Timeline: July 1863

Wednesday, July 1

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Army in full retreat. Came on to Alisony bout 11 o’clock. While on the move from that point my mare fell and broke her left foreleg just below the knee. John Henry was left with me. We came on short distance and went to sleep. I left my mare where the accident happened."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"In line of battle this morning & at noon the enemy make their appearance, skirmishing & Some Cannon firing – move our regt to protect road that Genl Polk’s army passed over, get to Allisonia after night & then have to go on picket at Hinton’s Mill ferry 2-1/2 miles from Winchester – A is on Elk River."

Reenlisted - George Quincy Turner, Co. C

Reenlisted at Rome, GA by Capt. Shannon.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

(8:00 am) Reports 3 regiments of cavalry and 4 of infantry have driven in his outposts and are fighting his advanced line near University.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

Reports that the enemy is engaging him very warmly near University.

ORs - (US) Message from Gen. Garfield

(10:35 am) Report on the location of Confederate Cavalry forces.

ORs - (US) Report of J. M. Brannon

(12:45 pm) Mentions Wharton's Cavalry leaving Tullahoma.

ORs - (US) Message from Gen. Rosecrans

(7:00 pm) Reports that they are occupying Tulhoma and the Confederates are in full retreat.

ORs - (US) Message from Gen. Garfield

(7:00 pm) Report that are in disordrly retreat towards Winchester.

ORs: (CS) Message from Gen. Polk

Message regarding river bridges and fords.

CSRs - JW Brown

Reciept

News - Galveston Weekly News "John A. Wharton Not a Candidate"

Letter from Warton's mother withdrawing his name as a Congressional Candidate.

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

"Two days [July 1, 1863] later the Rebels abandoned the city when the Federals flanked that position. With the evacuation of Tullahoma, Harrison ordered Cook to take his regiment to protect the brigade's wagons and an infantry division in jeopardy of attack. The Rangers brought the train out safely. The cavalry also sought to delay Rosecrans' progress by burning bridges and felling trees across the road. They spent that night picketing near Allisonia. "

Thursday, July 2

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came on to Deckerd this morning. From there took wrong road and came up Cumberland Mountain to the University with Hardee's Corps. Found there that we had taken the wrong road. John [Henry] went down to the house to get some information and I lost him. I came down to the railroad and staid all night. Polk’s Corps crossing all night."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"The rear of Genl Cheathams div pass this morning. heavy cannonading heard on our right. We are ordered to join the brigade & then move out about a mile, part of the brigade is skirmishing with the enemy who have thrown some of their forces over the river on pontoons. camp 4 miles from Allisonia & after putting out pickets are ordered to call them in and move 2 miles further."

Wounded - Robert H. Rugeley, Co. B

Wounded slightly in the foot near Elk River and Alisonia, TN.

ORs - (CS) Orders from Gen. Bragg

(1:30 am) Orders for Wheeler’s corps to prevent the enemy from crossing Elk River, destroy the roads from Winchester and Stevenson, defend the railway, cover the rear of the army, and harass the enemy’s right.

ORs - (CS) Report from Gen. Polk

(5:20 am) Reports that the railway and dirt bridges are both destroyed at Allisona.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

(3:40 pm) Reports enemy have crossed the river near Hatton’s Mill and Bethpage road.

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

"On July 2 Wharton reunited his division and attempted to thwart the enemy's advance by engaging him in battle. The Eighth and Eleventh Texas were to charge as the Yankees approached. The Federals did not accept the challenge, so there was no combat until evening when there was some skirmishing."

History - John A. Wharton: The Forgotten General, CSA by Paul R. Scott

"On July 2 Wharton did gather his division and offer battle. The Yankees refused to close.."

 

Friday, July 3

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"I waited until our wagons came up and put my luggage on them and rolled on. Came to foot of Mountain to-night."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Have to run our horses about 5 miles this morning to get to the Mts before the enemy cut us off. they are on our flank towards Winchester, Ascend the Mts at Cowan Station – and camp on the top of them 5 miles from the foot, Our Regiment on picket."

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

Report on the obstructing of roads.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

Response to orders stating the dificulty of holding until the following night.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

(7:30 pm) Mentions the need for axes.

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

"The next morning the Federals flanked the Confederates and forced them to run their horses for five miles to avoid being cut off from the mountain pass near Cowan Station."

History - John A. Wharton: The Forgotten General, CSA by Paul R. Scott

"[The Yankees] showed some first class tactical talent when they slipped around his flank and threatened to block the Confederate line of retreat. The Rebels had to run their horses five miles to escape."

