April 26, 1863 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

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

No word as of the 26th of the status of troops under General Reynolds or the forces sent to support them.  Dispatches are about obtaining horses, division and brigade flags, etc.  

There is some movement in Kentucky and some small actions there.            

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 268-281.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 103-104.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  APRIL 30TH

April 22, 1863 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

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

The force under General Reynolds, including the 40th Indiana, continue to operate in the designated area but have not engaged by the 22nd.  Several other Union brigades have been sent to the area to cooperate against the rebels.  

There is also some action along the Tennessee River in Tennessee and Alabama.  This is a continuing effort to clear Confederate forces from this area.              

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 251-268.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 103.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  APRIL 26TH

April 14, 1863 - Tuesday - 160 years ago today

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

After the engagement at Franklin, TN, rebel General Van Dorn has moved south to his previous location.  Union generals discuss what would be the best way to go over to the attack.

General Burnside continues to organize his new department in Ohio and Kentucky.  He also issues an order that anyone aiding the Confederacy be executed or removed to the South.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 227-239.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 102.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  APRIL 18TH

 

April 6, 1863 - Monday - 160 years ago today

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

Again there is little movement but also there are some plans being developed for an attack up the Tennessee River to Eastport and Florence, AL to clear that section of rebel forces.  

As the army at Nashville is supplied by boats coming up the Cumberland from Paducah, KY, there is also a focus on clearing out rebel forces that are attacking the boats at several points along the river.

Still in command of the 21st Corps, General Wood sends a long missive regarding a plan to cut Confederate army communications in their rear, in southeast Tennessee. 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 204-218.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 101.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  APRIL 10TH

April 2, 1863 - Thursday - 160 years ago today

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

Again there was little activity, with only small actions on General Rosecrans' left and right flank, and a small battle in Kentucky that was won by a larger Union force.

In the East, President Lincoln is preparing to visit the army and its commander, General Hooker, to discuss strategy.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 191-204.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 101.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  APRIL 6TH

March 29, 1863 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

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

Little news during this time as the Army of the Cumberland moves cautiously to defend against expected Confederate attacks.

General Burnside has taken full command in Kentucky.  There is some fighting near Danville, KY, about 25 miles SSW of Lexington.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 174-191.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 101.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  APRIL 2ND

March 25, 1863 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

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

The Union army believes it has detected a movement of the Confederate army to attack.  General Wood, still in command of Crittenden's 21st Corps, is sent the following dispatch:

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

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Murfreesborough, March 23, 1863 - 1:35 AM.

Brig. Gen. T. J. WOOD,

     Commanding Twenty-first Corps:

   GENERAL: A telegram has been received from Major-General Granger, stating that a large rebel force is advancing upon Franklin, and that he has learned from scouts and prisoners that this is a part of a movement along our whole front; that Morgan is to turn our left flank, while Van Dorn attempts Franklin.  It is impossible to say now how much credit is to be attached to these reports, but there is enough probability in them to demand great vigilance on our part.  It is supposed that these movements have more special reference to Kentucky than to this army; and it is not improbable that a considerable force may be moving around our left to enter that State.  The general commanding desires you to inform General Hazen of these reports, and direct him and all other commanders of your corps at a distance from camp to hold themselves in readiness for any possible emergency,

 J. A. GARFIELD, 

Brigadier-General and Chief of Staff.

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

 In Kentucky, as General Burnside arrives to take command of the Department of the Ohio, there are reports that rebel forces have captured the city of Danville, KY.  and it appears that an invasion of some kind is underway.  Union forces are scrambling to locate the points of attack and to respond.  Burnside has brought a division of troops with him that will soon be deployed into the forward areas in Kentucky.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 158-174.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 100-101.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  MARCH 29TH

March 21, 1863 - Saturday - 160 years ago today

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

Several small skirmishes have taken place during this time in Tennessee as the Union army seeks to track the Confederate army and cavalry.  General Rosecrans issues an order for daily reports by all commands regarding enemy movements, information from human sources, and any Confederate papers and letters that can be found.

