Timeline: May 1863 - Online Archive of Terry's Texas Rangers

Timeline: May 1863

Friday, May 1

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Spent this day with Jimmy."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Get into camp about noon, nothing doing. "

Saturday, May 2

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Went to Granville. I rode Jimmy’s gray horse and left my mule with his boy. Staid all night with Capt. Trousdale; had to paddle over the river in a canoe and swim our horses."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Drill of all the regiment who did not go on forage yesterday. {are now packing forage 40 miles on horseback} and this evening we are sent towards Liberty, Camp at Sligo, Caney fork River."
ORs - V23, pt2, p807: ors

Sunday, May 3

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I went on by Duke’s and to Squire Bennett's on Buffalo Creek. Took dinner and remained till near night. Then crossed the pike at Hogg’s Store and up to Billy West's and spent the night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Leave very early & reach within a mile of Liberty were in camp, afterwards fall back 2 miles. The 11th Texas pass us at noon, on their way to Lebanon. – Raining very hard the fore part of the night."
CSR - P. B. Bloodgood, Co. K: Reciept

Monday, May 4

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Came on to Abel Smith's and to Widow Ballou’s and took dinner. From there to Womac Parker’s on Dixon Creek, and staid all night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Make an early start and return back towards Sparta. Camp 1 mile S of Caney Fork River, 14 miles from Sparta to the River, 7 miles from the river to Smithville, 12 miles from Smithville to Liberty. Snows Hill is about 3 miles from Liberty on this road."
CSR - J. A. Collins, Co. K: Certificate of Disability & Discharge
ORs - V23, pt2, p813: ors

Tuesday, May 5

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Came to Gifford’s blacksmith shop. Albright had swapped horses, had two shoes put on, got dinner and came on to Joe Carter’s. A. had two more shoes put on, went on to Griggs and got supper. A. and Maze of Petticord’s Company came on. We came four miles to Joe Sullivan’s; left A. there. I and Maze went over to Jordan Carr’s. Yanks all through here yesterday."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Raining hard last night. We were fortunate enough though to get under shelter. left this morning about sun up & got into camp about noon. 5 companies have gone towards Chesnut mound. forage scarce."
Letter - G. Q. Turner, Co. C: -To his father from Sparta, TN.

Wednesday, May 6

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Left Carr’s and came up to John Mitchell's. Came out to Stinson's on to Giles Harris. From there to Scottsville and Gallatin. Crossed at Coatstown, went on to John Rippy’s, got supper and fed horses. Went on in rain to the Webb’s, Maze’s uncle, found the Yanks so close by that we turned and went back to the hills."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " In camp all day doing nothing. [ 1 bdl] oats to the horse is all the forage we ge."

Thursday, May 7

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "While at John's, Green Crews and John West came in. I went with them over to Mrs. Dinah Huffey. A. soon came, said Yanks were about. I staid all night. He went to John West’s. Miss Polly is a fast one."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " No move today."
ORs - V23, pt2, p821: ors

Friday, May 8

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I went to John Mitchell's to meet A.; was not there. I went on to John West; saw Miss Jane Wiley; came back to D’s; found A. there. I came back to John West, and on to Dots Belt’s; staid all night; on to Green Crews this morning."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Nothing new."

Saturday, May 9

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Start this evening, six of us, to Allen County, Ky. Went up in eight miles of Scottsville; stay all night or day in woods. To-night go by Ayres, Will Span’s and old man Span’s. At the latter place we got into hot water. Bushwhackers attacked us, killed my horse, stampeded all. I got separated from the rest, went one mile, got two horses, came on through to New Row Monday, 11th, and on across to Coatstown. Find Will at Mrs. Huffey’s, shot. Miss Sallie Key there on visit. I stay all night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " An election for Company officers to fill the vacancy of 3rd Lieut occasioned by the promotion of Capt Cook to Maj of Regiment & the promotion of Weston to Capt of company. I was elected without opposition. The Company officers now are Weston Capt Calder 1st Lieut Adams 2nd Macmurphy 3rd – Murray 1st Sergt McKethen 2nd Moore 3rd Jones 4th Arnold 5th – Corporals Robinson 1st Herbert 2nd O’Brien 3rd John 4th = The weather is extremely cold for this season of the year, and blankets at night are very comfortable, vegitation will not thrive unless the weather gets warmer – Paid off the Regiment to & including 30th April – wrote John – [rec’d] reply to his rec’d today."
ORs - V23, pt2, p827: ors

