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The Exploits of Waul's Texas Legion Table of Contents.
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The exploits of Waul's Texas Legion
AUSTIN, TEX., March 26, 1861.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, President, &c.:
SIR: On yesterday the Convention adjourned. On Saturday last, 23d instant, the ordinance of ratification was passed-made a finality, with but one dissenting vote. I would draw your particular attention to the state of the former U. S. Army within this State. An impression had grown up before my arrival that the rank and file of the Army was not desired by the Presi-dent of the Confederate States, and nothing has been done to obtain their services in the Army of the Confederate States. I am satisfied from authentic sources that a large majority of the Second Cavalry could be obtained if the proper officer was here. You are aware, and certainly much better informed than I am, of the effect of discipline and the esprit de corps that exists even among the privates of any regular army. In addition to that, I am sure that our State service can afford no induce-ments, not only on account of the want of permanency, but really the want of respect and antagonism they feel to militia, volunteers, and un-educated oflicers. In addition, they feel some mortification as to their capitulation and the terms by which they feel they are expelled by State force from our territory. I feel satisfied if Colonel Van Dorn was here holding the command, even though the necessities or requirements of the service might demand his removal within a short period, he could obtain the best men in the United States service. I would earnestly urge his being sent here im-mediately. They are now collecting in large numbers, and recruiting depots established at convenient points, each recruiting officer being of the former U. S. Army, and when obtainable attached to the Second Cavalry. Besides obtaining the flower of the old Army and weakening the power of our enemies, we save an enormous expense, and obtain the best body of troops for our service. I hope this will have your most favorable consideration. In addition, there is a vast amount of arms, ammunition, transportation, horses, mules, &c., that require immediate attention.
I will further state that Maj. G. Tom Howard will furnish subsistence upon your desire for the horses and men until a definite contract can be made. Permit me to call your attention to the application of George Fairfax Gray, who has been our State engineer since he resigned his commis-sion in the U. S. Navy. His abilities, scientific attainments, and great experience in the management of heavy ordnance would commend him to your consideration with great force for immediate service. Our State is gliding on quietly under the administration of Governor Clark. General Houston, since he was deposed, has sunk quietly be-neath the waters and left not a ripple upon the surface.
Yours, respectfully,
T. N. WAUL.
SAN ANTONIO, TEX., April 2, 1861.
His Excellency JEFFERSON Davis:
SIR: I reached here on yesterday from Austin, hoping to meet Colonel Van Dorn. To-day I learn that he has returned to Montgomery. I would earnestly suggest for your consideration the importance of having an officer of grade and qualifications sufficient to take control of the property and command of the military force in this State. Before the appointment could reach here the Legislature will transfer all the arms, munitions of war, and other property to the Confederate States. Much of it may be wasted under its present management, as arms, supplies, &c., will be distributed without proper discrimination and judgment. The troops are without a leader, and the property subject to the disposition of gentlemen who have "never set a squadron in a field." I would call your attention to the application of Maj. Sackfield Maclin for position in the staff or quartermaster's department. He has been heart and soul, body and mind with the South; has been of great service, with ample qualifications. He would be one of the most popular as well as efficient officers.
I am, yours, respectfully,
Lt. T. N. WAUL.
1862
By order of General Earl Van Dorn:
M. M. KIMMEL,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, DIST. OF THE MISS, Number 50.
Camp at Davis' Mill, Miss., Sept. 23, 1862.
The brigades of Brigadier-Generals Rust, Bowen, Vilepigue, W. H. Jackson (cavalry), and Waul's Texas Legion will compose a division, to be commanded by Major-General Mansfield Lovell. The troops of this command will be in readiness to march to-morrow morning at 6 o'clock with fifteen days' rations.
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE DISTRICT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Camp near Grand Junction, Miss., September 24, 1862.
Major General STERLING PRICE,
Commanding Army of the West, Baldwyn:
GENERAL: One of my brigades has marched and will encamp to-night at Salem, on the Ripley road; the others will march to-morrow morning. I will probably reach Ripley a day or two before you. As you suggest, it is important that we should unite our forces. No better place than Ripley. The enemy are stronger than I had supposed, and it may be necessary for us to await the arrival of some of the exchanged prisoners.
I made a demonstration on Bolivar pending the arrival of my trains, and have succeed in withdrawing Ross' division from Corinth. I send Jackson now to cut the railroad between Jackson and Corinth. After doing this he will join me on the enemy's right flank.
