October 11, 1863 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Granger's Corps - Sheridan's Division - Wagner's Brigade 

On the 9th, Generals Crittenden and McCook are relieved of duty and their two corps are consolidated and added to the Fourth Army Corps commanded by General Gordon Granger.  In the re-organization, Wagner's brigade is assigned to the Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, commanded by General Phillip Sheridan (later known for his commands in the Shenandoah Valley and after the war, in the far West).   Wagner's brigade becomes Sheridan's Second Brigade.

General Wood has moved to command of the Third Division of Granger's new corps.  Wood has been commended for his actions in the recent battle, notwithstanding his obeying of the order that led directly to the Confederate breakthrough.  His further actions in the battle helped the remaining Union forces form a defensive line and eventually work their way back to Chattanooga.  Questions about his actions will become more forceful after the war.

Generals Crittenden and McCook now have no duties and will be ordered to return to Indianapolis to await a court of inquiry into their actions at the Battle of Chickamauga.

Elsewhere progress is being made in restoring communications, repairing railroads, and finding forage for animals.  Supplies into Chattanooga are still coming in slowly, and the army remains on reduced rations.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part IV, Correspondence, pp. 169-298.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 130.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 710-768. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 101-536.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 3: Barren Victory, David A. Powell.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September   
  

NEXT POST:  OCTOBER 15TH 

 

October 7, 1863 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Confederate cavalry that advanced through the gap between the Union armies have now moved into Tennessee behind Rosecrans' Union army, cutting the railroad and destroying wagon trains. The Confederates successfully attacked at McMinnville, TN, and then moved to the Murfreesboro area where they cut the main railroad from Nashville to Chattanooga.  General Burnside has still not moved down from Knoxville, despite orders from General Halleck and repeated requests from Rosecrans, leaving the gap open.

The army in Chattanooga is daily monitoring the occupation of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain by Bragg's Confederate army.  Confederate artillery on these ridges fires only sporadically as of now, only to determine the range to Union positions.  Meanwhile, the Union army is trapped in Chattanooga, and supplies are low; the army is on reduced rations, usually half rations or less.

General Hooker, with his corps fully arrived in the area, is still north of the Tennessee River, and is trying to aid in protecting the supply lines, as well as preparing to cross the river.  Sherman's troops are coming up the river from Corinth, MS as fast as possible, but have not reached the area yet.  Sherman himself is still at Memphis, TN.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part IV, Correspondence, pp. 73-169.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 130.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 710-768. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 101-536.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 3: Barren Victory, David A. Powell.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September   
  

NEXT POST:  OCTOBER 11TH  

October 3, 1863 - Saturday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Confederate cavalry crossed the Tennessee River and destroyed a train of about 300 wagons north of Chattanooga.  This was along the only road that was available for delivering supplies to the Union army in the city.  Union cavalry is hunting for the Confederates, but in the mean time, the army in Chattanooga has gone to two-thirds or half rations as a precaution.

General Burnside has not moved down from Knoxville, and a gap remains between the Union armies.  This is the gap where the Confederate cavalry crossed the river and made the successful attack on the Union supply lines.  

However, reinforcements are being rushed to the area to support the Union army.  A corps under General Hooker has arrived at Stevenson, AL, and Sherman has started from Mississippi with another force, although he has only reached Memphis so far.  The army in Chattanooga has noticed Confederate activity on the ridges above the city. 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 943-958.
• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part IV, Correspondence, pp. 1-73.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 129-130.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 710-768. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 101-536.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 3: Barren Victory, David A. Powell.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September   
  

NEXT POST:  OCTOBER 7TH 

 

September 29, 1863 - Tuesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

The Union army by the 29th had fully withdrawn into the city of Chattanooga, creating a compact set of defensive works.  The left of the army was on the Tennessee River in the northeast of the city, and the right was on the Tennessee in the southwest part of the city.  Strong works were put up all along the line in case of a Confederate attack.  The Confederate army occupied the heights around the city, as mentioned, especially Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge.

The days after the battle were busy burying the dead and treating the wounded, Union and Confederate mixed together on the battlefield with the animals that were also killed.  Prisoner exchanges were done and the Union army was able to regain about 1,000 captured men in exchanges.