Sunday, May 10

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Moved camp 1/2 mile at the suggestion of Dr Gulick, the old one being in a wet, damp place. Took a bath in “Calf Killer River.” "
Enlistment - E. H. McDaniel, Co. H: Enlisted in Sparta, TN by Capt. Weston.
ORs - V23, Pt1, p330: ors

Monday, May 11

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Had my horse shod at blacksmith Shop by the Factory. Went to Sparta."

Tuesday, May 12

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I and Will Rogers went over to Green’s and Bass‘s; met by John M. Green getting in. Met Albright, went back to D’s and stay all night. S. K. there."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Am detailed on Court martial tried John Van Houten, & adjourned until tomorrow. no news."
Letter - I. D. Affleck, Co. B: To his parents from Sparta, TN.
Letter - B. F. Batchelor, Co. C: To his wife from Liberty, TN.

Wednesday, May 13

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "I met some of Morgan’s men; Harper with them. I joined them and went cross railroad at Mitchellville over to Wickwire’s, eight miles from railroad. Stopped at Mr. Simpson’s and got breakfast. Miss Sue Offutt, Miss Jimmy Wickwire there. After breakfast went to the woods and staid all day."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Court Martial in session at 8 a.m. tried E. Ryon – our Company and three others ordered to go after forage – forage is now hauled near 40 miles from towards the Cumberland River. After Court Martial, about noon, I start to overtake the Company & ride some 20 miles when We conclude it best to stop at [Hinre possibly House] for the night as there will be nothing for self nor horse in camp."
ORs - V23, pt2, p834: ors

Thursday, May 14

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "This evening we all went in and got supper then down to Mr. Wickwire’s and got supper and the supper is a mistake; danced until 12 o’clock. I and Miss Jimmy danced two sets. I enjoyed it finely, then bid them adieu and came out to Pete Laurence’s by daylight. Birch swapped horses on the way. Pete’s sister brought us provisions."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Overtook the command about 10 A.M. find no forage on this road. Go within 1/2 mile of Cookville & 1/2 mile of White Plains. This is a poor country indeed. return to the same camp we were at last night & have to make details and pack own horse back the forage for them tonight. Our horses are jaded having riden hard yesterday & today with but little for them to eat."
Letter - C. W. Love, Co.: To his parents from Sparta, White County, TN
CSR - T. J. Burrows, Co. K: Power of Attorney
Muster Roll - Co. A: Muster Roll (5/14/63) for Co. "A" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 62 names (National Archives)

Friday, May 15

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "To-night stopped to see two Lincolnites; got six shooter from one, single barrel from the other; stopped at Squire Henry‘s; got some cherry bounce; played off Yankee on him; got all the information we wanted and went on to Wickwire's; fed at Mr. Simpson’s; girls got up, chatted them awhile. I, Harper and Gibson then left the crowd, crossed the railroad and bought two horses and came on to Bracken’s and got breakfast. From there to Ashlock‘s and got dinner. Came cross the pike and I left them, went by Bass’s and on to Crews and staid all night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Go but a few miles today & camp on Martin’s Creek 3 miles from Granville. “It is on the Cumberland River” have to pack forage on horse back tonight as it is very Scarce & the detail sent out this morning were unable to get it. "
ORs - V23, pt2, p838: ors

Saturday, May 16

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Saturday, 16th-Sunday, 17th—Came to Mrs. Huffey’s, found Albright."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Have found forage enough to load the Wagons. Our Company goes towards Gainsboro 7 miles & presses 3 loads from a man that has but little. We left barely sufficient for his family. Camp 2-1/2 miles from Granville on Dry Creek."

Sunday, May 17

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Move to Martin’s Creek 1/2 mile from Granville. "

Monday, May 18

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Monday, 18th-Tuesday, 19th—Yesterday went to Tompson's Shop; not at home. This morning to Hughes; gone to Gallatin. Came by Jordan Carr‘s, got dinner and on to Moss’s. Found Jim Berryman there. Harper came soon. Went down to Sullivan’s, fed and I left. Went on to John Stewart’s, staid all night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Our Company goes for two days rations of Corn which I had to press it from an old man who had more than he needed."

