skirmishers for nearly half a mile.  The 1st Brigade, Colonel Opdyke’s, was on the left, and extended across the Franklin pike.   

 

After the first cavalry dash, the rebels fell back until their infantry came up.  When discovering the position of the 3rd Brigade, they determined to dislodge it.  Three times they charged the position with two brigades, but were three times repulsed with great loss.  The fourth time they charged flank with cavalry, and compelled our brave boys to fall back.  This they did but slowly, and dark coming on, the fight ended.  Furious cannonading had been kept up all day at Columbia.  In the meantime, our trains were getting into Spring Hills, and during the night moved out for Franklin.  The 23rd Corps having fallen back went in front of the trains.

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DIARY ENTRY - Wednesday, November 30th, 1864

By daylight, everything was on the move from Spring Hills to Franklin, our division serving as rear guards.  About 4 o’clock A.M., the rebel cavalry having struck the Franklin pike about 6 miles from Spring Hills, cut the train in two and destroyed about 20 wagons.  At daylight the train was again cut but the rebels were repulsed without doing any damage.  At noon we were all in Franklin.  The 23rd Corps having arrived in advance were engaged in throwing up works.  The trains were moved across the river and preparations were made to continue the retreat to Nashville.  The rebels, anticipating our intentions, and thinking we had but one division there, moved up and formed their lines, determined to capture the division and secure the train. 

 

To accomplish this, about 4 o’clock they made a furious charge along the whole line.  They succeeded in driving our division from the advance line of works, past the 2nd line, and into town, but were handsomely repulsed along the balance of the line.  Seeing this, our boys returned to the works and drove the rebels back, reoccupying the works and capturing a number of prisoners.  Several successive charges were made by the rebels but each time were repulsed with great slaughter.  We captured about 30 stand of colors and about 1700 prisoners.  At night we moved out quietly, taking all our trains and artillery, and destroying the bridges behind us.  We were compelled to abandon one siege howitzer, of which the carriage was cut down and the gun spiked.  When our rear guard left, they fired the magazine, and later in the night when we were well on our way to Nashville, we could hear the explosion of the shells as it blew up.

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John describes the movements of his division from Columbia, to Spring Hill, and then to Franklin, TN where the battle was fought. On the evening of the 30th, the army has moved out for Nashville.

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More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XLV, Chapter LVII, Part I, Correspondence, pp.1083-1205.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 186-187.
  
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 655-673. 
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 133-212. 
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 645-647.
•  Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 663-668.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  DECEMBER 4TH

November 26, 1864 - Saturday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

Hood's army arrives at Columbia, TN, on the 26th.  Schofield's Union troops, by marching day and night, have beaten him there and are entrenched.  The armies are skirmishing in several places, but no battle occurs at Columbia.  

In Georgia, Sherman has moved on from Milledgeville and continues toward Savannah.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - November 19th to 22nd.

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DIARY ENTRY - Wednesday, November 23rd, 1864

Remained in bivouac all day.  Received orders to be ready to march immediately.  Orders countermanded.

 

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DIARY ENTRY -Thursday, November 24th, 1864

 Roused from slumber at three o’clock A.M. by hearing the call to strike tents, and in less than half an hour we were on the march.  On inquiring into the cause, I was informed that Hood was marching on to Columbia by the Savannah road, and was trying to beat us there.  But in this he was foiled, for being in good trim for marching we traveled 18 miles by 11 o’clock, reaching Pulaski and getting our lines formed by noon.  In the afternoon put up works.  Received 13 drafter men and substitutes.  Company went on picket.

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DIARY ENTRY - Friday, November 25th, 1864

Drew arms for conscripts - went to mustering officers and got muster out rolls, and began to make preparations for getting out of the service.  Skirmishing all day with occasional cannonading - lines changed at night.

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DIARY ENTRY - Saturday, November 26th, 1864

Finished making out muster rolls.  Went to company, received orders to be ready to march at dark but the artillery sunk two pontoons, thus preventing us from crossing the river.

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It appears that John made an error in the entry of the 24th, as the army marched northward to Columbia (he mentions Pulaski).  John continues his efforts to get out of the army, but he will be pulled into one more large and ferocious battle before he can accomplish his release.

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More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XLV, Chapter LVII, Part I, Correspondence, pp.994-1083.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 186.
  
