Benjamin L. Bowen's :
The Exploits of Waul's Texas Legion Table of Contents.
Benjamin L Bowen's
e-history files
The exploits of Waul's Texas Legion
[ Willis' Battalion Texas Cavalry main page ] [ Actions & Engagements ] [ Roster for Company F ]
New ! Waul's Texas Legion discussion forum, post a question, comment or information.
The following are confederate correspondence related to Willis' Battalion Texas Cavalry
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Numbers 3. Grenada, January 16, 1863.
The following named commands of cavalry are detailed for duty with the Army of the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, and will at once report to the commanding officer of that army, viz: Jackson's (Tennessee) cavalry, Second Regiment Arkansas Cavalry, Willis' battalion cavalry, Wilbourn's cavalry, Falkner's cavalry, and two companies of Second Missouri Cavalry, now serving in Second Corps. All the cavalry serving in this corps report without delay to Brigadier General W. H. Jackson at Grenada, Miss.
By ordered of General Van Dorn:
M. M. KIMMEL,
Major and Assistant Adjutant-General.
MAURY'S DIVISION.
POST AT SNYDER'S BLUFF.
Brigadier General LOUIS HEBERT.
First Brigade.
Colonel W. W. WITHERSPOON.
3rd Louisiana, Major David Pierson [?].
36th Mississippi, Colonel W. W. Witherspoon.
37th Mississippi, Colonel O. S. Holland.
38th Mississippi, Colonel Preston Brent.
43rd Mississippi, Colonel R. Harrison.
Appeal (Arkansas) Battery, Captain William N. Hogg.
SECOND Brigade. &
Brigadier General J. C. MOORE.
37th Alabama, Colonel James F. Dowdell.
42nd Alabama, Colonel J. W. Portis.
35th Mississippi, Colonel W. S. Barry.
40th Mississippi, Colonel W. B. Colbert.
2nd Texas, Colonel Ashbel Smith.
Missouri Battery, Captain H. M. Bledsoe.
Unattached.
Alabama Battery, Captain H. H. Sengstak.
Arkansas Battery, Captain Francis McNally.
Mississippi Cavalry, Colonel Wirt Adams.
Waul's (Texas) Legion Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis.
bravenet.com
LORING'S COMMAND. #
Major General W. W. LORING.
First (Tilghman's) Brigade.
54th Alabama,@ Colonel Alpheus Baker.
8th Kentucky, Colonel H. B. Lyon.
20th Mississippi, Colonel D. R. Russell.
23rd Mississippi, Colonel J. M. Wells.
26th Mississippi, Colonel A. E. Reynolds.
Mississippi Battery, Captain Jacob Culbertson.
SECOND (Featherston's) Brigade. **
3rd Mississippi.
22nd Mississippi.
31st Mississippi.
1st Mississippi Battalion Sharpshooters.
1st Mississippi Light Artillery, Battery C.
Moore's command.
37th Mississippi, Colonel O. S. Holland.
1st [7th] Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel J. G. Stocks.
Texas Legion Colonel T. N. Waul.
Point Coupee (Louisiana) Artillery, Company B, Captain W. A. Davidson.
Point Coupee (Louisiana) Artillery (section), Lieutenant Jefferson J. Thompson.
Tennessee Battery, Captain T. F. Tobin.
---------------
* Headquarters Big Black Bridge. On April 17, Bowen was assigned to command of this DIVISION and Forney was ordered to take command of Maury's old DIVISION.
JACKSON, April 8, 1863.
Major-General LORING:
Send two companies of [T. N.] Waul's cavalry ( Willis' Texas ) without delay, and by most expeditious route, to General Lee, at Rolling Fork. He is in immediate need of cavalry re-enforcements. If most expeditious, send by boat. If Waul's cavalry cannot be readily reached, send 200 most convenient to you.
J. C. PEMBERTON.
JACKSON, April 10, 1863.
Commander of Post, Yazoo, MISS.:
Major-General STEVENSON, Vicksburg:
Two of Waul's cavalry companies are on the way to Lee. What cavalry have you sent?
J. C. PEMBERTON.
JACKSON, April 18, 1863.
Brigadier General JAMES R. CHALMERS:
Colonel [J. G.] Stocks' regiment and all of [L.] Willis', except two companies, [( were sent April 8th to general S.D. LEE at Rolling Fork )] have been ordered to report to you. For the present, [W. M.] Inge's command must remain in Ruggles' district.
J. C. PEMBERTON.
JACKSON, April 19, 1863.
General FEATHERSTON, Fort Pemberton, via Grenada:
Send all of Stocks' cavalry to General Chalmers at once, notifying him by courier when command moves. Send two companies of Waul's Legion (mounted) [ ( Willis' battalion )] to Warrenton, to report to General [S. M.] Barton. If movement can be expedited by railroad, send latter by that means.
J. C. PEMBERTON.
BRIDGE OVER COLDWATER, ON HOLLY SPRINGS ROAD,
Via Senatobia, April 20, 1863.
Enemy re-enforced and returned to Hernando. Unless I get help, I must fall back to Panola, and that gives up the provision region. My effective force is only 650, and about 150 more in Panola. Can you send Waul's cavalry and a battery to Panola, and Stocks' to Abbeville?
JAMES R. CHALMERS,
Brigadier-General.
HDQRS. DEPT. MISS AND E. La., Jackson, April 21, 1863.Major General C. L. STEVENSON, Vicksburg:
The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say, in reply to your communication of to-day, that he has sent to Generals Smith and Taylor, informing them of his inability, on account of want of transportation, to operate against the enemy across the river, near New Carthage, and asking, therefore, that they would do so; that Brigadier-General Bowen has at Grand Gulf an effective force of 4,200, with which he will combat them, endeavoring to cross and land at Bayou Pierre; that he regards Warrenton as of the defenses proper of Vicksburg, and it will, therefore, be of the same care and regard to you as are the works more immediately around the city; that there is still need of retaining the guns at Fort Pemberton, as the water yet continues high enough to admit of the strength of the position being again tested by the enemy as formerly; that, with regard to cavalry, it is impossible to send you more, as the force now in this department is very limited and deficient, and as on it almost entirely now depends the successful defense of the northern part of the State against the strong raids of the enemy. Two companies of Waul's cavalry have been sent to Deer Creek, two ordered to report to General Barton, and the remaining two to General Chalmers; that he relies on the efficiency of the regiment now guarding the Big Black Bridge, but, on the return of General Buford's brigade, a force will be sent in that direction. Further, that he approves of stockades being placed as you have stated. Major [S. H.] Lockett will be ordered to report to you to-morrow.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. C. TAYLOR,
Aide-de-Camp.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON.
PANOLA, April 23, 1863.
Enemy, after passing east through [toward] Buck Snort, turned back, and came within 6 miles of me last night. Force estimated at 2,000, composed of cavalry and infantry, mounted on stolen mules and horses. Another force, reported same size, from Memphis, at Coldwater Depot.
I left camp at 12 o'clock last night, and arrived here at 10 o'clock. Believe I can hold this place against their force, and feel confident, if [Leonidas] Willis and Stocks arrive in time.
JAMES R. CHALMERS,
Brigadier-General.
Vicksburg, May 7, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. Johnston, Tullahoma:
Generals Loring's and Stevenson's DIVISIONS, and one brigade of Smith's and one of Forney's, between Warrenton and Baldwin's Ferry. General Bowen's DIVISION at Big Black Bridge, one brigade on either side of river. General Hebert's brigade between Snyder's Mill and Chickasaw Bayou. General Vaughn's north of city, to support Hebert or Bowen. General Lee's, including heavy artillery, in the city. One brigade, about 5,000 infantry, cavalry, and artillery, at Port Hudson; two en route from there to this place. Chalmers', about 1,100, yesterday at Oxford, awaiting to co-operate with Forrest. Ruggles at Columbus; small force of cavalry and State troops.
General Bowen, being attacked by overwhelming numbers, had to leave his position, and for want of transportation, all the horses being killed, had to leave four pieces of light artillery. Our probable loss in killed, wounded, and Missing between 600 and 700.
J. C. PEMBERTON.
PANOLA, MISS., May 8, 1863.
Major R. W. MEMMINGER,
Assistant Adjutant-GENERAL:
MAJOR: My command will reach here to-morrow, having moved by easy stages from LA Fayette Springs. Owing to the heavy rains in which we traveled, many of the horses' backs were made sore, and they will not all be fit for service under two weeks. I learn, however, from my scouts, that there is now a good chance to strike the Charleston Railroad at LA Fayette, where the enemy is weakest, as you will see from the report I send you, and perhaps 800 men could be mounted at once to make the effort, if the general thinks it advisable. I was moving to Holly Springs for that purpose, when turned back by the enemy at New Albany. If the thinks it best to wait awhile, and to move up to Senatobia and gather supplies, let him telegraph me to "Take position. " If he has other use for my force, and does not wish me to cross the Tallahatchee at all, he can say, "Wait orders. " I make the request because every thing that comes by telegraph gets out in some mysterious manner. As soon as my command gets in, I will send you full report of strength.
I am, major, your obedient servant,
JAMES R. CHALMERS.
Vicksburg, May 9, 1863.
Brigadier General J. R. CHALMERS, Panola:
Send all of Waul's cavalry to Vicksburg immediately.
You must supply their place the best you can. It is essential they should come at once.J. C. PEMBERTON.
GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT, DEPT. OF MISS. AND EASTERN La., Cockrum's Cross-Roads, Number -. May 16, 1863.
