reports to me that a force of cavalry (I think from the 3d Indiana) is
encamped near him that he needs the use of a portion of the force if
practicable and especially desires that they may be placed under some
control as they are near his picket lines, and constantly scouting,
firing, etc., so much so as to embarass the order and security of his
command. Presuming that all troops stationed about here are un-
der tlie direction of the ranking officer of the locality, I respectfully
make this communication.
John Tilson, Col. Com'dg. Brigade.
In the field, Oct. 2nd, 1863.
Coin. Tilson, 10th Ills. Infantry. Commanding Brigade.
You had better march as far as you can to day without fatiguing
your men too much. A contingency may arise in which we may all
be needed as I learn the rebels have thrashed Brook's division on this
side of the river. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
E. M. McCooK, Col. Commanding.
Report of Brig. Genl. James D. Morgan, 1st Div. Operations from
72 TILSON GENEALOGY.
Apl. g2nd to June 6th, 1862. Apl. 25th. This morning the 10th &
16th Illinois Volunteers, Yates sharp shooters and Houghtaling's
Battery were ordered forward about l^o miles to a eomnianding posi-
tion as an advance post. The balance of the division left camp
about half past 10 A. M., and took the road to Farmington, 2nd
Brigade in advance, and in following order. Yates sharp shooters
as an advance guard. Tenth Ills., Lieut. Col. Tilson, commanding —
â– enemy soon discovered in strong force, brisk fire commenced along tlie
whole line of skimishers — soon succeeded in driving the enemy across
seven mile creek where we found the bridge destroyed and road ob-
structed. Company C, 10th Ills. Vol., was ordered forward to re-
construct the bridge and clear the road. While this was being done
the remaining five companies of the 10th and 16th Ills, were ordered
forward and took up a strong position on the hill at the outlet of the
swamp. In two hours the bridge was completed, road cleared for
passage of artillery, and the command moved forward. The enemy
were soon discovered in the front, second brigade formed in the fol-
lowing order of battle. Three companies, the Yates sharp sliooters
in advance deployed as skirmishers, 16th Ills, on the right, Hough-
taling's battery in the center, and the 10th Ills, on the left, our
skirmishers soon drove in those of the enemy and Houghtaling's
battery opened a close and rapid fire upon one of the enemy's which
was promptly and spiritedly replied to. This continued for nearly
an hour. Houghtaling advancing steadily and taking up new posi-
tions. The battery of the enemy having been silenced, the infantry
were then ordered to charge which was done in splendid order, driv-
ing tlie enemy some two miles, the road being covered with cast off
clothing, canteens, blankets, haversacks, arms and accoutrement
when a halt was ordered. Orders were received from Genl. Pope
for the wdiole division to recross the creek, leaving a sufficient force in
the swamp to protect the bridge and road. The 10th and 22nd Ills.
Vols, were detailed for that duty, balance of the division returned to
a new camp 11/2 miles east of the creek. Thus ended the skirmish
at Farmington. It was a perfect success, and every officer and man
performed his duty promptly and with spirit. Loss of the enemy,
some 49 odd killed and buried in the swamp, and over 100 wounded,
some 15 prisoners were taken, one captain. 28th. Forward move-
ment of whole division IVo miles toward Corinth. In the afternoon
Genl. Stanley's command was attacked by the rebels pressing his
lines somewhat strongly. The 10th and IGth Ills, were ordered to
change front and support the line attacked if necessary. The enemy
were soon driven back without their assistance when orders were is-
sued for them to return to the trenches. 30th. Evacuation of
Corinth. At 4 o'clock A. M. the Yates sharp shooters, 10th & 16th
Ills., were ordered to move to the left and toward the fort mentioned
yesterday. Proceeding cautiously forward it was soon discovered
"that the rifle pits of the enemy's pickets were abandoned as was the
TTLSON GENEALOGY. 73
^ort near by. The flag of the 10th Ills, was soon waiving over it.
