Timeline: June 1863

Monday, June 1

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came to Mrs. Brown’s, took breakfast, got our clothing and came on to Camp. Camp moved this evening. Proceedings stopped until Kyle comes up. Our names sent with others to be published in Houston Telegraph. Came out to-night to pasture and turned in."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

" Nothing doing all the morning. Move camp down the Ky road about six miles on account of pasturage. Company relieved of picket duty. Capt Weston sent to Hospital for [detail], rec’d letter from John & Clancy."

Tuesday, June 2

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came in to Camp, find that my name has been sent on with others to be published as a deserter."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Nothing of consequence."

Letter - B. F. Batchelor, Co

To his wife from Liberty, TN.

Wednesday, June 3

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Ordered to remain in Camp."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Not a thing to notice."

Letter - G. Q. Turner, Co

To his sister from Granville, TN.

Letter - R. F. Bunting

To the editor of the Tri-Weekly Telegraph.

ORs: (CS) Report of Paul Anderson - 4th TN Cav

Report to General Wharton.

General Order - Wheeler's Cavalry Corps, General Orders No. 7

Emphasizes the importance of the cavalry as the "the eyes and ears of the General commanding"

Thursday, June 4

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Wm. Hamby got in from Austin, Texas; staid all night with me. We went out to a private house and spent the night."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Company is on forage, go through [Flin’s] Lick to Maj Botts ferry and camp for the night. The forage is 1-1/2 mile on other side of the river. Wagons did not come up at night."

Friday, June 5

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"William left me this morning. To-night I and Reuben went out to Mr. Mills and staid."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Cross Cumberland River and get two Wagon loads of forage. Get dinner at the same place. the old lady refused pay for it. Only risk one wagon at the time on north side of river."

ORs: (US) Abstract from “Record of Events,” Second Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division.

Record of encounter with Harrisons brigade.

Saturday, June 6

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Lieut. Black took all men able for duty and started to Sligo this morning. To-night the Company got in from G."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Load 5 or 6 Wagons with corn at Mrs Saddler’s the same place we were foraging at yesterday. all the detail eat at her house on her invitation. before the train is ready to return a courier is sent to us ordering all back in haste. It is reported the Enemy are between Liberty & Sligo & that they captured 200 of the 1st Reg on Snows Hill. News from Vicksburg is very encouraging indeed. Start to camp about 4 P.M. and reach it after traveling hard until long past midnight."

ORs: (CS) Dispatch from General Bragg

Orders for Wheeler to concentrate his whole force.

ORs: (CS) Report of Gen. J. A. Wharton

Wharton's response to Bragg's command to concentrate forces since Wheeler is away. Scouts report Federals concentrating at Murfreesboro.

ORs: (CS) Message from Gen. Bragg - June 6, 1863

Clarification for Wharton to move his command around to the front.

Sunday, June 7

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Started for left wing, went to Sparta, halted there hour or two; came on to Cany Fork and camped."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Leave at sun rise this morning, & make a halt of some two hours at Sparta when we continue on and camp on south side of Caney Fork at Rock Island Ford. reports that the enemy are advancing on Shelbyville."

Monday, June 8

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came to McMinnville this morn. Ordered Regiment to Hoover’s Gap to picket; wagons to Manchester. I went to the wagons to get a saddle, stopped with Dave Nunn, staid all Tuesday, 9th. Came to camp, rigged my tree and Wednesday, 10th, came to the command, camped near Beech Grove on pike."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Start the wagons very early & we follow in a short while after. Our company on rear guard. Get to McMinville about noon. Collins River runs between Sparta & McM, about 3 miles from the latter place. Camp about 6 miles from McM on the Jacksboro Road. We cross Collins River again about 5-1/2 miles from McM. Wagons taken another road."

Tuesday, June 9

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Saddled up and ready to start at a very early hour, move very slow as the artillery is in advance, reach “Beach Grove” M& Manchester pike about 4 P.M. & camp on road leading to Wartrace 1/2 mile from pike – Bassett & Ferris came up from Hospital – they have both recovered."

Wednesday, June 10

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Raining nearly all day. ordered to be ready at 7 a.m. tomorrow to go on picket."

News - Galveston Weekly News "Gen. John A. Wharton Candidacy for Congress"

J. A. Waller's Annoncement of J. A. Wharton as a candidate for congress.

Thursday, June 11

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came on picket."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Regiment relieves the 2nd Geo from picket this morning. Am officer of Guard, and have been all the morning until near 5 oclock P.M. Making the guard round, have to go again tonight and visit picket stands on the right of the pike, as the whole day was consumed on the left of the pike. I suppose it will take us nearly all night to get through. picketing just beyond [Hensens’] Gap."

