Appalachian Summit

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Exploration ] [ Resources ] [ Contact Us ]

 

 

 

41.    Everything Torn Up & Burnt Down

 

 

 

 

Throughout 1864 skirmishing continued in eastern Tennessee and Confederate troops continued to guard the mountain passes against incursion into western North Carolina.  Then, during the winter of 1864-65, Union scouting parties began to make hit-and-run raids across the mountains.  In late February and early March of 1865, Col. George W. Kirk with a small army of 400 cavalry and 200 infantry left Newport, Tennessee and crossed into Haywood County, North Carolina via the old Cataloochee Turnpike on a raid that reached Waynesville, the county seat.

On March 28, General George Stoneman led an army of 6,000 from Jonesboro, Tennessee on a raid across the mountains to Boone, North Carolina.  From there they continued eastward into the piedmont as far as Salem before turning south to Salisbury, and then westward until they crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains again at Swannanoa Gap and proceeded on to Asheville.  Western North Carolina had finally experienced the war just days before Lee would surrender to Grant at Appomattox to end it.

 

 

 

William W. Stringfield’s Diary

Jan. 1 [1864]  Camp near Whitesburg Ten—A happy new year to all the loyal citizens of the South. The year came in midst storm & tempest—bringing with it extreme cold—the most stinging & bitter cold thus far of the winter. I greet the incoming year with mingled feelings of hope and fear, hope predominating. I have fears lest some mismanagement on the part of those in power may prolong the war beyond the limits of this year and thereby entail more misery upon women and children. While there is life I have hope. I must hope, do hope—I will continue to hope as long as we have an organized army in the field. My honest belief & faith is staked in the triumph of Southern arms. “Pluck will win”—whether in love or arms & Southerners Soldiers as a general thing are pluckey but above all I have an abiding faith in the Justness of our cause & consequently in the help of Him who doeth all things will. With such feelings I enter upon the duties & hardships of the Year.

 

Jan. 8  Camp near Bulls Gap—Moved from Whitesburg Yesterday. Are comfortably ensconced in the Winter Quarters built by Gen [John C.] Vaughn’s brigade near the residence of Thos. Jacksons. Weather extremely cold deep snow on ground now.

 

Jan. 9  I applied for ten days leave of absense to visit Emory & Henry & upper E. Tenn. I shall visit Jonesboro—Carter Co. etc.

 

Jan. 10  Geo. Folsom & myself left camp at sunrise this morning & have come to Mr. Morrows—within 8 miles of Jonesboro. I am now out on my first furlough of the Kind during the war & shall visit Sister Linda & my friends & some Ladies.

 

Jan. 11  Happy Valley. I came by Jonesboro & rested one hour & came on to Mrs. Taylor’s where I am singly quartered—I find Miss Mollie as interesting as usual.

 

Jan. 12  Zollicoffer Tenn—I came by Elizabethton and Carter’s Depot to day & am staying at Wm Piles’ Hotel.

 

Jan. 13  Bristol Tenn—Came here by 3 pm & am stopping at Uncle Kings where I am always welcome & treated as an own son, good uncle and aunt. Zollicoffer Bridge is completed & the cars will go to Carter to day. I rec’d a favor from Miss Lizzie Rhea a splendid dye in the wool Confederate at Zollicoffer this morning. Many Thanks. I hope she may be well and won by a worthly & gallant soldier of the South. I must not fail to record here my Kind acknowledgements to my particular friend Miss Mollie Taylor of Carter for the splendid pair of socks Knit by her own fair hands & presented to me at her home a day or two since. Such presents are calculated to make a bachelor—such as I—one of necessity inclined to give up the charms of ‘single blessedness”.

 

Jan. 14  Emory Virginia—I came to sister Melindas this Evening & found her in the midst of the measels. Very glad to see me. Quite a revival of religion in progress near here. Met Mr. Kennedy & Bro Frank Butler who dropped in a few minutes after my arrival.

 

Jan. 18  Bristol, Tenn—I bid adieu to sister Linda this Sabbath morning & started back to the “Army of E Tenn”. I shall go by the way of Carter Co. etc.

 

Jan. 22  Greeneville Tenn Came to Aunt Williams this Evening. I spent two nights in Carter (waiting for my boots and seeing the girls) & one night in Jonesboro. I hear a rumor that my Rgt is moving towards mts on a bushwhacking scout—but hope its not. So far I want to press on towards my home & loved ones there. Since I left the command at B. Gap it has moved towards Morristown & I hear that the Yanks are falling back towards Knoxville.

 

Jan. 23  Greene Co. Tn—My fears are realized. I followed the command to this place (six miles south of G) it is on a general bushwhacking spree.

 

Jan. 24  Greene Co. Tenn—Resting to day prepretory to a march through the mountains tomorrow after bushwhackers.

 

Jan. 25  We leave camps this Evening for the “Big Laurel” region. I will record events when I return to the wagons.

 

Jan. 27  Clark Creek—Returned to wagons this evening at this place—Washington Co. 12 miles south of Jonesboro. First Evening we marched to Aliens Stand some 12 miles at which place we ***...at Acola Springs [?] reached at 11 pm. Here we remained till 4 pm next morning when we marched into the Laurel Mountains. Oh what a “howling wilderness” this is away from law & order, away from civilization, away from all that is refinded or delicate noble and humane. These people are next to the aboriginal inhabitants of these mountains. We captured a few fellows. Passed “Cold Springs” on this pinnacle of the mountains. The grandest view I ever saw [in] all E. Ten sprawled out before one’s eyes belongs to Aunt Williams of Greeneville.

