Joseph Wheeler
Lieutenant General, Confederate States of America
Major General, United States Army
Member of Congress

Article from the Confederate Veteran    Lovejoy's Station   Dalton II   Battle of Bentonville   Atlanta   Griswoldville    Tennessee Raids  Battle of Farmington   Balls Ferry

Born near Augusta, Georgia, September 10, 1836, he graduated from West Point in 1859 and was commissioned in Dragoons. He saw service in various Indian campaigns in Kansas and New Mexico before resigning in April 1861 to become First Lieutenant of Artillery in the Confederate Army.

In September 1861 he was appointed Colonel of the 19th Alabama Infantry. He comanded a Brigade at Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh), April 6-7, 1862, where he covered the Confederate retreat on the second day, and in July was given command of the Cavalry in General Braxton Bragg's Army of Mississippi. Thereafter he was almost continiously in the field.

During the remainder of the war he was to be wounded three times and had sixteen horses shot from under him. After leading Bragg's advance into Kentucky in August-September, distinguishing himself at Perryville, October 8, and covering the retreat from that battle. He was promoted to Brigadier Genral, CSA, at the end of October. At Stones River (Murfreesboro) from December 31, 1862 to January 3, 1863, he again distinguished himself after having skilfully delayed General William Starke Rosecrans' advance. In January 1863 he was promoted to Major General.

He took a prominent part in the Battle of Chickamauga, September 18-20, 1863 and, after Rosecrans was shut up in Chattanooga, undertook a spectacular cavalry raid to the Union rear in which he and his men destroyed railroad lines by which Rosecrans was to be re-supplied, and incflicted more that $3 million in damage to support depots and other resources in and around Central Tennessee. In November he cooperated with General James Longstreet in the siege of Knoxsville and, following Bragg's defeat at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, November 24-25, helped cover the latter's retreat, taking part under General Patrick R. Cleburne in a rearguard action at Ringgold, November 27.

In 1864, he was active in opposing General William T. Sherman's advance toward Atlanta, engaging Union cavalry of George Stoneman on several occasions. During Sherman's March to the Sea, Wheeler fell back slowly in advance of him. He kept a close watch on Federal raiders and foragers on the flanks and thereby confined the destruction to as narrow a front as possible. In February 1865 (aged 28) he was promoted to Lieutenant General. He fought under General Joseph E. Johnston against Sherman in the Carolinas and, after Johnston's surrender, was captured near Atlanta.

After the war, he entered business in New Orleans; moved in 1868 to Wheeler, Alabama, to practice law and plant cotton. He entered Congress in march 1881, but in June 1882 his seat was successfully contested. His sucessor soon died and he was elected to the same seat in January 1883 for the last two months of the term. He was again elected to Congress in 1884 and served from March 1885 until his resignation in April 1900. As he rose to the Chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee, the high rank and personal popularity he had achieved in the Civil War made him something of a symbol of the reunion of the North and South in that period.

At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898, he offered his services and was appointed a Major General of U.S. Volunteers by President William McKinley in May and was given command of a Cavalry Division (largely unmounted) in William R. Shafter's V Corps. Troops under his command (including Leonard Wood's and Theodore Roosevelt's 'Rough Riders') won the Battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, and took part in the assault on San Juan Heights before Santiago de Cuba on July 1, where they formed the U.S. right while Jacob F. Kent's Infantry Division formed the left. At the conclusion of that campaign, he commanded briefly the convalescent camp at Monauk Point, New York, and also briefly commanded a Brigade in the Philippines, August 1899-January 1900. He was mustered out of the volunteer service and was appointed Brigadier General, United States Army in June 1900. He then commanded the Department of the Lakes untilhis retirement in September 1900.

He died at his sister's home in Brooklyn, New York, on January 25, 1906 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery, one of only two former Confederate generals to be buried in Arlington, the other being Marcus Joseph Wright.

Wheeler wrote several books, including: Cavalry Tactics (1863); Bragg’s Invasion of Kentucky, Vol. 3 in Battles and Leaders of the Civil War (1887-1888); and The Santiago Campaign (1898).

Lovejoy's Station Georgia

August 20, 1864

March 19

"If the foragers could not clear the way, nothing less than a brigade need try it." —Lt. Allan H. Dougall, Adjutant, 88th Indiana, Hobart's brigade; Medal of Honor recipient for saving the 88th's flag from capture in the Battle of Bentonville.