By order of Genl. Pope the 10th Ills, marched by the R. E.'d to
Corinth and arrived at the intrenchment at 6.40 A. M., and planted
their flag there. Orders were soon received to move forward in pur-
suit of the enemy. The right of the division arrived near the Tus-
cumbia about 8 o'clock P. M., where it was found that the bridge
across the river had been destroyed, and the enemy in force upon the
opposite bank. Houghtaling's battery was placed in position and
supported by the 10th Ills. The Yates sharp shooters were deployed
as skirmishers in front of our lines, the balance of the division re-
maining about a mile in the rear. The whole command lay upon
their arms during the night. 31st. At daylight the Yates sharp
shooters were ordered forward to drive in the pickets of the enemy
and get possession of the crossing at the bridge. Soon arriving
within their line of fire they met with a determined resistance, and
soon lost one killed and five wounded. The 10th and 16th Ills., and
10th Michigan, were ordered forward. The 10th Ills, crossed Clear
Creek, and moving forward toward the Tuscumbia on the left of the
bridge opened a brisk fire upon the pickets on the other bank driving
them away and getting possession of the crossing. During the firing
of the 10th a battery of the enemy opened a brisk fire with grape and
canister. The firing ceased suddenly and we subsequently learned
that the whole force of the enemy had retreated to Danville, and
thence to Eienzi. The 10th had but one wounded, Sergeant Cowden
Company E, severely in the shoulder. Eeport includes some 43 days.
Pew commands have worked harder or accomplished more under like
difficulties — miles of road have been built across impassible swamps
and bridges built. Miles of earth work thrown up. Great part of
the time officers and men were without tents or camp equipage.
Steady and determined approaches have compelled the enemy to
abandon a position strong by nature, and made doubly so by months
of hard labor, and althoua^h we have no bloody victories to record, at
no time has any disposition to avoid one if offered. Permit me to
add that the officers and men of the command have performed their
duty to my entire satisfaction.
James D. Morgan, Brig. Genl. Comdg. 1st Div.
Pight Wing, Army of the Miss.
Capt. C. Goddard, Actg. A. A. Genl.
Headquarters 2nd Div. Reserve Corps,
Stevenson, Ala., Sept. 12, 1863.
Col. John Tilson, commanding 1st Brigade.
The Genl. commanding directs that you send a regiment of your
command to Bridgeport to guard bridge, etc. The regiment de-
tailed will take ten days' rations; let them move immediately with
74 TILSON GENEALOGY.
all possible dispatch, have commanding officer of the regiment report
at these headquarters before starting.
Very resp'y, your ob"t servant.
T. Wiseman, Asst. A. Genl.
Bridgeport, Oct. 5th, 1863.
Capt. Wiseman, Asst. Adjt. Genl.
Col. Tilson has sent for all the camp and garrison equipage for the
regiments with him. The man sent back understands that Genl.
Eosecrans has ordered Tilson to encamp at foot of mountain. I
have not heard anything official. What shall I do?
R. F. Smith, Col. Commanding.
Mention. Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division,
Anderson's Cross-Koads, Oct. 3, 1863, 8.30 A. M.
Col. E. M. McCook— To Maj. Sinclair.
Col. Tilson of the 10th Ills, is at Anderson's Cross-Eoads with
three regiments numbering some 900 effective Infantry, and one sec-
tion of artillery.
Headquarters, Dept. of the Cumberland.
Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 3, 1863.
Col. Tilson Comdg. U. S. Forces at Anderson.
Col. The Maj. Genl. commanding directs me to say that 3'ou
have been stationed at Anderson for the double purpose of protecting
the road from rebel attack, and also of expeditin": the movement of our
trains. While you will be careful to keep your command concen-
trated as far as possible for immediate action, you will locate it so that
you can constantly supervise the transit of trains, and when neces-
sary will make details from your command to assist pushing
them forward with all dispatch.
Very resp'y your ob't servant,
William McMichael, Maj. and Asst. A. Genl.
Headquarters, U. S. Forces,
Anderson's Cross-Eoads, Oct. 4, 1863.
Asst. Adjt. Genl. Dept. of the Cumberland, Chattanooga.