This was a large battle with many errors and missed opportunities on both sides.  General Rosecrans, having not slept for several days before and during the battle, appeared to be mostly undone by the swift and unexpected rout of his forces.  President Lincoln described Rosecrans as "confused and stunned like a duck hit on the head".  General Thomas was rightly perceived as having saved the army, but the other two corps commanders, McCook and Crittenden, were under scrutiny for their performance at the battle.

The Confederate army's high command had been riven for months by infighting among the generals, and the actions at the battle had made it worse.  Changes in command would be coming soon on both sides.  In the meantime, the armies would need to recover from the high casualties of the battle. 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 864-943.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 128-129.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 710-768. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 101-536.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 3: Barren Victory, David A. Powell.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September   
  

NEXT POST:  OCTOBER 3RD 

September 25, 1863 - Friday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

By the 22nd, the troops under General Thomas are north of the battlefield, facing south, and confronting the Confederate army south of Chattanooga.  The remainder of Crittenden's corps is on the Union left.  There is only skirmishing and both armies are suffering from the immense casualties of the battle.

General Rosecrans, with the rest of the army, has retreated into Chattanooga and now occupied the previous Confederate entrenchments.  Burnside has been requested to move his troops down from Knoxville as soon as possible and has begun some movements.  Other Union forces are also ordered to relieve Chattanooga.

Wagner's brigade, with the 40th Indiana, has remained in the city and is still separated from its division and corps.  The brigade has 116 officers and 1408 men on September 23rd.  The 40th Indiana has 30 officers and 381 men effective on that date.

The Confederate army has begun to occupy the heights around the city, mainly Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge.  From there they can interfere with supply lines for the Union army inside Chattanooga.  

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 772-864.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 128-129.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 710-768. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 101-536.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 2: Glory or the Grave, David A. Powell. 
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 3: Barren Victory, David A. Powell.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September   
  

NEXT POST:  SEPTEMBER 29TH 

September 21, 1863 - Monday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Wagner's brigade (including the 40th Indiana) continues to occupy the city of Chattanooga, as mentioned previously.  This left General Wood with only three brigades in his division.

By the morning of the 20th, intense fighting had occurred at various places along the lines for the last two days.  General Rosecrans was continually moving troops north to protect his left, and the roads that led directly back to Chattanooga.  General Thomas' corps had been moved north, leaving Crittenden's corps in the middle.

The strain of the battle was wearing on everyone, and many of the orders issued in the morning were confusing.  Wood had received a misinterpreted order, and Rosecrans, tired and impatient, had reprimanded Wood in front of his staff, ordering him to follow the order's initial intent.  This was a second reprimand for Wood including the recent one regarding his actions at Lookout Mountain.

By late morning, Wood's division was in its intended position in the Union front in the right side of the army's line of battle.  As they were preparing to receive the Confederate attack, another order was received; Wood's division was to move out of its current position, and to the left.  The order by this time made no sense, as the destination position was already covered.  Wood, however, insisted on obeying the order, and commenced the move.

At exactly the same time, a large part of the Confederate army swept through the gap opened up by the withdrawal of Wood's division.  All of the Union army to the right (south) of the gap was isolated and left the battlefield to return to Chattanooga.  General Rosecrans also left for Chattanooga, leaving General Thomas in charge of the battlefield and ordering him to delay the Confederate advance and work his way back to Chattanooga also.  Wood's division became part of Thomas's remnant fighting its way back to the city.

Wagner's brigade (and the 40th Indiana) thus would likely have been right in the middle of the most intense fighting of the battle, if they had not had garrison duty for the city. They likely watched in confusion as the shattered Union army made its way back into Chattanooga.  General Thomas fought the holding action and also made his way back into the city, earning him the nickname "The Rock of Chickamauga".  Wood would become the goat of the battle for opening the gap that led to the Confederate army breakthrough.

Over a quarter of the Union army became casualties in the battle - 1,656 killed, 9749 wounded, and 4,774 missing, a total of 16,179 out of 57,840 active soldiers.  Confederate losses were even worse, including over 2,000 soldiers killed.