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 654-655. 
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 128-133. 
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 645-647.
•  Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 663-668.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  NOVEMBER 30TH

November 22, 1864 - Tuesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

 On the 21st, Hood begins to move his army toward Columbia, TN.  Union troops at Pulaski must therefore move north to unite with the rest of the army in the Nashville area.  As below, Wagner's division has moved to Lynnville, TN on the 22nd.  Union forces plan to initially unite at Columbia.

Sherman was continuing his march across Georgia and was approaching Milledgeville, GA which at that time was the state capital.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - November 19th to 22nd.

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DIARY ENTRY - Saturday, November 19th, 1864 - No Entry.

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DIARY ENTRY - Sunday, November 20th, 1864

Received orders to be ready to march the following morning at 9 o’clock A.M., also a detail for picket if we did not march. Wrote a letter home.  Weather disagreeable in the extreme - incessant cold rain and mud too deep to mention, for I should be considered as given to exaggerations.

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DIARY ENTRY - Monday, November 21st, 1864

Guard mounting at the usual hour, notwithstanding preparations were being made for a march in case we were called on at the appointed hour.  As the pickets were starting out, they were met by a courier who turned them back - at this point we began to feel positive of a move - but imagine our great joy when a few moments after, another courier came with the intelligence that we would not march, and as satisfactory evidence that he was in earnest ordered out the picket. 

 

Weather colder and snow falling instead or rain.  Grows colder in the afternoon and gets below the freezing point.  Report comes to camp that the baggage has come, and being anxious to get out of the service, which great act could not be accomplished without the books, I was prevailed upon to go to the depot and ascertain if the books were there, and if so, to bring them - but to my chagrin, I found them not.  Was informed that they would be in sometime during the evening, which consolatory news I carried to the camp.

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DIARY ENTRY - Tuesday, November 22nd, 1864

Marched at 8:00 A.M.  Arrived at Lynville about 1 o’clock A.M.  Bivouacked in the woods, built log fires and set up for the night.

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  John continues his efforts to be discharged from the service, as his enlistment is up, at the same time as the army is headed toward a battle with Hood's army.

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More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XLV, Chapter LVII, Part I, Correspondence, pp.943-994.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 185-186.
  
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 654-655. 
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 121-128. 
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 645-647.
•  Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 660-663.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  NOVEMBER 26TH

November 18, 1864 - Friday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

The Union army in Tennessee is mostly not moving due in part to bad roads resulting from recent rains, although the cavalry continues to look for where Hood's army is going.  Hood has reunited with his cavalry under Forrest, and is continuing to get all his troops across the Tennessee River, after which he intends to move toward Nashville.

Fighting erupts again in East Tennessee, as Confederate forces under Breckenridge move toward Knoxville.  This turns out to be more of a raid than a full attack, and Union troops are able to repel it.

Atlanta was burned on the night of the 15th, and Sherman started for the sea the next day.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - November 15th to 18th.

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 No diary entries until the 20th.

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More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XLV, Chapter LVII, Part I, Correspondence, pp.894-943
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 185.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 626-644.
  
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 111-121.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 642-645.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 654-660.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  NOVEMBER 22ND

November 14, 1864 - Monday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

Sherman has begun to break up the railroad north of Atlanta and will then move toward the city.  Sherman has given the order to destroy Atlanta; the burning of the town will begin when he arrives there.

Hood's army is still near Florence, AL and more of the divisions are crossing to the north side of the river.  Forrest's cavalry is moving up the Tennessee to join with Hood.

Many of the Union troops are moving toward Pulaski, TN where General Schofield is in command.  The railroad to Pulaski is restored on the 14th.  Heavy rains have been constant for a while, raising rivers, washing out bridges, and making army movements slow.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - November 11th to 14th.

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DIARY ENTRY - Friday, November 11th, 1864

Monotony reigns supreme, no new scenes to direct our minds from the sameness of duties that we have to perform daily.  For more than a week, trains have been stopped running between here and Nashville on account of a bridge being washed out - consequently no mail or newspapers, With the monotony comes almost total idleness.

 

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DIARY ENTRY - Saturday, November 12th, 1864

After breakfast and guard mounting we received an order for twelve men to go with the forage train, which order was promptly filled.  Finished our building and put up our stove.  Foragers returned with 99 head of sheep, a few cattle, two loads of corn and some sweet potatoes.  Had a man arrested for tearing down a backhouse.

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DIARY ENTRY - 

Sunday, November 13th, 1864

 

Wrote two letters - one home and other to Mrs. Rachel Cole.

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DIARY ENTRY -  No Entry.

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 No more diary entries until the 20th.