Tuesday, May 19

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Our Company with Co G on forage at Holleman’s ferry. Load 9 Wagons with Corn. Move camp 4 miles [up] the creek to get pasturage for the horses."

Wednesday, May 20

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Down to Hughes, got my horse shod, came back, and nine of us started. Came up near Epperson Springs, found the Yanks were there and at Scottsville too strong for us. Got supper at Stinson’s, a regulartory. Lamb swapped horses with him. Then started for New Row. Came across to Bracken's, got breakfast, three of the boys had left us."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " No move until late this evening when I am ordered to take charge of ten men and guard the ferry at Granville. The duty is light."
News - Galveston Weekly News "Gen. Wharton": Announcement of J. A. Wharton as a Congressional Candidate.

Thursday, May 21

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "We came this evening out to where the other were; Yanks in New Row; so we could not go there. Came to Widow Hodge‘s. Five of boys went on; two slept in bushes; I and Jim Berryman slept in house."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Nothing transpiring to notice. The picket is relieved at nightfall when we returned to camp. return 800."

Friday, May 22

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Came cross the pike to Meadows, fed our horse. I, Jim and Lamb started back to Kentucky. We came cross pike to Mr. Hodges and got supper, then cross railroad and out through Mitchellville to Norris ten miles from railroad; staid all day and to-night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Go after forage to Holleman’s ferry. Co G & F are guarding that ferry and the corn that has been accumulated there."
ORs - V23, pt2, p848: ors
ORs - V23, pt2, p848: ors

Saturday, May 23

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Went down to Finche‘s and got a horse. Mr. Finch came out with us some distance. Came back to Norris; staid all night; nothing to eat."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Wagons arrived after corn, load them at Holleman’s Ferry , get rations for one day & bring to camp on horseback. Am on picket at Granville with 10 Men."

Sunday, May 24

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "To-night went down near Redman's; run into Yankee pickets, and started back. Came cross railroad and out to Sherwin‘s, got breakfast and on to Boss Meadows. From there to Hughe‘s Shop; got two shoes and nails made. Went down to Essick‘s and got supper and on top Mountain and staid all night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Relieved this morning and ordered to Regimental Camp 2 miles of Bunker Hill, 7 miles from Sparta, get to camp [after] dusk."

Monday, May 25

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Monday, 25th-Tuesday, 26th—This—–got my mare shod, went on, found A. at Henry Mitchell’s came back to Hardy Silver’s, found the boys and started back to the railroad to get some boots. Took supper with Mr. Hodge and on to Rodimore‘s; had not the boots; then came back cross pike. I went with Berryman to shop; Hughes not there. I left him, came on to Jack Stewart’s. I, Albright and Lamb started back for Granville this evening; came on to Griggs, got supper. From there to Staffords and staid all night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Company on picket 1 mile from Bunker Hill. nothing new."

Tuesday, May 26

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Were ordered at midnight last night to report to camp immediately, and this morning before day we start for McMinville, go so far as Rock Island ford and there learn the Enemy who were reported as advancing upon that place had made a retrograde move. rest several hours when we return several miles and hasten our horses as there is no forage."

Wednesday, May 27

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Met Thompson‘s and Staley‘s men."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Return to camp 3 miles of Bunker Hill, put our horses in pasture. Callis has just reached the Company. E. John left 1 pair blankets of mine at Mr Webb at the factory in Sparta."
News - Tri Weekly Telegraph: "For Capt. Cook's company Texas Rangers"

Thursday, May 28

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Came to Montgomery's. Lamb left us. We came on to Widow Ballou’s. Yanks close at hand. We staid in bushes to-night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Pasture horses in a clover field. no corn tonight."