 

Feb. 1  Carter’s Depot, Tenn—Returned from a five days scout in Grasy Cove etc. Back to our old “Stamping ground”—guarding bridges seems to be my fate—I will submit for a while—& in the mean while hunt “Buffalo” [Union men] to pass away time.

 

Feb. 2  A letter has just been handed me from home—sister Mollie [Mary] same old story—”Every thing torn up & burnt down”—May God protect the innocent & helpless.

 

Feb. 6  Carter’s Depot, Tenn—The excitment of an Enemy “raid” on this place has subsided & our great hurry from the mountains useless. I go home tomorrow on a 3 days furlough.

 

Feb. 7  Bulls Gap—Cars ran off track & will be detained till tomorrow. Ought to have been at home by night.

 

Feb. 8  Strawberry Plains—My home is deserted, left to the mercy of a rude soldiering. Every thing destroyed out side. Bro Frank moved his family to Saltville—mother & sister Mary go to Bristol for a while & thence follow. Alice & child have so far eluded capture. “Flag of truce” from Knoxville— up to day all quite along the Holston. All negros gone to Knoxville.

 

Feb. 11  Carter Depot Ten—Returned to camp this evening—absent five days.

 

Feb. 14  Valentines day. I rec’d one pretty little missive—Thanks to my sweet “Incong”—Went “Buffalo” hunting to day and caught a “tar tan”.

 

Mar. 31  Carter’s Depot—This month has passed off quietly I have spent some very pleasant hours in the adjacent country with the good people especially with the Young Ladies. I have visited Jonesboro several times & had nice times there. Yesterday & to day Longstreet’s Army have been passing here in an unbroken stream. The pontoon bridge was stretched across the river just below Cunningham’s Mills upon which wagons, horses etc—passed. I saw [Generals] Longstreet, [Charles W.] Fields, Ransom, Bushrod Johnston [Johnson], [George T.] Anderson, [Joseph B.] Kershaw, [Micah] Jenkins, [Simon B.] Buckner, [Archibald] Gracie, etc. with a score of Cols & who have & will distinguish themselves in this war.

This country is to be given up again. Even the cavalry are to be drawn back behind this point  [1]

 

 

 

Carter Depot, Tenn March 11th, 1864

 

Dear Wife

Your letter of March 4th reached me yesterday. I was very glad to hear from you and especially glad that you and the little girls were well and that you were not uneasy on account of the Yankee raids. Stallup’s furlough has just come and I will therefore have a chance to send my letter and so I have reasonable hopes that you will get it soon. Four of McConnell’s men among whom are William and John Beck have also got furloughs. Our generals are furloughing liberally now and if men will only be prompt to return, the system will be preserved. I am still suffering some with _______but getting your letter______ and the opportunity of writing now with good assurance of you soon getting the letter make me feel quite well. I have not much news to write, our boys are all well. Tom Stallcup and myself are the worst off of any and Tom will be able, I have no doubt, to go home. Baker and Fayette Campbell are both well and so fat they can’t hardly walk. As for Eb, I presume he will write by the Beck boys. I was not looking for Bonner to move away and so the news of it took me quite by surprise. I hope however, you will succeed in making a crop. I presume brother John is still with you though you did not say so. I enclose a note for him. Say to him also to do his best. Let Caroline help him, she shall not loose anything by it. I judge Childers will cultivate the corn field. Well, you did not say which Childers it was you had rented to, but I presume it is the old man. If Conner has not already done it, do your best to get the crop fenced between us and Martin built. If Martin gets to stay at home which I presume he will, as the law exempts a man having eight white persons in his family dependent on his labor for support, he ought to build a fence according to his contract. Urge him up especially to build his end of it, but if you can get anyone else to go to work don’t wait on him building any and (the one nearest to Conleys) first. You are doing perfectly right to spend some hard money this spring for grain. I hope we will never experience once a greater necessity than we now have.

Our cause seems to be improving still I do hope that our success this spring and summer maybe so-signal to our enemies to desist from their aggressions. I think we have gone far this winter to convince them of the utter hopelessness of their cause of course they can yet inflict much damage on us but it will be also attended with great ________and hopes to themselves while they can not much longer fail to see that we are not to be subjugated while we live and that the more of our property they destroy, the more of our homes they desolate and more of our lives they take, the more desperate and determined we become. Should they force us to it by sacking and plundering our country till we can no longer subsist our army will then have to invade theirs and the retribution would then be awful, but I hope things may not get so bad as that-- that they may desist and allow us to remain at home in peace. Tell all my frinds to hold out faithful, let us all be true to our country so long as we live. I hope that in the coming elections Holden and his part of buffaloes may get such a rebuke that they will never again dare to hold up their heads.

Give my love to Martha and Jesse, to your mother and sisters and brothers. Say to Tom and Joe to do their very best at a crop this year. Say to Tom and brother John both that we need them and all such boys much more in the field, than in the camps and this year has taught us the important lesson that farming interest must not be neglected. History will not fail to do___ to all ____ of our citizens and our boys under age who take the management of farms like men while the men are under arms and performing as valuable services any any among us and in reality fighting much more effectually there than they could anywhere else....and my advice to them is when they feel like helping their country, to go to digging with all their might, every ear of corn they raise is a bullet shot at the Yankees. As soon as they are of the proper age, I say for them to go.