Image:  Information board from Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Battlefield, Chattanooga, TN describes the events leading to the Confederate breakthrough at the Battle of Chickamauga,

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 719-772.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 127-128.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-710. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 101-536.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 2: Glory or the Grave, David A. Powell.
• Events: 1863 - July to September   
  

NEXT POST:  SEPTEMBER 25TH 

September 17, 1863 - Thursday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Wagner's brigade (including the 40th Indiana) continues to occupy the city of Chattanooga, as mentioned previously.  The brigade is not involved in the great movements of forces that are focusing on the area of the upcoming battle.

On the Union side, all three corps had come up and were within marching distance of West Chickamauga Creek, arrayed north to south on the west side of the creek.  Crittenden's corps was the most northerly, Thomas's corps was in the middle to Crittenden's right, and McCook's corps was slightly further west and to the south (right) of Thomas. A small force was further north to ensure that the roads to Chattanooga were not cut off.

The Confederate army was receiving reinforcements from both Mississippi and from Virginia.  These had just begun arriving on the 17th.  Most of the Confederate army was directly across from Crittenden's corps on the east side of the creek.

Although neither side had finished deploying its forces, everyone in both armies now knew that the focus was here near near the creek and battle would soon be joined.  It would be, by most measures, the largest battle of the Civil War in the west.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 619-719.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 127.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-710. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 86-100.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 192-224.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  SEPTEMBER 21ST 

September 13, 1863 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

General Bragg is now fully aware of the Union Army's movements, and realizes that the Union corps are widely separated and can be attacked individually. Over the next few days he orders several of these attacks but, due to the indecisiveness of his generals, they are not carried out.  Union armies are forced to consolidate using long marches to get closer together.  Union corps that are far to the south near Summerville and LaFayette must march north to close up south of Chattanooga.

On the 12th, General Wagner receives an order for his brigade (including the 40th Indiana) to occupy Chattanooga, protect the army post and stores in the town, and construct a new bridge across the Tennessee River.   His brigade will not be part of the now developing confrontation with the Confederates.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 503-619.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 126-127.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-694. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 68-86.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 117-192.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  SEPTEMBER 17TH  

September 9, 1863 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

General Wood's division (minus Wagner's brigade) is operating on the west side of Lookout Mountain.  Wood is sent an order to conduct a reconnaissance in force toward the north end of Lookout Mountain to get definitive information on the location and size of Confederate forces in that area.  Wood hesitates, and does not do this due to worries for the safety of his position; he instead pulls back slightly to the southwest before later sending a reconnaissance force forward.  Crittenden criticizes this action in a letter to Rosecrans; Wood sends several long messages with justification; Rosecrans eventually sends a sharp rebuke to Wood.  This will later be perceived as the root of unfortunate events at the upcoming Battle of Chickamauga.

Meanwhile, Wood is in communication with Wagner regarding the northern point of Lookout Mountain where Confederate forces are positioned.  Wagner shells this area from across the river and engages the Confederate batteries there, as Wood's forces probe along the west side of the mountain up to the north end and engage in firefights with Confederate infantry.

General Bragg has become aware that the Union army is moving on his far left and therefore he must move south out of Chattanooga to face them directly in north Georgia.  By September 9th he is out of the city, and Crittenden's corps moves in to occupy it.  Wagner also crosses the Tennessee River from the north and enters the city as well. 

------------------------------

Map shows the area - Wagner is across the river at Moccasin Bend, shelling Confederate positions at the north end of Lookout Mountain (presumably somewhere near Ruby Falls), while Wood approaches the same area from the southwest along the west side of the mountain.

 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 380-503.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 126.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-688. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 55-68.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 89-117.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  SEPTEMBER 13TH  

September 5, 1863 - Saturday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Colonel Wagner and his brigade (with the 40th Indiana) remains in place north of Chattanooga and continues to report on Confederate movements in the city and beyond.  General Rosecrans in the meantime has gotten most of the army across the Tennessee River, and has designed for each of the three corps to move eastward through separate gaps in the mountains southwest of Chattanooga.

Crittenden's corps (minus Wagner's brigade) has reached Whiteside, TN and will be the most northerly corps; they will pass nearest Chattanooga, with the other two corps further south. Wagner is in command of the brigades north of the city, and has orders to cross the river and occupy Chattanooga if he determines it has been abandoned.