Saturday, July 4

 

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came down to Battle Creek from head of Sweden’s Cove; portion of Polk’s Corps crossed pontoon at mouth of Battle Creek and cross the river. We came on to Bridgeport. Crossed this evening. Met Bob Ship here."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Co H & K on picket last night with D as a reserve. The enemy drove in Co K videttes, came in with them & the guns of the Co being wet (only 4 firing) they were compelled to fall back on D, who charged charged them the enemy & drove them back. H being cut off had to come in by a circuitous route, they made a charge & drove the enemy back also, brisk skirmishing then by all the regiment, we fall back in order to get past RR track as it was reported Infantry advancing that way, from in rear of brigade, and as our regiment passed by the enemy appeared. When 4th Tenn fired a volley into them, they retreated in confusion to foot of Mts, our loss 1 killed & several wounded. Their loss 1 Col. 1 Lt Col. 8 privates & several Wounded. Were it not that our guns were in wet condition they would have suffered much more. – In line of battle all that morning – then march into [Sweedens] cove where we camp."

Killed - Perry Grice, Co. E

Killed by a gunshot to the neck and immediately buried near Sewanee, TN.

Killed - Waller Perry Guinn, Co. E

Killed near Sewanee, TN

Wounded - Charles L. Alday, Co A.

Wounded in the right hand and captured near Sewanee, TN.

Wounded - William R. Black, Co. D

Wounded slightly in right arm at Sewanee, TN.

Wounded - John C. Callison, Co. E

Severly wounded in chest at Sewanee, TN.

Wounded - Michael Cassady, Co. E

Badly wounded in the right foot at Sewanee, TN.

Wounded - Louis A. Lampkin, Co. I

Wounded slightly in right shoulder near Sewanee, TN.

Captured - Terry W. Wilie, Co. C

Captured near Sewanee, TN and forwarded to Camp Chase, OH

Missing - Thomas Williams, Co. K

Missing near Sewanee, TN, possibly wounded, and supposed captured.

Horse Killed - W. T. Mahon, Co. E

Horse killed, very likely near Sewanee, TN.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

Message to Gen Polk, mentions two regiments left on picket at the top of the mountain on the Cowan Road.

ORs - (CS) Message from Gen. Polk

(7:00 am) Orders for Gen Wheeler with instructions to forward to Wharton who is to send a detail to the top of the mountain with axes to block roads.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

(9:20 am) Suggests that infantry block some of the roads and axes be left.

ORs - (CS) Orders for Gen. Wheeler

(2:30 pm) Request for reconaisance and instructions regarding a pontoon bridge left for his use.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

(4:00 pm) Reports he has retired one brigade and left one brigade on the mountain.

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

Mentions that three regiments from Col. Harrison's brigade have been engaged and have temporarily pushed back the enemy.

ORs - (CS) Dispatch from Gen. Wheeler

Message to General Polk stating that the enemy is engaging him very warmly at the railroad crossing near University, TN.

ORs - (US) Report of Col. L. D. Watkins, 6th KY Cavalry

Reports that the are heavily engaged but the enemy is retiring.

ORs - (US) Report of Col. L. D. Watkins, 6th KY Cavalry

Detailed report of engagement with the enemy, including casualty report.

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

"Their cavalry now showed unusual spirit and audacity, pressing us pretty close. On the 4th of July, at the site of the present University of the South, the Rangers had to charge and drive them back. The retreat was continued across the mountains and the Tennessee river to Chattanooga."

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

"For the Rangers the campaign came to a climax on the morning of the fourth when the Fifth and Sixth Regiments Kentucky Cavalry North, attacked them on Cumberland Mountain near the Southern Episcopal University (now University of the South) at Sewanee. The Federals first assaulted the three companies on picket, cutting off one and driving another back onto the third. The enemy charged to within a few feet of this line, but was driven back by a well directed volley. The Federals, pursued by the Texans, reached their reserves, causing the Rangers to retreat to their original positions. The Texans repulsed a second Union attack in hand-to-hand combat. These two companies then fell back to join the main body of the regiment which had now formed in line of battle. The Confederates then took the offensive. Two companies attacked the dismounted men on the left while three others charged the mounted force. Both assaults succeeded in forcing the enemy back. Although the Yankee Kentuckians had been bested, they began maneuvering against the left with dismounted troops while their mounted men threatened the front and right flank. Cook slowly withdrew his command under the protection of the Fourth Tennessee. Bunting reported at the time that they considered this to be their most brilliant battle. The units maneuvered well despite the broken terrain and the men fought coolly and effectively. Casualties on both sides were lighter than might be expected from the intensity of the action. The enemy lost three dead, thirteen wounded, and one missing as opposed to one Rebel dead, six wounded, and two missing. The remainder of the campaign was anti-climactic. The Federals followed the Confederate cavalry the rest of the day but did not force combat."