Col. I have received orders requiring the occupation of this
position, and am making disposition accordingly. I have the 10th
and (iOth Ills., 10th Michigan, and a detachment of the 3rd Ohio
Infantry, making some 1,100 men, also a section of Edgarton's
(Phip) battery. I need a company of cavalry and am advised by
Genl. Mitchell to ask the detachment of one company of the 3rd
Indiana (I think was the regiment), also the establishment of a
courier line from this point intersecting the Chattanooga and Bridge-
port line. In sending back to Bridgeport today for supplies I have
also sent the mules and part of harness secured from destruction of
train. I hardly need the 3rd Ohio if they are wanted at Battle
Creek or Bridgeport, and have so notified the post commandant at
TILSON GENEALOGY. 75
Bridgeport. Three good regiments such as I have are, I think all
sufficient. Genl. Mitchell and Col. McCook have gone toward Mc-
Minnville, and the 5th Kentucky cavalry have since passed following:
them.
Eesp'}^, John Tilson,
Col. 10th Ills. Infantry, Comdg. U. S. Forces.
Headquarters, U. S. Forces.
Anderson's Cross-Eoads, Oct. 4, 1863.
Asst. Adj. Genl. Dept. of the Cumberland.
Colonel. The road over the mountain at this point has been al-
most impassible, but is rapidly being improved. Several long trains-
are slowly working over. Another road across the ridge some 6 miles
north of this, near Dunlap. Genl. Eosecran's train moved up that
way this morning. I would not forbid its going, but added two com-
panies to its escort as far as the foot of the mountain on this side.
Unless permitted by you I shall forbid all future passages that way,
knowing nothing of its safety. If the route is secure it would ex-
pedite much. Please instruct me in this. No sign of rebels since-
yesterday, save an occasional skulking prisoner being brought in.
Eesp'y etc. John Tilson,
Col. 10th Ills. Infty Commanding.
Mentioned. Bridgeport, Oct. 6, 1863..
Capt. Wiseman, Asst., Adjt. Genl .
Col. Tilson is ordered by Genl. Eosecrans to camp with brigade
where train was attacked — to intrench his camp, etc. All the brigade
is with him except the 16th Ills, and battery. Have sent camp
equipage and ten days' ration. Two companies of 10th Michigan,
below were sent with regiment; two companies of Stokes cavalry are-
there; will send copy of Genl.- Eosecrans' order by courier.
E. F. Smith, Col. Commanding.
Hd*qur. U. S. Forces, Anderson's Cross-Eoads, Tenn., Oct. 9th, 1863.
Asst. AdJt. Genl. Dept. of the Cumberland, Chattanooga, Tenn.
I have my command intrenched in position to protect the junction
of roads, and also aid trains up the mountain. On my arrival I de-
tailed an officer whose especial duty should be clearing the road of ob-
structions and expediting the trains, in this he has been well assistedr
by the 21st Kentucky Infantry. The road up the mountain is bet-
ter than before the raid, and no detentions occur. I keep a record
of all trains passing (size, guard, etc.) have secured all the unde-
stroyed ammunition, am gathering up harness which is scattered over
the country, have caught and sent about 500 mules to Bridgeport, and
am daily securing more. Occassionally stray prisoners, but no signs
of the enemy near since Genl. Mitchell left. Have an aggregate force
(including one section of artillery) of 2062.
Very resp'y, etc., John Tilson,
Col. 10th Ills. Infantry, Commanding.
'76 - • TILSOX GENEALOGY.
Mentioned. Hd'qrs. Dept. of the Cumberland,
Chattanooga, Oct. 10, 1863.
Commanding Officer, 21st Kentucky Volunteers.
The Genl. commanding directs you to report your command for
temporary duty to Col. John Tilson, commanding 10th Ills. \'olun-
teers at Anderson Cross-Road.
Very Resp'y, Your ob't servant, C. Goddard,
Lieut. CoJ. and Asst. Adjt. Genl.
Chattanooga, Oct. 10th, 1863, 9.30 P. M.
