19 January 1862, Kentucky, War Between the States

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Lt. Col. Carter's Diary, Part 4

Wounded men, 20th [Tenn] Regt

Ewing Orville Sgt. Maj.
Haynes H.H.                 Ruckers Co [Co.D, 4th Sgt., Wounded, POW]
Steward G.L.                Nimmo " [Co. F, KIA]
Patterson J.E.                Color-bearer [Co. A, serious wound]
Dean J.M.                     Anderson " [Co. G?]
Givins B.[M.]                DeGraffenreid [Co. H, wounded, POW]
Harrison, D.P                " " [Co. H, wounded, POW, escaped]
Shrum J.E                     Dyer's Co. [Co. K]
Carmen S.A.                 " " [Co. K, wounded, POW]
Stanfield S.W.              Gooch " [Co. E, wounded, POW, exchanged]
Dean James                  Anderson " [Co. G]
Wright, R.A.                Dodson " [Co. I, KIA]
Jordan R.A                  Rucker " [Co. D, wounded, POW, escaped/exchanged]
McCallum T.J.             Anderson " [Co. G, wounded, POW]
& Miller R.H.               " [Co. G?]

Dead in 20th Tenn. Regt.

Lt. Bailey Peyton          Foster " [Co. A, KIA]
" R.E. Johnson           Nimmo " [Co. F, 1st Lt., KIA]

Dead from 20th Tenn. Regt.

Sam Cowan - Colorguard [?]
Trigg Jones, 2nd Sgt.   Dodson " [Co. I, KIA]
Burmingham Davis       DeGraffenreid [Co. H ?]
Harrison Smithson        Rucker " [Co. D ?]
_____ Bundy                Foster " [Co. A ?]

Notes appearing above giving companies and dispositions were added to the transcript.

Wounded from 17th Tenn Regt.

Bigger R                   Capt. Hunter Co
Jones F. H.               Lanais "
Young M.                 McDermot "
Carr N. F.                Armstrong "
Martin F H               Hunter "

Wounded 29th Regt. Tenn.

Lowe A                   Capt. Fry's Co
Billenger John          McClelland "

Polk Wm                Capt. Collins' Co
Finley Frank            " Aldridge "
Cavanaugh Peter      " "
Napp, Lt. A J          Collins "
Freeman P. H.         Booth "
Freeman Lt. H. O.   Booth "
Greer, boy               Collins "
Bristow W. W.       Booth "
Dillard W.P.           Gage "
Ryan John               Booth "
Simpson G.W.       Prewitt "
Muller S.L.              Dunn "
Currey J.P.              Aldridge "
Miller W.O.            Collins "
Thino H.J.                 " "
Wilson A (died of wound) Aldridge "
Rushton J.L.           Farrell "
Harrison H.J.          Prewett Co.
Parker J.L.               Farrell "
Galligan Felix          Aldridge "
Sewell M.W.           Dunn "
Cooper Jno.            Ford "
Drennon W.F.         Terry "
Harmond J.L.          "        "
Edwards, Sgt. John  Collins "
Bell T.J. & Woods A.T. Bankhead "
McCrea A. & Browning C.B. "      "
Reese J.H.                "             "
McGee N.F.            "             "
McLemore A.J.       "             "
Garner J.F & Wilson L.B. Aldridge "
Harrison T.B.         Ford        "

Wounded in the 16th Ala. Regt.

Elkin T N.                    Capt. Ashford Co.
Prewitt W.R.                 " Coffee "
Harris Jno.C.                 " Smith "
Berryhill J.J.                   " Powers "
Wood W. W.               Archer "
McDonald Jno.W        Hodges "
McGee W.                   Ashford

Killed in 16th Regt. Ala.

Lt. Aston                    Co. G.
McKinney                   "      B.
McDonald J.W. (died of wound) Hodges "
McGee Wm. (died from wound) Ashford "
Wilson A. died of shell wound

Wounded in 5th Bat. Cav.