Sunday, July 5

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came up to the foot of the mountains and camped."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"March down battle Creek to the mouth go down the River to Bridgeport and cross on RR bridge. Se several of my old friends of 5th Geo Regt. preparations made to burn RR bridge & to abandon Bridgeport, The fortifications here are very strong & seem to be perfect. Camp few miles from River on road leading to Shell Mound – (H & K in advance) – Claiborne"

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. Wheeler

(2:00 am) Scout report on Federal Cavalry in line of battle with infantry and cannon firing nearby.

ORs - (CS) D ispatch from Gen. Polk

(5:00 pm) Message to General Mackall, mentions Wharton and pontoon bridge left for his and Wheeler's use.

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

"The Yankees did not appear the next day thus allowing the Southerners to cross over the Tennessee River unopposed into Georgia at Bridgeport."

Monday, July 6

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Start cross the mountains. Came up, I and Paul Watkins, to Nicka Jack, staid all night with Mrs. Porter."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Cross a small range of mountains into Wills Valley & camp 2-1/2 miles from Trenton. leave several Wagons on this Mt, as the road is very bad, raining hard all day."

Tuesday, July 7

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came cross the mountain through Hamburg, got dinner there at Mrs. Reeves and came on to Camp within one and a half miles of Trenton."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Claiborne assumes the duties of adjt and I go back to the Company, no move today, raining."

Letter - B. F. Batchelor, Co. C

-To his wife from near Trenton, GA.

Letter - R. F. Bunting, Chaplain

To the editor of the Houston Tri-Weekly Telegraph from near Trenton, GA.

Letter - G. Q. Turner, Co. C

To his father from Trenton, GA.

Letter - J. W. Rabb, Co. F

To his brother from near Trenton, GA.

Died - A. M. Knowles, Co. G

Died at Shelbyville, TN as a result of wounds suffered near Fosterville, TN on June 24, 1863.

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

"Upon entering Georgia, the Rangers established camp near Trenton on the seventh where they remained until the twelfth."

Wednesday, July 8

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Remain in camp."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Inspection this morning, wrote clancy & sent the letter to Little Sis – raining – rec’d letter from clancy. no forage"

Died - Alvarado M. Knowles, Co. G

Died at Shelbyville, TN from a gunshot wound to the thigh near Fosterville, TN on June 24, 1863.

News - Galveston Weekly News "Letter from a Ranger"

Letter from William Thornton from Camp near Fairfield, TN.

Thursday, July 9

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Thursday, 9th-Saturday, 11th—All quiet. Put on one month‘s roots for the Kentucky trip; read at dress parade yesterday evening; commenced this morning."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Nothing to do in camp all day. Bob Calder & Duff Adams Sick leave me in command of Co. No forage for horses. it has now the appearance of [fair] weather."

ORs - (US) Report of Lieut. Col. E. S. Watts, 2nd Kentucky Cavalry

Mentions a scout up the mountain on July 4th.

Friday, July 10

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Fall of Vicksburg confirmed, it is a blow to the S.C. but it should act as a stimulous to more active exertions on our part. no change in camp. No forage for horses."

CSR's - J. H. Alexander, Co. K

Reciept

Published as a Deserter - W. H. Everett, Co. A

Published as deserter.

Saturday, July 11

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"We are to leave in the morning for the vicinity of Rome. No change in camp. 3 handsful of corn tonight for horses."

Sunday, July 12

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Start this morning for Rome, Ga. Came on top Lookout Mountain; rained to-night."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

" Start early and cross the mountains, and camp about 2 miles from the foot of them, raining hard just as we get across. The most of the road traveled today is familiar to me. [Wrote] John & had the letter mailed in Trenton. Do not stop long in this camp but go some 8 miles further on account of forage."

ORs - (CS) Report of Gen. B. R. Johnson

Report Mentions Wharton's command.

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

"The Rangers took position at Rome, Georgia. There we had a few weeks' needed rest and recruited our jaded horses. Roasting ears were in season, fruit was beginning to ripen, and so we feasted on good things. The runabouts--"pie rooters" we called them--made the best of their opportunities. Bill Arp said they found every road in the county, and then some. Dr. Bunting, our chaplain, started a series of meetings, and many embraced the opportunity to pledge themselves to the better life."

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

"On that day they moved to Rome, arriving on the nineteenth, to "recruit" or improve the condition of their exhausted horses."