------

In Mississippi, Generals Grant and Sherman, in coordination with Navy gunboats, continue their efforts to capture Vicksburg, the last remaining city on the Mississippi River that is still in Confederate hands.   Vicksburg, high up on a riverside bluff, is proving to be very hard to attack successfully.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 150-158.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 100.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  MARCH 25TH

 

 

March 17, 1863 - Tuesday - 160 years ago today

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

General Ambrose Burnside, recently removed from command of the eastern army after the Union disaster at Fredericksburg, has been ordered to take command of the Department of the Ohio, replacing General Wright.

The weather at this time is slowly improving, and water levels in flooded areas are receding.  This has generated more concerns about Confederate forces moving back into Kentucky.  Kentucky has very few Union troops as most have been sent forward to Rosecrans and the Army of the Cumberland.

 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 140-150.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 100.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  MARCH 21ST 

March 13, 1863 - Friday - 160 years ago today

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

President Lincoln signs an order on the 10th to the effect that any soldiers that are currently absent without leave may return to the army by April and will face no further discipline.  After April 1st, those soldiers would be charged with desertion.

There is some maneuvering of the armies southwest of Nashville, but no engagements.  The weather continues to be rainy, and only the main roads are passable at all.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 127-140.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 99-100.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-175. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  MARCH 17TH 

March 9, 1863 - Monday - 160 years ago today

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

Confederate General Van Dorn, with a large force of cavalry, recently captured a few Union regiments.  The army's maneuvering during this time is to find Van Dorn and attack him.  He is in the area due south of Nashville and west of Murfreesboro.

It remains a wet season and the rivers are high, but there is little success in bringing in supplies for Rosecrans' armies, as transports do not currently have enough gunboats to support them.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 111-127.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 99.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-174. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  MARCH 13TH 

March 5, 1863 - Thursday - 160 years ago today

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

Several small actions in the area results in setbacks for the Union army.  Several Union regiments are captured.  Concern in the army is for nearby Confederate cavalry, as well as Confederate movements into Kentucky.

Conscription law is passed by the Congress before it adjourns.  Conscription will be a disappointment; it does not result in many new troops for Union armies.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 98-111.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 99.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-174. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  MARCH 9TH 

March 1, 1863 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

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

For a little while General Wood had assumed command of the 21st Corps in place of General Crittenden, and Colonel Wagner commands Wood's division.  These arrangements are temporary and Crittenden will return before the army advances.  The division (1st Division, 21st Corps) now had about 5500 men present for duty.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 87-98.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 98-99.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-174. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  MARCH 5TH 

February 25, 1863 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

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

Rosecrans continues to have the same worries.  He is attempting to bring back soldiers that are AWOL; he orders all soldiers that are away (with or without leave) to contact General Hascall in Indianapolis.  Conscription has passed Congress and the bill is on President Lincoln's desk.  Rosecrans believes conscription can fill out, and then add to, his army.

Confederate cavalry under Morgan has entered Kentucky again on another raid.  Union command believes this is to gather horses to mount some of the Confederate infantry.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 81-87.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 97-98.
• The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, Shelby Foote, pp. 166-174. 
• This Terrible Sound, The Battle of Chickamauga,  Peter Cozzens, pp. 1-22.
  

NEXT POST:  MARCH 1ST  

February 21, 1863 - Saturday - 160 years ago today

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

All the regiments that fought in the Battle of Stone's River will inscribe the name of that battle on the regimental battle flags.

General Rosecrans' idea of creating elite forces drawn from regiments (noted in last entry) is disapproved, as current law does not allow for these types of regiments to be formed.

Rosecrans sends the following dispatch to Washington:

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

MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN.,

February 20, 1863 - 10:20 PM.

Maj. Gen. H. W. Halleck:

   The increasing list of sick is my reason for covering the men with tents, to shelter them from the cold rains of the winter.  As soon as the roads and the season admit of our moving, no one will more rigidly enforce the orders for the light baggage and tentage than I, but it is not policy to regard this army as so in the field as to have no tents.  At this season, loss by sickness would be more damage that would pay for all the tents we would need for two years.

