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Southern Historical Society Papers Vol. VII. Richmond, Va., May, 1879. No. 5. Operations Of A Section Of The Third Maryland Battery On The Mississippi In The Spring Of 1863. By Captain W.L. Ritter. <shv7_247> Baltimore, MD., February 27, 1879. Rev. John William Jones, D.D., Secretary Southern Historical Society, Richmond, Va.: Dear Sir -- I give a few items which may serve as a branch link in the great historical chain that is being forged for the future historian. April 2, 1863, Lieutenant Ritter was ordered to Deer creek, up the Mississippi river, to take command of a section of the Third battery of Maryland artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Bates, of Waddell's Alabama artillery. This section, with one of Bledsoe's Missouri battery and one of a Louisiana battery, were under the command of Lieutenant Wood, of the Missouri artillery. These sections were all attached to General Ferguson's brigade, that had been operating along the Mississippi, firing into transports and harassing the enemy in every conceivable manner. In March, 1863, when Porter's fleet, consisting of five gunboats and several transports, entered Black bayou for the purpose of flanking the Confederate batteries at Haynes' bluff, on the Yazoo river, Ferguson's command met the fleet below Rolling fork, and after an engagement which lasted three days, drove it into the Mississippi river, with considerable loss. Early in April, 1863, General Steel's Federal division, consisting of eight regiments and one battery of artillery, landed at Greenville, Mississippi, and marched down Deer creek about forty miles to the Two mile canebrake above Rolling fork, through which he made no effort to pass, in consequence of the narrow passage and the impossibility of flanking it on either side. He then returned to Greenville, destroying the gin houses, barns and dwellings for about thirty miles up the creek on his way back. Ferguson's command followed as far as Fish lake and then returned to Rolling fork, except Major Bridges' battalion. April 29, Lieutenant Ritter, with his section, was ordered to join Major Bridges' battalion at Fish lake, near Greenville, Mississippi. May 1st he came up with the command, and the next day proceeded to the river to fire upon the boats that were continually <shv7_248>passing. At this time, Grant's army at Vicksburg was being rapidly reinforced, and it was the aim of the Confederate commander to harass the passing troops as much as possible. The morning of the 4th, having learned from one of Major Bridges' scouts that a transport, heavily laden with stores, was coming down the river, Lieutenant Ritter took his guns and masked them at a point where the current ran near the shore, upon which he had posted his pieces. Soon the black smoke of a steamer was seen rising above the tree tops, above Carter's bend, a few miles off, and shortly afterwards it came in sight. The vessel was sailing rapidly yet quietly, and, as was afterwards learned, the crew anticipated no danger, for they had not asked any of the vessels they passed if the river was clear of Confederate batteries. The cannoniers were ordered to their posts, the guns loaded, and, as the boat came within range, the order "fire" was given. The stillness of the morning was broken by the shrill report of the rifle piece and the loud roar of the twelve pounder howitzer, which in quick succession flamed out upon the unsuspecting crew. The first or second shot cut the tiller rope, and another broke a piston rod of one of the engines. The crew, finding escape impossible, hoisted a white flag and surrendered and brought the boat ashore. Major Bridges and Lieutenant Ritter were the first to board the boat. The prisoners, seventeen in number, were ordered ashore and put under guard. They had been drinking the night previous, and therefore failed to inquire of the gunboats they passed whether there were any Confederates on the river. A dinner had been prepared for the passengers, but not served. Lieutenant Ritter's command, therefore, though neither invited nor expected guests, were just in season for the savory dishes of the pantry; nor need we add that they greatly enjoyed the excellent turkey, pies, etc., provided for the occasion. All the wagons, gun carriages and caissons were filled with such articles as the men thought most useful for the soldier, and the balance, much the greater part, with the beautiful boat (Minnesota), a side wheel steamer, was consigned to the flames. This was one of the richest prizes captured on the Mississippi river. The boat contained about a quarter of a million dollars worth of stores, and was the property of a Northern speculator. About 5 o'clock in the evening, two of the enemy's gunboats came in sight and immediately commenced a furious and indiscriminate cannonading of the surrounding plantations, without <shv7_249>the least notification to the inhabitants, save that of the shell, to remove the women and children to a place of safety: Lieutenant Ritter's section and the sharpshooters lay within three hundred yards of the river, waiting for the enemy to land, but they sailed down the river two miles, where they put a few men ashore. No further demonstration being made, the battalion returned to camp at Fish