Your courier reaches me as I now write. Your telegraph came this morning. I meet you at Ripley on the 28th.
Have you transportation for your exchanged prisoners should they arrive at Baldwyn? I will receive 8,000; you 5,000. I get also Waul's Texas Legion, which will arrive at Holly Springs in a few days. I must send a regiment or two to Port Hudson. We will have accession therefore of about 14,000 men. I now have 7,000. If it becomes necessary to wait it will not be unfortunate, as we are holding a large force in check; later we will defeat them, free West Tennessee, and penetrate Kentucky or cross the Ohio. I do not think it necessary to act hurriedly. On the contrary, a little delay, attacking, as it were, en echelon from Maryland to West Tennessee and Arkansas, seems to me advisable.
If Bragg and Smith are successful the enemy in our front will withdraw. We will follow and re-enforce Bragg. However, it is not necessary here to discuss this. I will meet you at Ripley on the 28th.
In regard to the Governor's dispatch I know of no lost dispatches between us. I am satisfied the enemy know nothing of our intentions, or they would not have re-enforced Bolivar from Corinth. We are in fine spirits and in good health.
Very truly, general, I am, your friend and obedient servant,
EARL VAN DORN,
Major-General.
RICHMOND, VA., September 30, 1862.
Gov. JOHN J. PETTUS, Jackson, Miss.:
Your dispatches of 28th and 29th* received. Orders have been sent to General Van Dorn, and will no doubt receive his attention. Major-General Pemberton goes directly to Jackson to command in your section. He is an officer of great merit, and I commend to your kind consideration. His department will be Mississippi and Louisiana, east of the river. I have directed more arms to be sent.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,
Richmond, Va., September 30, 1862.+
Major General J. C. PEMBERTON:
GENERAL: You will proceed to Jackson and relieve General Van Dorn from the command of the district assigned to him by General Bragg, for the purpose of permitting him to command the forces ordered to advance into West Tennessee. You will turn attention immediately to the defenses of the States of Mississippi and Louisiana east of the Mississippi River, and consider the successful defense of those States as the first and chief object of your command.
You will also organize the troops in your department and prepare them for the field, and give such assistance to the officers charged with the enrollment of conscripts as they may require. The commandants of the camp of conscripts are charged with the duty of enrolling and assigning them. They act under general orders and report directly to this Department; but it will be in your power to assist them in the discharge of their duties.
If a favorable opportunity offer for an attack on New Orleans you will avail yourself of it, and act in concert with Major General Richard Taylor, who commands the District of Louisiana of the Mississippi. You will communicate with him as speedily as possible and concert with him a joint plan of operations for the defense of the river and the capture of New Orleans.
Your military department will comprise the State of Mississippi and so much of Louisiana as lines east of the Mississippi River. Until further orders you will report directly to this Department.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G. W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War
GENERAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE, Number 73.
Richmond, Va., October 1, 1862.
I. The State of Mississippi and that part of Louisiana east of the Mississippi River is constituted a separate military department, the command which is assigned to Major General John C. Pemberton.
Lieutenant General J. C. PEMBERTON:
Your nomination as lieutenant-general has been confirmed by the Senate. You will immediately assume the command of the forces intended to operate in Southwestern Tennessee in addition to the command heretofore assigned to you. The Adjutant-General will send you written orders, but you must not wait for them. Acknowledge by telegraph the receipt of this order. Answer.
G. W. RANDOLPH,
Secretary of War.
Brig.-Gen. Lloyd Tilghman took command of the First Division of the First Army Corps (Lovell's) of Van Dorn's Army of West Tennessee, at Holly Springs, October 17, 1862, and organized three brigades, the first under the command of Colonel Baldwin, including the Fourteenth Mississippi, Col. A. E. Reynolds' consolidated command, and Col. H. B. Lyons' (Kentucky) consolidated command; the second brigade under Colonel Heiman; the third brigade under Col. D. R. Russell, including his consolidated command and Waul's Texans.
Tilghman's Division in November was on the Tallahatchie River at the mouth of Tippah. General Grant was advancing from Memphis on his first campaign against Vicksburg, along the Central Railroad.
Tilghman engaged the advance guard of Grant's army at Coffeeville, December 5, 1862, ...In December the name of the army was changed to Army of the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, first corps under Major-General Van Dorn, second corps under Major-General Price. Hence Lovell was relieved of command.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. ARMY OF WEST TENNESSEE, Numbers -,
Oxford, December 1, 1862.