Friday, May 29

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Went to Dixon Springs to-day to get a Yankee saddle; had to wait until the two Regiments of Yankee cavalry and train passed out. We then went in, I and Ward. I went up to Mr. Alexander’s; Miss Mollie knew me, Miss Nannie did not. I took supper and staid till 10 or 11 o’clock and left. Came back to Mrs. Ballou‘s."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " A little corn issued tonight. nothing new but reports are rife of fighting at Vicsburg. sent a letter to Charley. Col Farrill was arrested a few days ago for [Min-Kinness] & is to be Court Martialed at Tullahoma."

Saturday, May 30

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Came to Mr. Beasley's and staid all night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: "Company on picket under [LE or Lt] Adams. Nothing reliable from Vicksburg."
AWOL - W. A. Allbright, Co. D: Published as a deserter
AWOL - T. D. Barrington, Co. H: Published as a deserter
AWOL - G. J. Boothe, Co. I: Published as a deserter
AWOL - S. R. Bruce, Co. E: Published as a deserter
AWOL - J. L. Cox, Co. H: Published as a deserter
AWOL - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: Published as a deserter
AWOL - W. H. H. Forrester, Co. C: Published as a deserter
AWOL - T. B. Hill, Co. E: Published as a deserter
AWOL - W. M. Owens, Co. C: Published as a deserter
AWOL - J. H. Parramore, Co. I: Published as a deserter
AWOL - J. S. Pauland, Co. K: Published as a deserter
AWOL - J. C. Pool, Co. A: Published as a deserter
AWOL - T. J. Varden, Co. D: Published as a deserter
AWOL - J. G. Ward, Co. H: Published as a deserter
AWOL - J. W. Woods, Co. K: Published as a deserter

Sunday, May 31

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D: "Met up with Parker as Lieut. Brown. I got a horse for Mason Rector. Came on to Granville, found Company D there, and that we were published as deserters. Came out near Cookville to-night."
Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H: " Preaching by Rev McBuntine. Enemy crossed the River about Chesnut mound & fired into 4th Tenn."

Unidentified May Events

Enlistement - A. Frank, Co. B: Appearantly enlisted in May 1863
Enlistment - D. McPhail, Co. B: Enlisted near Sparta, TN in May 1863.
Promotion - D. H. Hoffman, Co. K: Promoted to 1st Lieutenant
Promotion - R. J. Calder, Co. H: Promoted to 1st Lieutenant
Promotion - W. D. Adams, Co. H: Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant
Promotion - E. M. Phelps, Co. G: Promoted to 2nd Lieutenant
Promotion - W. P. A. Murray, Co. H: Promoted to 1st Sergeant
Promotion - J. P. B. McKethan, Co. H: Promoted to 2nd Sergeant
Promotion - A. Moore, Co. H: Promoted to 3rd Sergeant
Promotion - F. M. Arnold, Co. H: Promoted to 5th Sergeant
Promotion - S. H. Jones, Co. H: Promoted to 4th Sergeant
Promotion - John Newbrand, Co. G: Promoted to 4th Sergeant
Promotion - M. S. Turner, Co. A: Promoted to 3rd Sergeant
Promotion - B. F. Denton, Co. A: Promoted to 1st Corporal
Promotion - J. T. B. Richards, Co. A: Promoted to 2nd Corporal
Promotion - L. Herbert, Co. H: Promoted to 2nd Corporal
Promotion - G. W. Laxton, Co. A: Promoted to 3rd Corporal
Promotion - J. M. Smith, Co. H: Promoted to 4th Corporal
Promotion - A. M. Gott, Co. A: Promoted to 4th Corporal
Promotion - E. D. John, Co. G: Promoted to 4th Corporal
Discharge - I. D. Affleck, Co. B: Discharged by substitution (c)
Discharge - T. K. Thompson, Co. B: Dischatged following illness.
Discharge - Page B. Bloodgood, Co. K: Discharged
Injured - J. A. Wharton, Brigade Commander: Injured knee and foot when horse ran near a tree, near Sparta, Tenn.
Exchanged - J. Miller, Co. I: Exchanged at City Point, VA
Exchanged - J.M. Lewis, Co. L: Exchanged at City Point, VA
Court Marshall - E. D. Ryon, Co.H: Court Martial following being AWOL
Released - R. D. Carpenter, Co. I: Released by Yankee's after investigating committee with dessertion notation.
Transfer - B. F. Bachelor, Co. C: Transfered to Wharton's Staff