Upton J.                Capt. Eldridge Co

Wounded in 25th Tenn Regt. (Stanton)

Lay B.                 Capt. Billing's Co
Beattis N.P.        "         McCan.  "

Byers A.S. died Jan. 21st.
McBride, shot in forehead died Jan 26th

Fost, Gamble,   Regt. not Known  "   26
Thweatt Jessee, Regt. not Known  "  21
McKay T.J.         "       "       "        "  27
Lt. Charley Clemminson, 19th.Tenn. Regt  -  Shot in the chest, died Jan. 24.th

Ten men died the first night after being brought from the field, but few of them able to speak, some not known.
Three died afterwards who could not be recognized[.]
Many of the dead on the field were so disfigured as not to [be] recognized.

(For further details on the Confederate casualties, see the Confederate Casualties page)

So much for the Battle of Fishing Creek.

Col. Walker of 31st. Ohio Regt. is opposed to the emancipation of negroes, but is in favor of confiscating them as other property. Does not Know how they should be disposed of after confiscation.

Gen. Alvin Shoepf & his aid Col Clay dined at Vickery's today.

Regiments on the field at Logan's X Roads, 3 miles from Fishing Creek on 19th, Jan. 1862,

15th. Miss, Col. Statham, Lieut. Col Walthal commdg. 20th. Tenn, Col. Battle. 16th. Ala. Col. Wood. 19th. Tenn, Col. Cummings. 25th Tenn, Col Newman, Lieut. Col. Miller commdg. 26th Tenn, Col. Murray. Branner & McClelland's Bat. Cav. Rutledge & McClung's Batteries. 6 - guns each. Bledsoe & Sander's Co.s Cav

Somerset Ky. Tuesday Feb. 4th. 1862

All the sound prisoners except those attending the hospital started for Louisville, under a strong escort, commanded by Maj. Boyton of 35th Ohio Regt.

I rode four or five miles of the way on a wagon and walked the ballance, making in all about fourteen miles through the muddiest road I nearly ever saw.

Maj Coffee of 1st. Ky. Cav started yesterday evening to Lebanon with 150 horses and mules, which might if so ordered, have given transportation to all the prisoners and guard.

Maj Coffee told me he tried to effect an arrangment of that sort, but Gen. Thomas would not allow it.

We got an early start this morning. Two and a half miles before we reach the turnpike at Parkesville. The officers in command of the escort and prisoners, Maj Boynton, Capt. Farchell, Lt. Dorsity, Lt. Erhart, & others, have treated me with the utmost kindness. We travelled 20 miles. I rode as usual in a wagon. Our party of officers took Tea & breakfast with Mr Young, a nice gentleman, kinsman of A.O.P. Nicholson & Dale of Columbia.

Lebanon Ky. Saturday Feb. 8 - 62

I arrived here early in the morning. And awaited the moving of the train, in the saloon of the depot buildings. The men were under guard closely, in some tents. During my stay, the ladies and gentleman of the place called on me continually, in fact, it was more like a levee than anything else. The ladies whose names are written on the next page generously gave to me and the men a suit of underclothing, articles much needed by all, for we were in almost a destitute condition. We arrived in Louisville at 8 O'Clock PM. and were lodged in the political prison, but, containing twelve prisoners of war.

Ladies who called on me at Lebanon, Ky
Mrs. Judge Cavanaugh (Russell)
Mrs. Hogue
Mrs. Hood of Lake Providence presented me with clothing
Mrs. Wathen (Ann)
Miss. Hood

I spent the night, and until after dinner today, in the prison. There were prior to our arrival 42 prisoners, 12 of whom were prisoners of war the rest political offenders, adding our 46 made 88. All of whom slept in the uppermost floor of a building, formerly used as a Medical Colledge. It was intensely crowded. The men couldn't lie straight. Rations a little short, and quite plain.

I find among the prisoners many men of intelligence, who represent themselves as having been taken without just cause. They are very bitter against the government and the insolence of the inferior officials who serve about the prison, Verily, they may justly complain of thus conduct, for it is intolerably offensive, with few exceptions.

A little after dinner, two officers, Col. Denton and the aid of Gen. Buell, whose name I do not remember, came to the prison and paroled Lieuts Allen of the 15 Miss, and Moss of Ala, and myself, and removed us to the United States Hotel, room no. 61.