My respects to all inquiring friends. Write to me as often as YOU can, you can’t imagine how glad it makes one to get a letter from you. You have improved somewhat in the length of your letters too for which you will accept my thanks and an extra kiss When we meet. I think I will get to see you sometime this summer. I am pretty sure i can get a furlough then  as that is a thing I have never yet asked for nor received.

Kiss Mollie and Sallie for me. Don’t let them forget me. I have my ambrotype (photograph) taken with my beard would send it to you but Stallcup is almost loaded down. I will send it some other time. A hundred kisses for you my dearest. May the Lord bless and preserve you.

 

Jas. W Terrell [2]

 

 

 

W. W. Stringfield –

Sixty-Ninth Regiment

 

As mentioned heretofore the writer of this arrived at Asheville about 1 November, 1864, and took command of this part of the regiment, now largely increased in numbers and extending from the French Broad river in the east to Notlay, beyond Murphy, in the west.

The department was under the command of General Jas. G. Martin, with Colonel John B. Palmer in the field. I can only detail operations that connected my men with the commanding general. There had been some friction between the head officials of the various regiments on duty in these mountains. I took no part in any of it. I simply tried to discharge my duty, both to those above me and to those under me. That part of the regiment with Colonel J. B. Palmer that operated in East Tennessee between Hot Springs, N. C., and Morristown, New Market, Newport and Bull's Gap, etc., and along the foot of Smoky Mountains by Sevierville, Maryville, etc., is reported to have done faithful service under Lieutenant-Colonel B. G. McDowell, of the Sixty-second, who had refused to surrender at Cumberland Gap and was a gallant officer.

The enemy in the meanwhile were not idle, but were not having the picnic that they expected anywhere. Raids were made up all the rivers towards and into the North Carolina mountains. Several parties of this kind nearly reached Asheville. Two reached Waynesville, one came to Bryson City and still others were made up the Tennessee river, Hiawassee and Valley rivers to Murphy, but no permanent lodgment was made or held by them. [3]

 

 

William W. Stringfield’s Diary

 

Apr. 1 & 2  The cavalry have reached this point & are to go to Shells between this & Zollicoffer, Kingsport, etc. The 1st Ten Cavalry is camped near here. Brother James remained 2 nights with me. Rec’d Robt Wilkerson, Thad Williams & other old neighbors called on me. Major Alex Goforth—my old mess mate & Lt.—died at Bristol last night of wounds rec’d at Morristown two weeks since. I wrote to Cousin Fannie Deadrick at Warrenton N.C. to day

 

April 21  I started at mid night last night for Elizahethton to repel a bushwhacker’s raid upon that place. After scouting all around & hearing nothing of them. I an now resting at Taylors school house with Co’s “F” & “K”—of course I called over on the Creek for supplies etc to chat a bit. Alf Taylor was burried to day

 

Apr. 24  Carter’s Depot, Ten—I returned from Jonesboro this morning with my men. We marched from Carter Co. via “Cherokee” to Jonesboro first day & remained 2 days in J. I called on several of my old friends among others Miss Namin & Rhodie [Rhoda A.] Rhea, Cousin Sue Deadrick, Mrs. Dosser & Mrs Nancy Slemons. I must say for Mrs. Sleinons that she has always treated me with more Kindness than I ever met with at that place by persons not related to me.

 

Apr. 26  Carter’s Depot, Tenn—Yesterday & to day are noted ones for this place & people. The Yankees came & attacked us 700 strong yesterday morning about 11 am—The 3rd md & 9th Michigan Cavalry & 13th E. Tenn. This first demonstration was at Deavault’s Ford below this—the river being too deep to ford—they returned to this point & “pitched in” to us. They were hansomely repulsed at all points. I ran some narrow risks—but a Kind Providence shielded me through all, our loss 5 captured—11 Killed. Theirs 3 captured 3 killed & 17 wounded. One reports their loss at 19 Killed and 27 wounded besides several drowned at the ford. Ed Gammond’s Co is said to have acted gallantly. Our men all did their duty well. The fight lasted till dark last Evening & from day light till 9 am to day, afterwhich the Enemy retired towards Jonesboro. I was ordered by Gen Jackson to follow them a few miles which I did to Johnson’s Depot & learned that they had finally left. So much for standing ones ground & fighting when the occasion presents like this. Levi’s Battery & the 44th Tenn Vol. reinforced us this evening. So let the Yankees come.

 

May 1  Carter’s Depot—All quiet here to day I spent last night & this fore noon over on Buffalo. Of course I enjoyed myself & came away very reluctantly to wear away time here. The Yankees that were repulsed here last week have gone towards Knoxville—as far as Strawby Plains—my home—I hope ere long they may be driven entirely out of Tenn. I let Col Robt Love (of Carter Co) have my horse to work on the 29th of April.

 

May 6  Carters—I to day have gotten permission to visit my mother & sister at Emory Va for three day to spend my 27th birthday—which will be to-morrow. I go to Bristol this Evening. Came to B. this evening—supper at Uncle Kings. Vaughn’s Cavalry at Bristol. Uncle King and Aunt “Mourning Micajah” are always Kind to me. Dear good old people.

