The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 20, In Two Parts. Part 1, Reports. Page: 43
ix, 1115 p. ; 24 cm.View a full description of this book.
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ACTION AT HARTSVILLE, TENN.
NASHVILLE, TENN., December 9, 1862-11 p. m.
Ma j. Gen. H. . W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief:
In reply to your telegram, inquiring why the brigade was stationed at
Hartsville, I respectfully state that it was necessary to cover the cross-
ing of the Cumberland River against rebel cavalry, who would essay to
attack our road and capture our trains. We have, for all our immense
line of front communications, picket, and couriers, less than 4,000 cav-
alry, and the enemy not less than 10,000, who are much relieved by
guerrilla scouts, and can concentrate for mischief with almost perfect
secrecy and impunity. The subjoined copy of General Thomas' report
shows that it was a pretty full brigade, posted strongly, with a cavalry
regiment for picket duty on the north side of the river, in a command-
ing position; that it was strongly supported within 9 miles, and, but
for being surprised and making feeble resistance, it would have been
succored, and the enemy'badly whipped. That outpost was stronger
and better supported than our outpost at Rienzi, 7 miles below Corinth.
last summer. The difference was in the superiority and number of rebel
cavalry :
Hartsville was garrisoned by the Thirty-ninth Brigade, Twelfth Division (Dumont's),
for duty, and was commanded by Col. A. B. Moore, One hundred and fourth Illinois.
There was also a regiment of cavalry posted there, the Second Indiana, sent there by
your order. The effective force not known. The troops were posted so as to guard the
ford and the approaches from the direction of Lebanon, and the cavalry for picket duty
and scouting. Col. J. M. Harlan, Second Brigade, First Division, was posted at Cas-
talian Springs. This brigade reports 2,725 men present for duty. Colonel Miller, com-
manding the Fortieth Brigade, was also posted at Castalian Springs, sent there to
relieve Colonel Harlan. This brigade reports 2,274 men present for duty. The last
two brigades mentioned were 9 miles distant from Hartsville when the attack was
made. As soon as cannonading was heard, Colonel Harlan ordered Colonel Miller
to march with his command in the direction of HIartsville, and, with a portion of
his brigade, followed Colonel Miller, and orders were given to the cavalry from these
headquarters to be vigilant and scour the country, so that no enemy could approach
without giving timely notice to the garrison. Colonel Harlan, upon being relieved
by Colonel Scott at Hartsville, informed me that the position was strong and defensi-
ble; added to the information received from my officers, led to the belief that the offi-
cer in command allowed himself to be surprised, which resulted in the capture of nearly
his whole force. The attack was sudden, and so quickly decided that it was impossi-
ble for re-enforcements to reach Hartsville in time to take part in the action, and the
enemy have been defeated and probably cut off before crossing the river.
GEO. H. THOMAS,
Major- General.
W. S. ROSECRANS,
Major- General, Commanding.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, December 10, 1862.
Major-General ROSECRANS, Nashville, Tenn. :
The most important of the President's inquiries has not been answered.
What officer or officers are chargeable with the surprise at Hartsville
and deserve punishment ?
H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.
NASHVILLE, TENN., December 10, 1862-midnight.
Maj. Gen . H. . HALLECK, General-in-Chief:
Additional information from Colonel Limberg and Captain Good, One
hundred and eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who were present in the43
CHAP. XXXII. I
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Errata sheets for the Records of the War of the Rebellion include additions and corrections to the text and the index for Series 1, Volume 20.
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United States. War Department. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union And Confederate Armies. Series 1, Volume 20, In Two Parts. Part 1, Reports., book, 1887; Washington D.C.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth154629/m1/53/?q=Arkansas+Infantry: accessed June 9, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.