Genl. J. D. Morgan. The Genl. commanding directs that instead
of proceeding to Anderson Cross-Iload, you move with the portion
of your command now on the line of R. R.'d to Battle Creek, at which
place you will establish your headquarters. Col. Tilson will remain
at Anderson's Cross Roads, and will receive instructions from the
Genl. commanding, etc.
C. Goddard, Asst. Adjt. Genl.
Hd'qrs. Anderson's Cross-Roads, Tenn., Oct. 13th, 1863.
Lieut. Col. C. Goddard, Asst. Ad. Genl. Dept. of the Cumberland.
I have the honor to report that I reached this point with the 16th
Ills. Vol. and Beebis 10th, Wis. battery on the evening of the 11th
Oct. The following day assumed command. I found the arrange-
ments for defense and properly repairing the road over the mountain
well devised and executed by Col. John Tilson, 10th Ills. Vol. my
predecessor.
R. F. Smith, CoL Commanding.
Hd'qrs. U. S. Forces, Anderson's Cross-Road, Oct. 10th, 1863.
Maj. McMichael, Asst. Adj. Genl. Hdqrs. Dept. of the Cumberland.
Major. On examing the roads yesterday I found at the gulch a
very bad descending hill. Work there would facilitate transit of
trains and save much breakage. It requires some corduroy and some
macadamizing. Had I tools I would station two or three companies
there with this object, and respectfully suggest that the 21st Ken-
tucky Infantry which is no longer needed here, be withdrawn to that
point. I ommitted to state in last report that my estimate of the
slaughter of mules by the rebels. Some 250 carcasses have been
buried, perhaps 100 more are scattered over the country; have been
obliged to kill several.
Very Resp'y, etc., John Tilson,
Col. 10th ///>;. Infantry, Commanding.
Headquarters TJ. S. Forces,
Anderson's Cross Roads, Tenn., Oct. 12, 1863.
Asst. Adj. Genl. Dept. of the Cumberland, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Sir. i have the honor to report that the road up the mountain is
in good order, and being fast improved. I have relays of fatigue
men at each bend to lift wagons. Am using all my tools in repairing
TILSON GENEALOGY. 7T
road bed. I allow no trains to enter after 5 P. M., as they cannot
get through after that time before dark, and have no proper camping
place on tlie summit; teams are also exhausted at that hour by their
day's travel. The quartermaster and wagoners almost without ex-
ception discharge their duties admirably, and the train guards are
as generally remiss and neglectful. Train guard officers are heedless
and their men follow suit, straggle and depredate. To a train of
Turchin's brigade I could see but two guards with the wagons, the
others probably asleep inside. Steedman's train of yesterday was-
perfectly guarded and moved.
Very Eesp'y, John Tilson^ Col. Commanding.
Mentioned . Hdqrs. Anderson Cavalry, Roberson's Plantation, 8
miles above Anderson's.
Tequatchie Valley, Oct. 12th, 1863.
Lieut. Col. C. Goddard.
Have courier post to Hensons at the foot of the mountain in Te-
quatchie Valley on the Poe Road, and one at Poes Tavern, which is at
foot of mountain in the Tenn. Valley, and I am informed by Col. Til-
son (tlirough one of my officers just from Anderson) that he has a
courier line in operation between Anderson and Chattanooga.
Wm. J. Palmek, Col. Comd'g.
Hdqrs. U. S. Forces, Anderson's Cross Road, Oct. 12th, 1863.
Brig. Genl. J. A. Garfield, Chief of Staff.
Genl. I learn unofficially that the enemy are obstructing the pas-
sage of return trains to Bridgeport at the foot of the mountain near
Chattanooga. I believe if a road could be found passing up the
mountain for Chattanooga tapping this road within a few miles of this
point that I can pass all trains down the mountain that reach here,
and am sure of being able to promise that the road shall be free, for
down trains after 2 P. M. each day. I know nothing of the road
beyond where my personal observation has gone, and only make this
statement for information as to what may be done on the mountain
side here provided that necessity and opportunity occurs for its use
by return wagons. What the facilities are for getting here, of course
I do not know, but I am quite confident that unless bad weather in-
tervenes, with the present amount of travel and improving condition
of road and energetic action I can work up to the mountain top each
day's accumulation of trains from Bridgeport by 2 P. M. Return-
ing wagons must, however, come into this road this side of the gulch
5 miles from here, as the gulch cannot at present be passed both ways.