Elsewhere, forces under General Burnside have moved from Kentucky and taken Knoxville.  Confederates previously in East Tennessee have moved back toward the rest of the Confederate army around Chattanooga.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 294-380.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 125.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-688. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-51.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 1-89.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  SEPTEMBER 9TH  

 

 

September 1, 1863 - Tuesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Wilder and Wagner are remaining in position and Wagner's brigade shelled the town once during these four days.  Their reports indicate an evacuation of the town, with the Confederate forces moving southeast to allow them to move east toward Knoxville or south into Georgia.  Wilder and Wagner are ordered to look for an opportunity to occupy the town if the Confederate retreat continues.

Rosecrans reports that some parts of the army are across the river, with many more expected to cross soon.  Much of the army's correspondence has to do with moving pontoon boats up to the river crossings.  Crittenden is ordered to move down the Sequatchie valley toward Jasper, TN and the rest of the army, and to make the crossing as well.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 210-294.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 125.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-688. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-39.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 1-74.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  SEPTEMBER 5TH 

 

  

 

August 28, 1863 - Friday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Wilder and Wagner had kept their troops in position and continue shelling the town, and dispatches between Union commanders confirmed that Bragg's attention was to the north for now, allowing Rosecrans a chance to move the bulk of the army around the Confederate left.  Rosecrans had most of his three corps at the Tennessee River and busy construction means to cross.  Bragg was also getting reinforcements from several areas of the Confederacy, as with recent setbacks at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, it was thought too dangerous to risk another loss at Chattanooga.

The grapevine was busy with news that Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor had been captured, but these reports were premature, despite heavy shelling from Union batteries.  Burnside, meanwhile, had begun and was continuing an advance on Knoxville, currently defended by Confederate general Simon Bolivar Buckner and his troops.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 159-210.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 124-125.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-688. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-39.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 1-74.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  SEPTEMBER 1ST    

 

 

 

 

August 24, 1863 - Monday - 160 years ago today

 

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

By the 22nd, Wilder's brigade had arrived across the Tennessee River north of Chattanooga.  His artillery shelled the city and sank two steamboats at the city dock.  Wilder's attack seems to have been unexpected and scattered the citizens.  Wagner followed close behind and took up an elevated position nearby with a view of the city.  Wagner reported much activity in the city on the 22nd and 23rd in response to Wilder's continued shelling.  Hazen's brigade came to the area also and simulated preparation for a full assault (creating campfires, making sounds of sawing and nailing, marching troops through clearings, etc.) across the river from the north.  

These attacks and demonstrations were successful in convincing Bragg and the Confederate army to expect the main attack from the north and northeast.  Bragg began to draw in his Confederate forces from both the east and the west toward the city.  This was, of course, Rosecrans' plan.  He now had the bulk of the army on the west side of the Tennessee between Jasper, TN and Stevenson, AL, ready to cross.

The map below shows the area near downtown Chattanooga.  Wilder's brigade is directly north across the river from downtown (approximately along current TN 29).  Wagner's brigade, with the 40th Indiana, is to the east, on the higher elevation of Moccasin Bend, observing Confederate positions and movements in the city.

 

 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 97-159.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 124.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-688. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-39.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 1-74.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  AUGUST 28TH

 

 

August 20, 1863 - Thursday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Colonel Wilder's brigade had been detached from the 14th Army Corps and charged with making the feint toward Chattanooga from the north.  Wagner's brigade (with the 40th Indiana) would be in support, and would move independently of the rest of Wood's division.

On the 17th, Wagner reports his corps following the corps of Colonel Wilder.  They are east of Tracy City, and making for an area near Dunlap, TN in the Sequatchie River valley.  From there they were planning to cross Walden's Ridge and move south through Soddy-Daisy, TN to the north bank of the Tennessee opposite downtown Chattanooga.

By the 20th, this movement was nearly done, as the next morning Wilder would appear on the north riverbank and begin shelling the town.  Wagner's brigade followed closely. Another brigade from Crittenden's army, under Colonel Hazen, joined them there.  The mission of these three brigades would be to simulate preparations for an attack on Chattanooga by the Union army from the north, holding Confederate attention there to distract from the main advance of the army. 

The main army move had also begun; the other two army corps had moved to the Tennessee River on a front between Jasper, TN and Stevenson, AL.  The intent was for the army to move toward an area south of Chattanooga, forcing Confederate forces out of the city and back south toward Atlanta.