I. Colonel [W. F.] Slemons, with his brigade, will take position at Senatobia; Lieutenant-Colonel [L.] Willis, with Colonel [R.] McCulloch's brigade, at Temperance Hill, near Luxahoma. Different companies, going in rotation, will be kept on scout-one in the direction of Memphis, one in direction of LA Grange, one in direction of Quinn's Mills, and one in direction of Byhalia. At present, Captain [R. R.] White, of Colonel [W. C.] Falkner's regiment, will scout toward LA Grange, Captain [John T.] Lawler, of Stocks' regiment, in direction of Quinn's Mills, Captain [T. P.] Manning, of [G. L.] Blythe's regiment, in direction of Memphis, and Captain [W. H.] Couzens, of SECOND Missouri Regiment, in direction of Byhalia. They will notify each other and the brigade commander of any approach of the enemy, and in any advance they will watch all the movements of the advancing column, count its numbers, and fire into it as often as possible. They will have no permanent place of encampment, but will move about in the neighborhood of the place assigned for their scout. The captains will draw forage and commissary funds for FIFTEEN days, and give bills of purchase and forage and provision returns receipted, and whenever any advance of the enemy is made, all the companies, excepting the one watching the movements of the enemy, will come in to the command, wherever it may be.
II. One squadron from Colonel Blythe's regiment and one from Colonel Falkner's will be kept at Panola for FIFTEEN days at a time, and will be instructed in tactics and camp and guard duty.
III. Colonel Stocks is announced as inspector of cavalry temporarily, and will assume command of the post at Panola.
IV. Lieutenant Colonel W. W. Faulkner for the time being is attached to Colonel Slemons' brigade, but will remain at Cockrum's Cross-Roads, and scout as usual.
V. The brigade commanders will send one officer and a detail of men from each regiment to press horses, and will also instruct the captains commanding the scouting parties to do same thing. The horses will be receipted for by the officer pressing them, and will be valued by a party selected by the officer making the impressment and one selected by the owner. In case of a disagreement, the two selected will themselves select a THIRD party, and the valuation of a majority of these will be accepted and receipted for. All led horses will be sent to the quartermaster at Panola. All captured horses, as well as those impressed, will also be sent to the quartermaster at Panola, who will be instructed, after receipting for the former and receiving and playing for the latter, to turn them over to brigade commanders, who will issue them to soldiers having no horses.
VI. Further instructions will be given about captured property, which will give those making the capture the benefits, by law, arising from it.
VII. These instructions will be read to the command.
By order of Brigadier-General Chalmers:
W. H. CARROLL, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FIFTH MILITARY DIST., Senatobia, May 21, 1863.
Colonel R. McCULLOCH, Commanding First Brigade:
COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding has ordered Colonel [W. F.] Slemons to move on to-morrow morning with a part of his command to a point on the Mississippi River near Austin, where he will remain for five days, and the return to his present position, if it is safe to do so.
Lieutenant-Colonel Faulkner's Battalion Kentucky Partisans and the companies from Colonel Slemons' command, now acting as scouts, will report to you during his absence, and will join you in case of an advance by the enemy. The 6-pounder now here will remain with you. If the enemy advance upon you, you will use your best discretion as to your movements, and will send a courier to notify Colonel Slemons of the fact.
You will take charge of the telegraph office at this place, and will give the operator timely notice if it should become necessary for him to leave.
I am, colonel, &c., your obedient servant,
W. A. GOODMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FIFTH MIL. DIST., DEPT. MISS. AND E. La.,
Panola, May 23, 1863.
Colonel McCULLOCH, Commanding First Brigade:
COLONEL: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to say to you that he has received information that a force of the enemy, 1,500 strong, left LA Grange on yesterday morning, and may attempt to get in your rear. You will fall back at once to this place, or, if they press you so hard as to render this impossible, you may move so as to cross the river at Randolph's Ferry, and then move to this place. You will notify Colonel Slemons of the movements of the enemy and your own.
I am, &c., your obedient servant,
W. A. GOODMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT, Number 28. Panola, MISS., May 27, 1863.
Colonel McCulloch will assume command of the district in the absence of the brigadier-general commanding.
By command of Brigadier-General Chalmers:
W. H. CARROLL, Jr.,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
GENERAL ORDERS, } HDQRS. FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT,No.32 } DEPT. MISSISSIPPI AND E. LOUISIANA,
Panola, May 30, 1863.
I. The troops of this command will be reorganized as follows:
First Brigade. Col. ROBERT MCCULLOCH.
1st Mississippi Partisans.
2d Missouri Cavalry.
Waul's Texas Legion Cavalry Battalion. ( Willis')
[W. R.] Mitchell's Mississippi Partisans.
Second Brigade. Col. W. P. SLEMONS.
2d Arkansas Cavalry.
1st [7th] Tennessee Cavalry.
Faulkner's (Kentucky) battalion.
[J. W.] Smith's Mississippi Partisans.
Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. J. Z. GEORGE.
2d Mississippi Partisans.
Mississippi Battalion Partisan Rangers (Dunn's).
Mississippi Battalion Partisan Rangers (McGuirk's).
II. The Second Brigade will encamp south of the river, opposite to Belmont; the First Brigade at the railroad bridge over Tallahatchee, and the Third Brigade 1 1/2 miles west of this place.
III. Each brigade will guard the crossings in its front, and will extend its pickets so as to form a complete line, guarding every crossing along the whole front.
By order of Brigadier-General Chalmers:
W. A. GOODMAN,
Assistant Adjutant- General
HDQRS. FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT, Panola, June 2, 1863.
Colonel R. McCULLOCH, Commanding First Brigade:
COLONEL: Scouts report a probable advance of the enemy in a few days. They were at Holly Springs at 2 o'clock yesterday; force not estimated. If they should come in force, I shall order your brigade out to fight them in guerrilla style, and you must annoy them as much as possible. I shall keep a force to protect this place, and you will, therefore, not pay any attention to the place if you are pressed or if you can affect anything by getting in their rear. Fight them in any way that you can, but be careful not to make a stand in any one place long enough for them to surround you.
You will have rations prepared, and hold yourself ready to move at any time.
I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
JAMES R. CHALMERS.
PANOLA, MISS., June 6, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. Johnston, Canton:
Scouts report force much weakened on Memphis and Charleston Railroad. I have sent McCulloch to reconnoiter in force, and to do them any damage he can.
JAMES R. CHALMERS.
HDQRS. FIFTH MIL. DIST., DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Panola, June 7, 1863.
Colonel R. McCULLOCH, Comdg. SECOND Brigade:
COLONEL: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to say to you that he is informed that the enemy are concentrating a large force, said to be 20,000 at Corinth, and that it is intended to mount them on horses which are to be brought through from Memphis. Two boat-loads of horses and a large quantity of forage have already been landed at Memphis, and the forage is stored at the depot ready for shipment. Under these circumstances, the general thinks it very important that communication between these places should be cut off, and desires, if you find it practicable, that you should destroy the railroad, and prevent the transportation of these articled, &c. In this you will be guided entirely by your own discretion, and not attempt it unless you think it prudent to do so. If you require a large force to effect this, or if you are satisfied that a large force can operate successfully and advantageously against any point on the road, you will notify the general at once.
I am, colonel, &c., your obedient servant,
W. A. GOODMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FIFTH. MIL. DIST., DEPT. MISS., AND E. La., Panola, June 10, 1863.
Colonel R. McCulloch, Commanding First Brigade:
COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs that when you fall back, unless you are pressed by the enemy, you will encamp near Senatobia, and await further orders.
By orders of Brigadier-General Chalmers:
W. A. GOODMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HDQRS. FIFTH MIL. DIST., DEPT. MISS. AND E. La., Panola, June 13, 1863.
Colonel R. McCULLOCH,
Commanding First Brigade:
COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs me to say that he has ordered the THIRD Brigade* to encamp near Senatobia, and the SECOND Brigade+ to move to the vicinity of Captain J. E. Mathews' plantation, with the intention of taking them to the Mississippi River. This movement will leave this place without troops, and the general desires that you should so dispose of your command as, in connection with the THIRD Brigade, to protect the approaches to it. In case of an advance by the enemy, you will make your dispositions to defend it, and will call upon General George to co-operate with you for that purpose. As forage has to be hauled from some distance to this place, it will be better that you should not return to it to encamp, unless other circumstances render it desirable. The general will command the expedition to the river in person.
I am, &c., your obedient servant,
W. A. GOODMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
---------------
* Brigadier-General George commanding.
+ Colonel J. G. Stocks commanding.
PANOLA, June 14, 1863.
Colonel McCULLOCH, Commanding First Brigade:
COLONEL: The brigadier-general commanding directs me to say that he desires, if possible, to strike another blow at the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Measures have been taken to procure the necessary information, which will be forwarded to General George, who will communicate it to you, if it be such as to justify a movement.
The general's plan is, that you should move against the road from Byhalia, and you will, therefore, keep your command in constant readiness to move to that point from the place which you may select as a camp.
PANOLA, MISS., June 15, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. Johnston, Canton:
Colonel McCulloch, with 500 men tore up railroad track between Collierville and Germantown. I start this morning with 500 men and three pieces of artillery for Mississippi River. I leave General George at Senatobia and Colonel McCulloch near this place.
JAMES R. CHALMERS.
PANOLA, June 22, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. Johnston, Canton, MISS.:
Scout Weaver reported last night the 700 from Pocahontas whipped by General Ruggles and driven back toward Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Scout from near Memphis just reports General Chalmers engaged enemy near Hernando Saturday, killed 8 or 10, captured 100, and drove the remainder back toward Memphis. Chalmers was on the WEST side of Coldwater this morning, and Colonel Hatch crossed at Mathews' Ferry late last evening, in pursuit of him, with about 800; burned the bridge after him. Colonel Blythe was following this morning after the enemy; he will be delayed somewhat in crossing Coldwater, but will be in time to render assistance to General Chalmers, if required.
