Letters From Veterans: J. T. Cartwright

Confederate Veteran
Volume 3, Number 2, Page. 50
February 1895.

J. T. Cartwright, Delton, Texas: Can any of the VETERAN'S readers further me information concerning the old Tenth Tennessee Regiment? It was composed almost entirely of Irishmen. Its first Colonel was a German named Hisman. I was with them at Forts Henry and Donelson. I was at that time a member of the Fourth Mississippi Regiment. The Tenth had a company called the "Peckerwoods." A finer band of soldiers never shouldered muskets. If there is one on this side the Great River I would like to communicate with him.

The Tenth was one of the best known Regiments in the Confederate army. In all the wars of history there was, perhaps, no braver command. Col. Hisman was succeeded by Randall McGavock, of Nashville, who was killed in the very unequal battle of Raymond, Miss. The next officer in rank, Col. Sam Thompson, is living, and his post office is Pride Station, Ala. Lieut. P. M. Griffin, living in Nashville, surrendered by the body of Col. McGavock, in order to secure a suitable burial. He is doubtless as familiar with the whereabouts of the little remnant left - nearly all were killed - as any surviving member of the "Bloody Truth." - ED.