 

May 7  Emory, Va—This is my 27th birthday I came here at 3 this morning. Sister & mother all well & made me welcome by a good turkey dinner, many good wishes. Mrs. Buchannan & Miss Mag Wiley spent the day Sister Mary & I took tea at Dr. Wiley’s. Pleasant family I should be very thankful for being thus allowed to spend another birthday at home—or with my home folks & friends, how much has transpired since my last birthday, much has this 12 mos. changed the aspect of affairs. East tenn invaded—run over, occupied, laid waste & deserted by both armies. My once happy & comfortable home is totally ruined, but I cheerfully loose all for my country. I am not yet ready to cry “hold enough” I say never submit. I am willing & determined to fight on as long as we have an organized army & then bushwhack if necessary.

 

May 8  My command came here from Glade Springs this Evening. Yesterday I Yearned that the command rec’d orders to leave Carter’s the morning after I left. I walked from Emory up to Glade Springs & there joined the “Legion” this afternoon. The 45th Va & [John H.] Morgan’s dismounted men left for Dublin Depot immediately upon our arrival here to repel a Yankee raid upon that place. We were ordered there but orders countermanded. I wish we had gone.

 

May 12  Saltville, Va—We’ve been prepared to give the Yankees a warm reception should they come here, but they will not come here. Late news from Dublin indicated a Yankee raid of strong force upon that place. I called at Col Hu. L. M. McClung’s this evening. Kindly rec’d.

 

May 13  Yankees overpowered our troops at Dublin—burnt depot’s new river bridge, central Depot, etc. Morgan after them. I spent last night at Mr. Palmer’s with Bro. F.A. Butler, clever family. Met with Mrs. Gen Morgan—pleasant lady, think the general is same.

 

May 15  Saltville, Virginia—Sabbath. Remained in camp reading & thinking. Glorious news from [Generals Robert E.] Lee, [Joseph E.] Johnston & [Sterling]  “daddy” Price. Our prospects are greatly in the ascendent thanks to a Kind Providence, efficient officers & brave troops.

 

May 22  Saltville, Va—Sabbath. All quiet, no war or rumor of war within striking distance of this place. The blood of strife around Richmond is still in progress. Our arms are still triumphant. Still supported by a merciful God. This quiet Sabbath finds me well. I attended preaching to day at Saltville. Dr. E E. Wiley was expected, but Prof [Edmund] Langley came in his place. Rev Mr Cameron of Gen Morgans command preached this afternoon—an Episcoplian. I dined at Mr Palmer, clever people. The Late Maj Gen Stuart’s mother resides here with her son.

 

May23  Saltville, Va. Fifer [Charles] Burriss of Co. “E” died last night of camp colic & was burned with military honors to day. funeral service by the Rev Mr. Cameron of Morgans command. Miss Bell Pierce, a niece of Maj Gen Stuart, sent a wreath of flowers to go upon this soldiers coffin.

 

May 30  Left Saltville at 5 PM & arrived at New River bridge at 9 am this am.

 

May31  Arrived at Central Depot at dark. Bridge burnt—cooked 2 days rations for trip to [Shenandoah] Valley of Va. !!

 

June 1  Bound for the Valley of Va.—good. Passed through Lynchburg this evening on way to Staunton.

 

June 2  Passed through Charlottsville to day. Called on friend Hughs of the Chronicle [Charlottesville Chronicle] arrived at Staunton & marched 6 miles down the valley towards Harrisonburg Va.

 

June 3  Moved at daylight & came 10 or 12 miles to Mt. Crawford. We were brigaded to day with 45th & two Batts of Va troops, Col [William H. Browne] Brown Com’g Brigade.

 

June 4  Marched out to meet the Yankees under Hunter. They came not but took the New Hope road. Marched back four miles & camped near Mt. Sidney.

 

June 5  Battle of New Hope. Gen W.E. Jones commanded our army & placed us before the Enemy who attacked us vigorously at 9am. We repulsed every assault gloriously till 3 P.M. when our right wing held by the 60th Va Regt. gave way & threw the line into confusion—giving the field to the Enemy. My men did well. Our loss will reach 100 Killed—250 wounded & 955 prisoners. Enemy’s loss very great in Killed & wounded. We lost no wagons or artillery. Loss in my Regt.—15 Killed, 24 wounded & 21 missing.

 

June 6  Camped at Fishersville last night & arrived through Waynesboro to Rock Fish Gap (Tunnel) here we are likely to stay for several days & rest our weary limbs. Camped 2 [miles] east of W. near the foot the Mountain.  [4]

 

 

J. W. McElroy to Zebulon Vance, April 12, 1864 -

It seems to me that there is a determination of the people of the country generally to do no more service to the cause.  Swarms of men liable to conscription are gone to the tories or to the Yankees . . . while many others are fleeing east of the Blue Ridge for refuge. . . . If something is not done immediately for this country, we will all be ruined, for the home guards now will not do to depend on.  [5]

 

 

 

Bean Town, Tenn

June 24, 1864

Brother Andrew, Dear Sir

I write you this morning to let you know I am well. We left the Gap 17th inst. had to destroy all our camp equipment, save a few cook vessels. I had to destroy my tank and most of my clothing. The Yanks are advancing in considerate force, so we are informed. I think we will make a stand here. We left the Gap from the fact that the Yanks would not fight us there. From a soldier who the Yanks had as prisoner that made his escape we learned the enemy have but little too, almost starving. As the Yankees advance they destroy and confiscate all the property of Southern citizens, Negros, horses, mules, cattle, grain and in fact everything, even the household furniture these facts I know to be so. The intentions of the North can no longer be doubted. You may have some idea of the destruction of war, but you know but little to that experienced in this section. I hope we will be able to drive them back ruling the most of them. If they ever get into North Carolina you may expect trouble and so may every citizen. Our own army is destructive, but not so much as the Lincoln Army.