lake. Yours, truly, William L. Ritter. Southern Historical Society Papers Vol. X. Richmond, Va., July, 1882. No. 7. Sketch Of The Third Battery Of Maryland Artillery. It was the fortune of the Third Maryland Artillery to serve in a field widely separated from that on which other Maryland commands won their laurels. With the exception of a small body which was for a short time at Charleston, South Carolina, during the summer of 1862, and of Colonel J. Lyle Clark's battalion, which served for a while in Tennessee, the military life of all other Maryland organizations was spent east of the Alleghany mountains, and none saw service beyond the limits of Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Third Maryland Artillery, however, played its part in a wider theatre, and had a more varied experience. Its history has much in it that is novel. Combats with gunboats on the Mississippi, captures of transports, victories over ironclads, and participation in the operations at Vicksburg, &c., follow upon and relieve the recital of its adventures among the mountains of East Tennessee and the open fields of Kentucky. On the 24th of October, 1861, Henry B. Latrobe, eldest son of John H.B. Latrobe, of Baltimore, together with John B. Rowan, William T. Patten, William L. Ritter, and other Marylanders, then at Richmond, Virginia, began vigorous measures for recruiting a company of artillery. The first named gentleman was already authorized to organize such a command, to be composed chiefly of Marylanders, and to be known as the Third Maryland Artillery -- the company of Captain Snowden Andrews <shv10_329> being the first, and the Baltimore Light Artillery the second. The rendezvous was at Ashland, whither recruits were conveyed as fast as enrolled. The company was ordered to Camp Dimmock for instruction on the 4th of November. On the 15th Lieutenant E.A. Steuart left for Maryland to obtain medical supplies and raise recruits for the Third Maryland Artillery, but was captured at Millstone Landing, on the Patuxent river. He was imprisoned in the Old Capitol at Washington, and was there killed while attempting to make his escape, about a year after. Such are the fortunes of war. On the 4th of December the company was ordered to Camp Lee, at the New Fair Grounds, two miles from the city, where more comfortable winter quarters were obtained. Nothing of importance here broke upon the routine of camp life. Among the recruits who were constantly coming in was Albert T. Emory, of Maryland, also a relative of General Emory, of the United States army. The company was mustered into the Confederate States service as the Third Maryland Artillery, on January the 14th, 1862, to serve during the war. The following is the list of the officers at that time: Captain, Henry B. Latrobe, of Baltimore, Md.; Senior First Lieutenant, Ferdinand 0. Claiborne, of New Orleans, La.; Junior First Lieutenant, John B. Rowan, of Elkton, Cecil county, Md.; Second Lieutenant, William T. Patten, of Port Deposit, Cecil county, Md.; Orderly Sergeant, William L. Ritter, of Carroll county, Md.; Quarter Master's Sergeant, Albert T. Emory, of Queen Anne's county, Md; First Battery Sergeant, James M. Buchanan, Jr., of Baltimore county, Md; Second Battery Sergeant, John P. Hooper, of Cambridge, Md.; Third Battery Sergeant, Ed. H. Langley, of Georgia; Fourth Battery Sergeant, Thomas D. Giles, of Delaware; Battery Surgeon, Dr. J.W. Franklin, of Virginia. The company consisted of ninety two men, exclusive of the commissioned officers. Of the former, about twenty were from Maryland, and ten from Washington or its vicinity. The battery consisted of two six pounder smooth bores, two twelve pounder howitzers, and there were afterwards added two three inch iron rifle pieces. TO THE WEST. On the 4th of February, 1862, the battery was ordered to report at Knoxville, Tenn., and arrived there on the 11th. It was quartered first at Temperance Hall, and afterward at the vacated residence of <shv10_330>Mrs. Swan, on Main street. The somewhat famous Brownlow was then under confinement as a State prisoner, at his own residence, and a detachment of the company was detailed to guard his premises from depredation. The Maryland command was selected for this duty, on account of the strict discipline enforced by Captain Latrobe; and a detachment under Lieutenant Claiborne, which soon after guarded Brownlow to the depot on his way North, received a very complimentary notice from him, in a book he subsequently wrote concerning his experiences in the South. On the 24th of February, two guns were sent to Cumberland Gap, under command of Captain Latrobe and Lieutenant Patten. When, on the 1st of March, Captain Latrobe returned, Lieutenant Claiborne was sent to command the section. On the 16th of March a brigade, consisting of the Twentieth and Twenty third Alabama, Vaughn's Third Tennessee, and two guns of the Third Maryland, under Captain Latrobe and Lieutenant Rowan -- the whole commanded by Brigadier General Leadbetter -- made an expedition to Clinch river. The river was first reached at Clinton, whence the brigade continued forty miles down the valley to Kingston, reaching this point about the 28th. Thence on the next day a detachment, with one gun, accompanied General Leadbetter to Wattsburg, where they surprised and captured twenty one