Colonel McCulloch was in pursuit of another column of the enemy that went through Luxahoma toward LA Grange. The remaining column of the crossed at Hernando Ferry and went toward Memphis. We have only a picket guard at this place. Wagon trains all returned from Charleston this evening. My reports have been few since the enemy advanced upon this place, partly from my moving about so as not to get my regular reports, and partly from sickness. I write this in bed. My lieutenant will be in to relieve or assist me to-morrow.
Very respectfully,
THOS. HENDERSON,
Captain Independent Scouts.
BRANDON, July 17, 1863,
Brigadier-General CHALMERS, Commanding, &c.,:
GENERAL: I was compelled to abandon Jackson last night. When the enemy makes such additions to his forces in your district that you will not be able to hold it, move eastwardly, but no farther than you may be forced to do from time to time. It may be some time before any other than plundering parties enter your district. Grant's army may be kept together, to continue to operate against ours. In that event, you will be able to show a bold front to the enemy, and protect the abundant crop of this year, removing as much of it as you can to the Mobile and Ohio road. I shall halt within 15 or 20 miles of this place unless driven farther.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. Johnston,
LEXINGTON, MISS., July 17, 1863.
Brigadier-General CHALMERS:
Yazoo City has been abandoned to the enemy, and with it the river. If there are any small steamers on Tallahatchee, have them destroyed. General Johnston has ordered me to destroy the public property along the Yazoo. This destruction should include all cotton WEST of Big Black. I have no one to execute this order. Can you detail one of your local companies of cavalry to burn in Holmes and Carroll? If the cotton is left for the enemy, it will more than pay their expenses in taking Vicksburg. We have sunk by torpedoes, in sight of Yazoo City, the iron-clad De Kalb, of thirteen guns. Grant intrenching close to Jackson. Heavy firing there yesterday. Enemy have not yet extended from Yazoo City beyond Benton.
ISAAC N. BROWN.
Commander, C. S. Navy.
HDQRS. FIRST MIL. DIST., DEPT. MISS. AND E. La.,
Okolona, MISS., July 18, 1863.
Brigadier, general JAMES R. CHALMERS, Comdg. FIFTH Mil. Dist.:
GENERAL: The evacuation of Jackson on the night of the 16th instant initiates a change in defensive movements, rendering your falling back in this direction quite probable. In view of this contingency, I shall hope to receive your co-operation in all things, and advices constantly of your movements and those of the enemy as far as known to you.
The report that the enemy is re-enforcing along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad seems to gain credence daily.
The period is critical, and requires our utmost vigilance.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DANIEL RUGGLES.
HDQRS. FIFTH MIL., DIST., DEPT. MISS., AND E. La.,
Grenada, July 21, 1863.
Colonel B. S. EWELL, Assistant Adjutant-General, Brandon, MISS:
COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from General Johnston, dated Brandon, July 17, 1863., in which he directs me to hold this district as long as possible, and, when compelled to leave it, to retire to the east, moving from point to point, as may be necessary.
The movements of the enemy below render it necessary that I should send a force in that direction to observe and check them. I have, therefore, ordered Brigadier-General George, with the State troops, to move to the vicinity of Vaiden for that purpose. As soon as I have removed the remainder of the stores from this place, I will return with the rest of my command to Panola, to operate against the enemy on the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.
My ordnance stores, heavy baggage, and some supplies have already been taken to WEST Point, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. To-day I shall send about 100,000 pounds of breadstuffs to the same place. Since communication has been cut off with your army, about 2,000 head of beef-cattle have been sent across the country. I will continue to collect them and other supplies, and forward them as rapidly as possible, while I am able to remain in this part of the country.
I have about 50 wagons which I can use in the transportation of supplies. And as long as I can maintain my positions and protect this place, it is my intention to make it my depot for supplies, and run a regular wagon train between it and WEST Point, which will be my depot on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. By this means I hope to get out a considerable quantity. I will keep the railroad in operation from Panola as far south as can be done with safety to transport supplies. I have ordered all the rolling-stock on the different roads, not required for that purpose, to be concentrated north of the Yalabusha River, and arranged so as to be destroyed at the shortest notice whenever it shall be necessary.
Is it necessary that the rolling-stock of these roads should be completely destroyed, if I am compelled to abandon the line of the road? Or will it be sufficient to disable them and the road (by burning bridges) so as to render it impossible to operate it for some time, and without great labor and expense to the enemy?
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
JAMES R. CHALMERS.
HDQRS. FIFTH MIL, DIST., Grenada, July 21, 1863.
Brigadier General DANIEL RUGGLES, Comdg. 1st Mil., Dist. Okolona, MISS.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 18th instant.
My command has been extended so as to include Yazoo City, and my last orders from General Johnston direct that I should hold the country as long as possible, and, when driven from it, to retire eastward, but slowly, and from point to point, as may be necessary.
The movements of the enemy below me require a DIVISION of my forces in order to meet him in that quarter. The remainder of them will be continued at or above Panola, to hold him in check on the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.
I am sending all the cattle I can collect, and all the other supplies for which I can find transportation, to the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and shall continue to do so as long as possible. My ordnance stores, heavy baggage, and some other supplies have already ben sent to WEST Point. I will be obliged if you will take the necessary steps for their protection, or, if you think it advisable, that your order them removed to some place of greater safety. I will endeavor to keep you advised of any matters of importance. If compelled to fall back into your district, I shall, of course, report to you at once, and in meantime I shall very cheerfully co-operate with you as far as it may be in my power to do so.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
JAMES R. CHALMERS.
PANOLA, July 21, s 1863.
General CHALMERS:
A detachment from Colonel McGuirk's regiment has cut thee railroad and taken 15 prisoners near Germantown.
J. Z. GEORGE.
PANOLA, July 21, 1863,
General CHALMERS:
I fear not half of McGuirk's regiment can be gotten to Vaiden. Very few of Blythe's can be gotten there. If I had a fair chance, I could organize a battalion in Blythe's regiment. The order to go to Vaiden and to conscript stragglers will prevent this. Can't Blythe's regiment remain until after reorganization? We agreed, when you were here, that it was inefficient till then. I tried to write you, but train left.
J. Z. GEORGE,
HDQRS. FIFTH MIL. DIST., DEPT. MISS. AND E. La.,
Grenada, July 22, 1863.
Colonel B. S. EWELL,
Asst. Adjt. General, DEPT. of the West, Brandon, MISS.:
COLONEL: I desire most respectfully to present for the consideration of the general commanding some views for the future action of a part of this command, which have been submitted to me by the two senior colonels of the command, and which, in part, at least, meet with my approval.
The recent movements of our armies in Virginia, Tennessee, and this State have greatly circumscribed the district of country from which we can hope to obtain supplies, and this difficulty is greatly increased by the emigration of large numbers of our citizens with their families and slaves from this and other States to localities where they will be protected by our arms. The enemy are still pressing us at every point into still narrower bounds, and it is thought that the best and speediest means of relieving this quarter, at least from that danger, will be to create an army on the WEST side of the Mississippi River of sufficient size to alarm the enemy for the safety of their communications by the river.
Again, the regiments in my command which were enlisted WEST of the Mississippi are greatly dimished in numbers, and there is but little hope that they will be able to recruit here. The people in this State, like those of Kentucky after the evacuation of Bowling Green, and those of Tennessee after the battle of Shiloh, are now much depressed, and it will be some time before much assistance can be received from them, particularly in filling up regiments from other States. On the other hand, the people of those districts of which the enemy have had possession for some time, are, I am informed now willing to enlist. WEST Tennessee is beginning to rally, and Colonels McCulloch and Slemons are informed that Missouri and Arkansas are full of men who would join their regiments if they were among them. The number of them will be increased by the extension of the age of those liable to conscription -five, and by the fact that a considerable number of men from General Pemberton's army have been allowed to cross the river. If an attempt is made to force them to return at once to this side of the river, they might seek to avoid it, but it is believed that they would readily reassemble for duty on the other side. These men, united with other experienced officers and soldiers of that department, and the new recruits who could be collected, would, it is thought, form a force so considerable as to make it prudent for the enemy to send a portion of his force from this side of the river to hold them in check, and consequently to relieve our army here to that extent.
In view of these circumstances, it is proposed that the SECOND Missouri, SECOND Arkansas, and First Tennessee Regiments of Cavalry and Willis' battalion Texas Cavalry, having an effective strength of about 800 men, shall be allowed to cross the Mississippi, with orders to arrest all deserters and stragglers from other commands, and authority to recruit own ranks by conscription or otherwise, and that, when a sufficient number of men has been obtained, they should be authorized to make a raid into Missouri and Illinois, and return through Kentucky and Tennessee, unless it should be thought best that they should return directly across the Mississippi. This would leave Colonel W. C. Falkner's regiment and Major [A. H.] Chalmers' battalion Partisan Rangers, with all the State troops, to operate in this military district. They, with the command of Colonel [R. V.] Richardson and others in WEST Tennessee, will be sufficient to repel all small parties of the enemy and to give notice of the advance of any considerable force, which is all that I am able to do with my present command.
These views, so far as they relate to the beneficial results to be derived form increasing our army in the Trans-Mississippi Department, and to the probability that the Missouri and Arkansas regiments would be able to enlist many recruits if allowed to go to the other side of the river, have my approval, and are recommended to the favorable consideration of the general commanding. If he should approve of them, I would respectfully ask that he will allow me to take command of the troops who cross the river, and also that the detached companies from the Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas regiments, viz, Captain [P. M.] Savery's, SECOND Missouri; Captain [T. M.] Cochran's, SECOND Arkansas, and Captains [Benjamin F.] Weeks' and [J. W.] Stell's, of [L.] Willis' battalion, now under Major [H. W.] Bridges, may be ordered to rejoin their commands.