Dawn
Braxton Bragg, with Hoke's Division, moves south from the hamlet of Bentonville to Cole's Plantation, and takes position blocking the Goldsboro Road.

6:00 a.m.
Sherman, Left Wing commander H. W. Slocum, and XIV Corps commander Jeff C. Davis confer at the intersection of the Smithfield-Clinton and Goldsboro roads. Confident of reaching Cox's Bridge later that afternoon, Sherman prepares to move south to join the Federal Right Wing as it advances on Goldsboro. Skirmish firing rolls up from the east, and Davis voices his opinion that the XIV Corps is "likely to encounter more than the usual cavalry opposition." Davis's adjutant, A. C. McClurg, overhears Sherman's reply: "No Jeff; there is nothing there but Dibbrell's [sic] cavalry. Brush them out of the way. Good morning. I'll meet you to-morrow morning at Cox's Bridge." McClurg will later remember that "three days yet lay between us and Cox's Bridge."

7:00 a.m.
Carlin's division (First, XIV A.C.) takes the advance, moving eastward on the Goldsboro Road.

9:00 a.m.
After a march of six miles, McLaws's Division of Hardee's Corps reaches Bentonville and falls out to rest.

~10:00 a.m.
Carlin's advance (Hobart's brigade) pushes elements of Dibrell's Confederate cavalry from a line of rail barricades east of the Morris Farm. Upon reaching the Cole House, Briant's Wing of Hobart's brigade receives artillery and small-arms fire from Hoke's Division and is forced to scramble for cover. Carlin deploys to clear the road.

As Carlin struggles with Hoke's Division, the Army of Tennessee (Stewart) is steadily filing into position to the north.

11:00 a.m.
Morgan's division (Second, XIV A.C.) is ordered to the front to assist Carlin.

As Morgan moves in on the right of Carlin's division, Slocum becomes worried over the delay in clearing the road. He sends his first message to Sherman:

"Fearing that the firing would be heard by General Sherman and cause the other wing of the army to delay its march, I sent Major E. W. Guindon of my staff [to tell] Sherman . . . that I should not need assistance, and felt confident that I should be at the Neuse [River] at the appointed time."

The Confederate threat is dismissed as merely "cavalry with a few pieces of artillery."

~12:00 p.m.
Carlin launches a probing attack to develop the enemy position. Miles's brigade is easily repulsed by Hoke's Division. On the Cole Farm, the brigades of Buell and Hobart (Briant's Wing) are repulsed with heavy casualties. South of the Goldsboro Road Morgan's division continues filing into position on Carlin's right. A dangerous gap exists between the separated wings of Hobart's brigade, with Briant's Wing north of the Goldsboro Road and Fitch's Wing south of the road.

Bragg pleads for reinforcements following Carlin's assault, prompting Johnston to dispatch McLaws's Division (now arriving after the deployment of Stewart's men) to the Confederate left. McLaws's absence will deplete by one-fourth the striking force Johnston is assembling at Cole's Farm.

Following the repulse of the Federal probing attack, Slocum learns of Johnston's presence and intentions from three Southern prisoners ("Galvanized Yankees" formerly of the Federal army). "There is a very large force in your front," Slocum is told, "all under the command of Joe Johnston."

12:45 p.m.
Wade Hampton tells Johnston: "Stewart wrote just now that the enemy attacked him. Taliaferro [of Hardee's Corps] is just going in. I think whatever we do should be done quickly. An advance of the line would break them, I think."

~1:00 p.m.
Webb's battery (19th Indiana) deploys to the left of Fitch's Wing of Hobart's brigade, prompting Scovel's battery (C, 1st Illinois) to move further to the left.

1:30 p.m.
Slocum, now realizing he faces serious opposition, implores Sherman: "I am convinced the enemy are in strong force in my front . . . . I shall strengthen my position and feel of their lines, but I hope you will come up on their left rear in strong force."

2:00 p.m.
Slocum accentuates his 1:30 p.m. dispatch to Sherman: "It is reported by prisoners that Johnston and Hardee are here. I think a portion of the Right Wing should be brought forward at once."

The vanguard of the Federal XX Corps (Hawley's brigade of Jackson's First Division) reaches the Morris Farm sometime after 2:00 p.m.

In line behind Hawley, Robinson's brigade continues eastward to Cole's Farm and is directed to plug the gap between Fitch and Briant. Robinson deploys along a shallow ravine, making no connection on either flank with Carlin's troops. As two of his regiments are recalled to the Morris Farm, Robinson takes note of Carlin's poorly formed line, whose left is thrown forward along the northern slope of a deep, wooded ravine.