CSR - H. Bouldin, Co. K

Reciept

Friday, June 12

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"On picket duty; camped at our old stand."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Did not get to camp until near one oclock this morning, & then turned in for the balance of the night with Maj Cook. Waked late this morning & have felt drowsy all day, joined the Company at the reserve stand, nothing to notice. Cox came in looking badly, poor fellow he has had a hard time of it, sick about four months."

Letter - C. W. Love, Co

To his parents from Rutherford County, TN.

Saturday, June 13

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Company go on picket."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Grazing my horse & together with washing has consumed nearly all the morning. The Enemy about 300 strong & 2 pieces of cannon made a dash at our reserve picket stand and then fell back. One man & one horse wounded – no other damage –"

Sunday, June 14

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"I and Capt. Hill go out after provisions, stop at Mr. Mankin’s, Prayters, Jacob’s, Mankin’s and return."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Relieved from picket by Co D and return to camp. Preaching this forenoon by Rev McBuntine. Raining very hard with but a poor prospect for a good nights rest."

ORs: (CS) Mesage from Gen. Bragg

Orders for Wheeler to develop the enemy's movements and ascertain facts about Murfreesboro.

Monday, June 15

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"I took dinner to-day with Mr. Guess. Relieved this evening. Five of us went on scout; got supper at Mr. Mankin’s. I left my valise at Mr. Guess’s. I forgot to note leaving undershirt and pair of drawers at Mr. Brown’s on Falling Water."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Made out tolerable well last night with the bad prospect we had in the early part of the night. Graze my horse all the forenoon, nothing else to do."

Letter - B. F. Batchelor, Co

To his wife from Beech Grove, TN.

CSR - J. F. Asher, Co. H

Reciept

CSR - J. F. Asher, Co. H

Reciept

Tuesday, June 16

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Regiment relieved and came into camp."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"The regiment is relieved of picket by 1st Ky, and we fall back on the pikeabout a mile to be near a pasture. it is very sultry and promises rain in a few days – all quiet."

Wednesday, June 17

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Drill morning and evening inspection. Received two letters, one from Cousin Jennie, one from Tom Maxwell."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Inspection this forenoon by [ ] Gen [Layne’s] and drill in the afternoon by Maj Cook. Brig Gen Wharton & Col Harrison were present."

CSR - H. Bouldin, Co. K

Reciept

News - Houston Tri-Weekly Telegraph

Lieutenant Saml. S. Ashe

Thursday, June 18

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Review of Brigade by Gen’l Hardee."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"It was understood yesterday that Maj Gen Hardee was to review Genl Wharton’s divn this morning. But he did not come. drill this forenoon, and Col Harrison took that occasion to lecture the officers of the Regt for Carelessness &tc &tc. My Horse is badly foundered this morning. bleed him in all his feet & then put him in water to his knee joints – Am on court martial to try Dodge & others who may be brought up. Court adjourned until tomorrow."

Letter - C. W. Love, Co

To his parents from Wartrace, Bedford County, TN.

Friday, June 19

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Regiment came to Fairfield and from there to Bell Buckle and camped. I went out to Mr. Suggs and got some bread baked and returned."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Court M has been adjourned until paper can be procured – Move at 9 A.M. and go through Belle Buckle camping 1 mile from there. My horse is very sore, so bad off that I am compelled to borrow Bob O’Brien’s mare to follow the regiment on. News from Va & Miss very encouraging. Regt Serenaded by band of Arkansas Regiment."

Saturday, June 20

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Remained in camp to-day. Three of the Arkansas Post boys came up from Wartrace and among the number was Doc. Norwood. Staid with us to-night."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"My horse is mending slowly. rode out several miles from camp this forenoon."

Sunday, June 21

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came over to Old Fosterville to picket."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Up and prepared to move very early this morning, pass through New Fosterville on the RR and camp at Old Fosterville on M&S Pike where we are to picket. relieved Morgan’s 51st Cone Regt – 6 miles from Belle Buckle. rec’d letter from John & Charley. rode my horse and he seems much better. Dress parade this evening."

Letter - R. E. Hill, Co

To his sister from Headquarters Camp in Front.

Monday, June 22

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"All quiet."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Nothing to do. C. Martial ordered to meet but adjourned again for want of books."

Tuesday, June 23

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Tuesday, 23rd-Wednesday, 24th—Company on picket. I came back to attend a court martial; staid all night in Camp."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"CourtM meet pursuant to adjournment & tried one case, & heard evidence on another, good report from Vicksburg, reported the enemy have forced the pickets on N&S pike back some miles."