Write soon - Yours in haste.

W.B. Ferguson

 

P.S. J. S. Price of our company died at Morristown the other day, so we hear. [6]

 

 

 

August 31st, 1864

Dear Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters.

Yesterday I received sister Rachel’s kind letter of the 23rd which contained the saddest news that ever was my lot to receive. I write these lines to let you know that I am enjoying good health, but almost heart broken, once I had a kind loved cousin and a dear and affectionate brother with me but “alas” Ebed is gone, Nathan is gone, never will I have them give me advice again. Now no more shall I have their much loved company, for the narrow graves contains these forms so dear. I feel alone, but I trust that I have been left alone that they might join each other in a better land. I am very glad that Nathan got home to see all again, and there with Father and Mother and sisters and more especially his loved little daughter near to die. He wanted to see you all and to die at home. Many soldiers are deprived of that privilege - Dear parents, I can hardly give up dear brother Nathan but we must be resigned to the will of the almighty.

The health of the company is tolerable good. The military officers are pretty much unchanged. I believe our troops have the Weldon Road again. Ben F. Edmonson died, night before last. There has been no casualties in our company since the 24th, 1864 on that day Alson Gordon had his leg shot off. Rachel wrote that she thought that ought to have a furlough, had ought but you all want to see me at home, your anxiety for me to visit home is no greater than mine is to go but I see no chance to get off until this siege is over. Then I intend trying for a furlough. Zeke is trying to get off on a furlough if he does he will take Weldon and Nathan’s and Ebed’s things home.

Mother if you have a good chance a pair of socks will be very acceptable. Father since I have elected as Lieutenant I have been necessarily compelled to go into debt some. How are you off for money and how are money matters in Haywood? I many have to ask you to send me some, until I get to drawing Lieutenants pay. Maybe Zeke can bring me a small lot of provisions if so it would be treat for me. This is a hard time to play the soldier, especially at places.

Sept. 1st. I have persuaded Zeke to go by Weldon and carry Nathan’s and Ebed’s things to them. Home to you and Aunt Polly F.  I have nothing to write. I said I thought our forces had Weldon R.R. but it was a mistake.

News from the Chicago convention is that some hopes for the peace party-having a respectable number in that body. I guess that McClellan will be nominated, if so he will be elected. I hope peace will soon be made and that on terms just and honorable to the South.

I understand that prisoners will be exchanged. If so I will take Bob and Andy back as ours. Grandpa I often think of you, and am very anxious to see you. I hope that I may live so as not to bring disgrace on the head of parents and grandparents. Give Elenor and children and Annie and children my best love and tender them the heartfelt sympathy of a brother. My love and deepest sympathy are with you all. I am as ever your affectionate Son.

Garland [7]

 

 

 

Zebulon Vance to David L. Swain, September 22, 1864 -

I have never before been so gloomy about the condition of affairs.  Early’s defeat in the Valley I regard as the Turning point of the campaign & confidentially, I fear seals the fate of Richmond though not immediately.  It will require our utmost exertions to retain our footing in Va. until 1865 comes in.  McLellans defeat is placed among the facts & abolitionism is rampant for four years more.  The army in Georgia is getting demoralized. [8]

 

 

 

Kinston N C

November the 2 1864

My Deir Wife and children I seate my self this morning with a troub beld harte and a de strest mind to try to rite a few lines to let you no that I hierd my sentens red yesterday and hit was very Bad. I am very sory to let you no all read dy I hafte to bee shot the 9 of this month. I am sory to in form you that I hav but 7 dayes to live but I hope and trust in god when tha hav slane my body that god will take my sole to este whier I will meete my little babe that is gon be fore. My dier wife I think I could die better sadesfide if I could see you and the children one more time on erth and talk with you but my time is so short I donte exspect to ever see you and my dier little children eny more on erth.

I can in form you that I receved 2 letters from yo yesterday witch I red with plesur witch you giv me some sadesfaction to heir that you was all well and doing well. I receved the close that you sent to me by It smith. I exspect tha will be my bearying close. I receved a canteen of brandy also but am in too mutch troub ble to drink. My dier wife I wante you to come to see mee if you can git abner brooks to come with you if can my dayes may be per longed. My dier wife if I see you no more on erth donte grieve for mee nether lamente nor morne mee. I hope I shal with my Jesus bee whle you ar left a lone. I pray that god will be with you and helpe you rase your children up in the noledge of the truth and the lorde and savior Jesus christe.

A woird to my children witch is nir my harte in nature seem to bind. James I wonte you to bee a good boy and obey your mother and keepe out of Bad company. You must bee a smarte boys and obey your mother. Also sissy you muste bee a smarte little girl and bee good to the babey and call to Jobey. I hope that god will bee with you all so far well children you cante see your papy no more on erth.