The conditions of the parole required of us to hold no communications with secessionist or any one else, and not to leave the room unless necessary by compelled to do so.

I feel restive under such confinement, but, in consideration of the superior accommodation prefer it to the prison.

A larger portion of my time I spend at the window in the 3thd. story looking at the free people, who pass gaily by. The ladies promenade in gay and endless profusion.

This hotel is kept by Messrs, Hall & Harris. So far as I have seen, and my observation is very limited, for the terms of my parole, confine me to my room, unless, when necessity require my absence, and under no consideration to hold conversation with any person whatever.

Hon. Mr. Underwood of Ky. by permission of the ruling authorities, visited me, to inquire about some of his relations and aquaintances, who were in the late battle near Fishing creek. Among the former were Capt. Rutledge & Lieut. H. M. R. Fogg. The latter, Henry and Orville Ewing, Capt. Rice, Leut's Peyton & Thompsons, the last named, was absent on furlough.

Mr. Underwood is a gentleman of plain and pleasant manners, and with becoming delicacy made no unpleasant allusion to my situation and was evidently unwilling to do any thing that might lead me to compromise my parole.

20. 6 & 12 pounder brass guns
4.   4 or 6     "   Parrott  [the reason for these entries on cannons is unclear]

The Quartermaster came to my room this evening to ascertain if I needed clothing. I asked for a whole suit.

Louisville Ky. Saturday Feb 15th

The ground is covered with snow this morning, and the weather has turned suddenly colder than it has been for several days.

Lieut. Moss is quite sick. The Military Hospital Surgeon has come to see him and prescribed[.] We are still under close restraint.

Louisville Ky. Feb. Sunday 16 - 1862

The loss sustained by the Confederate troops at Logan's Fields as reported by Brig. Gen. G. H. Thomas.

Brig. Gen. Zollicoffer. Lt. Bailey Peyton.
190 officers, and non-commissioned officers and privates killed.

Lieut. Col. M. B. Carter, 20th. Tenn.
Lieut. J. W Allen, 15th. Miss wnd.

Lieut. Allen Moss, of 16th Ala and five officers of the Medical Staff & 81. noncommissioned officers and privates taken prisoners.

Lieut. A. J. Knapp 15th Miss. & 67 non-commissioned officers and privates total, killed, wounded & prisoners of 349.

Federal Loss reported by Gen. Thomas.

1 commissioned & 38 men were killed.
14 officers & 194 non-commissioned officers and privates wounded total - 247.

The report of the killed does not agree with the reports made to me by the respective officers of the different commands engaged.  (See the Confederate and Federal casualty lists)

I am still acting in conformity with this, strangest of all parol[e]s. I never heard of an officer being paroled, and required to self-imprison himself within the walls of his own room, and deny himself the privilege of speaking to, or holding a conversation with any one, before the present instance. It is almost solitary confinement, and without a guard or bolt, other than my own pledge, which I hold more binding than the vigilance of any keeper.

Maj. Helveti & Capt. Primo are exchanged and have arrived in Louisville. I understand Dr Cliffe effected an exchange of himself for Maj. Helveti.

It seems to my mind, it would have been more courteous to have sent home an officer of the line and one nearer the rank of the Gen. Zollicoffer, than a Surgeon. It also seems a little novel that a Surgeon should be taken in exchange for an officer of the line. So much for management.

Monday Feb. 17th 1862

We received intelligence that Fort Donnlson [Donelson] has surrendered! with Gens. Johnston, Buckner and Pillow, and fifteen thousand prisoners. Gen. Floyd is said to have escaped.

The Southern Confederacy has played out!

Some little demonstrations of rejoicing in town, though very quiet. Shooting Sky-rockets is about all that I am aware of. I can hear but not see them.

Louisville Ky. Tuesday Feb. 18th

No further news from Fort Donelson. It has certainly fallen. The beginning of the end is at hand.

Allen Moss, his father William Moss
Covington P.0.
Newton County Ga.