bushwhackers. Meanwhile Lieutenant Rowan had been ordered to repair to Knoxville, to command the detachment left there in March; and on the 14th of April Captain Latrobe himself returned, leaving Serjeant Ritter in command of the section. Lieutenant Rowan presently came back, with orders to proceed immediately to Lenoir Station, eighteen miles distant, and there to take the train for Chattanooga, to meet the enemy reported to be marching on that place. It proved to be a false alarm, and the battery marched back to Knoxville, where the right section, which had just returned from Cumberland Gap, was found encamped. During the stay of the right section at the gap, the enemy had assaulted the Confederate works during a heavy snow storm. The firing was kept up all day, with no loss to the battery but a caison damaged by a Federal shell. In the evening the enemy withdrew, having been repulsed in every assault. On May 1st, Holmes Erwin was appointed Junior Second Lieutenant of the battery (having furnished twenty five Tennessee recruits), and it was made a six gun battery. Accordingly two more guns were about this time received from Richmond. <shv10_331>On the 11th, orders were received to join Brigadier General Reynold's brigade, at Clinton, Tennessee. This brigade consisted of the Thirty sixth, Thirty ninth, and Forty third Georgia, and Thirty ninth North Carolina regiments. On information that the enemy was approaching, the brigade proceeded on the 20th to Big Creek Gap, but no enemy was found. A call being made for volunteers to reconnoitre the front, Lieutenant Claiborne and Serjeant Ritter responded, and mounting their horses, proceeded to climb the mountain for a suitable post of observation; but were soon compelled to dismount and proceed on foot, the way being blocked up by fallen trees. After great difficulty they reached the summit. The day was bright and clear. Looking southward from their position on the loftiest point of the Cumberland mountains, the scene presented to their view was one of transcendent grandeur. Bathed in brilliant sunlight, peak rose above peak, till vision was lost in the far distance. Immediately beneath, the rich and verdant valley lay displayed in surpassing beauty, exhibiting no sign of smoking camp fires, or other evidences of an enemy's presence. With some reluctance the two observers withdrew, to report to General Reynolds the result of their reconnoissance. Again on the 6th of June, the brigade proceeded to Chattanooga Tennessee, and thence to Morristown and Loudon, in the same State. After a few days a march was made to Blain's Cross Roads, where the brigade remained till the 1st of August, 1862. The camp here was called "Camp Hatton," in honor of General R. Hatton, who was killed near Richmond in June of the same year. During this encampment the battery received fifty recruits from Georgia. The next movement was to Tazewell, in East Tennessee, where the enemy was met, defeated, and driven back to Camberland Gap. On the night of the 16th inst., General Reynolds advanced within four miles of the Gap, driving in the outposts of the enemy and seizing a range of hills on their front. This position was maintained till the 23d, when General Reynolds received orders from General E. Kirby Smith to march by way of Roger's Gap and Cumberland Ford and join him in Kentucky. Richmond, Ky., was reached two days after the Confederate victory at that place. The enemy had suffered the loss of all their artillery and baggage wagons, and the capture of their whole infantry force. In the subsequent march through Kentucky to the Ohio river, Reynold's brigade overtook Smith's advance, and the Third Maryland was, <shv10_332>the first to enter Lexington. They were greeted on all sides with exclamations of joy and welcome. Great quantities of clothing which had been captured were turned over to the Marylanders and others. The command proceeded thence to Covington, opposite Cincinnati; the whole movement being intended as a feint, to draw troops from Louisville, on which General Bragg was advancing. The Confederate advance was ordered back to Georgetown on the 11th of September, and on the 3d of October, at Big Eagle Creek, near Frankfort, there was a review of Reynolds's brigade by General E. Kirby Smith. When, on the 4th, Governor Hawes was inaugurated Military Governor of Kentucky, at Frankfort, the Third Maryland Artillery was selected to fire the honorary salute of fourteen guns. That night, however, Frankfort was evacuated, and Kirby Smith retired toward Harrodsburg. The battle of Perryville was followed by Bragg's withdrawal to Tennessee, and the Maryland battery returned to Knoxville via Cumberland Gap, where needed repairs were received. On the retreat, Reynolds's brigade closed the Confederate rear. While at Knoxville a court martial was convened, of which Lieutenant Rowan served as judge advocate. Southern Historical Society Papers Volume XI. Richmond, Va., October 1883. No. 10. Sketches of the Third Maryland Artillery. <shv11_433> By Captain W.L. Ritter. FORAGE. Commanders of artillery companies experienced great difficulty in obtaining sufficient forage for their horses during the two last years of the war, not because of short supplies in the country, but because the quartermaster's department failed to furnish it in sufficient