Wednesday, June 24

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"The Court M had just found a verdict in the case continued from Yesterday when a courier came in from Picket stand & reported the enemy advancing with that it was determined to adjourn for an indefinite period. raining very hard. go to picket stand in the evening and learn they had been skirmishing all day with no advantage on either side, heavy firing has been [heard all ] day on our right & left & occasionally a Cannon would join in with its terrible voice of thunder. learn this evening that Col Crews on N&S Pike and also Paul Anderson at New Fosterville were compelled to fall back some 3 or 4 miles, and on Manchester Pike that the 1st Ky suffered severely in the loss on men with all the regimental wagons. Our Infantry were engaged near Liberty Gap, near Bell Buckle and in Hoover’s Gap. at the last named place the fighting is represented as being terrific – go into camp a little after dark about 11 miles from Shelbyville having fallen back to that point so as to be on a line with pickets on other roads. Our blankets are hardly laid down before we are ordered to saddle up “We thought to change camps” go 1/2 mile towards Shelbyville when we take a road leading towards the east, travel it all night long and just after day find ourselves in Belle Buckle. The road traveled was very rough, it was raining in torrents, and as dark as pitch and to add to other perplexities, the horse I have is but lately recovered from founder, [sore] footed and much given to stumble & falling down, I was in constant apprehension of being badly bruised or perhaps have a bone broken – got to Belle Buckle with no mishap."

ORs: (CS) Message from W. W. Mackall

Report that Wharton has been ordered to take two regiments toward Manchester.

History - Terry's Texas Rangers By L.B. Giles

"Toward the last of June the Federal army, having received reinforcements, including heavy additions to its cavalry force, began another forward movement. The Rangers were dismounted to skirmish with the advance. During this action a heavy rainstorm came up; we thought this would suspend the affair, but when the rain ceased we found the Yankees had advanced their lines considerably. Regarding this as a violation of the rules of the game, we mounted and rode off."

History - Eighth Texas Cavalry Regiment, CSA By Paul R. Scott

"Having remained static for five months, Rosecrans launched an offensive in late June to seize all of Tennessee. By skillful maneuvering he managed to dislodge and to force Bragg to retreat without a pitched battle. There were, however, numerous cavalry skirmishes. Fighting began for the Rangers on the twenty-fourth when enemy cavalry attacked two companies picketing at Fosterville on the Murfreesboro-Shelbyville Pike. The pickets, reinforced by the balance of the regiment, held the enemy in check until 4:00 p.m. when successes in other areas allowed the Federals to flank Harrison's brigade.

For the next several days the Eighth Texas and other cavalry formations covered the withdrawal of Bragg's forces. After the fight of the twenty-fourth they fell back toward Bellbuckle travelling all night in the rain. During the succeeding days the Federals continued their advance probing weaknesses and seeking and gaining the Confederate flanks. The Rebel cavalry constantly marched and counter-marched, usually with little or no sleep and often in the rain, from one threatened area to another. The Southern horsemen engaged in numerous skirmishes in a futile attempt to check the enemy's progress. "

Thursday, June 25

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Rained all day. Yanks made a general attack on our pickets. I went out to the Company about 11 a. m.; fell back to Ransom’s; went over to Bell Buckle; traveled all night. Came on to Fairfield; staid a short time and came on back to Ransom’s and camped."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Were at Belle Buckle at day light but did not stop to even rest horses, get to Fairfield in an hour or such a matter afterwards, ordered to build fires and dry our clothes, as we are all as wet as drowned rats. I leave the command to get a nail drove in my horses shoe and as they leave in a short while afterwards, I did not overtake them until noon, [found] them 6 miles from Shelbyville on a pike that runs towards Wartrace, stop to rest horses & men & let horses feed awhile. Go through wagon camp and supposed we are to camp there for night, but no halt is ordered. Go to Brigade head quarters & stop for a while thinking that is the ground selected for our camp, but it was not, learn of fighting down the pike and the Column is headed in that direction, go to Guy’s Gap & camp – about 10 miles from Shelbyville = note. Cavalry fighting on the pike about a mile beyond the Gap – a brisk little fight at Liberty Gap, & generally fighting during [much] time of the day all along the line – raining incessantly."

ORs: (US) Statement of John Dozier

Spy's report on Confederate movements near Guy's Gap, including the 8th Texas Cavalrys departure for Chapel Hill on Tuesday.

Friday, June 26

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Friday, 26th-Saturday, 27th—Came to Bell Buckle this morning and from there to Wartrace, our infantry falling back to Tullahoma. Went a short distance beyond Wartrace; 11th Texas and 4th Georgia skirmished with them a little; a few wounded. We came to Duck River and camped."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Stand in line of battle all day near Fosterville, raining pretty much all the time, no enemy having made his appearance we return to camp, Are ordered about 9 P.M. to cook 3 days rations. it is supposed the enemy are flanking us on Manchester pike."