I make these statements distrustful of the propriety of turning re-
turn trains into the road, but quite confident as to what can be done
as now situated on the mountain side itself. The report may be un-
founded, but I though it wise to communicate with you on hearing of'
the trouble.
Very Resp'y Your Ob't Servant,
John Tilson, Col. Commanding.
78 TILSON" GENEALOGY.
Hdqrs. U. S. Forces, Anderson's Cross-Road, Oct. 12, 1863.
Brig. Genl. J. A. Garfield, Chief of Staff.
Genl. Your order for the 21st Kentucky to move to summit of
mountain is complied with. The road is good from the brow on this
side about five miles to the gulch; thence for eight or nine miles to
the descent on Chattanooga side is good needing some light work on
each stretch. The gulch is the worst point, and is very rough. I
have already ordered the 21st Kentucky there, and under your order
of last evening, directed Col. Price to send part of his force still farth-
er toward Chattanooga to act with two companies which he has posted
at the foot of the mountain. I hope this covers your wish. If not
please inform Col. Price or myself. The road up the hill I am im-
proving by widening and rebuilding road-bed. I have sent for tools
to Bridgeport as ordered, but mav not get them before tomorrow night
if then.
Very Resp'y Your Ob't Servant, Johx Tilson',
Col. 10th Ills. Inf. Commanding Forces.
Anderson's Cross-Roads, Tenn., Oct. 13, 1863, 6 A. M.
Lieut. Col. C. Goddard, Asst. Adjt. Genl. Dept. of the Cumberland.
Col. Your communication of 6 P. M. yesterday, directing arrest,
etc., of depredators received. Genl. Morgan has ordered Col. Smith
of 16th Ills., to assume command of forces here. Presuming that this
movement supersedes the authority I received from department head-
quarters, I shall pass to Col. Smith all communications and informa-
tion in my hands unless otherwise ordered. Tools from Stevenson
sent for in obedience to your orders of 10th. I expect today, 21st,
Kentucky reports. Four companies on side of mountain next Chat-
tanooga, and remainder one mile beyond gulch seven miles from here.
Courier line is established to connect with Col. Palmer twelve miles
north of this at Roberson's Valley, is well picketed. Have altera-
tion of rifle-pit and brush-fence across my entire fort, reaching from
the river to the woods near the eastern mountain River is not pas-
sable from my left front picket for two miles, giving perfect defence
against cavalry. But few wagons to pass up this morning. Con-
stant rain last night, still falling, makes road quite slippery.
Very Resp'y Your Ob't Servant,
John Tilson' Col, 10th Ills. Inf.
Indorsement.
The 16th Ills, had gone to Anderson's Cross Roads on the first
order sent Genl. Morgan to move there with his command. Col.
Smith ranks Tilson, which accounts for Slorgan's order. C. G.
Hdqrs. Anderson's Cavalrv. Roberson's, Oct. 15, 1863.
Lieut. Col. C. Goddard, Asst. A. Genl. "
Col. I have understood that the propriety of withdra\\ing the
courier-line by the Anderson Road, and of sending dispatches to Col.
Tilson by the Poe Road, has been considered at headquarters. By
TILSON" GENEALOGY. 79
reference to the table of distances below it will be seen that if this
arrangement were adopted, all dispatches to Col. Tilson would go
sixteen miles out of the way (or nearly double distance), while all
dispatches for me would go five miles out of the way. As I have a
line from here to Genl. Spears, the courier-line across from Poe's
Tavern to this valley is simply unnecessary. Can I withdraw it?
W. J. Palmer, Col. Comdg.
Hdqrs. Anderson's Cavalry. Eobersons, Oct. 15, 1863.