quantities. The organization of that department was defective in consequence of the appointment of incompetent officers and assistants. Men who were afraid to expose their hides to the enemy's bullets obtained through favoritism lucrative position in the department of subsistence, hence the disastrous consequences. That the reader may comprehend some of the difficulties that beset the artillery branch of the service, I copy the following communications of Captain John B. Rowan: Headquarters Rowan's Battery, Near Kingston, Georgia, January 28, 1864. Major, -- On my return from furlough I found the stock of <shv11_434>my battery affected with some fatal disease, fourteen horses having died within the three weeks of my absence, and two today. Two more will die today or tomorrow at farthest, and several more are afflicted in a similar manner to those which died. The disease with which my stock have died seems to be an epidemic catarrh; known to be fatal unless the proper remedies are employed to check it, which remedies cannot be employed in the army for want of them. This disease was produced by the want of feed and the bad condition of what we did get, and the horses in the condition naturally produced by this bad feed, being then exposed to the very severe weather experienced a few weeks back, were in the very state to be afflicted with this fatal malady, and hence the result. I have now but forty eight well horses (and they are very poor) and ten unfit for any service. If I had a field with meadow land in it, and the horses turned in it, carefully separating the diseased horses from those not diseased, I think I might save nearly all the balance of the stock, but I am fully convinced if the stock remains tied up as it has been, with no proper medicine (and the proper medicine cannot be obtained), nearly all, if not all the remainder will die; I therefore respectfully ask the inspector be invited to inspect the horses of this battery at an early day. I have three wagons, two six mule and one four mule, for which I have but twelve mules, three of which are unfit for service. In case I had to move I would not have mules enough actually to pull the empty wagons. I have kept up my forage teams by relieving them with my forge and battery wagon teams, until I have well nigh lost all. The poor feed has affected them as well as the horses, and unless my teams are filled up I shall soon have none. I either wish to give up my large wagons or have six mules to each. To keep up my stock I want seven more good mules for the teams I now have. I ought to have more wagons and cannot complete my stabling under two months with the wagons I now have. I have no mule harness at all for my forge and battery wagons, although application after application has been made for them. My mules have been almost ruined by the artillery harness which I was compelled to use. No blame is attributable to the battalion quartermaster, but the crime is higher up upon the roll, his superiors in the same line. I need twenty artillery bridles and a coil of manilla rope for picket and halters (the horses having actually eaten up bridle and halter, leader and rope during the famine), also three saddles and a few <shv11_435>collars -- these things in addition to what I made a requisition for and have not been supplied. Several of my men are actually barefoot, a number of others nearly so. The quartermaster says he cannot draw any. What is the remedy for this? I also need salt for the horses. These are some of wants not already made apparent by former requisitions, and I respectfully request you, Major, to have them supplied. Respectfully submitted, John B. Rowan, Captain commanding Battery. To Major Joseph Palmer, com'dg Battalion Artillery Stevenson's Division." "Respectfully forwarded. Joseph Palmer, Major com'dg Battalion Artillery Stevenson's Division." ENDORSEMENT. "Headquarters Stevenson's Division, February 1st, 1864. Respectfully returned. An inspector will be sent to ascertain what is needed, and why the bridles, saddles, collars, &c., which were new a few weeks since, have been destroyed. The officer in charge of the battery will be held accountable for the loss. Every effort is being made to get shoes for the command, and the artillery shall have its proportion as soon as received. Clothing can be obtained on proper requisition in a short time. Let the quartermaster make requisition for salt for horses. General Order No. 17. prescribes the quantity of transportation to batteries and no more can be obtained. By command of Major General Stevenson, G.A. Haywood, A.C.C." ----- "Headquarters Rowan's Battery, Near Dalton, Georgia April 10th, 1864. Major, -- I respectfully submit for your consideration a few facts in regard to the feed furnished the stock of this battalion. I <shv11_436>have been in the Tennessee army since last November and can truly say during the whole of that time the stock of my command has not been half fed. In some instances the horses going for two days at a time without anything to eat. Rotten corn, half rations at that, with no fodder in December and January. Full rations of corn and one pound of fodder, sometimes, (bad at that) in February and March. I have just received a good lot of horses, which I cannot keep in condition unless I get something to feed them on. I