The map below shows the area.  On the right of the map, Wagner's brigade is north across the river from downtown, directly south of Red Bank, TN.  The rest of the army is at the left of the map, along the west side of the river from Jasper south to Stevenson, AL, preparing to cross.

 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 53-97.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 124.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-685. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-34.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 1-69.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  AUGUST 24TH

 

 

 

 

August 16, 1863 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

By the 15th, General Rosecrans has made his plans and sends the orders for the army's advance.  General Wood's division is ordered into the Sequatchie Valley, from the orders it appears that the corps will initially be somewhat south of Dunlap, TN. Wood's division (with 40th Indiana) will push an advance southeast to Walden's Ridge and then further on toward the Tennessee River opposite Chattanooga.  

Wood reports his division ready to move on the 15th, although still lacking somewhat in forage for feeding the animals.  There are no dispatches on the 16th but the move was likely in progress.

Rosecrans had developed a somewhat complicated plan; first to get a small force north of Chattanooga to give the appearance that the main attack would be from that direction, and if Bragg's Confederate army stayed in place as anticipated, to pass the city with most of his army through the ridges on its southwest, emerging south of the city.  This would leave the Confederates forced to abandon Chattanooga without a fight..

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 18-53.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 124.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-685. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-34.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 1-67.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  AUGUST 20TH

 

 

August 12, 1863 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Discussion continues with Washington as to Rosecrans' plans for advances.  On the 9th, Rosecrans messages to Burnside in Kentucky that Crittenden's Corps will move to the Sequatchie River at Dunlap, TN.  Two days later, the corps seems to be headed toward Tracy City, TN.

A route has not yet been chosen for the army's approach to Chattanooga and Bragg's Army.  There are small advances near the Tennessee River and some activity on the railroads.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 601-612.
• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXX, Chapter XLII, Part III, Correspondence, pp. 1-18.
  
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 124.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-685. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-33.
• The Chickamauga Campaign, Vol 1: A Mad Irregular Battle, David A. Powell, pp. 1-38.
  
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  AUGUST 16TH

 

 

 

August 8, 1863 - Saturday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Having been ordered forward by General Halleck, Rosecrans still does not move but sends a dispatch regarding the upcoming campaign.  He has not decided on the approach, having an option on either side of Chattanooga.  The army has also not established crossings of the Tennessee River sufficient to get the army across.

General Lee, discouraged after Gettysburg and in ill health, submits his resignation as commander of the Army of Virginia on the 8th.  Jefferson Davis, without a suitable replacement, declines and Lee continues on at the head of the army.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 592-601.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 123-124.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-685. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
• Events: 1863 - July to September 

NEXT POST:  AUGUST 12TH

 

 

August 4, 1863 - Tuesday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

The Army of the Cumberland has not yet moved.  Crittenden is in the area between Manchester and McMinnville.  On the 4th, orders are received from General Halleck in Washington for the army to advance immediately.  Rosecrans' response is to ask if he has any discretion in his movements.  Halleck responds that the order is peremptory and the move forward must begin now.  

There is very little activity in the west aside from continuing to pursue Morgan and the remainder of his cavalry forces.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 585-592.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 123.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-685. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.

NEXT POST:  AUGUST 8TH

 

 

July 31, 1863 - Friday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

Little activity at this time.  The army has occupied Stevenson, AL.  Morgan's raid into the North has almost ended.  

In the east, Mosby's Confederate Raiders are harassing the Union army while avoiding capture.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 564-585.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 123.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 663-685. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.

NEXT POST:  AUGUST 4TH

 

July 27, 1863 - Monday - 160 years ago today

Status - John Baer - 40th Indiana Regiment - Crittenden's Corps - Wood's Division - Wagner's Brigade

There is little movement either of Rosecrans' army or the army in Kentucky under Burnside.  A series of notes between Halleck in Washington and Rosecrans' rehash the prodding to move the army forward and the reasons it cannot.  

Troops that were to be returned to the area after the fall of Vicksburg have not yet arrived from Mississippi.  Burnside is told not to wait for these but to commence immediately to move on East Tennessee.  Burnside is also in the process of finishing the defeat of Morgan's raid.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 552-564.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 123.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 401-675. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  JULY 31ST