All of Johnston's infantry is now on the field and preparing to attack the enemy. Johnston places William J. Hardee in charge of the coming assault. At corps commander William Bate's suggestion, Hardee directs Taliaferro's Division to extend the Confederate striking force to the right—to outflank Buell's position. Hardee plans to launch an attack at 2:45 p.m.

Carlin ignores a warning from Lt. William Ludlow (Slocum's chief of engineers) to redeploy his line south of the ravine, to a new position on Robinson's left. "[B]eing confident of my ability to hold my position until the troops in rear should come up," reported Carlin, "I decided not to fall back, but made dispositions to fortify my left flank against movements of the enemy [Taliaferro] in that direction." Instead of forcing the enemy to attack across this major geographical obstacle, Carlin himself is about to be caught inside of it. Disaster looms for the unsuspecting Federals.

"The most terrible battle I ever imagined . . . . It was the most fearful scene I ever witnessed." —Capt. G. B. Gardner, Courier, staff of Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee.

2:45 p.m.
Hardee launches a full-scale attack with the Army of Tennessee and Taliaferro's Division.

On the left of Carlin's Federal division, the troops of Buell and Briant (Hobart) are sent reeling backward toward the Morris Farm. Carlin's ranks are punished severely while negotiating the southern bank of the fence-lined ravine which had earlier protected the men from Hoke's artillery. With his position rendered untenable by the flight of Carlin's division, Robinson pulls his command back under fire to the Morris Farm.

Taliaferro passes unopposed beyond Buell's left flank.

South of the Goldsboro Road, the right half of Carlin's line (Fitch and Miles) caves in toward Morgan's position. Confederate troops under Hill and Loring quickly descend upon Webb's battery, capturing three guns. The fourth gun and team of the battery is steered into the road and saved by Pvt. Peter Anderson, 31st Wisconsin Infantry.

~3:00 p.m.
Cogswell's brigade of Ward's division (Third, XX A.C.) arrives on the Morris Farm and forms in reserve.

~3:15 p.m.
When the battle erupts on Carlin's front, Hawley's 13th New Jersey and the 82nd Illinois (Robinson) are sent out to prolong Hawley's line to the right. As Carlin's troops come streaming back in defeat from Cole's Farm, the 13th and 82nd try in vain to rally their stampeding comrades. Though a few stay on the line, the main body of Carlin's division passes to the rear in disorder, finished for the day as an effective fighting force.

To help provide a rallying point, Selfridge swings southward and deploys astride the Goldsboro Road.

Having fallen back to the Morris Farm, Robinson takes position across the road in front of Selfridge.

South of the road, Mitchell's brigade (Morgan) struggles to keep a front toward the enemy as the fleeing ranks of Fitch and Miles are driven into its lines. Mitchell forms a sharp-angled salient (facing north), anchored on the right by the 34th Illinois and on the left by the 121st Ohio. Between Mitchell's two regiments are disorganized elements of Fitch and Miles, many of whom continue to stream out of action toward a swamp to the south.

~3:30 p.m.
Fearing's brigade (of Morgan's division) is rushed to the left from its reserve position to stem the tide of the advancing Confederates. Fearing collides with troops from Hill's Corps, who bear heavily upon both his front and right flank. The 52nd Ohio and 86th Illinois break under the pressure and Fearing's line crumbles, falling back in disorder to the south and west.

At the Morris Farm, Stephens's battery (C, 1st Ohio) is ordered to deploy on the XX Corps line.

"So closely were we pressed that our Gen [Mitchell] told us to tare [sic] up our 'flag' and tramp it into the ground before surrendering . . . . [W]ithout any joking we came very near taking a trip to Richmond or some other Rebel 'sea port' [but] we whipped them so badly they knew not from where they came." —William Kemp, 98th Ohio, Mitchell's brigade, on the fighting below the Goldsboro Road.

~3:45 p.m.
McLaws's Confederate division is en route to the Cole Farm, having been recalled from Bragg's position by General Hardee. Johnston regrets having sent McLaws to Bragg earlier in the battle. The squandering of McLaws's force, which has been idle on Bragg's front, proves to be an irreversible tactical blunder for the Confederates.

~4:00 p.m.
Hoke's Division finally joins the fight, advancing on Morgan's formidable position in the swamps below the Goldsboro Road.