have my horses as well groomed and otherwise cared for as can be, but good grooming and other necessary attention will not feed them. Corn alone will not keep horses in condition; they will not eat rations of corn if no long feed is furnished. Horses fed with corn alone are more liable to disease, and in fact cannot be kept healthy. It is a shame to drain the country of horses and then starve them. It cripples the resources of the country without any good, which no one has a right to do. If this system of starvation was unavoidable I would not complain, but when the whole of middle and southern Georgia is full of fodder, the tax in kind actually rotting along the line of the principal railroad accessible to the army, what reason is there that feed cannot be furnished in abundance. I have seen with my own eyes hundreds and thousand of bales of good fodder actually rotting for want of attention. Where's the fault? The quartermasters say short transportation. This cannot be for if it be so, then it is an acknowledgment at once that the Grand Army of Tennessee cannot be fed. Is it absolutely necessary in order to feed this army to have a railroad? Pshaw! How were armies fed before the day of railroads? Hoping that something will be done to properly supply our wants, I remain Yours &c., John B. Rowan, Captain Commanding Battery. Major J.W. Johnston, com'd'g Johnston's Battalion of Light Artillery." ENDORSEMENT. Headquarters Johnston's Battalion Artillery, Hood's Corps, April 11th, 1864. Respectfully forwarded. The horses of this battalion are as well groomed and attended to as is possible, all the officers being fully <shv11_437>alive to the importance of this, and none more so than Captain Rowan. It is impossible, however, that horses can improve unless more and better fodder is issued; and the same thing is true as regards the mules of this battalion. The stock refuse to eat the full ration of corn, and there are a number of cases of scours. We have had no fodder at all for four days past, and the last issue of five pounds to the ration was so rotten as to be almost worthless. John W. Johnston, Major Commanding." ENDORSEMENT. Headquarters Artillery, Hood's Corps, April 12th, 1864. Respectfully forwarded and attention of Brigadier General commanding earnestly asked to within. R.F. Beckham, Col. Artillery." ENDORSEMENT. Headquarters Artillery, April 12, 1864. My most serious attention is being given this matter. I have urged its importance to the proper authorities and have every hope that something can be accomplished. Respectfully returned. F.A. Shoup, Brigadier General." ----- Headquarters Johnston's Battalion Artillery, In the Field, August 30, 1864. Col. R.F. Beckham, Chief Artillery Army of Tennessee: Colonel, -- I would respectfully make the following statement, as it seems from what you said to Lieutenant W.A. Russell yesterday that you blamed me for not reporting to you the condition of the stock of Johnston's battalion. I did not know before that it was even proper, much less my duty to report direct to you. I have reported every day since I have been in command of the battalion to Lieutenant Colonel Hallonquist the amount of forage received each day, and the condition of the animals. I also reported to him several times that if the battalion received no more forage for its stock, that it could not move in a few days. I at last <shv11_438>reported to him on Saturday that our battery could not move, and that there was not a battery in the command that could make a day's march. I also had Captain Berry to inspect the horses of the battalion, and told him how the horses were fed before I assumed command of the battalion, that I reposed every day to Captain Corput the condition of my horses. This is my defence, and if any one has made more strenuous exertion to prevent the government from starving its own stock, I would like to know who he is. The threat from an officer occupying the position that you do, that we shall not have any more horses when we lose what we have, may be all right, it is not for me to say, I simply say this, that I hope we will not get any more unless they can be better fed. I know that I am doing wrong by reporting direct to you, but under the circumstances I know you will excuse me. Very respectfully your obedient servant, John B. Rowan, Captain Commanding." ENDORSEMENT. Headquarters Artillery, Army of Tennessee, August 30, 1864. Captain, -- The within communication handed me this morning. In my reply to Lieutenant Russell yesterday I meant to say, and did say that there will be no horses furnished to artillery (not to YOU ESPECIALLY) but to NO ONE for the reason that horses are not to be had. I did not find fault with you for failing to report direct to me. I don't desire you to do so, because such a course would be irregular. I stated simply that no report of this great deficiency had been made to me, nor has a proper report been yet made of it. The "threat" you are pleased to say I made in regard to furnishing horses was a simple statement of the fact that the supply of horses is practically exhausted. If to threaten, however, would cause a proper degree of care and attention to be given the animals I should not hesitate to use that course. I admire your independence in "wishing that no more horses may be sent up here to