My dier wife thes times has ben sweet. I have spent with you but now I muste depart from you and never more return but let this not griv your harte. I pray that the lorde will bee with you and helpe you out in all your troubles and trile hier bee low. So far well dier wife.

J. R. Redmond condem to Die [9]

 

 

 

Rufus Lenoir to Walter Lenoir, November 7, 1864 -

The robbers & bushwhackers in Wilkes and Caldwell are becoming more insolent & aggressive.  We never go to bed without thinking they may come before morning.  I fear western N. Carolina will be ruled by Bushwhackers, Tories, and Yankees. [10]

 

 

 

William W. Stringfield’s Diary

Oct. 1  Near Greeneville Augusta Co Va—Glorious thought—I am “on my journey home”—Capt Reese—[Adam A. Himes] Hines & myself left the “Army of the Valley” this morning bound for Asheville N.C. I leave this army with many regrets, having formed many pleasant acquaintances. Col Smith my brigade commander & Gen Wharton my div commander were very Kind & flattering in their farewells. Gave Gen. Wharton a pocket inkstand.

 

Oct. 2  Near Lexington Va—Travelled slowly yesterday & to day & are at the house of Dr. Leybune—nice people

 

Oct. 3  Near Buchannan  Va—Rained all day—passed (reviewed) the Natural Bridge. Most magnificent sight indeed.

 

Oct. 4  Near Salem Va—Stopped at the house of Mr. McCorkle—a clever man, living 4 miles north of Salem.

 

Oct. 5  Lynchburg—Arrived here & found baggage safe.

 

Oct. 6  Lynchburg—Remained over here to day. Saw Mary Lizzie Jackson of Knoxville. Sent my trunk around to NC. [via]—Wal-hala [Walhalla, South Carolina]—by Win. Sherrell & Jason Conley

 

Oct. 8  Emory Va—”Home again”—came last night & found all well and glad to see me. I visited the Hospital to day. The noted Champ Ferguson entered the Hospital & killed Yank Lieut. [Elza C. Smith] who he says had Killed his brother & a Col Harrison [Hamilton] of ours.

 

Oct. 9  Emory Va—Attended preaching this morning (by) Chaplain Cameron of Morgan’s command—Dined & supped at Sister Sallies —Bro Frank over from Saltville. The Saltville fight was a complete victory. Reserves will fight.

 

Oct. 10  Buffalo Creek, Carter Co.—Came down from Bristol this morning— visited my friends in Elizabethton & came here to Mr. Taylor’s after dark and found all well & glad to find me alive.

 

Oct. 13  Emory Va—I came up from Bristol this morning—yesterday morning I left Carters walked to the Depot & thence most of the way to Bristol to day I am very sore from this walk. I will remain here till Monday morning.

 

Oct. 17  Emory Va—Still at home. heard Mr. Kinn preach; have been quite unwell several days—

 

Oct. 19  Grayson Co. Va—I came here last evening to Wytheville. Resting till morning. Kindly treated by Archibald Young & Lady.

 

Oct. 20  Near Morganton—This busy Sabbath we stopped over at Mr. Waltons Yesterday we passed through Lenior . . . .

 

Oct. 21  Murphey’s on Asheville Road—Stopped at Mr. Murpheys the fatherinlaw of Gen A.E. Jackson daughter—Mrs. Murphey—clever old people.

 

Oct. 25  Alexanders—Stopping 12 miles from Asheville. Getting along pretty well, horses very much jaded and side backed.

 

Oct. 26  Asheville—Arrived here by 11 am to day & rain stopping at Robt Wilkersons. Will stay here till day after tomorrow. I find several Tenn refugees living here.

 

Oct. 28  Came out 10 miles from town to Luthers—

 

Oct. 29  Waynesville N.C.—Arrived here this afternoon. Stopping at Mr. Welch’s—I have hired black boy Nelse till Lucius Welch comes home. I met with some of my Kindred living in Heywood Co—daughter of Thos Edwards. They are cousins of Fathers & Said to be clever people—This is also the home of Love family—Miss M M. (Puss) Love.

 

Oct.30  Webster, Jackson Co. N.C.—Stopping at Mr. Jno B. Love’s—father of Lt Col Love—clever folks. Saw Ganium McBee and W.P.C. Hodges of my own neighborhood. Also the wife of Capt Wm Love who was the Grand daut-of old Capt Hodge.—4 miles above S. Plains.

 

Oct. 31  Quallatown N.C.—After a long and tiresome Journey of one month I arrived at this haven of rest—this long heard of place of security where Yankees never come and conscripts find shelter. I will now rest awhile before I undertake to straighten out this end of the Legion.

 

Nov. 1  Capt Jas W. Terrell lives near here—so also Col W.H. Thomas—I find matters in rather crude state here—but most all seem good men & glad I am to assume command. Col Thomas, in his excess of Kindness, goes too far—but he is a true Southerner which I formerly doubted. Troops are scattered along the Smoky Mts & Tenn line—to & beyond Murphy in Cherokee Co. I will have to study geography a while & men afterwards— All the people here—except a few are poor & quite primative in their manners & habits—Mrs. Sarah J. Thomas is an exception to this—being a remarkably intelligent Lady. Col. Thomas is absent at Greensboro N.C. & Richmond Va attending a Court Martial of himself. As he is a very shifty & polite man he is likely to come out OK in the end. I find it best to make the Head Quarters at a more central point—so I shall remove to Franklin—Macon Co—but will myself be much in the saddle. At Franklin I have met old Mr. Jessee Suer & wife who are splendid old people & Methodists—good friends of my dear fathers. At Murphy I find some old friends of my fathers also—Pleasant Henry & old Gen Brittain—the latter a cousin of my father.