I. All troops encamped on the Yocona River will move by the most practicable and direct routes at 7 a. m. to-morrow to Coffeeville and encamp on the mouth of stream north of the town. The two army corps will encamped under the direction of their respective corps commanders. Maury's division, Scott's brigade, and Waul's Legion will move by the most direct route to the same point.
II. Chief of cavalry will detail McCullouch's brigade to remain in Oxford until Colonel Slemons' brigade arrives, when they will form junction and remain in rear until the stores are removed from this place or until forced away by the enemy, in which case he will destroy all Government stores at this place.
III. Wagons will move in rear of the column with a strong rear guard.
By order of General Van Dorn:
W. C. SCHAUMBURG,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS, Water Valley, December 3, 1862-8 o'clock.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON,
Commanding:
GENERAL: All of Lovell's train on this road are over the river; those going by Lawsher's are now passing. Gregg is halted where the Spring Dale road comes into this. Lovell's corps is yet 5 miles in rear coming up. Maury is in rear yet. Lovell goes to Lawsher's; Maury comes here. I shall remain until he comes up.
I shall send back for a company of cavalry, but it will be late before it gets up. No cavalry here.
Respectfully, &c.,
EARL VAN DORN,
Major-General
Nothing reported from the rear. All quiet.
HEADQUARTERS, Water Valley, December 3, 1862-8.15 o'clock.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON,
Commanding:
GENERAL: I inclose you a dispatch from Colonel Griffith, just received.* Maury's division has just arrived at this point. Lovell's troops are on the road to Lawsher's, and will be across the river, he says, about 10 o'clock p. m. Gregg is marching upon Spring Dale road; will be up soon. Maury will bivouac just behind the town. Gregg will bivouac in front of town. All will move in the morning at 4 o'clock.
Maury says there has been no heavy skirmishing in rear to-day. No artillery firing. Thinks there has been nothing but cavalry. All will march at 4 o'clock in morning.
Respectfully,
EARL VAN DORN, Major-General.
COFFEEVILLE, December 4, 1862.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:
Enemy fallen back from Oakland; reported by Colonel Griffith. Cavalry still following. Have ordered all our cavalry to Harding Station to fall on their flank. Maury and Lovell will march to-morrow at 8 o'clock; will get to Grenada about sundown. Train of cars with sick and property will be in soon.
EARL VAN DORN,
Major-General.
Organization of the troops in the Department of Mississippi and Rast Louisiana, commanded by Lieutenant General J. C. Pemberton, December, 1862.
ARMY NORTH MISSISSIPPI.
1st Corps, Major General M. Lovell.
2nd Corps, Major General S Price.
Cavalry corps, Colonel Jackson.
Cavalry escort, Captain John Bradley.
Vaughn's (Tennessee) brigade composed of-
79th Tennessee
80th Tennessee
81th Tennessee
FIRST MILITARY DISTRICT.
Columbus, troops at-
White's cavalry company
Hewlett's Battalion Partisan Rangers.
Owens' light artillery.
Rice's heavy artillery
Thrall's heavy artillery.
Squadron of cavalry at Jackson, Miss.
SECOND MILITARY DISTRICT.
First Brigade State Troops.
17th Louisiana.
22nd Louisiana.
26th Louisiana.
27th Louisiana.
28th Louisiana.
3rd Mississippi.
46th Mississippi.
Adams cavalry. 28th Mississippi Cavalry (Company I).
Partisan Rangers (one company).
Ogden's command (artillery).
1st Mississippi Light Artillery.
Clinch's command (light battery).
Sterling's command (heavy artillery).
Sappers and Miners (one company).
Signal Corps.
THIRD MILITARY DISTRICT.
First Brigade.
Second Brigade.
Third Brigade.
Fourth Brigade.
Fifth Brigade.
1st Alabama Regiment.
Daigre's cavalry (one company).
Hunges' cavalry (battalion).
Jones' cavalry (one company).
Garland's Partisan Rangers (battalion).
12th Louisiana Battalion (artillery).
English's company (artillery).
Boone's battery (light artillery).
Fenner's battery (light artillery).
Withers' battery (light artillery).
Baton Rouge forces.
camp Monroe forces
Panchatoula forces.
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