On Morgan's left, Colquitt's Brigade slams into the angle in Mitchell's line. This attack, together with the continued advance of Hill's troops, sends Morgan's northern salient scrambling backward in defeat toward the swamps to the south. When the northern salient falls away, the 34th Illinois stands firm, preserving the angle and in large measure the security of Morgan's position.

On Vandever's front, a confused hand-to-hand struggle ensues as the 60th Illinois and 14th Michigan surge ahead in a counterattack on Hoke's advance. The dense forest, swampy terrain, and cloying gunpowder smoke make organized battle formations difficult to maintain. In the melee Holland's 40th North Carolina loses its colors to Cpl. George Clute of the 14th Michigan Infantry.

Having knocked Fearing's brigade out of action, troops of Hill's command pour into the resulting gap and veer eastward toward the rear of Morgan's line. Disorganized from their battle with Fearing, Hill's men surge ahead in disconnected groups. At this critical juncture for the Confederates, Hill's advance begins to lose momentum.

By 4:00 p.m. Gen. Jeff C. Davis is calling for reinforcements to bolster the lines of the XIV Corps. Cogswell's XX Corps brigade is dispatched to the Federal right, and stumbling through the swamps emerges on the right flank and rear of Hill's men as they attack the rear of Morgan's line.

With Hill's advance behind them Morgan's men, having repulsed Hoke's Division, are forced to jump to the opposite side of their breastworks to meet this new Confederate attack. Having just returned from their counterattack on Hoke, the 60th Illinois and 14th Michigan charge to the west, slamming into Hill's line where the 14th captures the colors of the 54th Virginia of Palmer's Brigade. The 17th New York and 10th Michigan also join the Federal charge, and with Cogswell's advance any hope of Confederate success below the road quickly evaporates. Hill's men are overwhelmed and forced to retreat north of the Goldsboro Road. Morgan's division holds, despite enemy attacks from three sides.

"If the Lord will only see me safe through this job, I'll register an oath never to vote for secession again as long as I live." —Unidentified Soldier of Elliott's Brigade, Taliaferro's Division, prior to the battle for the Morris Farm.

~4:30 p.m. - Dusk
Cogswell moves up on the left and rear of Mitchell's brigade and becomes sharply engaged with Loring's command and Pettus's Brigade. This action develops into an extended engagement, with both sides slugging it out until well after dark. Five Federal guns below the road rain long-range shot and shell upon the Rebel units engaging Cogswell.

By 4:30 p.m. the battle for the Morris Farm is under way, as Taliaferro's Division engages the Federal XX Corps. Elliott's Brigade is quickly repulsed by Union artillery and a right-angle flanking fire from the 13th New Jersey and 82nd Illinois regiments. Rhett's Brigade and Bate's Army of Tennessee veterans manage to plow ahead for a series of costly attacks on Robinson's position.

As Taliaferro's attacks begin, the 143rd New York emerges from its reserve position behind Hawley. In the face of the attacking enemy, the 143rd moves out to join on the left of Robinson's line. This is a timely maneuver for the Federals, as a subsequent attack by Rhett's Brigade comes within 30 yards of Robinson's men, who are lying down behind light rail works. The line wavers and begins to break in the center. This is the high water mark for the Confederates at Bentonville. At this crisis of the engagement Lt. Col. Hezekiah Watkins, 143rd New York, takes matters into his own hands and bullies Robinson's men back into line. The troops of Taliaferro and Bate are punished severely by the massed Federal batteries (16 guns north of the road), all of which join Stephens's Battery C, 1st Ohio, during the Confederate attacks. The last assault occurs at sundown, and the Federal line on the Morris Farm holds.

During this action, the remainder of Ward's division arrives and moves into line on the left of Hawley. Kilpatrick's cavalry also arrives and masses on the Federal left.

As the battle rages McLaws, having arrived at the Cole Farm, sends three brigades toward the front. Conner's Brigade (Kennedy) relieves James Jackson's command below the Goldsboro Road around dusk. Kennedy's engagement with Cogswell's brigade continues after dark in the burning pine woods until about 8:00 p.m.

Harrison's Brigade of McLaws's Division advances beyond Bate's position after sundown, too late to be of any assistance.

Elements of Fitch and Miles, out of action since the attack of the Army of Tennessee, head for the Morris Farm to join the remnants of Carlin's division.