 

Nov. 13  I Rec’d a letter from Col Thomas at Richmond. It seems the Military Court of inquiry concluding Col Thomas has dealt quite severely with him— finding hum guilty of all the charges, etc. The charges were l- “Insubordination” 2- Disobedience of orders 3-Conduct Subsequence to good order and military Discipline 4-Incompetency 5-etc. etc. He was found guilty, but upon his appeal to Pres Davis the whole matter was reversed & he fully exhonerated. [11]

        

 

W. W. Stringfield -

Sixty-ninth Regiment

 

Colonel J. R. Love after recruiting up a week or so arrived at Asheville and made a trip into Yancey county, heading off the notorious Kirk. About the same time the writer went with 300 men up into Greene and Washington counties, Tennessee, heading off Kirk also, below the "Red Banks of Chuckey," nearly opposite, and about ten miles south of Jonesboro, Tenn., about where the town of Unicoi is now located. This was about 1 January, 1865, and a snow fall of eighteen inches on the mountains and near the same in the Valley, made locomotion quite difficult. It also made the pursuit of war difficult and hazardous. This it will be remembered, was the enemy's country indeed. We were greeted with no cheers from the brave or smiles from the fair. Meeting with neither disaster or success, I felt it my duty to retrace my snow-trodden pathway to Paint Rock and thence soon on to Waynesville, Webster, Quallatown, near Cherokee, in Swain county, on down Tuckaseegee, passing the present site of Bryson City at Bear's Ford, thence to the Tennessee river at the mouth of Tuckaseegee and mouth of Nantahala, up the same crossing the Cowee Mountains and finally the Nantahala Mountains at Red Marble Gap and down the Valley river to Murphy. I left behind me all the troops under Colonel Love, who went into winter quarters at Locust Old Field (Canton, N. C.) This was my task the balance of the war, a lonely, perilous and desolate one, often travelling twenty, thirty to fifty miles absolutely alone. This was then almost a pathless wilderness. Now the pathway of the Western North Carolina Railroad, it was then a wild section, sparsely settled, especially along the route named.

Fortunately for our country, the Cherokee Indians inhabited the wildest section and were loyal to us to the last. These big mountains extended from the great Smoky range and the Tennessee line back to the South Carolina and Georgia line on the Blue Ridge. The Nantahala, Cowee, Balsam and Newfound or Pisgah ranges connected these two great ranges, and cut the water courses asunder. This route along the railroad, beautiful and grand now to behold from car windows and rear platforms where "distance indeed lends enchantment to the view" in the hours of peace, was then my rough "field of operations" by day and night.

In January, 1865, while I was in Cherokee county, several hundred Indiana cavalry came up the Tennessee river and captured a small party of my men at the mouth of Deep creek, now Bryson City. This was a surprise but was of little value to them, costing them much more than gained. Ghormley and Everett's Cavalry, of the Eightieth North Carolina (Walker's) Regiment, followed and harrassed  them greatly. Clay, Cherokee and Graham counties were protected by that regiment mostly. Those counties were much infested by the Union element, some very good men among them. There were some very indiscreet and very unwise men and soldiers on our side in this section. Much bad feeling existed. This was a sort of half-way ground between Tennessee and South Carolina and Georgia. Negroes, horses and other property were stolen in Tennessee, carried to Georgia and South Carolina and sold. My soldiers from the Valley of Virginia did not like this and I had plenty of help to put it down. I gave protection to such as deserved it and ordered the others to leave the State. Several bands of "scouts" caused much of this trouble. I ordered these to their commands, took horses, cattle and other property from them, several times at muzzles of their pistols.

Early in March, 1865, Colonel G. W. Kirk invaded Haywood county via Cataloochee. He had about 400 cavalry and 200 infantry. It had been reported in Tennessee that Federal troops would be welcomed in North Carolina. They were, but "with bloody hands to hospitable graves." Several good citizens, however, were killed and numerous horses stolen. Colonel Love met and fought them in Haywood county and Lieutenant Conley fought and drove them across the Balsam Mountains at Soco Gap.

On the morning of 6 March, 1865 the troops located in Jackson county and Swain, met and fought them on Soco creek, thence driving them across Smoky Mountains towards Sevierville, Tenn., the writer travelling all of two nights and one day to get there. This fight, insignificant within itself, was an era with the Indians and was only noticeable from its locality. It was fought upon a historic spot. At or over an old town house there the celebrated creek chief, "Tecumseh," held a council of war with the old Cherokee Chief Yonah-guskee, about the year 1812, when Tecumseh tried in vain to get the Cherokee to join in this great Indian war, but this "Old Father of the Cherokees" flatly refused. And now on the same spot both white and Indian descendants of the noble sires that fought side by side under Jackson, bravely fought the invaders of their soil, and but for the want of ammunition would have badly worsted, if not destroyed Kirk's entire force. It is but fair to say that some of Kirk’s men and officers refused to obey many of his beastly orders. This raid had a good effect upon the people, drawing them more closely together and intensified Southern sentiment. The Indians themselves were always friendly to the whites and loyal to their neighbors, which fact had a potent influence ever after in keeping out army raids. Soon after this the enemy everywhere became more active and aggressive. The end was now rapidly approaching, as slow as our people were to believe it.