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More Information:

•  Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXIX, Chapter LI, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 739-777.
•   Link: War Operations, see Volume XLV, Chapter LVII, Part I, Correspondence, pp.876-894
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 184.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 622-626.
  
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 111-112.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 641-642.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 643-654.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  NOVEMBER 14TH 

 

 

 

 

 

November 10, 1864 - Thursday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

Sherman moves toward Atlanta to begin his march to the sea.  He orders railroad destroyed around the city and also back toward Chattanooga.

Troops are coming in from west of the Mississippi.  General Schofield places some of his troops at Johnsonville to protect the town, and moves to return to Pulaski to take command of his remaining troops and Stanley's corps.  General Thomas is working to coordinate the placement of the various divisions, as he is ordered to go over to the offensive as soon as possible.

The Confederate army under General Hood is completely across the Tennessee River at Florence but has not moved very far forward as of yet.  Union forces are deploying to try to detect Hood's movements. 

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - November 7th to 10th.

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DIARY ENTRY - Monday, November 7th, 1864

Orders to move at daylight, but it rained all night and continued raining during the forenoon, and we were only going to take up positions on the line - we remained until afternoon when we struck tents and moved headquarters to town.  The troops camping a short distance out bordering on the suburbs of the city.

 

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DIARY ENTRY - Tuesday, November 8th, 1864

This is the day of the Presidential contest - the date that decides the fate of free government.  The day on which the people will declare that the Federal Union must and shall be preserved by the re-election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidential chair.  The day is one of doubt and uncertainty to Peace men.  Little Mac will turn out to be a “mackeral” - if he is not already in salt water, he will get badly salted.  Intimations that the non-veterans of the company are to be mustered out.

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DIARY ENTRY - Wednesday, November 9th, 1864

Rained occasionally during the day, turned cold at night and cleared up.  Railroad bridge having washed out, we had no mail and consequently no news.  Considerable excitement in town, consequence of a large body of rebel cavalry being reported in vicinity.

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DIARY ENTRY - 

Thursday, November 10th, 1864

 

After breakfast, I went over to the regiment where I was informed that the papers of discharge of the non-veterans of the company had arrived, but that we could not be discharged on account of the clothing book being left behind - that being necessary for the settlement of accounts with Uncle Sam.  Got a couple of muster rolls and some Lafayette papers and returned to headquarters, there to learn by rumor that the company was to be sent back to the regiment.  If rumor speaks truth in this instance, I would like to express my opinion, if I could do so without getting angry.  I am sure it would not flatter the boyish pride of certain Shoulder strap gentry should they be so unfortunate as to be compelled to give me a hearing - which they most certainly have to do should they provoke my ire sufficiently to get me started.  Rank will hardly prevent me from speaking truth should circumstances require it.

 

I have almost arrived at the conclusion that the Paymasters are an imaginary set of beings.  For nearly two months we have been looking for the advent of one, and have frequently heard that he is near at hand - even at the door awaiting admittance - but as yet he has proved a delusion, and our anxious watchings have all been in vain.  He is looked for about as anxiously as the non-veterans look for the expiration of their terms of service.

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 The rules around the discharge of John Baer and others in Company A are not clear but he is  ready for release as a "non-veteran" whose enlistment has expired.  It appears that the rumor he heard would result in his being kept in for the duration, thus his ire at the news.  This is on top of the frustration of not receiving timely pay again.

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More Information:

•  Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXIX, Chapter LI, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 678-739.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 184.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 622-623.
  
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 111-112.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 641.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 642-643.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  NOVEMBER 14TH

November 6, 1864 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

All of Stanley's corps has reached the Pulaski area, and General Schofield's are arriving. 

Forrest's Confederate cavalry has destroyed gunboats and stores at Johnsonville, TN, causing millions in damage.  Forrest will soon move to join Hood's army.  General Schofield will go to Johnsonville to survey the damage before returning to Pulaski to take command of all the troops there.

Sherman continues bringing all his troops to the Atlanta area and now has the go-ahead for his Georgia march.  He is planning to leave in a few days.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - November 3rd to 6th.