Col. John Tilson, Comdg. Brigade.
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 13th.
I understand from it that you have five regiments of infantry
stretched across the valley from the east mountain (Walden's) to the
Tequatchie Eiver. There is as your are aware a main road extend-
ing the w^hole length of the valley on the west side of the Tequatchie
Eiver. I have all the roads and trails leading from this main road
over the Cumberland mountains picketed from Dunlap to the Lamb
trail nine miles above it in the valley. But there are several trails
and roads over the Cumberland ridge south of Dunlap that I cannot
picket. It would seem that some force should be at Therman, and
that the mountain trails between Therman and Dunlap should be
23icketed on the main valley road connecting them be frequently pa-
trolled. The propriety of withdrawing the courier-line across the
mountain at Anderson's and making the connection with your camp
by the Poe road has been discussed, I understand at headquarters.
This should by no means be done as it is five miles nearer from my
camp to Chattanooga by way of Andersons than by Poe's Tavern, and
it will be greatly out of the way to send from Chattanooga to you by
way of Poe's Tavern. Would it not be wise for you to represent this
fact to headquarters? Genl. Spears sent me word yesterday from his
camp on Sale Creek that Col. Byrd, the advance of Burnside's army
has his brigade at Post Oak Springs on this side of the river in Roane
County, and that his pickets extend down the river as far as Cotton
Port (where Wheeler's cavalry recently crossed), scouts just returned
from the south side of the river report the enemy's strength between
Harris and the Hiwassee River at 1,000 to 1,500. The courier line
from Chattanooga to Washington was expected to be extended through
to Burnside's command yesterday. Can you tell me whether the Lit-
tle Tequatchie River is past fording above Jasper on the road from
Dunlap down the valley? I have a train by that route for subsis-
tence. Do you have any communication with Jasper or Battle-
Creek? We have an excellent bridge across the Big Tequatchie
Eiver near here at Therman. I shall be pleased to hear from you
what is going on below or at Chattanooga.
Yours, etc., Wm, J. Palmer, Col. Commanding.
Hd'qrs. 21st. Kentucky Vol. On Walden's Ridge, 6 miles from
Anderson's, Oct. 16, 1863. Maj. Genl. W. S. Rosecrans : My dear
80 TILSON GENEALOGY.
sir: I arrived liere last evening, ambulance and all, and shall be off
again at 7 this morning. The road from here to Chattanooga is
pretty good with the exception of a few places requiring repairs. The
21st Kentucky has not yet received a sufficient supply of tools, al-
though they were promised last Monday. Col. Tilson or Smith was
to furnish them. I will see about it when I reach Anderson's, etc.
Grieving to leave you, I am, etc.,
J. A. Garfield, Brig. Genl.
Hd'qrs., 1st Brigade, 2nd Div., 14th Army Corps, near Dallas
Tenn., Oct. 28, 1863, 7 P. M. Lieut. Col. C. Goddard A. A. GenL
Dept. of the Cumberland. Col. I have the honor to report noth-
ing of special interest in this locality. Col. John Tilson command-
ing 10th 111. Infantry stationed at Igon's Ferry, succeeded in captur-
ing a squad of rebels opposite his camp this afternoon. I regret that
this credible action on his part could not have been rendered still
more so by larger facilities for crossing the river. The men captured
consist of a quartermaster, sergeant and four privates of the 1st
Arkansas Battery light artillery. I Avill send them to Chattanooga
early in the morning. I send enclosed copy of Col. Tilson's report.
Col. Tilson reports that he has learned from sources over the river
that a conflict has taken place at Lenoir's, and that the rebels have
fallen back to the Hiwasse; also that Cheatham's division is moving
up the valley.
Ees'py, etc., E. F. Smith, Col. Comd'g Brigade.
Hd'qrs. 1st Brigade, 2nd Div. 14th Army Corps, near Dallas,
Tenn., Nov. 1st, 1863, 9 P. M. Lieut. Col. C. Goddard, Asst. Adjt.
Genl. Dept. of the Cumberland. Col. I have the honor to state