Monday, July 13

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came on through Lafayette and six miles beyond. I and Bob Ship, Tom Peterson and Jim McGuire stayed all night about one mile from Camp. Rained very hard for a while. Music to-night."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Today a year ago was fought the battle of Murfreesboro which resulted so gloriously to our arms. Leave after sun up and travel a lively gait considering condition of our horses all day. Pass through Lafayette County Seat of Walker Co. it is 40 miles from there to Rome. Camp some 20 miles beyond. Have made fully 30 miles today – “This country appears to be flourishing & the people kind and accommodating to Soldiers” – at Dr [Cheeney’s] Cross roads."

History - John A. Wharton: The Forgotten General, CSA by Paul R. Scott

"After the initial skirmishes, Wharton withdrew part of his command, including the 8th Texas, sending it to Rome, Georgia to 'recruit' the horses and rest the men. Wharton had his headquarters nearby."

Tuesday, July 14

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came on through Lafayette and six miles beyond. I and Bob Ship, Tom Peterson and Jim McGuire stayed all night about one mile from Camp. Rained very hard for a while. Music to-night."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Make an early start and travel steady until we pass Rome 2 miles & camp – pass by Wm [Poullain’s] place, learned from neighbors he was dead & that the plantation has been sold. The country round about here is very pretty, the land good & crops look flourishing. Rome is a very pretty little place, now seems to be a vast Hospital, the street is covered with convalescent & sick soldiers."

 

Wednesday, July 15

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Came to Rome; pretty place for the Country. Camped two miles from town and spent all day in town."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"In camp all day. Only 2 men of a Company are allowed to leave Camp at a time."

Thursday, July 16

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Remain in camp all day."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"No move. Go in swimming in [Hightower] River."

Friday, July 17

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"All quiet in Camp. Brigade officers had a ball in town last night."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Having horses shod. nothing new. Collected Company [up] to 29 May. $318.80 for the Co."

Saturday, July 18

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Moved camp down on Silver Creek four miles from town."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Move camp 3 miles in the road leading to VanWest. We are now getting plenty of forage for our horses – My old horse has a very sore back, he is doing badly."

Enlistment - Lawson Turner, Co. A

Transferred from the 9th SC Infantry at Rome, GA.

Killed - Samuel S. Crisp, Co. B (previously transferred to Wharton's scout Co.)

Killed at Cynthia, Ky.

Sunday, July 19

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Sunday, 19th-Friday, 24th—Usual routine of camp duty. A protracted meeting going on, conducted by Parson Bunting and others, commenced Sunday. I am on duty every other day Weather warm and dry."

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Rev Mr Buntine commences protracted meetings to correct the unbelieving. He is assisted by Mr Kaufman of Madison Several Ladies attend church today."

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

On that day they moved to Rome, arriving on the nineteenth, to "recruit" or improve the condition of their exhausted horses.Chaplain Bunting, deeming that the souls of the soldiers were also in need of "recruiting," held a protracted camp meeting. Assisted by others he preached once or twice a day for nearly six weeks.He was rewarded for his efforts by a reawakening of faith amongst the members of the regiment. A "Christian Association" was organized with Colonel Cook as president; the precise nature of its activities is unclear.

Monday, July 20

Diary - G. L. Macmurphy, Co. H

"Order to allow no one to leave camp on no excuse whatever. Church this forenoon – all who have clothes in the County are told to get them."

Deserted - Royston W. Brooks, Co. C

Deserted near Trenton, GA.

Tuesday, July 21

-

Wednesday, July 22

CSR - J. F. Asher, Co. H

Reciept

Thursday, July 23

-

Friday, July 24

News - Houston Tri-Weekly Telegraph

Published a letter by R. F. Bunting written from Alexandria, TN on April, 13th, 1863.

 

Saturday, July 25

Diary - E. S. Dodd, Co. D

"Saturday, 25th, to 1st day of August—All quiet; usual routine of camp duty. Two days since, while out on forage, I saw Miss Anna Ransom at Mrs. Garrett’s—a great pleasure to meet with them."

CSR - J. H. Cobb, Co. I

Correspondence regarding Cadetship

Sunday, July 26

-

Monday, July 27

-

Tuesday, July 28

-

Wednesday, July 29

-

Thursday, July 30

-

Friday, July 31

Letter - B. F. Burke, Co. F.

To his parents from Rome, GA.

Letter - J. W. Rabb, Co. F

To his mother from Rome, GA.

Enlistment - William F. Dickey, Co. E

Enlisted by Capt. White at Rome, GA.

Unidentified July Events

-

---