stoves and fuel for all cars. There is a great delay on the Ohio Cen
tral. Only two trains arrived since you left. They are off the track
again west of Zanesville. I shan t get away before Monday. Please
answer.
LEWIS B. PAKSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
212.] CUMBERLAND, January 28, 1865.
Col. L. B. PARSONS,
Wheeling :
No trains have passed here since 12 noon yesterday with troops.
They were reported to be in good condition. Three more are expected
before noon to-day. There are three at Piedmont. Weather continues
very cold.
D. N. COUCH,
Major- General^
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 273
213.] WHEELING, January 28, 1865 11.30 a. m.
W. PBESCOTT SMITH,
Baltimore, Md. :
I feel anxious to know the progress east. Have telegraphed you
there, with no reply. They are getting on very slowly on the Ohio
Central.
LEWIS B. PAKSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
214. J ZANESVILLE, January 27, 18(15 1.20 p. m.
LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Bellairc :
No. 26 just leaving Belmont. No. 27 just leaving Spencer s. No. 28
now at Spencer s. No. 29 due at Concord soon. These are all the
trains east of Newark. There is some delay west of Newark, the
cause of which I. will give you as soon as I get it. In the matter of
the movement via Steubeuville and Indiana road, I of course yield to
your better judgment.
H. J. JEWETT.
215.] BELLAIRE, January 28, 1865.
THOMAS LOUGH,
Columbus, Ohio :
In Heaven s name can t something be at once done to put an end to
such extraordinary delay ? It is most unfortunate, and the responsi
bility of the cause very great. What is the matter ? Let me know the
facts. Where are all the trains I Everything else must at once give
way to move these troops. Please answer immediately.
LEWIS B. PAESONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
210.] COLUMBUS, January 28, 1865.
Col. L. B. PARSONS,
Bellaire, Ohio :
The delay to the trains yesterday caused by breaking of driver on
engine on one train, which set the tender and twelve cars off the rail ;
another broken rail set two cars off the rail on a bridge and broke the
cross-ties in bridge for about thirty feet. This caused a delay of twelve
hours, but the trains now moved from Columbus as fast as power could
be returned here, and passenger trains suspended to do it. Last night
another broken rail and one truck of car, broken-down car off the track,
detained train from here, but all right again and train moving. No. 36
left here at 4 a. m., and we will have the two remaining trains, which
make all of your command, to-day. Other troops are now arriving for
New York, via Crestline and Steubenville. I need not assure you that
everything that can be done is done to keep them going, but we can
not avoid the breaking of rails and engines. Pease says there will be
about 4,000 stragglers to come along, and if they can get them together
will send on one train.
T. LOUGH.
18 R R VOL XLVII, PT II
274 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LlX.
217.] BELLAIRE, January 28, 1865 9 a. m.
Capt. J. B. FORD,
Agent Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Wheeling:
I must again call the attention of your company to furnishing stoves
in the cars moving troops. I am not willing to allow the movement of
troops without farther protection for this cold weather on the moun
tains. If you cannot get others Captain Artsmaii will let you have
all he has. Answer as soon as possible by telegraph. How many
stoves has Captain Artsmaii ?
LEWIS B. PAltSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
218.] WHEELING-, January 28, 1865 10 a. m.
Capt. J. B. FORD,
Wheeling :
We have only full reports of seven more trains, berng from 27 to 33,
both inclusive. These contain forty-four cars of horses, artillery, and
baggage, and eighty-seven cars of soldiers. There are five or six
trains more at least behind them. IS"o. 27 has gone to Bridgeport and
will not be able to move before to-morrow evening. I have dispatch
from General Couch sustaining what I have already telegraphed you
in regard to stoves. I cannot consent that cars leave here without
being provided therewith.
LEWIS B. PABSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
219.] ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTER S OFFICE, U. S. ARMY,
Wheeling, W. Ya., January 28, 1865.
Capt. Gus. ARTSMAN,
Assistant Quartermaster :
You will please immediately deliver to Capt. J. B. Ford, agent for
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, as many good Sibley tent
stoves as he may require for warming cars transporting troops east,
taking the receipt of said company therefor and reporting the same
to me at Washington City at an early day.
By order Quartermaster-General :
LEWIS B. P ARSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
220.] BELLAIRE, January 28, 1865 1 p. m.
D. W. CALDWELL,
Zanesville :
Will you please send me, to care of Mr. Morris, a full report of the
transportation of the Twenty-third Army Corps, showing number of
cars of troops, horses, &c., with time of leaving Newark and arrival at
Bellaire. Also the reason for the several delays on which I can base
my report to the Secretary of War. I shall not leave here before Mon
day.
LEWIS B. PARSONS.
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
CHAP. Lix.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 275
221. ] BELLAIRE, January 28, 18654 p. m.
THOMAS LOUGH,
Superintendent, Columbus, Ohio:
Will you please send rue to-morrow to this place, care of the Ohio
Central, a full report of the transportation of the Twenty- third Corps,
showing- the number of cars of troops, horses, &c., with time of leaving
Columbus and arrival at Xewark; also the reason for the several
delays, on which I can make report to the Secretary of War.
LEWIS B. PAESONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, January 28, 1865.
Col. LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Bellaire :
I will send you a full report.
THOS. LOUGH.
223.] BELLAIRE, January 28, 1865.