ORs: (US) Report of General Granger

Report of a demonstration by one regiment of Texas cavalry on the Shelbyville road.

News - Galveston Weekly News "Gen. John A. Wharton Candidacy Withdrawal"

Withdrawl of JA Wharton as a candidate.

Saturday, June 27

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Camp is broken up and we are off before daylight – go to Belle Buckle & form line of battle – infantry are moving towards Wartrace. Suppose our army is falling back to Tullahoma. My horse needing a shoe I go with detail for that purpose. leave Regt mile at Belle B – go through Shelbyville and find there is no use to try to have horse shod there. most everything had been moved and the retreat of the army must have been conducted amicably as there were no stores destroyed & very little indeed left to fall into the hands of the enemy. Go to Shop on S&Fayetteville Pike & there learn of another 3 miles distant, Lieut Friend sends 11 men with me to that one, but after going find there is no prospect to have our work done there, then go 5 miles on pike & get promise to do the work tomorrow, provided we burn coal. Agreed to, ordered by Capt F to join him immediately & start to comply with order when we are informed that he had left & gone towards Tullahoma, take road for that place 10 P.M. and in the fastest rain & the biggest drops I ever felt go but a few miles & find it impossible to proceed further on account of the jaded condition of our horses & from the soreness of their feet. Stop at a house for the night as it is far advanced."

ORs: (CS) Message from Gen. J. A. Wharton

Message to Wheeler on the disposition of Whartons forces.

ORs: (US) Dispatch from Gen. C. Goddard

Federal response to a threatened raid by Forrest & Wheeler.

Book Excerpt: "Eighth Texas, by God!"

From With Sabre and Scalpel. The Autobiography of a Soldier and Surgeon

Sunday, June 28

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came on to-day to Tullahoma; continues to rain night and day. I saw James Maxwell, Billy Dunson, Julius Lensing and Doc. Norwood."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Up at day. Go but a few miles before we succeed in finding a shop. Get all the Horses shod and then go to Lynchburg, where we find Lt Friend – camp there at a church."

CSR - Emory C. Barker, Co.

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ORs: (CS) Orders from Gen. Polk

Orders requesting for General Wharton to move his column back towards Rowesville.

Letter: Nancy L. Groot

Mother of BF Batchelor writing to Julia Batchelor.

Monday, June 29

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"I was detailed to go to the shop; came on to town, found Stroud and came out five miles to shop. Still raining. We spend the night at the shop."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Busy until afternoon shoeing horses when we start for the regiment, pass through Tullahoma & camp 1/2 mile from there, as it is impossible to find them tonight. has been raining all Day. The Troops at Tullahoma are in good spirits & sanguine of success."

ORs: (US) Report of Gen. G. H. Thomas

Report on a captured dispatch from Wheeler to Harrison.

ORs: (US) Report of Lt. Col C. B. Lamborn, 15th PA Cav.

Report on an expedition towards Tullahoma that encountered Harrison's Brigade.

ORs: (CS) Message from W. W. Mackall

Message to Wheeler stressing the importance of accurate information.

ORs: (CS) Message from W. W. Mackall

Message to Wheeler stressing the importance of accurate information on enemy progress.

Letter - Sam Love

To his parents, mentions letter from CW Love.

History - Eighth Texas Cavalry Regiment, CSA By Paul R. Scott

"On the twenty-ninth, Harrison's brigade, consisting of the Eighth and Eleventh Texas, Fourth Tennessee, and White's battery, reached Tullahoma and assumed the responsibility of guarding the right."

Tuesday, June 30

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Our work finished and we return to Camp at Tullahoma. Regiment came in soon after. I got a letter from Miss S. A. Jourdan. I went over to the Texas Brigade, saw Doc. Norwood, George Holman, George Jourdan, Frank Wilkes and Billy Dunson. Came back and our Regiment moved out on the right and camped. I went on a scout with Black to Hillsboro; went within one mile and came back; no Yanks there. Traveled all day or I should have said all night. Got back and found the Army on the retreat."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Get with the regiment early this morning and being in front are in line of battle nearly all day. go to wagon camp & get 3 days rations, then to the right wing. camp in Manchester & Decker [Allisonia] road. Saw Mitch as I passed through Tullahoma am Actg Adjt. "

Muster Roll - Co. G

Muster Roll (6/30/63) for Co. "G" 8 Regt Texas Cavalry, 98 names (National Archives)

Unidentified June1863 Events

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