Recd. of Lt. Allen Moss
In Gold $7.50, Bills 3    10 50
"  Silver   3 25
His gold watch,
& Silver cased pencil

Louisville Ky. Wednesday Feb 19

Remaining still at the U.S. Hotel. and employing my time as usual in reading and looking out of the window at the passers below.

Lt. Moss is mentally deranged and growing quite annoying. He requires continual watching.

Editors of Journal and Democrat assert that the rebel prisoners ought not to be paroled saying, they would not respect their oaths, but would not hesitate to violate them when released, and would go to burning bridges, and other private and public property.

Louisville Ky. Thursday Feb. 20th

Lt. Moss' mind grows more erratic and unsettled. He rests but little at night, is frequently out of bed, and often talking to himself.

The Diary of Lt.Col. Moscow Carter appears courtesy the Carter House Museum in Franklin, Tennessee.  Used by permission; all rights reserved.  See information in Part 1.

NOTES

Persons and places mentioned:

Dr. Cliffe  --  Dr. Daniel B. Cliffe, Surgeon, 20th Tenn. Inf.

Wad  --  Francis Watkins Carter, 20th Tenn. Inf., Moscow Carter's brother (identification thanks to John Wallwork)

Capt. Nimmo  --  J. A. Nimmo, Capt., Co. F, 20th Tenn. Inf.

Lt.Col. Walker  --  Francis Marion Walker, Lt.Col., 19th Tenn. Inf.

Tod  --  Theodrick "Tod" Carter, Co. H, 20th Tenn. Inf., Moscow Carter's brother

Capt. Degraffenreid  --  M. Fount DeGraffenreid, who succeeded Moscow Carter in command of Co. H

Rock City Guards  --  a pre-war militia unit from Nashville, that went into the 1st Tenn. Inf. as Cos. A, B, and C.   The 1st Tenn. Inf. had been serving in the mountains of western Virginia, but had not returned to Nashville.

Evan Shields  --  1st Lt. Evan B. Shields of the 20th Tenn. Inf. was serving on Gen. Zollicoffer's staff.

Henry Ewing  --  1st Lt. staff officer on Zollicoffer's staff, said by one source to be the officer who rode out of the woods and fired at Col. Fry of the 4th Ky. Inf., precipitating the return fire that killed Zollicoffer (see the article on the death of Gen. Zollicoffer).

Maj. Duffy  --  Patrick Duffie, Major, 20th Tenn. Inf.

Slidell & Mason  --  John Slidell and James Mason, Confederate Commissioners to England and France, who had been abducted from a British ship by the US Navy in November 1861, almost touching off a serious international incident.

Buckner  --  Brig.Gen. Simon B. Buckner of Kentucky, in command of the Confederate force at Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Alex. Vaughn  --  3rd Lt. Alexander H. Vaughn, Co. H, 11th Tenn. Inf., was murdered by drunken soldiers of Lt.Col. William Brazleton's 3rd Bn. Tenn. Cav.

Dr. Pinkston  --  A. R. Pinkston, Asst. Surgeon, 20th Tenn. Inf.

Dr. Morton  --  John M. Morton, Asst. Surgeon, 20th Tenn. Inf.

"secesh"  --  slang for Secessionist - Confederate

Tom Fields  --  Thomas J. Fields, Pvt., Co. E, 1st Ky. Cav.; died at Somerset, Feb. 16, 1862 (cause not stated)

Louisville Prison  --  A military prison for POWs was hastily set up in Louisville, along with hospital facilities.   Large buildings such as colleges and churches were taken over.  The Louisville Military Prison served mostly as a half-way house for most prisoners, on their way to POW camps further north.  It also housed civilian political prisoners.  There were many of these, arrested for little reason and held for long periods, after Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus.  For further info see http://geocities.datacellar.net/Pentagon/Quarters/1864/cavehillcs.htm .

Lt. Moss  --  Lt. Allan W. Moss, 16th Ala. Inf.  Lt. Moss died on 15 March 1862, and was buried in Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, among other Confederate POWs in a section that later became Lot 248, in grave No. 10.

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