be starved." Respectfully your obedient servant, R.F. Beckham, Colonel Commanding. Captain Rowan, commanding Battalion." <shv11_439> It will readily be seen that some one high in authority in the quartermaster's department was to blame for this state of affairs. Captain Rowan says that he saw "with his own eyes thousands of bales of good fodder actually rotting along the line of the principal railroad accessible to the army, for want of attention." The officers of the subsistence department cannot say that short transportation was the cause of insufficient supplies, for at this time the army was in winter quarters at Dalton, Ga., and the cars were not used for the transportation of troops, but were used exclusively for supplies, except a few furloughed and sick men. Notwithstanding the complaints of the artillery officers, the forage question remained about the same until the close of the war, except an occasional feast obtained on the march in the rich valleys of Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. The horses were made to feel that they had friends when the artillerists had access to provender. Such feasts were few and far between. LIEUTENANT DONCASTER'S ADVENTURE. After the surrender of Vicksburg, Miss., Pemberton's army was paroled, and at Enterprise, Miss., the troops were furnished a thirty days' furlough and instructed to report at the end of that time at such places as the commanding General had designated. About twenty five members of the Third Maryland Artillery were from East Tennessee, and at the expiration of the thirty days a number of them failed to return. During the summer of 1863 the Federals occupied a portion of East Tennessee and there was no communication by railroad between Dalton, Ga., and Bristol, Tennessee, therefore the only route left open for these men to return to their command was by the way of North Carolina. Captain Rowan learned that they, rather than return by that long circuitous route, had joined a cavalry company that was then operating in the neighborhood of Jonesboro, Tennessee. It will be remembered by all who served in East Tennessee during the war, that small parties could resist the progress of a considerable force in many parts of that country, in consequence of the undulating and mountainous nature of its surface. Thousands of acres of land still retained their primitive forests, and to say that some of these forests were wild, is a mild term. Chimney top, Log, Black and House Mountains, were some of the local names by which these mountains were known to the inhabitants who dwelt in the <shv11_440>valleys near them. Some of the streams that meandered by them were the Watauga, Holston, Clinch, and French Broad rivers, and these steams would rise rapidly during the rain storms in the spring and fall. The progress of the troops was often arrested by the rapid rise of these rivers, much to the chagrin of officers and men. It will readily be seen by this rapid outline that East Tennessee was a desolate country for military operations, and, to make bad worse, a Union sentiment prevailed to a great extent among the inhabitants of that entire section; therefore, both Union and Confederate found friends and enemies in every neighborhood. To protect the Southern sympathizers and to arrest absentees and deserters a considerable force of cavalry was kept there. Captain Rowan obtained permission to send Lieutenant J.W. Doncaster, of the Third Maryland, to East Tennessee for the absentees of his battery. A leave of absence of twenty days had been granted him, but he failed to return at the expiration of that time, owing to unavoidable delays occasioned by circumstances which are as follows: A short time after Lieutenant Doncaster arrived in East Tennessee Captain Burlesson, of the U.S.A., who commanded a company of bushwhackers, learned that he and Birdwell, a Confederate enrolling officer, were stopping at the residence of Mr. Abraham Fleenor. One dark, stormy night, early in October, 1864 Burlesson and his gang proceeded to the house of Mr. Fleenor and demanded admittance, but were peremptorily refused. He declared that if the door was not immediately opened he would beat it down. The door was not opened, and he carried his threat into execution. During this time Lieutenant Doncaster, who was sleeping in a room on the lower floor, arose, dressed himself and went up stairs, determined if they came up to defend himself. Burlesson insisted that he should come down, but the Lieutenant told him that if he had any business with him he knew where to find him. Burlesson then said, "I know how to bring him down," and went into the next room, brought out a feather bed and cut it open, saying he would set it on fire and "smoke him down." At this juncture a young lady, one of Mr. Fleenor's daughters, speeded forward and told Burlesson he should not set the bed on fire. Whereupon he stuck her on the head with a pistol, which caused the discharge of one of the loads, that took effect in the ceiling. Still she bravely maintained her ground, determined, if possible, to prevent the "smoking" process. Lieutenant Doncaster, on hearing this contention, decided <shv11_441>to come down, but before so he slipped his pistol into his boot, and, cutting a hole in the lining of his coat, secreted his orders between the lining