Category Archives: Tennessee

March 28, 1863: Food shortages in the South.

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Food was scarce all over the South, leading, as we’ve seen, to some food riots. Even in Union-occupied Nashville, prices were sky-high. NASHVILLE DISPATCH, March 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 1 The market is rather poorly supplied with vegetables, while … Continue reading →

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February 15, 1863: Skirmish with Forrest near Nashville

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Allen Gathman

While Grant and Sherman had the main forces down near Vicksburg, the garrisons protecting captured cities like Nashville dealt with frequent guerrilla and cavalry attacks. In this item the New York Times reports a minor skirmish with some of Nathan … Continue reading →

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February 7, 1863: Reflecting on the failed attack on Ft. Donelson

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Confederate troops made an attempt to recapture Fort Donelson on February 3. It was repulsed easily by the Union garrison. The New York Times editor muses on the symmetry between the two engagements, like bookends a year apart. THE TWO … Continue reading →

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January 20, 1863: No trust in McClernand’s ability

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant reports to Washington on the situation at Vicksburg. He met with Porter, McClernand, and Sherman, and two out of three agree with him that it’s going to be a long project. They’re going to start by trying to dig … Continue reading →

Posted in David Porter, John A. McClernand, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | Leave a comment

January 15, 1863: Grant’s all in

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant’s pulling all the troops that can be spared from northern Mississippi and west Tennessee and sending them down the river. He made up his mind that the way to Vicksburg would be via the river, not overland, and he … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | 1 Comment

January 9, 1863: Grant goes to Memphis

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Now that McClernand has moved down to Vicksburg, he outranks Sherman, and thus has command of the whole expedition. Grant and Halleck had no confidence in McClernand’s abilities, and viewed this as a disaster. The only solution would be for … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, John A. McClernand, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

January 7, 1862: Grant reinforces Sherman

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant, having been informed of Sherman’s defeat at Chickasaw Bayou, makes plans to move troops to Memphis in preparation for sending them downriver to help. Official Record: Washington, January 7, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Holly Springs, Miss.: Richmond papers of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

January 6, 1863: Dispatch showing some doubt about Stones River

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Allen Gathman

The editor of the Richmond Daily Dispatch is showing some signs of strain after the news that Bragg retreated from Murfreesboro after his “victory” there. The falling back in Tennessee. Gen. Bragg has certainly retreated to Shelbyville, thirty miles from … Continue reading →

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January 2, 1863: Smuggling problems in Memphis

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant, having left Hurlbut in charge of Memphis, is finding that the forces there are insufficient to stop smugglers. He suggests cracking down on businesses that are involved. Meanwhile Grant is still looking for additional cavalry, although Forrest appears to … Continue reading →

Posted in Stephen A. Hurlbut, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant | Leave a comment

January 1, 1862: Davies pleads his case

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Allen Gathman

General Thomas Davies had come into some criticism for his abandonment of Island No. 10, but he argues here that it was necessary to do so. He also tries to get out of sending troops to Grant, but winds up … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, Kentucky, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Tennessee, Thomas A. Davies | Leave a comment