After dark, Hardy's brigade of McLaws's Division makes a feeble attack on a detachment of the 121st Ohio, which brings the action to a close for March 19.

8:00 p.m.
Slocum sends his final plea to Sherman for reinforcements:

"I have positive information that General Johnston is here in person with a heavy force. I feel confident of holding my position, but I deem it of the greatest importance that the Right Wing come up during the night to my assistance . . . . From prisoners I learn that the corps and commands of Hardee, Stewart, [S. D.] Lee, Cheatham, Hill, and Hoke are here."

9:00 p.m. - Midnight
Johnston's Confederates begin pulling back to their original starting positions, as the engagement of March 19 ends in a tactical draw.

At 9:00 p.m. Wade Hampton instructs Gen. Joseph Wheeler, whose cavalry force is stationed several miles to the west, guarding the Smithfield-Clinton Road:

"[L]eave sufficient force to hold the bridge on Clinton and Smithfield road [at Stone Creek] and bring the rest of your command to Bentonville. . . .General Johnston proposes to maintain his position to-morrow. Send out your best scouts to get information."

Early morning, July 22: Sherman is informed that the enemy seems to be evacuating Atlanta and orders Schofield to occupy the city while the rest of the army gives pursuit. (Castel 39)

Early afternoon, July 22: Hardee launches an attack on the Union left and rear.

Evening, July 22: Darkness ends the Battle of Atlanta, the largest engagement of the Atlanta campaign, one that cost the Confederates about 5,500 casualties and the Federals nearly 4,000, a large proportion of whom were prisoners from the XVII Corps. (Castel 42)

July 28: Battle of Ezra Church -- Earlier, Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's forces had approached Atlanta from the east and north. Hood had not defeated them, but he had kept them away from the city. Sherman now decided to attack from the west. He ordered the Army of the Tennessee, commanded by Maj. Gen. O.O. Howard, to move from the left wing to the right and cut Hood's last railroad supply line between East Point and Atlanta. Hood foresaw such a maneuver and determined to send the two corps of Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee and Lt. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart to intercept and destroy the Union force. Thus, on the afternoon of July 28, the Rebels assaulted Howard at Ezra Church. Howard had anticipated such a thrust, entrenched one of his corps in the Confederates' path, and repulsed the determined attack, inflicting numerous casualties. Howard, however, failed to cut the railroad. (AMC)

July 30: Stoneman's cavalry sets out for Andersonville to free the Union prisoners, but is stopped at Macon by an inexperienced collection of Georgia Reserves, miltia and a number of citizen companies, and he and seven hundred of his troopers are forced to surrender near Sunshine Church. Also, McCook's cavalry is routed by Wheeler at Brown's Mill near Newnan. As a result, two of the Federals' four cavalry divisions were out of action. (Castel 44)

August 6: Schofield's XXIII Corps is repulsed at what he hoped would be a vulnerable point in the Confederate line along Utoy Creek. Meanwhile, Palmer resigns as commander of the XIV Corps, to be replaced by Jefferson C. Davis, whose main claim to fame was the murdering of a fellow Federal general in Louisville in 1862. (Castel 46)

August 9: Sherman's artillery begins to rain shells and solid shot on Atlanta day and night, eneavoring to "make the inside of Atlanta too hot to be endured." The bombardment did considerable damage to buildings in the northern part, killed and injured a hundred or so civilians, among them women and children, but achieved no military effect whatsoever. (Castel 46)

August 14-15: Raiding in Dalton -- Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler and his cavalry raided into North Georgia to destroy railroad tracks and supplies. They approached Dalton in the late afternoon of August 14 and demanded the surrender of the garrison. The Union commander, Col. Bernard Laibolt, refused to surrender and fighting ensued. Greatly outnumbered, the Union garrison retired to fortifications on a hill outside the town where they successfully held out, although the attack continued until after midnight. Skirmishing continued throughout the night. Around 5:00 am, on the 15th, Wheeler retired and became engaged with relieving infantry and cavalry under Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman's command. Eventually, Wheeler withdrew. The contending forces' reports vary greatly in describing the fighting, the casualties, and the amount of track and supplies captured and destroyed. This engagement was inconclusive, but since the Confederates withdrew, it may be termed a Union victory. (AMC)

August 19: Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick (U.S.), with 4,700 troopers, strikes the Macon railroad at Jonesboro, 15 miles south of Atlanta. (Castel 47)

Griswoldville   

Location: Jones County and Twiggs County

Campaign: Savannah Campaign (1864)