and the cloth of the coat and thus saved them. Upon his surrender his hands were tied behind him by his captors, as were also Birdwell's, and the two were then tied together. Thus situated, they were marched fifteen miles over a rough, mountainous road. The night being a dark, stormy one, they could not see their way, and every now and then one or the other would slip down, of course bringing his fellow prisoner down with him. In this way they were considerably bruised. Birdwell was six feet six inches high, and Doncaster five feet ten, so it is easy to tell who had the worst of it. The two being tied together could not walk very rapidly, so about daylight they were separated and their hands unpinioned, that they might be enabled to quicken their pace and reach a certain point, which Burlesson was anxious to arrive at before the Confederate scouts were on the alert. Soon after his hands were untied Lieutenant Doncaster threw his pistol into a field as they were passing a fence corner. He disliked very much to part with this useful article, but it was chafing the flesh of his ankle to such an extent that he was glad to release himself from the pain which it had produced. A few days after they reached their place of rendezvous the men asked Burlesson's permission to take the prisoners out and shoot them. To this request Burlesson would not assent, saying that when he went to Knoxville he would turn them over to the authorities there. About this time Lieutenant Doncaster received a camp parole, but Birdwell was kept under close guard, the former being told that if he made his escape, or attempted to do so, the latter would be shot. Burlesson's men, to pass the time, played cards and visited the Union families in the vicinity. Lieutenant Doncaster joined them in these pastimes. He possessed the faculty, to a great extent, of adapting himself to surrounding circumstances, and soon gained the confidence of Burlesson and his men, as the sequel will show. A lady in the neighborhood brought cakes, pies and other eatables to the prisoners, and invited them to her house. Lieutenant Doncaster obtained permission to visit at this lady's house, but Burlesson was not willing that Birdwell should go. Doncaster said he was opposed to going without Birdwell, that he would be responsible for his return, and to make sure of it, a guard could accompany them. <shv11_442> Burlesson gave his consent, and the guard went with them. The lady at whose residence they visited, knowing the guard's propensity for strong drink, sent for some brandy, and gave him all he wanted. He partook so freely that he was, ere long, so intoxicated as to become drowsy, and finally went to sleep. Taking advantage of the insensible state of the sentinel, they left the house, accompanied by the lady, who showed them a bypath over the mountain, and, after going several miles, returned. To this lady they were indebted for their escape, and had it not been for her stratagem they would have been marched back that night as prisoners. They first went to Mr. Fleenor's residence, where they were joyfully received, for the family had thought of them as dead, believing they would be murdered by their captors. From there they went to Jonesboro, where they informed the authorities of what had taken place, and furnished a complete list of the names of the bushwhackers. A company of cavalry was sent to capture the gang, Lieutenant Doncaster acting as guide. They experienced considerable difficulty in finding Burlesson, but at last Lieutenant Doncaster believing that he was on the premises of a certain individual, where he was known to visit, threatened one of the servants considerably if he did not tell where he was concealed. The servant pointed to a building filled with straw. They went to the place and invited Burlesson to come out, Lieutenant Doncaster remarking that it was his turn to "smoke." On coming out, Burlesson spoke to the Lieutenant, remarking, "I am your prisoner. I treated you well when you were a prisoner of mine. I feel that I am in the hands of gentlemen and am not afraid;" to which Doncaster replied, "No, Captain Burlesson; you are not my prisoner, but a prisoner of the cavalry." Captain Burlesson was a very bad man. He had robbed the citizens of their horses, cattle and jewelry, and in the event of their resisting, had been known to burn their houses, and commit many depredations too horrible to mention. Lieutenant Doncaster, at the head of a squad of cavalry, arrested a Confederate officer whom he believed to belong to some bushwhacking band. Before returning to camp he was released. On arriving at camp he was put under arrest himself for what he had done, and sent to Wytheville, Va., to General John C. Breckinridge's headquarters. He made a full statement of his adventures to the General, who at once released him, and ordered him to return to his command. General Breckinridge explained to General Hood, by writing on the back of Doncaster's orders, the cause of the Lieutenant's detention in East Tennessee. Southern Historical Society Papers. Volume XII. Richmond, Va., April, 1884. No. 4. Sketch of the Third Maryland Artillery. By Captain William L. Ritter. RETREAT FROM NASHVILLE. Now commenced one of the most disastrous retreats of the war. Seventy two pieces of artillery were lost at