I inclose a copy of a letter, of which I forwarded the original on yesterday, * showing the dispositions I intended making of my forces, and my arrangements for getting out supplies form this part of the country. The latter can be continued for some time, even if a portion of the troops should be removed.
JAMES R. CHALMERS.
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT,
DEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI AND EAST LOUISIANA,
Grenada, August 24, 1863.
Major General S. D. LEE,
Commanding Cavalry:
GENERAL: In compliance with your request I have the honor to submit the following report showing the disposition of the forces under my command at the time of the recent raid by the enemy:
Having been directed by General Johnston to assist in repairing the railroad so as to remove the rolling-stock east of Jackson, I left this place on the 11th instant for Canton and Morton for the purpose of hastening the work and to consult with General Johnston on other matter of importance to this command. At this time my reports showed an aggregate of more than 1,700 effective men, who were distributed: Two companies Chalmers' battalion on picket at Holly Springs, 110 men; one company Chalmers' battalion on picket at Coldwater, 50 men; two companies Chalmers' battalion on picket at Wyatt, 100 men; Second Regiment Mississippi State Cavalry, Major Bowen commanding, at Senatobia, 182 men. All my regular cavalry (Second Missouri, Second Arkansas, and Seventh Regiment, and Willis' Texas battalion) near Panola, 692 men; Third Regiment Mississippi State Cavalry, Colonel McGuirk, scattered in detachments between Panola and Grenada, arresting conscripts, deserters, &c., 200 men; First Regiment Mississippi Partisans, Colonel W. C. Falkner, in Pontotoc County, moving toward Grenada to arrest deserters, &c., 240 men; Sixth Battalion Mississippi State Cavalry, Captain A. H. Forrest, near Carrollton, 150 men.The term of service of the Second Regiment and sixth Battalion State Cavalry was about to expire, and before the movement of the enemy began the greater part of both commands had been disbanded, leaving only 61 men in the former and one company of not more than 40 men in the latter. There are, however, some new companies recruiting near Carrollton which were ordered to act as scouts; their numbers are not accurately known.
I learn from Colonel Slemons, Second Arkansas Regiment, who was in command during my absence, that when he reached Grenada on his retreat from Panola he had but little more than 700 men with him. This was composed of the Second Missouri and Seventh Tennessee Regiments and Willis' (Texas) battalion, the Second Arkansas Regiment, reduced by desertion to 42 men, and a portion of the Third Regiment Mississippi State Cavalry, the remainder, under Major Kilgore, having been cut off by the advance of the enemy.
The First Regiment Mississippi Partisans failed to receive the order to move to this place until after it was evacuated, although it was sent to them on the 14th. The Second Regiment State Cavalry and the Sixth Battalion State Cavalry, both of which were in process of reorganization, made no effort to reach this place as far as I am informed.
Major Chalmers, who was stationed at Wyatt with two companies of his battalion, to guard the crossing of the Tallahatchie at that point, finding that the column of the enemy which crossed at Rocky Ford had reached Oxford and was about to cut off his retreat, fell back by way of Panola to this place, and had arrived within 1 mile of it, when he found that the enemy were in possession of it and was compelled to retire. The three companies of his battalion which were on picket have not been heard from, and it is not known whether they have made any attempt to rejoin their command.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. R. CHALMERS,
Brigadier-General.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN MISSISSIPPI,
Morton, September 1, 1863.
[Colonel B. S. EWELL,Assistant Adjutant-General:]
SIR: As the result of my recent tour of inspection I have the honor to submit the following report:
......
Chalmers' cavalry command on Tallahatchie, extending as far east as Rocky Ford, consists of First [Seventh] Tennessee, Second Missouri, Willis' (Texas) battalion, and Second Arkansas, numbering, all told, not to exceed 600 effective men, the regiments being much reduced; one, the Second Arkansas, having but 40 enlisted men. Falkner's regiment and Chalmers' battalion partisan rangers, numbering together about 3350 effectives, make up the troops in the Confederate States service. In addition to the above there are two regiments of State cavalry, Third and Second, numbering, during the recent raid of the enemy, not to exceed 250 effective men, though on paper these regiments number over 1,000 men.
This command is generally not in good condition. The volunteer troops are tried soldiers and presented a good appearance. The partisan and State troops are not reliable, being in poor discipline and over one-half the number on the rolls being at their homes. All the troops, with exception of First [Seventh] Tennessee, are indifferently armed. Chalmers' battalion consists of four companies, two of which are not included in the effective force I have given, being near the Charleston and Memphis Railroad and not acknowledging the battalion organization, their captains never having to exceed 15 or 20 men with them. In raids of the enemy many of the partisan and State troops disperse. The condition of this command can be improved by proper attention on the part of the officers, its inefficiency being brought about by the command operating near their homes under relaxed discipline. Chalmers has but three pieces of artillery indifferently manned. He should have a battery of four pieces........
The discipline of the troops in North Mississippi is not good of both Chalmers' and Ferguson's commands. This I attribute mainly to their not being paid regularly (some of the troops having six or eight months' pay due them), to the unhealthy state of political feeling among the people, and the disorganizing element of numerous independent companies in process of organization by individuals under authority from Richmond, the Governor, and different generals. These unformed companies, and the State troops in their present unsettled state, are but harbors for deserters and persons trying to companies is being abused by individuals for their personal advancement and as a shelter to skulkers.
SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. CAVALRY IN MISSISSIPPI,
Numbers -. Canton, September 4, 1863.
I. The organization known as Bridge's cavalry battalion is hereby disbanded, and the following companies composing it will report to Brigadier-General Chalmers, commanding Chalmers' cavalry brigade, for assignment to duty with their respective commands, viz, Captain Savery's company, Second Missouri Cavalry; Captain Stell's company, Willis' battalion, Waul's (Texas) Legion; Captain Weeks' company, Willis' battalion, Waul's (Texas) Legion.
II. Major H. W. Bridges, after turning over his command, will report in person to these headquarters.
By command of Major General S. D. Lee:
G. W. HOLT,
Major and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General
GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. CHALMER'S CAVALRY BRIGADE,
Numbers 64.
Grenada, Miss., September 10, 1863.
I. In obedience to General Orders, Numbers 2,. from headquarters Cavalry in Mississippi, this command will he known hereafter as Chalmers' cavalry brigade.
II. The present organization of the troops of this command is abolished, and all reports, estimates,and other official papers from regiments and battalions will be forwarded directly to these headquarters.
III. On account of the reduced numbers of the different regiments, the following commands will act together, in case of an engagement, under command of the senior officer present:
First, Second Regiment Arkansas Cavalry and Third Regiment Mississippi State Cavalry.
Second. Second Regiment Missouri Cavalry and Willis' (Texas) battalion.
Third. Seventh Regiment Tennessee Cavalry and Eighteenth Battalion Mississippi Partisans.
Fourth. First Mississippi Partisans and the battalion under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Barksdale.
IV. Colonel Stocks' regiment cavalry and Major Chalmers' battalion partisan rangers, having been numbered respectively by the War Department as the Seventh Regiment Tennessee Cavalry and Eighteenth Battalion Mississippi Partisan Rangers, will hereafter be designated accordingly in all official papers.
V. Surgeon's certificates of disability must state the length of time for which the applicant has been unfit for duty by reason of the disability.
VI. All wagons found carrying cotton toward the enemy's lines for trade will be seized, the cotton will be burned, and the wagons and teams confiscated and turned over to the brigade quartermaster.
By order of Brigadier-General Chalmers:
W. A. GOODMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. CHALMER'S CAVALRY BRIGADE,
Grenada, September 12, 1863.
The troops of this command will move at 7 a.m. to-morrow to Abbeville in the following order: First, Willis' battalion; second, Third Regiment Mississippi State Cavalry; third, Second Arkansas with rifled gun; fourth, Seventh Regiment Tennessee Cavalry; fifth, battalion under Lieutenant-Colonel Barksdale; sixth, First Regiment Mississippi Partisan. They will be provided with cooked rations-for one day, and will take seven days' rations of breadstuffs in their wagons. The commissaries will drive a sufficient number of beef-cattle to furnish rations for seven days.
They will encamp for the first night on Turkey Creek, and for the second night near Morrow's Gin, 7 miles south of Oxford. The proper officers will be sent in advance to procure forage, &c.
By order of Brigadier-General Chalmers:
W. A. GOODMAN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Abstract from morning report of Chalmers' brigade of cavalry, Brigadier General J. R. Chalmers, C. S. Army, commanding, September 17, 1863.; camp near Abbeville.
Present for duty
2nd Arkansas Cavalry, col. W. F. Slemons
1st Mississippi Partisans, Lieutenant, Colonel L. B.Hovis.
3rd Mississippi State Cavalry,Colonel John McGuirk.
18th Mississippi Battalion, Major A. H. Chalmers.
2nd Mississippi Cavalry, Colonel R. McCulloch.
7th Tennessee Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel W. L.Duckworth.
Texas Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis.
New battalion, Lieutenant Colonel James A. Barksdale.