 W. S. ROSECRANS, 

Major-General, Commanding.

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

From this, we can see that the weather is cold and rainy as might be expected, and due to the weather and road conditions, the army will not move anytime soon.  Rosecrans' concern for the sick seems justified under these conditions.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 75-81.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 98.
• Shelby Foote: The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, pp. 166-174. 

NEXT POST:  FEBRUARY 25TH   

 

 

February 17, 1863 - Tuesday - 160 years ago today

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

The concerns of the army remain the same at this time; the location of Confederate cavalry, the possible reinforcement of Bragg's army, fears of an attack on the river forts in Union hands, and internally, pay, morale and the return of soldiers gone missing without permission.

General Rosecrans has ordered that a roll of honor be kept by company, regiment and brigade; some of the honored will form an elite battalion with the best equipment and the newest arms, ready for duty anywhere as required by their brigade.

In Washington, a conscription law has passed the Senate with support from the President.  Conscription is meant to fill the requirement for soldiers beyond those who volunteer, and to make up for desertions, recently estimated as as many as 100,000 troops.  General Rosecrans has stated he has 40,000 absentees from his army, many of them deserters.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 66-75.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 97.
• Shelby Foote: The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, pp. 166-174. 

 

NEXT POST:  FEBRUARY 21ST   

 

February 13, 1863 - Friday - 160 years ago today

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

The armies on both sides are having trouble moving at this time of year due to the conditions of the roads.  Most roads cannot accommodate infantry or artillery due to constant rain turning them to mud.  Cavalry operations, in which the Confederates have an advantage, are the most active.

General Rosecrans continues his administration tasks, seeking more soldiers, equipment, arms, and commanding officers for divisions and brigades.  In one memo he asks for the return of General Buell who would have a command under him.  Buell would not do this; it was proposed several times during the war, including later by General Sherman.  Buell desired not to serve under officers that he had once ranked.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 52-66.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 97.
• Shelby Foote: The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, pp. 166-174. 

 

NEXT POST:  FEBRUARY 17TH    

February 9, 1863 - Monday - 160 years ago today

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

There is little activity in the department at this time.  Forts Henry and Donaldson are now in the Department of the Cumberland and report to General Rosecrans.  The bulk of the army remains in the Murfreesboro area.

In the east, General Hooker has command of the Army of the Potomac, and plans a new campaign against Lee.  Small skirmishes are occurring on the front lines in Virginia.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 49-52.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 97.
• Shelby Foote: The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, pp. 166-174. 

 

NEXT POST:  FEBRUARY 13TH    

 

 

February 1, 1863 - Sunday - 160 years ago today

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

Little changes during this time for the army.  Most of the troops, 40th Indiana included, remain in the area around Murfreesboro.  General Rosecrans continues to request more arms, particularly what he calls revolving arms; repeating rifles and breech-loading guns.  General Halleck replies that no more of these are currently available and that Rosecrans' army is as well supplied as any other.

Franklin, TN is occupied by Union troops on February 1st. 

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 20-33.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. p. 96.
• Shelby Foote: The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, pp. 166-174. 

 

NEXT POST:  FEBRUARY 5TH   

January 28, 1863 - Wednesday - 160 years ago today

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

The loss of a brigade wagon train due to carelessness has General Rosecrans issuing a general order that all trains' escort soldiers must be armed at all times.  No stowing of arms in the wagons is allowed.  Rosecrans is still seeking more cavalry before he considers moving forward.

In the east, President Lincoln is dissatisfied after a conversation with General Burnside, and decides to remove him from command, promoting General Joseph Hooker in his place.

More Information:

• Link: War Operations, see Volume XXIII, Chapter XXXV, Part II, Correspondence,  pp. 14-20.
• The Civil War Day by Day, John S. Bowman, Ed. pp. 95-96.
• Shelby Foote: The Civil War, A Narrative, Vol 1I, Fredericksburg to Meridian, pp. 166-174. 

 

NEXT POST:  FEBRUARY 1ST