On 10 March, 1865, General J. G. Martin reported 1,745 present for duty, of which the fragments of the Sixty-second, Sixty-fourth and Sixty-ninth North Carolina reported 488.

Colonel Bartlett, of New York, came up the French Broad river to near Asheville, surprising and almost capturing that place. But for the prompt and vigorous steps taken by Colonel G. Westly Clayton, of the Sixty-second North Carolina, the place would have been taken. This was shortly prior to its final capture. Colonel J. R. Love, of the Sixty-ninth, was ordered to hold the gap at Swannanoa tunnel against the enemy approaching from Salisbury. He met them and drove them back to Mill Creek, McDowell county, 17 April, 1865.

About this time rumors of the surrender of General Lee were current, although the people discredited them. Colonel Love returned with his forces to Asheville and there with General Martin went on to Waynesville and Balsam Gap. About 25 April, General Martin sent written directions to the writer to go with a flag of truce to Knoxville, Tenn., to General Stoneman regarding terms of the surrender of this Department. On this very day a soldier of the Ninth North Carolina (First Cavalry) came to my headquarters at Franklin, Macon county, and said that General Lee had surrendered. I put him in jail till that evening or the next morning, when another soldier came in with a proper parole, showing sure enough that Lee had surrendered. The first soldier was, of course, released. The flag of truce went directly on to Knoxville, Tenn., one hundred miles through the mountains, but did not return. The bearers were all thrust into jail for refusing to take the oath after having been grossly insulted upon the streets, and our flag trampled under foot. Captain W. B. Reese, Captains Everett, M. H. Love, Thomas Butler, John Henderson and others, twenty-three in all, were in the party.

The day before out a few miles south of Maryville, we were all halted and inspected by a party of eighty-four Federals. After quite a parley I was ordered to surrender three of my men, Captains Love, Everett and Henderson, which, of course, I refused to do, whereupon we were severely threatened, but finally allowed to pass on. General Martin hearing nothing from us at Franklin, went towards Waynesville with Major Gordon, of his staff, and while spending the night at John B. Love's, near Webster, Colonel Love, his son, came in from the front and told of the fight with Federals that day, 9 May, above and around Waynesville, and that he and Colonel Thomas had demanded the surrender of Bartlett's forces, and that next day, 10 May, was fixed for a further consultation. This was the last gun fired during the war in this State.

During one of these parleys Colonel Thomas, who was usually very cool and discreet, became quite boisterous, especially when told that Bartlett's men were traversing the entire county and taking every horse and fat cow or ox. He demanded the surrender of Bartlett's forces and went into town with twenty or twenty-five of his biggest and best warriors all painted and feathered off in good old style. Colonel Love arrived about this time with his 250 men. Colonel Thomas and Lieutenant Conley had three hundred more whites and 200 more Indians, all the Indians making the welkin ring with their war whoop. Terms of surrender were suggested and soon agreed to. All the officers and men were paroled and all allowed to retain their arms, ammunition, etc. This concession was agreed to on account of the disturbed condition of the country. Kirk was told by Bartlett that he must control his men and by Love and Thomas that if he did not that they would.  [12]

 

 

 

Asheville North Carolina

April the 1st 1865

Miss E J Love

As to day is the first of April you know it is common for some one to play a prank on some young Girl or mother and I thought I would write you a note and let you known that their was some one a going to give you a April fool but you may look out for it for it is a coming as sertain as you ar 17 years old. I was a going to ask you one question but I believe that my heart will fail I think if I stay in this war much longer. I will get courreg a nuf to pass the question as they call it. I hav to take a Chaw o tobacco then I think I can do it. I believe my heart will fail yet if you will a gree and marry me. I would be the happyest man in the world although I am in this war and I never saw you but I recieved a discreptive list of you the other day and the discreptions suited me and I thought now was my time. I am a man about 30 years of age and that may brake it up. I am a good war man and I under stood that you was and I think that we will make a verry nice match for I would not have a Girl if she was not for her country. Well I will close hoping to hear from you soon. Adress H. P. E. Asheville, Co A, 2nd Battalion,

Yours,

APRIL FOOL [13]

        

 

 

Mary Taylor Brown –

Sunday night [April 23] and Monday morning was a trying time with us. God grant we may never live to endure the like again squads of armed ruffians were coming in and plundering and cursing all night long while I was the only one to encounter them in the house and Pa was the only one to contend with them at the stables, barns, corn crib and smoke house, where they robbed us of every thing but a little hay and few pieces of bacon. My soul stood trembling within me lest some demon would lay violent hands upon my person and I might be deprived the use of the firearm I had concealed to use in self defense. . . .  But, thank God my prayers were heard and I escaped untouched, tho’ a thousand curses were hurled into my face and I was called a thousand times “a damned lying rebel.” [14]

 

 

Mary Taylor Brown to John Evans Brown, June 20, 1865 -

All of Mrs. J. W. Patton’s servants left her and went with the Yankees, not a single one of all she had remained to do a thing in the house or kitchen.  They even took her beautiful carriage and, crowding into it, drove off in full possession. [15]