Attention is respectfully called to the number of unarmed men.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN NORTH Mississippi,
Oxford, October 22, 1863.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:
GENERAL: After many disappointments and much labor I have succeeded in collecting and organizing the scattered and independent cavalry in North Mississippi into some military order, and have divided my command into three brigades, as follows:
Slemons' brigade, Col. W. F. Slemons commanding:
2d Arkansas Cavalry, Captain Cochran commanding, effective strength 120
7th Tennessee Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Duckworth commanding, effective strength 210
3d Mississippi State Cavalry, Col. John McGuirk commanding, effective strength 450
19th Battalion Cavalry, Col. J. Z. George commanding, effective strength 350
Duff's (Mississippi) Battalion Cavalry, Lieut. Col. W. L. Duff commanding, effective strength 200
Total 1,330
McCulloch's brigade, Col. Robert McCulloch commanding:
2d Missouri Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel McCulloch commanding, effective strength 250
1st Mississippi Partisans, Lieutenant-Colonel Hovis commanding, effective strength 310
Cavalry Battalion, Waul's (Texas) Legion, Lieutenant-Colonel Willis commanding, effective strength 450
12th Mississippi Cavalry, Col. W. M. Inge commanding, effective strength 250
18th Mississippi Battalion Cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Chalmers commanding, effective strength 225
Total 1,485
These arrangements have been made since I was placed in command of all the cavalry in North Mississippi.I presume that Brigadier-General Ferguson will soon return to command at his old post, and will take charge again of the troops now under Colonel Richardson.The other brigades I hope will be permitted to remain permanentlyas they now are, and I write this to ask the promotion of Colonel Robert McCulloch,of the Second Missouri, andColonel W. F. Slemons, of theSecond Arkansas.They have been in the cavalry service since the commencement of the war,and are both highly deserving of promotion, Colonel McCulloch has been recommended for promotion several times before, and was informed recently that as soon as a brigade could be organized for him, he would be promoted.If the promotions are made, I ask that Colonel McCullochbe made the senior by one day.
Many of my men are unarmed and poorly equipped,but these deficiencies are being supplied as rapidly as possible.
I am, general, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
JAS. R. CHALMERS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN MISSISSIPPI, Okolona, November 17, 1863.
Brig. Gen. J. R. CHALMERS,
Comdg. Cavalry in North Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.:
GENERAL: I desire you to place your command in trim for an expedition to the railroad to take place about eight days from this time. My troops just arrived from North Alabama will remain here for the present. General Forrest is here; Richardson is ordered to report to him. He will accompany us. Willis' battalion starts to join you this morning. I want you to collect a number of claw-bars for taking out spikes on the railroad and have ample ammunition for your command. If possible, have a quantity of forage collected. I am going to remove my headquarters to Grenada, and hope to meet you in four or five days.
I am, general, yours, respectfully,
S. D. LEE,
Major-General.
Cavalry Troops in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana,
General Joseph E. Johnston, C. S. Army, commanding, November 20, 1863.
CHALMERS' DIVISION.*
Brig. Gen. JAMES R. CHALMERS.
McCulloch's Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st Mississippi Partisan Rangers, Colonel
W. C. Falkner.
12th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel
W. M. Inge.
18th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel
Alexander H. Chalmers.
2nd Missouri, Lieutenant Colonel R. A. McCulloch.
Texas Squadron [Waul's Legion], Lieutenant Colonel Leionidas Willis.
Buckner Battery, Lieutenant H. C. Holt.
Slemons' Brigade.
Colonel W. F. SLEMONS.
2nd Arkansas, Maj. T. J. Reid.
3rd Mississippi [State Regiment], Colonel
John McGuirk.
George's [Mississippi] Regiment, Colonel James
Z. George.
7th Tennessee, Colonel W. L. Duckworth.
McLendon's [Mississippi] Battery, Captain
J. M. McLendon.
Ferguson's Brigade.
Brig. Gen. SAMUEL W. FERGUSON.
2nd Alabama, Colonel R. G. Earle.
56th Alabama, Colonel William Boyles.
12th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel W. M. Inge.+
Sanders' [Tennessee] Battalion, Maj. E. J. Sanders.
2nd Tennessee [Barteau's Regiment], Lieutenant Colonel George H. Morton.
Owens' [Arkansas] Battery, Captain James A. Owens.
RESERVE ARTILLERY.
South Carolina Battery, Captain John Waties.
Organization of the Cavalry in Mississippi, commanded by Maj. General Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, December 24, 1863.
.....
CHALMERS' COMMAND.
Brig. Gen. JAMES R. CHALMERS.
Slemons' Brigade.
Colonel W. F. SLEMONS.
2nd Arkansas Cavalry, Captain Thomas M. Cochran.
3rd Mississippi State Cavalry, Col, John McGuirk.
18th Mississippi Battalion Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander H. Chalmers.
7th Tennessee Regiment Cavalry, Colonel W. L. Duckworth.
George's Regiment (Mississippi) Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel James A. Barksdale.
McLendon's (Mississippi) Battery, Captain J. M. McLendon.
McCulloch's Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st Mississippi Partisan Rangers,+ Major J. M. Park.
19th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Duff.
2nd Missouri Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel R. A. McCulloch.
Willis' (Texas) Battalion, Waul's Legion, Lieutenant Col, Leonidas Willis.
Buckners (Mississippi) Battery, Lieutenant H. C. Holt.
GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. FORREST'S CAVALRY DEPT.,
Numbers 3.
Como, Miss., January 25, 1864.
I. The troops of this command will be organized as follows:
First Brigade, Brigadier General R. V. Richardson, commanding: Twelfth Tennessee Regiment, Marshall's regiment, Bennett's battalion, Fifteenth Tennessee Regiment, Street's battalion, Collins' command, Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment, Sixteenth Tennessee Regiment.
Second Brigade, Colonel Robert McCulloch, commanding: Second Missouri Regiment, Willis' (Texas) battalion, Faulkner's (Kentucky) regiment, Chalmers' battalion, Kizer's battalion, Second Arkansas Cavalry, Franklin's battalion.
Third Brigade, Colonel T. H. Bell, commanding: Russell's regiment, Greer's regiment, Newsom's regiment, Barteau's regiment, Wilson's regiment.
Fourth Brigade, Colonel J. E. Forrest, commanding: Forrest's regiment, Duckworth's regiment, Fifth Mississippi Regiment, McGuirk's regiment, Duff's battalion.
II. The Second and Fourth Brigades will be organized into a division, to be known and designated as the First Division, Forrest's Cavalry, Department, under the command of Brigadier General J. R. Chalmers.
By order of Major-General Forrest:
J. P. STRANGE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Organization of troops in the Department of Alabama Mississippi, and East Louisiana, commanded by Major General Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, June 10, 1864.
CHALMERS' CAVALRY DIVISION.
.....
Second Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st MISSISSIPPI Partisan Rangers, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel M. Hyams, Jr.
5th Mississippi, Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Wickliffe.
2nd Missouri, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. McCulloch.
McDonald's (Tennessee) Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Crews.
Willis' (Texas) Battalion, Captain T. M. Harwood.
......
Troops in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding, June 30, 1864.
.....
FORREST CAVALRY. *
Major General NATHAN B. FORREST.
CHALMERS' DIVISION.
Brigadier General JAMES R. CHALMERS.
First Brigade.
Colonel JAMES J. NEELY.
12th Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel John U. Green.
14th Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel Raleigh R. White.
15th Tennessee, Colonel Francis M. Stewart.
Higgs' (Tennessee) Company, Captain W. Higgs.
Second Brigade. +
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st MISSISSIPPI Partisan Rangers, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel M. Hyams, Jr.
5th Mississippi, Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Wickliffe.
2nd Missouri, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. McCulloch.
McDonald's Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Crews.
Willis' (Texas) Battalion, Captain Thomas M. Harwood.
Hudson's (Mississippi) battery, Lieutenant Edwin S. Walton.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY, Numbers 106.
Okolona, July 18, 1864.
* * * * * *
III. Captain Morphis, commanding scouts, with his company, will report for duty to Lieutenant Colonel D. C. Kelley, commanding Forrest's regiment, Chalmers' DIVISION.
* * * * * *
V. The command heretofore known as the Sixth Brigade, commanded by Colonel E. V. Rucker, is dissolved. The Eighteenth and Nineteenth MISSISSIPPI Battalions will be returned to the brigade commanded by Colonel R. McCulloch, and the Seventh Tennessee will be assigned for duty to Neely's brigade. The regiment now known as Forrest's regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel D. C. Kelley, will be assigned to duty with Neely's brigade. Each one of these regiments will retain its present transportation. The ordnance and headquarters wagons and ambulances of the Sixth Brigade will be turned over to the chief quartermaster of Chalmer's DIVISION.
VI. The Second MISSISSIPPI Regiment and Willis' (Texas) battalion are hereby temporarily consolidated. Lieutenant Colonel R. A. McCulloch will assume command. Brigadier-General Chalmers will assign the other field officers, according to rank, from the officers of either command.
By command of Major-General Forrest:
W. H. BRAND,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS FORRESTS' CAVALRY, Numbers 108.
Okolona, July 20, 1864.
XI. Lieutenant-Colonel McCulloch has been ordered to return with the two regiments now on Pontotoc and Okolona road, leaving a company of FIFTY men until to-morrow evening. This outpost will be relieved alternately by Brigadier-Generals Chalmers and Buford from their DIVISIONS, and arrange between themselves the time they shall remain on duty, General Buford sending a company to-morrow to relieve the one left there. It is recommended that two days' rations at least of forage and provisions be carried on horses when the companies leave camp. This outpost will be kept there until otherwise ordered. They will be instructed to report promptly any information obtained of any movements of enemy to these headquarters.
By command of Major-General Forrest:
CHARLES W. ANDERSON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY, Numbers 109.
Okolona, July 22, 1864.
* * * * *
IV. Lieutenant-Colonel Chalmers will move on Monday morning with three days' rations of forage to Abbeville, and keep scouts above Senatobia and Holly Springs, to report by telegraph any important movement of the enemy. He will establish a line of couriers from his headquarters to Pontotoc, to send all written communications. He will arrest all stragglers and deserters, especially those who deserted from Wimberly and Wilburn. He will put himself in communication with Captain Saunders and direct his movements. Colonel Chalmers will take Captain Smith's escort company with him. He will send his quartermaster ahead to procure forage, and will make out all of his reports before leaving.
By command of Brigadier General J. R. Chalmers, commanding:
W. H. BRAND,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY, Numbers 112.
Okolona, July 25, 1864.