Date(s): November 22, 1864

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Charles C. Walcutt [US]; Brig. Gen. Pleasant J. Philips and Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler [CS]

Forces Engaged: 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, XV Corps, Army of the Tennessee and two regiments of cavalry [US]; 1st Division Georgia Militia and Cavalry Corps, Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 712 total (US 62; CS 650)

Description: Brig. Gen. Charles Walcutt was ordered to make a demonstration, with the six infantry regiments and one battery that comprised his brigade, toward Macon to ascertain the disposition of enemy troops in that direction. He set out on the morning of November 22, and after a short march he ran into some of Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler’s cavalry and drove them beyond Griswoldville. Having accomplished his mission, Walcutt retired to a position at Duncan’s Farm and fortified it with logs and rails to meet an expected Rebel attack force composed of three brigades of Georgia State Militia. The Georgia Militia had been ordered from Macon to Augusta, thinking the latter was Sherman’s next objective, and accidentally collided with Walcutt’s force. The Union force withstood three determined charges before receiving reinforcements of one regiment of infantry and two regiments of cavalry. The Rebels did not attack again and soon retired.

Tennessee Raids

The Fifth Alabama Cavalry remained in the Tennessee River Valley during the summer of 1863. With the withdrawal of General Bragg's Army of Tennessee back across the Tennessee River at Chattanooga, the northern counties of Alabama above the Tennessee River, were unprotected from Union troops. Brig. Gen. Roddey in command of the District of Northern Alabama had insufficient troops to patrol and defend such a vast area. Roddey's cavalry units operated mainly on the south side of the river.

The organization of the Cavalry of the Army of Tennessee, August 15, 1863, list:

Wheeler's Cavalry Corps, Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler.
Roddey' Brigade, Brig. Gen. P.D. Roddey.
Roddey's Regiment, Lt. Col. (William A.) Johnson.
Patterson's (Fifth Alabama) Regiment, Col. (Josiah) Patterson.
Hannon's (Fifty-third Alabama) Regiment, Col. (M.W.) Hannon.
Alabama Battalion, (not organized), Capt. Wm. R. Julian.
Georgia Battery, Capt. (C.B.) Ferrell.

On August 23, 1863, Lt. Col. J. Morrill, (Union) commanding at Glendale, Mississippi, reports:

A scout has just come in, and says Roddey, with a portion of his command, was at Town Creek, and on the 21st considerable fighting was heard in that direction, supposed to be an attack from some of the Rosecrans forces.

On August 24, 1863, from Headquarters, Wheeler's Cavalry Corps, Gadsden, Ala., Special Orders No. 65 were issued, reading in part:

IV. General P.D. Roddey, commanding cavalry brigade, will extend his picket-line as far up the Tennessee River as, and to include the ferry at Whitesburg, Ala.

On August 30, 1863, Maj. Gen. G. Granger (Union) reports he has received a report that Forrest is at Courtland and Roddey is at Tuscumbia.

On September 4, 1863, Maj. Gen. W.H.T. Walker is directed to take post at Rome, Georgia, and is advised as soon as General Roddey arrives with his cavalry, Maj. Gen. Walker is directed to have Roddey cover his front and give Maj. Gen. Walker constant information on the position of the enemy.

It is apparent that Brig. Gen. Roddey left a detachment of cavalry in the Tennessee Valley upon his transfer to Northwest Georgia with Wheeler's Corps. On September 12, 1863, Union Brig. Gen. E.A. Carr reports, from Corinth, he has sent out a strong cavalry party to drive Roddey pickets beyond Bear Creek, as they have been troublesome lately.

Col. Morrill (Union) reports from Glendale, Mississippi, on September 13, 1863;

A citizen just in says Roddey left the valley yesterday morning, taking his whole force except Moreland's battalion. He leaves in the direction of Decatur.

On September 15, 1863, Maj. Gen. S.A. Hurlbut (Union) confirms the movement of Roddey's force, he reports:

From a counterband refugee woman who left Tuscumbia Sunday I learn that there were several thousand of (General Joseph) Johnson's infantry there, marching to Decatur (Ga.). Roddey has left for Decatur (Ga.), leaving 500 men under Major Moreland, to guard the Tennessee Valley.