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DIARY ENTRY - Thursday, November 3rd, 1864

We had received orders the evening before to be ready to march at daylight, but during the night the orders were countermanded, and we did not march until afternoon.  Marched to within 6 miles of Elk River and bivouacked for the night.  The march was not long but wearisome on account of recent rains which had made the roads very bad.  No account as to the whereabouts of Hood’s army and all movements are an entire mystery.  Sherman has not been heard from directly for several days but no anxiety is felt for his safety.  It is stated on pretty good authority that Atlanta is being evacuated and the railroad is being torn up between there and Chattanooga - if such is the case, the future plan is easily determined and will be the final windup of the Confederacy.  In my opinion Hood has been nicely euchered.  He has gone precisely where Sherman wanted him to.  Sherman followed him for two reasons; first. to save his communications until the time arrived for other operations; and second, to lead Hood to the belief that he was alarmed, and get him safely across the Tennessee River where he would fall into the hands of General Thomas, who had been sent back with ample provisions to take care of him.  This feat accomplished, Sherman turns his attention to other matters.

 

With nothing in his way to oppose him, he turns his attention southward.  Out of the reach of Hood, his first work is to get supplies for a campaign south.  Then evacuate Atlanta, and tear up the railroad from there to Chattanooga - and proceeding southward by the way of Macon and Augusta, tearing up both railroads will destroy the rolling mills and arsenals at Macon, and effectually cut off Atlanta from being used as a base or otherwise to advantage by the rebels.  Then concentrating at Augusta a post will be established.  Then Savannah will fall, and communications by the Savannah River to Augusta which will be the future base of operations in the interior.  This will be productive of numerous advantages.  There, lines of communications over which we will have to transport supplies will be materially shortened, besides being in no danger of being cut or torn up every day, as is the case with railroads.  Chattanooga will be held, of course, but Thomas is sufficiently strong for that.  This will insure the safety of Tennessee and Kentucky.

 

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DIARY ENTRY - Friday, November 4th, 1864

Reveille at 4 o’clock - orders to be ready to march at daylight.  Marched to Elk River, a distance of 5 miles, and had to ford it, which very disagreeable feat was accomplished by the whole division by 12 o’clock.  One hour for dinner, and continued our march to within 4 miles of Pulaski, where we came to a halt and bivouacked for the night.

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DIARY ENTRY - Saturday, November 5th, 1864

Continued out march at daylight and got to Pulaski before the fog cleared up - and passed through without being able to see much of the town.  Went about two miles from town and camped.  Distant cannoning heard in the afternoon.  Company signed the payrolls preparatory to the advent of some of Uncle Sam’s “greenbacks”.

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DIARY ENTRY - Sunday, November 6th, 1864

Remained in camp all day although we had orders and were expecting a move in the afternoon.  Two regiments of the Brigade moved camp and details were sent to work on fortifications.  A collision between Hood and Thomas is possible but not probable, as I hardly think it is Hood’s intention to make a fight of it if he can avoid it - from the fact that he has neither ammunition or supplies to warrant him hazarding a battle, especially when the chances of victory are doubtful.  Defeat would be inevitable ruin and unless we can by some means force him to fight, he will continue his raid as far as practicable and if possible return without it.

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Interesting that John uses "euchered" in his Thursday entry.  The game had already become popular in the Midwest before the war, and it remains so today.  John is mostly accurate regarding Sherman's plan, although Sherman will focus less on capturing places and more on destroying the infrastructure of the South.

Pay was being distributed to all the troops, including those with Sherman in Georgia.  Pay had been at best sporadic during the year as armies were constantly moving.

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More Information:

•  Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXIX, Chapter LI, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 613-678.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 184.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 622-623.
  
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 111-112.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 641.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 642-643.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  NOVEMBER 10TH

November 2, 1864 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

Stanley's corps was returning to Tennessee and was first ordered to move to Athens, AL.  Upon discovery that Hood's army had crossed the Tennessee River at Florence AL, Stanley was ordered to move to Pulaski, TN and consolidate his divisions there.  Below we see Wagner's Division (the last of Stanley's divisions to move) is moving toward Pulaski as fast as possible.  Wagner has to escort all the artillery and some provision for all the divisions as well.

Sherman is bringing all his troops to the Atlanta area and now has the go-ahead for his Georgia march.  He is planning to leave in a few days.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - October 30th to November 2nd.

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DIARY ENTRY - Sunday, October 30th, 1864

Continued march in the direction of Bridgeport, Alabama.  Ascended Sand Mountain and marched to within 4 miles or Bridgeport.  Bivouacked for the night.

 

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DIARY ENTRY - Monday, October 31st, 1864

Marched at 7 A.M., descended the mountain and arrived at Bridgeport about 11 A.M.  Muster day.  Made a memorandum muster, drew three days’ rations, received three letters from home and marched in the direction of Stevenson.  Term of service expired but no prospect of release.