* * * * *
II. The order (Special Orders, Numbers 106, paragraph VI) consolidating temporarily the Second Missouri Regiment and Willis' battalion is revoked, and will not be carried into execution.
By order of Brigadier-General Chalmers, commanding:
W. H. BRAND,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
Organization of troops in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, commanded by Major General Dabney H. Maury, August 31, 1864.
FORREST'S COMMAND.
Major General NATHAN B. FORREST.
CHALMERS' DIVISION.
Brigadier General JAMES R. CHALMERS.
First Brigade.
Colonel WILLIAM L. DUCKWORTH.
7th Tennessee Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel William F. Taylor.
12th Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel John U. Green.
14th Tennessee Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Raleigh R. White.
15th Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Francis M. Stewart.
Forrest's (THIRD Tennessee) regiment, Lieutenant Colonel David C. Kelley.
Second Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st MISSISSIPPI Partisan Rangers, Colonel Samuel H. Hyams, Jr.
5th MISSISSIPPI Cavalry, Major William B. Perry.
18th MISSISSIPPI Battalion Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander H. Chalmers.
19th MISSISSIPPI Battalion Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Walker.
Willis' (Texas) battalion cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis
2nd Missouri Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. McCulloch.
Troops in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, Lieutenant General Richard Taylor, C. S. Army, commanding, September 30, 1864.
DISTRICT OF THE GULF.
Major General DABNEY H. MAURY.
Thomas' Brigade
Brigadier General BRYAN M. THOMAS.
1st Alabama Battalion Reserves, Lieutenant Colonel W. M. Stone.
3rd Alabama Reserves, Colonel William M. Brooks.
7th Alabama Cavalry,* Colonel Joseph Hodgson.
Harris' (Alabama) battalion, Major R. A. Harris.
Morrison's (Alabama) battalion, Captain John D. Morrison.
Abbay's (Mississippi) battery, Captain George F. Abbay.
Wade's (Louisiana) battery, Captain Henry F. Wade, Jr.
Winston's (Tennessee) battery, Captain William C. Winston.
Higgins' Brigade.
1st Louisiana Artillery, Colonel Charles A. Fuller.
22nd Louisiana, Colonel Isaac W. Patton.
Bay Batteries, Lieutenant Colonel E. L. Winder.
Liddell's Brigade.
Brigadier General ST. John R. LIDDELL.
15th Confederate Cavalry, Colonel Henry Maury.
Culpeper's (South Carolina) battery, Lieutenant J. L. Moses.
3rd Missouri Battery, Lieutenant Thomas B. Catron.
Owens' (Arkansas) battery, Captain James A. Owens.
Tobin's (Tennessee) battery, Captain Thomas F. Tobin.
Baker's Brigade. +
Brigadier General ALPHEUS BAKER.
Withers' Brigade. ++
Colonel WILLIAM T. WITHERS.
Engineer Troops.
Engineer Company.
DISTRICT OF NORTH ALABAMA @
Brigadier General PHILIP D. RODDEY.
DISTRICT OF CENTRAL ALABAMA.
Brigadier General DANIEL W. ADAMS.
Armistead's Brigade.
Clanton's Brigade.
Artillery.
Charpentier's (Alabama) battery.
Clanton's (Alabama) battery.
DISTRICT NORTH OF HOMOCHITTO.
Brigadier General WIRT ADAMS.
Mabry's Cavalry Brigade.
Brigadier General HINCHIE P. MABRY.
11th Arkansas Infantry (mounted). |
17th Arkansas Infantry (mounted). |
14th Confederate, Colonel F. Dumonteil.
4th Mississippi, Colonel C. C. Wilbourn.
6th Mississippi, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas C. Lipscomb.
38th MISSISSIPPI Infantry (mounted), Colonel Preston Brent.
Gamblin's (MISSISSIPPI State) cavalry battalion, Captain E. D. Gamblin.
Wood's Cavalry Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT C. WOOD, Jr.
Montgomery's battalion, || Major W. E. Montgomery.
Moorman's battalion, Major Calvit Roberts.
Peyton's battalion, || Major E. A. Peyton.
Stubbs' battalion, || Major George W. Stubbs.
Wood's (Mississippi) regiment, Major S. R. Cleveland.
---------------
*En route for Grenada, Miss.
+For composition of Baker's brigade see foot-note (*), p. 854.
++Composition of Withers' brigade not given.
@NO report since the organization of this district, but return shows Ferrell's (Georgia) battery.
|Furloughed.
||MISSISSIPPI State cavalry, reserves.
Unattached.
Ratliff's (Mississippi) battery, Captain William T. Ratliff.
Texas Scouts, Captain J. T. Cobb.
DISTRICT SOUTH OF HOMOCHITTO.
Brigadier General GEORGE B. HODGE.
Scott's Cavalry Brigade.
1st Louisiana, Colonel John. S. Scott.
Louisiana Battalion, Major Frederick N. Ogden.
9th Louisiana Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel James H. Wingfield.
Lay's (Mississippi) regiment, Colonel Benjamin D. Lay.
Mounted Infantry, Colonel Daniel Gober.
Powers' (Louisiana and Mississippi) regiment, Colonel Frank P. Powers.
Artillery.
Barlow's (Louisiana) battery, Captain W. P. Barlow.
Holmes' (Louisiana) battery, Captain Eugene Holmes.
FORREST'S CAVALRY.
Major General NATHAN B. FORREST.
FIRST DIVISION.
First Brigade.
Colonel EDMUND W. RUCKER.
7th Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel William F. Taylor.
12th Tennessee, Colonel John U. Green.
14th Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel Raleigh R. White.
15th Tennessee, Colonel Francis M. Stewart.
26th Tennessee Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel David C. Kelley.
Second Brigade. *
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
7th Mississippi
8th Mississippi
18th MISSISSIPPI Battalion,
2nd Missouri
Willis' (Texas) battalion
Hudson's (Mississippi) battery (one section).
BUFORD'S DIVISION.
THIRD Brigade
Brigadier General HYLAN B. LYON.
3rd Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Colonel Gustavus A. C. Holt.
7th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Colonel Edward Crossland.
8th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel Absalom R. Shacklett.
12th Kentucky Cavalry, Colonel W. W. Faulkner.
Fourth Brigade.
Colonel TYREE H. BELL.
2nd Tennessee, Colonel Clark R. Barteau.
16th Tennessee, Colonel Andrew N. Wilson.
18th Tennessee, Colonel John F. Newsom.
20th Tennessee, Colonel Robert M. Russell.
ARTILLERY.
Hudson's (Mississippi) battery, Lieutenant Edwin S. Walton.
Morton's (Tennessee) battery, Lieutenant T. Sanders Sale.
Rice's (Tennessee) battery, Captain T. W. Rice.
Thrall's (Arkansas) battery, Captain James C. Thrall.
---------------
*On detached service in District of the Gulf.
---------------
Numbers 2. Report of Major General Dabney H. Maury, C. S. Army, commanding District of the Gulf.HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE GULF,
Mobile, Ala., December 15, 1864.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report, for the information of the Secretary of War, that a column of enemy's cavalry (4,000 men, with eight guns) marched from Baton Rouge through East Louisiana and Mississippi to a point just beyond Pascagoula River. The avowed object of the expedition was to destroy the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and to surprise Mobile. Troops were in position in time to defeat these objects. On Saturday, the 10th instant, McCulloch's (Second Missouri) regiment and Willis' (Texas) battalion met a detachment from the main body of the enemy which was sent across Chickasawha River to destroy the railroad. The enemy charged with spirit, but were repulsed with some loss. Their main force then crossed pascagoula river and was advancing ont he direct road to Mobile, by during Sunday recrossed to west side of Pascagoula and marched rapidly down toward Mississippi Sound. There is reason to believe that this force of cavalry is destined to co-operate in an attack on Mobile, which seems to be preparing. The number of vessels in the lower portion of Mobile Bay is reported to have been gradually increasing recently, and more than usual activity prevails amongst the shipping there and at Pensacola. The Governors of Mississippi and Alabama have, at my request, called out some State troops. I hope the force which I have assembled here, and which is coming to me, will suffice to guard my lines of communication and to repel any attack ont he place which the enemy is now prepared to make. I have received from Major General Gordon Granger, U. S. Army, copies of the correspondence and instructions relative to sending out cotton from here to be used in relieving the necessities of our suffering prisoners. Having received instructions on the same subject from the War Department, I have agreed with General Granger as to the manner of transferring the cotton, and taken such steps as will enable me to place the cotton on the vessel which will take it to New York in a day or two. A man named A. P. Stewart, who came with the necessary permits from the Federal Government, has purchased one of the blockade-running boas which have been shut in here with a cargo of cotton, and I had made preparation to enable him to pass my defenses with it, but a recent notification from the Federal naval commander to him has suspended further action in the business for the present.No other occurrences have transpired during the temporary command of the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, exercised by me int he absence of Lieutenant-General Taylor, which seem of sufficient importance to call to your attention.
I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DABNEY H. MAURY,
Major-General, Commanding.
Organization of the Cavalry in Mississippi, commanded by Maj. General Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, December 24, 1863.
ESCORT. Captain T. M. NELSON.
JACKSON'S DIVISION.
Brig. Gen. WILLIAM H. JACKSON.
Escort Captain W. F. TAYLOR.
Provost Gurad. Captain JAMES RUFFIN.
First Brigade.
Brig. Gen. GEORGE B. COSBY.
4th Mississippi Cavalry, Maj. J. L. Harris.
28th Mississippi Cavalry, Colonel Peter B. Starke.
Ballentine's Regiment (Mississippi) Cavalry,
Colonel John G. Ballentine.
Wood's Regiment (Mississippi) Cavalry,
Colonel Robert C. Wood,jr.
Escort Company, Captain Junius Y. Weeb.
Clark (Missouri) Battery, Lieutenant James L. Farris.