Nashville, and hundreds of wagons were abandoned for want of mules to pull them. The roads were in wretched condition in consequence of the inclemency of the weather. The heavy rains rendered the streams almost impassible. Short rations, provender and clothing added much to the suffering of both man and beast. The pelting of the rain, sleet and snow upon the backs of half naked, half starved men as they marched day and night before a relentless foe is only a part of the true story. Many mules were taken from the ordnance wagons to be used in the pontoon train. The battalion marched to Franklin the night of the 16th of December, 1864, and on the morning of the 18th, reached Columbia, where the battalion encamped for the night. The next day, the 19th, the retreat was resumed, marching all day and the greater part of the night through rain and snow. This was the most inclement day of the retreat and the most intense suffering was experienced by the entire army. Shoeless men marched all the way from Nashville to Mississippi, without any protection whatever to their feet, and they only can describe the suffering they endured. <shv12_171> On the 25th the battalion arrived at the Tennessee river, and early the next morning crossed on the pontoon bridge, which had been thrown across the day and night previous. The river was very much swollen, the current strong and fierce. The cable rope to which the pontoons were attached was very much curved by the strong current, but the ends of the rope were securely fastened and the boats kept in position until the army crossed. For several days, wagons, artillery and troops poured in a stream across this bridge, intermingled almost in a solid mass, and the exit kept clear in order that no time might be lost in the transit. This part of the retreat was admirably managed, and much credit was due the engineers who had it in charge. Two batteries of Johnston's battalion, with several others, were planted on the river bank below the bridge, to prevent the enemy's gunboats from coming up while the army was crossing. They were poorly protected, and suffered considerably from the unequal contest, though they maintained their position. The ordnance train, temporarily under the command of Lieutenant Ritter, arrived at Tuscumbia, Ala., on the evening of the 26th, where it remained three days, waiting for the remainder of the battalion. During this time Lieutenant J.W. Doncaster was in command of the battery. Hood's losses from the 20th of November to the 20th of December, in killed, wounded and prisoners, amounted to 13,303 men, which, deducted from 25,538 who crossed the Tennessee river in November, only 12,235 were left to return in December. Thus it will be seen that he lost over half his men, and in arms and munitions about in the same proportion. Had Thomas possessed the ability of a great commander, he would have captured Hood's whole army, as he out numbered him almost four to one. At the battle of Nashville he commanded a force of 55,000 men against 16,697 under Hood. Hood certainly deserves the credit of saving the remnant of his command against such odds, but he ought to have withdrawn after the battle of Franklin. The loss of 5,550 men in that engagement rendered him powerless to prosecute successfully the campaign any farther. He certainly was aware that the Federals were massing troops at Nashville, therefore it was only a question of time when he would be driven back, and then at a disadvantage. It is sad to think of the brave men, who crossed into Tennessee, there to find a soldier's grave, or be maimed for life, especially when <shv12_172> it is remembered that this move was perhaps the death blow to the Confederate cause. On the 30th, the battalion started for Rienza, Miss. On arriving there orders were received to proceed at once to Columbus, Miss., which it reached January 10th, 1865, and camped two miles east of the town. The howitzer brought from Columbia, Tenn., by the battery, was turned over to the ordnance officer at Columbus, Miss., as no howitzers were then used in the Army of Tennessee. On the 20th, Lieutenant Ritter was promoted to the captaincy by the following special order: Headquarters, Columbus, Miss., January 20th, 1865. Special Order, No. 10: The following promotion is announced, the officer named being deemed competent for promotion: First Lieutenant William L. Ritter, of the Third Maryland Artillery, to be Captain, from December 16th, 1864, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Captain John B. Rowan, killed December 16th, 1864, before Nashville, Tenn. By command of Major General Elzey, William Palfrey, Captain and Assistant Adjutant. To Captain William L. Ritter, Through Colonel M. Smith: General Beauregard made a request of General Hood, to send his son's battery, with the first battalion that of artillery that was sent to South Carolina. Johnston's battalion being the first ordered there, Captain Beauregard's battery was sent with it instead of the Third Maryland, which was transferred to Cobb's battalion, Smith's regiment of artillery. On the 25th, the battalion was ordered two miles north of Columbus, on the east side of the river, there to build winter quarters. Just as the men were finishing the buildings orders were received for the battalion to proceed at once to Mobile, Ala. |