The Union commanders were confused about the whereabouts of Brig. Gen. Roddey's force. They report on September 17, 1863, that his headquarters is at Moulton, Alabama. On September 15, 1863, Maj. Gen. Wheeler, at Summerville, is directed:

You will cause Roddey to make his demonstration up the valley and follow the enemy should he move north; otherwise he will threaten him and prevent him from moving forward to Rome. General Roddey will leave a small force to keep the enemy in observation, and give early information.

On September 24, 1863, Brig. Gen. Spencer (Union) reports:

Colonel Forrest with his regiment and six companies at the main ford of Bear Creek. Roddey with the remainder of force at Courtland and Somerville.

On September 27, 1863, Col. R.F. Smith, (Union) commanding post at Bridgeport, Alabama reports in part:

**** One intelligent deserter by the name of H.H. Smith, syas he left Gadsden, Cherokee County, Ala. last Monday, came up Big Mills Creek, through De Kalb County, to this point. Saw no rebel forces, except small scouting parties, this side of Lookout Mountain, says he saw Roddey's cavalry last Monday and Tuesday going in direction of Rome, Ga., across Lookout Mountain. Roddey's men report the Yankees coming this way from Tuscumbia ****.

On September 28, 1863, General Braxton Bragg's Assistant Adjutant-General advises Maj. Gen. Wheeler:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to inform you that General Roddey, just arrived from Alabama, has been ordered to cross the Tennessee near Bridgeport and move up Sequatchie Valley, reporting to you near Jasper (Tenn.) or at such point as a junction may be effected.

Very respectfully, your obeident servant,
George Wm. Brent.

On September 30, 1863, Brig. Gen. R.S. Granger (Union), reports:

Commanding officers a Dechard (Tenn.) and Tullahome (Tenn.) report Roddey at New Market yesterday at 2 p.m. with 4,000 men.

General J.E. Johnson, commanding in Mississippi and Maj. Gen. S.D. Lee, commanding cavalry in Mississippi, were making plans for a cavalry raid into middle Tennessee and requested the assistance of Brig. Gen. Roddey on October 2, 1863. General Bragg advised October 3:

Rodey has moved around to our left flank and is operating against the enemy's rear and flank. The force he left in North Alabama will join General Lee.

A report of Brig. Gen. Philip D. Roddey, C.S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade from his Headquarters at Rodgersville, Ala., dated October 21, 1863 follows:

GENERAL: Your of 17th instant, through General Wheeler, calling for a report of my movements, is received.

I failed to cross the river at Hess' Ford, because I found it so strongly guarded by the enemy that I deemed it impossible, and did not try. I ascertained that my move to that place was the current talk among the citizens at least twenty-four hours previous to my arrival in the vicinity, and had every reason to believe the enemy were advised of it. Therefore under your orders received at that place allowing me to select the crossing after procuring rations for the brigade, move to Bellefonte, but found the river impassable on account of swollen condition, and was forced lower down to get boats.

I crossed on the 7th and 8th at or near Larkin's Landing and Guntersville, and with part of my command passed up through mountains to the tunnel, and, after driving the enemy off, and filling the tunnel through the shafts with every available stick and stone, destroyed his camp equipage, including 25 tents, and passed down to Salem with the balance of my brigade, which crossed over at Guntersville. Passed up through Vienna, Maysville, and New Market, and, connected the two columns at Salem on the night of the 10th, with the view of attacking the garrison at Elk River Bridge, and trying to destroy it.

At Salem I received inclosed communications* from General Lee both at once. At the same point I met several wounded men and stragglers from General Wheelers corps, and one gentleman who had recently parted with Col. Russell. All agreed with the statement that Wheeler had been severely repulsed at Farmington; that he had a valuable wagon train, and was trying to save it by sending it across the river below Decatur; that he was hard pressed, and a fight would likely occur near that place. In view of all these circumstances and reasons, I determined to countermarch, and, if possible, connect with General Wheeler, or take part of the fight off his hands.

I started back at daylight, 11th (12?), and about 4 p.m. met the enemy 4 miles toward Huntsville from New Market, and engaged the advance of his column, and with my entire brigade at hand, drove him back on his own column until dark. I had by this time ascertained reliably from a prisoner and my own scouts that General Mitchell was in front of me with a full division at hand.

I withdrew at 10 p.m. to New Market; thence to Madison Cross-Roads; thence to Athens, Ala., near which place I learned that General Wheeler had crosssed the river, &c., as his enclosed communication* shows. Learning the enemy had all passed beyond Huntsville, I marched to Mooresville, Ala. and encamped in in the midst of an abundance of foliage, and sent you dispatches.