Moore's (Arkansas) Battery (section), Lieutenant Frank A. Moore.
Second Brigade.
Colonel H. P. MARBY.
1st Texas Legion Cavalry, Colonel E. R. Hawkins.
3rd Texas Regiment Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel J. S. Boggess.
9th Texas Regiment Cavalry, Colonel D. W. Jones.
Columbus (Georgia) Light Artillery, Captain Edward Croft.
Adams' Brigade.
Brig. Gen. WIRT ADAMS.
11th Arkansas Infantry (Mounted), Colonel John Griffith.
14th Confederate Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel William H. Garland.
9th Louisiana Battalion Cavalry, Captain E. A. Scott.
4th Mississippi Cavalry, Captain James M. Norman.
9th Tennessee Battalion Cavalry, Maj. James H. Akin.
Roberts' (Mississippi) Battery, Captain Calvit Roberts.
Ross' Brigade.
Colonel L. S. ROSS.
1st Mississippi Regiment Cavalry, Colonel R. A. Pinson.
6th Texas Regiment Cavalry, Colonel Jack Wharton.
Escort, Lieutenant Rush L. Elkin.
CHALMERS' COMMAND.
Brig. Gen. JAMES R. CHALMERS.
Slemons' Brigade.
Colonel W. F. SLEMONS.
2nd Arkansas Cavalry, Captain Thomas M. Cochran.
3rd Mississippi State Cavalry, Col, John McGuirk.
18th Mississippi Battalion Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander H. Chalmers.
7th Tennessee Regiment Cavalry, Colonel W. L. Duckworth.
George's Regiment (Mississippi) Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel James A. Barksdale.
McLendon's (Mississippi) Battery, Captain J. M. McLendon.
McCulloch's Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st Mississippi Partisan Rangers,+ Major J. M. Park.
19th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Duff.
2nd Missouri Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel R. A. McCulloch.
Willis' (Texas) Battalion, Waul's Legion, Lieutenant Col, Leonidas Willis.
Buckners (Mississippi) Battery, Lieutenant H. C. Holt.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 3.
HDQRS. FORREST'S CAVALRY DEPT.,
Como, Miss., January 25, 1864.
I. The troops of this command will be organized as follows:
First Brigade, Brig. Gen. R. V. Richardson, commanding: Twelfth Tennessee Regiment, Marshall's regiment, Bennett's battalion, Fifteenth Tennessee Regiment, Street's battalion, Collins' command, Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment, Sixteenth Tennessee Regiment.
Second Brigade, Col. Robert McCulloch, commanding: Second Missouri Regiment, Willis' (Texas) battalion, Faulkner's (Kentucky) regiment, Chalmers' battalion, Kizer's battalion, Second Arkansas Cavalry, Franklin's battalion.
Third Brigade, Col. T. H. Bell, commanding,: Russell's regiment, Greer's regiment, Newsom's regiment, Barteau's regiment, Wilson's regiment.
Fourth Brigade, Col. J. E. Forrest, commanding: Forrest's regiment, Duckworth's regiment, Fifth Mississippi Regiment, McGuirk's regiment, Duff's battalion.
II. The Second and Fourth Brigades will be organized into a division, to be known and designated as the First Division, Forrest's Cavalry Department, under the command of Brig. Gen. J. R. Chalmers.
By order of Major-General Forrest:
J.P. STRANGE,
Assistant Adjutant-General
GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY,
Numbers 12.
Columbus, Miss., March 7, 1864.
The troops of this command will be organized as follows:*
First Brigade, Brigadier General R. V. Richardson commanding:
Seventh Tennessee Regiment, Colonel Duckworth; Twelfth Tennessee Regiment, Colonel Green; Thirteenth Tennessee Regiment, Colonel Neely; Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment, Colonel Stewart.
Second Brigade, Colonel R. McCulloch commanding:
Second Missouri Regiment; Wills' battalion; First Mississippi Partisans; Fifth Mississippi Regiment; Eighteenth Mississippi Battalion; Nineteenth Mississippi Battalion; McDonald's battalion.
Third Brigade, Colonel Thompson commanding;
Third Kentucky Regiment; Seventh Kentucky Regiment; Eight Kentucky Regiment; Faulkner's Kentucky regiment; Forrest's Alabama regiment.
Fourth Brigade, Colonel T. H. Bell commanding:
Second Tennessee [Barteau's] Regiment, Colonel Wilson commanding.
II. The First and Second Brigades will be organized into a division, and will be known and designated as First Division of Forrest's cavalry, Brigadier General J. R. Chalmers commanding.
III. The Third and Fourth Brigades will be organized into a division, and will be known and designated as Second Division, Forrest's cavalry, Brigadier General A. Buford commanding.
By command of Major-General Forrest:
J. P. STRANGE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Organization of troops in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, commanded by Lieutenant General Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, March 10, 1864.
LORING'S DIVISION.
Major General WILLIAM W. LORING.
Adams' Brigade.
6th Mississippi, Colonel Robert Lowry.
14th Mississippi, Colonel George W. Abert.
15th Mississippi, Colonel M. Farrel.
20th Mississippi, Colonel William N. Brown.
23rd Mississippi, Colonel Joseph M. Wells.
26th Mississippi, Colonel Arthur E, Reynolds.
1st Confederate Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel George H. Forney.
Featherston's Brigade.
Brigadier General WINFIELD S. FEATHERSTON.
3rd Mississippi, Colonel T. A. Mellon.
22nd Mississippi, Colonel Frank Schaller.
31st Mississippi, Colonel J. A. Orr.
33rd Mississippi, Lieutenant Colonel J. L. Drake.
1st Mississippi Battalion Sharpshooters, Major J. M. Stigler.
Scott's Brigade.
Colonel THOMAS M. SCOTT.
55th Alabama, Colonel John Snodgrass.
57th Alabama, Colonel C. J. L. Cunningham.
9th Arkansas, Colonel Isaac L. Dunlop.
12th Louisiana, Lieutenant Colonel N. L. Nelson.
Division Artillery.
Charpentier's (Alabama) battery, Captain Stephen Charpentier.
Lookout (Tennessee) Battery, Captain
Point Coupee (Louisiana) Battery, Captain Alcide Bouanchaud.
Reserve (Mississippi) Battery, Captain Kames J. Cowan.
Withers' (Mississippi) Artillery, Company A, Captain William T. Ratliff.
FRENCH'S DIVISION.
Ector's Brigade.
Brigadier General MATTHEW D. ECTOR.
29th North Carolina, Lieutenant Colonel Bacchus S. Proffitt.
9th Texas, Major J. H. McReynolds.
10th Texas Cavalry (dismounted), Colonel C. R. Earp.
14th Texas Cavalry (dismounted), Colonel John L. Camp.
32nd Texas Cavalry (dismounted), Lieutenant Colonel James A. Weaver.
Cockrell's Brigade
Brigadier General FRANCIS M. COCKRELL.
1st and 3rd Missouri Cavalry (dismounted), Lieutenant Colonel D. Todd Samuels.
1st and 4th Missouri Infantry, Colonel A. C. Riley.
2nd and 6th Missouri Infantry, Colonel P. C. Flournoy.
3rd and 5th Missouri Infantry, Colonel James McCown.
Division Artillery.
Hoskins' (Mississippi) battery, Captain James A. Hoskins.
1st Missouri Battery, Captain Henry Guibor.
RUGGLES COMMAND.
Rice's (Tennessee) battery, Captain T. W. Rice.
CAVALRY CORPS.
Major General STEPHEN D. LEE.
JACKSON'S DIVISION.
Brigadier General WILLIAM H. JACKSON.
First Brigade.
Colonel PETER B. STARKE.
1st Mississippi, Colonel R. A. Pinson.
28th Mississippi, Colonel Peter B. Starke.
Ballentine's (Mississippi) Regiment, Colonel John G. Ballentine.
Escort (Louisiana) Company, Captain Junius Y. Webb.
Georgia Battery, Captain Edward Croft.
Second Brigade.
Colonel LAWRENCE S. ROSS.
1st Texas Legion, Colonel E. R. Hawkins.
3rd Texas, Colonel Hinchie P. Mabry.
6th Texas, Colonel Jack Wharton.
9th Texas, Colonel Dud. W. Jones.
Escort (Texas) Company, Lieutenant Rush L. Elkin.
Missouri Battery, Captain Houston King.
Adams' Brigade.
Brigadier General WIRT ADAMS.
11th Arkansas Mounted Infantry, Colonel John Griffith.
14th Confederate, Captain Josephus R. Quinn.
9th Louisiana, Captain E. A. Scott.
4th (2nd) Mississippi, Major J. L. Harris.
4th Mississippi, Major Thomas R. Stockdale.
Wood's (Mississippi) Regiment, Colonel Robert C. Wood, jr.
9th Tennessee Battalion, Major James H. Akin.
Mississippi Battery, Captain Calvit Roberts.
Ferguson's Brigade.
Brigadier General SAMUEL W. FERGUSON.
2nd Alabama, Colonel R. G. Earle.
56th Alabama, Colonel William Boyles.
12th Mississippi, Colonel W. M. Inge.
2nd Tennessee (Barteau's regiment), Lieutenant Colonel George H. Morton.
South Carolina Battery, Captain John Waties.
CHALMERS' COMMAND.
[ CHALMERS' DIVISION-FORREST'S COMMAND.*
First Brigade.
Colonel WILLIAM L. DUCKWORTH.
7th Tennessee, Colonel William L. Duckworth.
12th Tennessee, Colonel John U. Green.
13th Tennessee, Colonel Francis M. Stewart.
Second Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
2nd Missouri, Lieutenant Colonel R. A. McCulloch.
Texas Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis.
1st Mississippi partisan Rangers, Major J. M. Park.
5th Mississippi Battalion.
18th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alexandra H. Chalmers.