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DIARY ENTRY - Tuesday, November 1st, 1864

Arrived at Stevenson and immediately made preparations to take the train to Athens, Alabama.  Got everything on the train and moved out about sundown.  Saw part of the 11th Indiana Cavalry on the road.  Rained at night and made it disagreeable riding on the platform cars.

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DIARY ENTRY - Wednesday, November 2nd, 1864

Arrived with a (?) of Athens and the road was completely blockaded with trains, so that we were obliged to unload where we were - and to do this, it became necessary to construct platforms before we could unload the wagons, artillery and horses.  This we speedily did, and by 10 o’clock we were in the order of march.  We marched to town and halted for dinner.  About 1 o’clock P.M. we set out for Pulaski, Tennessee, proceeded about 6 miles and bivouacked for the night.

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More Information:

•  Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXIX, Chapter LI, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 509-613.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 183-184.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 619-622.
  
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 101-111.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 641.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 642-643.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  NOVEMBER 6TH

October 29, 1864 - Saturday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

On the 26th, General Sherman orders Stanley's entire corps back to Chattanooga and to report to General Thomas in the defense of Tennessee.  As noted below, Wagner's division has almost reached Trenton, GA with some long marches on the 28th and 29th.  This order was somewhat fortuitous for John Baer, as his enlistment was up soon and he might be able to return home.  If he had been with Sherman in Georgia, this would not have been possible.  

Sherman also sent the Army of the Ohio, under General Schofield, back to Tennessee as well.  This would ensure a solid defense against a Confederate advance into Tennessee.

General Hood ended up near Tuscumbia, AL with his army, and paused there while he awaited his cavalry under Forrest to join his army.  Forrest was causing his usual havoc in Tennessee, capturing and destroying Union gunboats on the river.  He would soon bring his cavalry back to the army and the Confederate advance into Tennessee would begin.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - October 26th to 29th.

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DIARY ENTRY - Wednesday, October 26th, 1864

Sent out a forage train.  Got orders to move before it returned.  Moved camp about an mile.  Provost took up quarters in a house.  Rained during the night.  Forage train returned with a fine lot of potatoes.

 

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DIARY ENTRY - Thursday, October 27th, 1864

Weather cloudy.  Nothing going on of importance.  Remained in quarters pretty much all day.  Received marching orders, destination Whitesides or Wahatchie.  Battery and supply train came up - made preparations to run a couple of miles but marching put a check to it.

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DIARY ENTRY - Friday, October 28th, 1864

Reveille at 5 o’clock A.M.  Breakfast at 6 o’clock, struck tents, loaded baggage, drew rations and were on the march by seven-thirty.  Ascended Lookout Mountain, crossed Little river and halted for dinner.  Move four miles and crossed Big Little river at Little Falls.  The water falls about 80 feet over a cliff.  Moved on to the foot of the mountain, into Wills Valley and camped at the valley head.

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DIARY ENTRY - Saturday, October 29th, 1864

Marched from the valley head at 7 A.M. and went to within 4 miles of Trenton where we camped for the night, having made a march of 21 miles.  In the afternoon we had to take charge of the battery by direction of General Grose.

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The division moves back north toward Chattanooga and would rejoin General Thomas instead of going on Sherman's march through Georgia.

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More Information:

•  Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXIX, Chapter LI, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 439-509.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 182-183.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 618-619.
  
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 99-101.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, p. 641.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 634-642.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  NOVEMBER 2ND

October 25, 1864 - Tuesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade

The Union army remains mostly in place during these days, and is unaware that General Hood has started a march to the north in an attempt to cross into Tennessee and attack Union forces there.  Hood diverts his army west at Guntersville, AL as he finds he cannot cross the Tennessee river there.

Sherman,while making preparations for the march across Georgia, keeps the army in place for the moment as he feels the current location allow him to block any Confederate advance on Chattanooga or Atlanta.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - October 22nd to 25th.

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DIARY ENTRY - Saturday, October 22nd, 1864

Marched at 6 o’clock A.M. and proceeded up the mountain - saw three houses in going a distance of 12 miles.  Reached the valley about 1 o’clock P.M. and went into camp.

 

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DIARY ENTRY -  Sunday, October 23rd, 1864

Remained in camp all day.  Forage train went out - brought in potatoes, turnips, onions and apples.  Party brought cattle, sheep and hogs.  Hogs and sheep slaughtered for the brigade.