I remained at Mooresville three days. Sent out three parties or detachments to operate on the railroad between Winchester and Tullahoma. Learning they would be compelled to return on the west side of the Elk River, I moved to this point and sent another detachment of 60 men with 6 comissioned officers, via Elkton and Fayetteville. These detachments are under command of energetic, ingenious officers, and made up of the best material in my command, and I shall move with my full force on any weak point I can hear of until further orders. I have constantly reported to both Generals Wheeler and Lee since starting back from Winchester and Salem.

I went to see General Wheeler last night and proposed if he would give me one Kentucky regiment or battalion I should undertake to so destroy the enemy's communications that if I were to lose my brigade I will have sold out at a good price. He declined. If, however, you will trust me thus far, I will undertake it at short warning, and feel confident will damage him greatly, thereby assist in compelling him to fall back from Chattanooga.

Hoping I have answered your communication satisfactorily, I remain, as ever, yours, truly,

P.D. RODDEY
Brigadier-General.

General Bragg.

On October 13, 1863, Maj. Gen. Wheeler writes to Maj. Gen. Lee:

General: I learn positively that General Roddey crossed the Tennessee last Friday near Guntersville; I have not learned what route he took. I think it very possible if you crossed the river you might be able to form a junction with him. I fear General Roddey's position may be critical. I would give anything if I could cross the river immediately. I have not yet heard from General Bragg. I expect to hear tonight.

Brig. Gen. Roddey reports from Athens, Alabama, to Maj. Gen. Wheeler, on October 14, 1863 as follows:

GENERAL: I am here with my brigade 4 miles west for the pupose of feeding. Have scouts toward Huntsville and Fayetteville. Met the enemy at New Market Monday evening, skirmished with him until dark, then moved around by Madison Cross-Roads, to which place they followed. We skirmished with him until night. He shows very small force and declined a fight. I move to this vicinity last night; if not pursued will move toward Mooresville as soon as fact is ascertained, to connect with my commissary train now at Whitesburg. My men very tired and hungry, with broken-down and bare-foot horses, but will be in trim again as soon as possible.

I made this move under the impression General J. Wheeler and S.D. Lee were both on this side of the river, and that my position would be fatal to the enemy's left flank.

I very anxious to hear from you as to your future moves. I think I can keep the railroads so crippled that it will be of very little use to the enemy--have such plans as will cut track every day. I have sent you a number of couriers and have heard nothing. I hope you will write by this one.

Brig. Gen. P.D. Roddey, with his brigade remained north of the river, while Generals Lee and Wheeler attempted to learn from General Bragg, his plans for their movement into Tennessee.

Battle Of Farmington  "Rebels Brought To Bay"  October 7, 1863

For six days, Gen. Joseph Wheeler and fewer than 4,000 Confederate cavalrymen had raided behind Union lines in the Sequatchie Valley. They destroyed nearly everything in the valley that aided in the supply of Gen. William S. Rosecrans's besieged Union army at Chattanooga, TN. They captured or destroyed millions of dollars of supplies from more than 1,000 Union supply wagons and huge supply depots at McMinnville and Shelbyville. They also ripped up many miles of railroad tracks and destroyed five critical bridges.

Union Gen. George Crook and 25,000 cavalrymen had scrambled after Wheeler's raiders in a desperate effort to catch them and stop the devastation. Despite almost constant fighting with the Rebel rear guard, Crook's troops were not able to bring on an engagement with the Confederates until October 7, 1863. Having done all the damage possible in the valley, Wheeler was heading toward the Tennessee River and the safety of the other side, but was forced to stop and fight the Yankee pursuers at Farmington, TN.

"For five hours and a half, over seven miles of country, the unequal contest continued", wrote commander of the Rebel rear guard. "My gallant brigade was cut to pieces." Upon reaching Farmington, the rear guard passed through the rest of Wheeler's command, which had formed a strong defensive line.

As the Union pursuers came rushing up, they were swept with a murderous fire of artillery and small arms. The Yankees reformed and charged again but could make no progress against the Rebel defense. After two hours of heavy fighting, the Union line began to waver. Wheeler unleashed a charge by some of his saber-wielding mounted troopers, who slashed and hacked at the fleeing Union ranks. Nightfall brought an end to the Battle of Farmington, and both sides got a few hours' rest before continuing the race for the Tennessee River at dawn the next day

By Scott B. Thompson, Sr.