19th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Duff.
McDonald's (Tennessee) Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Crews.
Third Brigade.
Colonel A. P. THOMPSON.
3rd Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel G. A. Holt.
7th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Colonel Ed. Crossland.
8th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Shacklett.
12th Kentucky. Colonel W. W. Faulker. Forrest's (Alabama) Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel D. M. Wisdom.
Fourth Brigade.
Colonel TYREE H. BELL.
2nd Tennessee, Colonel C. R. Barteau.
15th Tennessee, Colonel R. M. Russell.
16th Tennessee, Colonel A. N. Wilson. ]
]]]] Brigadier General JAMES R. CHALMERS.
First Brigade.
2nd Arkansas, Colonel W. F. Slemons.
3rd Mississippi (State), Colonel John McGuirk.
5th Mississippi, Colonel James Z. George.
7th Tennessee, Colonel William L. Duckworth.
Mississippi Battery, Captain J. M. McLendon.
Second Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st Mississippi Partisan Rangers, Lieutenant Colonel L. B. Hovis.
18th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander H. Chalmers.
19th Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Duff.
Will's Texas Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis.
2nd Missouri Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel R. A. McCulloch.
Mississippi Battery, Lieutenant H. C. Holt.
General Polk's escort (Louisiana company), Captain Leeds Greenleaf.
General Lee's escort (Georgia company), Captain Thomas M. Nelson.
HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY DEPARTMENT,
Columbus, March 10, 1864.
Colonel T. M. JACK,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
COLONEL: If nothing occurs to prevent, will leave here on Monday next with General Buford's division and four small pieces of artillery. Will get from the First and Forty-third Mississippi Infantry about 100 horses. Will need 150 horses to complete the four batteries, and 150 more for mounting the three Kentucky regiments under Colonel Thompson. I have also about 200 men of Chalmers' and Buford's divisions without horses, most of whom lost their horses in the recent engagement with the enemy.
My scouts report six regiments of Federal cavalry moving from Memphis to Nashville, and that there are no Federals on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad east of Germantown. Scouting parties, however, are sent out daily.
Hurst is still reported in West Tennessee, and a portion of Jackson and Brownsville have been burned by his men.
Will order six companies of Colonel Forrest's regiment, under Captain Warren, to Marion County, Ala., to protect the foundries, &c., against tories and deserters. Will also send Colonel McCulloch, commanding Chalmers' division, with the brigade now here with orders to divide his command and breast the country from this toward Memphis and Panola, arresting all stragglers and deserters.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
N. B. FORREST,
Major-General.
Organization of Forrest's Cavalry, Major General Nathan B. Forrest, C. S. Army, commanding, May 10, 1864.
CHALMERS' DIVISION.
Brigadier General JAMES R. CHALMERS.
First Brigade.
Colonel JAMES J. NEELY.
7th Tennessee, Colonel William L. Duckworth.
12th Tennessee, Colonel John Uriah Green.
14th Tennessee, Lieutenant Colonel Raleigh R. White.
15th Tennessee, Colonel Francis M. Stewart.
Tennessee Scouts, Captain Wiley Higgs.
Provost Guard, Captain D. J. Murchison.
Second Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
5th Mississippi, Captain William B. Peery.
7th Mississippi, Major James M. Park.
8th Mississippi, Colonel William L. Duff.
18th MISSISSIPPI Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alex. H. Chalmers.
2nd Missouri, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. McCulloch.
McDonald's (Tennessee) Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Crews.
Waul's (Texas) Legion (battalion), Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis.
Escort, Company C, 18th Battalion MISSISSIPPI Cavalry, Captain C. T. Smith
Organization of troops in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, commanded by Major General Stephen D. Lee, June 1, 1864.
CHALMERS' DIVISION.
Brigadier General JAMES R. CHALMERS.
First Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st MISSISSIPPI Partisan Rangers, Major James M. Park.
5th MISSISSIPPI Regiment, Captain William B. Peery.
18th MISSISSIPPI Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander H. Chalmers.
Duff's (Mississippi) Regiment, Colonel William L. Duff.
2nd Missouri Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. McCulloch.
McDonald's (Tennessee) Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel J. M. Crews.
Willis' (Texas) Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis.
Escort company, Company C, 18th Battalion MISSISSIPPI Cavalry, Captain C. T. Smith.
BOONEVILLE, June 9, 1864.
Brigadier-General CHALMERS,
Montevallo:
Your telegram of the 8th received. Let McCulloch's brigade remain either at Montevallo or Tuscaloosa, at whichever place it now is. he must have four days' rations and four days' shelled corn. If you are ready for duty go with McCulloch's brigade. Enemy's plans up here not yet developed.
S. D. LEE,
Major-General.
SELMA, June 9, 1864.
Major General S. D. LEE,
Booneville, Miss.:
McCulloch is still at Montevallo. If possible, let me unite my DIVISION; if not, I would be glad to accept the leave offered me.
JAS. R. CHALMERS,
Brigadier-General.
BOONEVILLE, MISS., June 9, 1864.
Brigadier-General CHALMERS,
Montevallo, Ala.:
Move with McCulloch's brigade at once to Columbus, Miss. Notify General Pillow.
S. D. LEE,
Major-General.
BOONEVILLE, June 9, 1864.
Brigadier-General CHALMERS,
Montevallo:
Make a forced march to Columbus with McCulloch's brigade.
S. D. LEE,
Major-General.
OKOLONA, June 9, 1864.
Brigadier-General CHALMERS,
Columbus, Miss.:
Remain at Columbus until further orders, and have your horses shod up.
S. D. LEE,
Major-General.
GENERAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS FORREST'S CAVALRY, Numbers 73.
Grenada, August 30, 1864.
I. The troops of this command will be organized and designated as follows:
Rucker's brigade, Colonel Edmund W. Rucker: Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel William L. Duckworth; Neely's regiment Tennessee cavalry, Colonel James J. Neely; Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Robert V. Richardson; Stewart's regiment Tennessee cavalry, Colonel Francis M. Stewart; Twenty-sixth Tennessee Battalion Cavalry (General Forrest's old regiment), Lieutenant Colonel David C. Kelley.
McCulloch's brigade, Colonel Robert McCulloch: Seventh MISSISSIPPI Cavalry (formerly First MISSISSIPPI Partisans), Lieutenant Colonel Samuel M. Hyams, Jr. ; Second Missouri Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. McCulloch; Fifth MISSISSIPPI Cavalry, Major W. G. Henderson; Willis' Battalion Texas Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis; Eighth MISSISSIPPI Cavalry, Colonel William L. Duff; Eighteenth MISSISSIPPI Cavalry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander H. Chalmers.
Lyon's brigade, Brigadier General Hylan B. Lyon: THIRD Kentucky Cavalry, Colonel Gustavus A. C. Holt; Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel A. R. Shacklett; Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, Colonel Edward Crossland; Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry, Colonel W. W. Faulkner.
Bell's brigade, Colonel Tyree H. Bell: Barteau's regiment (Second tennessee), Colonel C. R. Barteau; Nineteenth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel John F. Newsom; Twentieth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Robert M. Russell; Twenty-first Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Andrew N. Wilson.
..........
By command of Major-General Forrest:
J. P. STRANGE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
Abstract from return of the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, Major General Dabney H. Maury commanding, for August 31, 1864; headquarters Meridian, Miss.
Present for duty.
Organization of troops in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana, commanded by Major General Dabney H. Maury, August 31, 1864.
FORREST'S COMMAND.
Major General NATHAN B. FORREST.
CHALMERS' DIVISION.
Brigadier General JAMES R. CHALMERS.
First Brigade.
Colonel WILLIAM L. DUCKWORTH.
7th Tennessee Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel William F. Taylor.
12th Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel John U. Green.
14th Tennessee Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Raleigh R. White.
15th Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel Francis M. Stewart.
Forrest's (THIRD Tennessee) regiment, Lieutenant Colonel David C. Kelley.
Second Brigade.
Colonel ROBERT McCULLOCH.
1st MISSISSIPPI Partisan Rangers, Colonel Samuel H. Hyams, Jr.
5th MISSISSIPPI Cavalry, Major William B. Perry.
18th MISSISSIPPI Battalion Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander H. Chalmers.
19th MISSISSIPPI Battalion Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Walker.
Willis' (Texas) battalion cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Leonidas Willis.
2nd Missouri Cavalry, Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. McCulloch.
...
Report of Maj. Gen. Dabney H. Maury, C.S. Army, Com. Dist. Of the Gulf,
"Headquarters District of the Gulf, Mobile, Ala., Dec. 15, 1864
General:
I have the honor to report, for the information of Sect of War, that a column of the enemy's calavary (4,000 men with 8 guns) marched in Baton Rouge through east of Louisiana and Mississippi to a point just beyond the Pascagoula River. The avowed object of the expedition was to destroy the Mobile and Ohio R.R. and surprise Mobile. Troops were in position in time to defeat these objects. On Saturday, the tenth instance, McCullough's (2nd Mo.) Regiment and Willis' (Texas) Battalion met a detachment form the main body of the enemy which was set across the Chickasawha River to destroy the railroad. The enemy charged with spirit but was repulsed with some loss. . . . .
I remain General, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Dabney H. Maury, Maj. Gen. Commanding
Gen S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General of Richmond
Do you have information about Willis' Battalion Texas cavalry that you would like to contribute to this project?
Contact Ben Bowen
Material contained on this page may be copied in whole or part
by non-profit, personal, genealogical and historical reference web sites
by citing
Benjamin L. Bowen's :
The Exploits of Waul's Texas Legion
at the following url :http://freepages.family.rootsweb.com/~bowen/legion/waulstexaslegion.html
The Bowen family web
The Rootsweb edition 2000-2004
This page was added to the Bowen family web site on October 6, 2003 and was updated on 10-21-2003