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DIARY ENTRY - Monday, October 24th, 1864

General began to grow uneasy on account of our exposed positions and we were ordered to be ready to march at 12 o’clock P.M. to recross the mountain.  We were making headquarters at rebels’ houses.  The old Gentleman’s name was Winster and he owned about 30 Negroes big and little, and when they got wind that we were going back, the broke through the weeds like a flock of quails with the intention of going along, but were nearly all sent back as we had no means of subsisting them.  Did not get down the mountain until after dark - lost part of our cattle, all of our hogs, and two or three sheep.  One wagon upset - all but the hogs were recovered the next day.

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DIARY ENTRY - Tuesday, October 25th, 1864

Remained in camp at the foot of the mountain - sent out foragers but they returned bringing nothing but potatoes.  Received mail - only a few letters for the company, none for me.  Some talk of a move, but no move.

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The regiment remains in the Alpine, AL area during this time.

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More Information:

•  Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXIX, Chapter LI, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 394-439.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 182.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 616-618.
  
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 99-100.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, pp. 641-.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 634-.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  OCTOBER 29TH

October 21, 1864 - Friday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Stanley's Corps - Wagner's Division - Lane's Brigade 

By the 22nd, General Hood has moved the Confederate army to Gadsden, AL, and has conferred with his new department commander, General P. G. T. Beauregard.  He has gotten approval from the general for his proposed attack into Tennessee.  He is preparing to move north toward Tennessee soon.

General Sherman has moved most of his army toward Gadsden but has not approached the town.  Sherman has realized that Hood is no longer interested in cutting his supply lines.  Sherman now commands his armies to prepare for the march through Georgia, planned to start on November 1st.  As part of this, he decides that the 4th army corps (with Wagner's division including 40th Indiana) will move to Tennessee, and report to General Thomas, who has been tasked with defending the state with the troops not taken south by Sherman.

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John Baer Diary Entries - text in white, comments in blue. - October 18th to 21st.

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DIARY ENTRY - Tuesday, October 18th, 1864

Was aroused at 5 A.M. with orders to be ready to march at 6:00.  Marched to the depot and was informed that our destination was Chattanooga, with orders to march there.  Arrived at Chattanooga about 12:00.  Received a letter before I got off the train - the first one in over four months.  Went to Blake’s restaurant and took dinner.  Thence to Brigade Headquarters - drew one day’s rations and about 3:00 P.M. marched out without knowing where we were going.  Some supposed to Rossville, others to Gorden Mills.  Marched 11 miles and went into camp about 8 o’clock with orders to march at 8 o’clock A.M. the following morning - this settled the question in regard to Rossville and Gorden Mills as we had passed the one and were within a mile and a half of the other, and we had also brought out a drove of cattle destined for the army.

 

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DIARY ENTRY -  Wednesday, October 19th, 1864

Breakfasted at a reasonable hour, struck tents and loaded baggage and were ready to march at the appointed hour, but the order was countermanded, and we rested a couple of hours.  Marched a few miles and rested for dinner.  Continued our march in the afternoon and arrived within a mile of Lafayette, Georgia, and went into camp.

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DIARY ENTRY -  Thursday, October 20th, 1864

Continued the march at daylight - destination some miles.  Went to take a nearer route about noon and ran into Schofield column - returned to the old route.  Halted for dinner, marched about a mile and a half and camped for the night.  Drew two days’ rations, had sweet potatoes, fresh pork, and honey for supper.  Orders to march at 6 o’clock A.M. tomorrow morning, returned to rest after having roasted some pork for breakfast.

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DIARY ENTRY - Friday, October 21st, 1864

Marched at 6 o’clock A.M. in the direction of Alpine, Alabama.  Arrived at Alpine about 12:00 P.M.  Here we struck the route of the army and halted for dinner.  The 1st Brigade remained there and our Brigade was ordered to Williams Valley.  Marched about 3 miles and camped at the foot of Lookout Mountain.

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Wagner's brigade is ordered to rejoin Sherman's army, and they march out through LaFayette, GA to Alpine, AL which is near the current DeSoto State Park.  They then march a few miles west to Wills Valley and camp,  The remain there on the lookout for any movements of the Confederate army.  They have marched 40 miles or so since leaving Chattanooga.

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More Information:

•  Link: War Operations, see Volume XXXIX, Chapter LI, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 346-394.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 181-182.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1II, Red River to Appomattox, Shelby Foote, p. 616.
  
• Shrouds of Glory: From Atlanta to Nashville, Winston Groom, pp 96-100.
  
• Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, pp. 640-641.
• Memoirs of General William T. Sherman, pp. 633-634.
  
• Events: 1864   
  

 

NEXT POST:  OCTOBER 25TH