E. W. WOODWARD,
Superintendent Little Miami Railroad, Cincinnati :
Will you please send me at once to Washington a full report of the
transportation of the Twenty-third Corps, showing the number of cars
of troops, &c., and the time of leaving Cincinnati and arrival at Colum
bus. I remain here until Monday. Answer here.
. LEWIS B. PAESOXS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
224. J CINCINNATI, January 28, 1865.
Col. L. B. PARSONS.
Bellaire :
Will forward at once to Washington the report you wish.
E. W. WOODWAED,
/Superintendent.
22o.j BELLAIRE, January 28, 1865 3.30 p. m.
C. A. DANA,
Assistant Secretary of War, Washington, ./). C. :
We have had great detentions and a hard time on the Ohio Central
arising from broken rails, cars off the track, and the cold weather, but
as yet no injury to a single person, so far as I can learn. There are
still over 200 cars between here and Columbus, but the track is now
reported all clear, and I hope all will be in very speedily. I am put
ting stoves and large quantities of straw or hay in every car and fur
nishing an abundance of hot coffee. We have had a very severe time
for three days, and if we get through all safe I shall be most thankful,
I can t get away from here before Monday.
LEWIS B. PAESONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail- and River Transportation.
276 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
226.] BALTIMORE, January 28, 1865.
Col. LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Bellaire, Ohio :
We found it impossible to get the 550 stoves necessary for cars.
We have enough for 300, but to close up the movement properly we are
hurrying out to the west 100 more cars that have stoves, being the first
hundred that left river for east. We have heard of no suffering, the
cars being full of straw or hay and the men regaled at intervals with
hot coffee plentifully. Movement going on very successfully, we think,
and especially so considering weather and other difficulties.
W. P. SMITH.
227.] WHEELING, January ;> .), 1865.
Col. L. B. PARSONS,
Bellaire :
W T e have the first battery, guns, c., loaded. The captain informs
me his horses, all of them, only arrived last night, and will not be fit
to start until to morrow, and we are ready in cars and power any
moment. Will carry out your views with great pleasure. Before you
leave make an order on me to push forward the batteries with all dis
patch, and I will use it in discretion with the officers which may aid us.
Do you leave this a.m.? If I had known it would have gone down
to see vou. How many cars of troops yet to come?
J. B. FOED.
228.] BEN WOOD, January 2ft, 1865 12.25 p. in.
J. B. FORD,
Agent, Wheeling:
Your dispatch received. It seems to me the first battery might and
ought to get off at once. There will be three more artillery trains up
to day, and if they do not proceed promptly there will be delay and con
fusion. Captain Artsman will please examine into each case and direct
that they proceed just as soon and as fast as he thinks they can prop
erly do so, and you can load them. I shall not go till all are off. If
there is unavoidable delay telegraph me and I will come up if you and
Captain Artsman desire. I have requested Captain Goodrich, assist
ant quartermaster, to go up and to consult with you. We are getting
on well here.
LEWIS 15. PARSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
229.] BELLAIRE, January 2V, 1865 10 a. ni.
THOMAS LOUGH,
Columbus, Ohio :
Your two dispatches of yesterday received. I am glad to know that
our work is so near done, I hope Pease will send the stragglers along
in a body (see 21(3) as soon as possible, showing the number coming.
In your report please make similar full explanations in regard to the
cause of detentions, so as to avoid misapprehension.
LEWIS B. PARSOXS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
CHAP. LlX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 277
230.] BEN WOOD, January 29, 1865 WAG a. m.
Capt. J. B. FORD,
Wheeling:
I have telegraphed Prescott Smith fully as to loading cars, and am
sure you and he both will concur with me even as a matter of policy.
If any package comes for me after I leave please send it to me at Wash
ington, care of Quartermaster-General, and oblige,
LEWIS B. P ARSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
231.] BENWOOD, January 29, 1865 10.45 a. m.
Capt. Gus. ARTSMAN,
Wheeling :
Four more trains of artillery go up to Bridgeport at once. Please
see them well cared for and aid Captain Ford in loading them.
LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
232.] BENWOOD, January 29, 1865 10.45 a. m.
J. B. FORD,
Agent, Wheeling:
Two more trains of artillery are in and go to Bridgeport at once.
Two more will be in soon and also go up. I would like one or two
cars of infantry to go with each artillery train as a guard. How soon
will the first train be ready to start! I would like to get all off to-mor
row if consistent.
LEWIS B. PAliSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
233.] BALTIMORE, January 28, 1865.
Col. LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Benwood :
I telegraphed you an answer to your dispatch last night. You have
my message now. Secretary of War, Halleck, Dana, and Schofield
all greatly pleased with the movement, and think highly of your efforts.
Mr. Garrett saw them yesterday and they were full of praise. Indeed
they have good cause to feel well considering the condition before us
and the difficulties overcome.
W. P. SMITH.
234.] BENWOOD, January 29, 1865 11.20 a. m.
W. PRESCOTT SMITH,
Baltimore, Md. :
Your dispatch of yesterday received. It gives me great pleasure to
know the difficulties of our movement are appreciated at Washington.
You and I know full well what they are. I venture the assertion such
long movement of so large a force in severe midwinter was never so
278 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., P. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
rapidly and successfully made as this has been so far, and if we can
escape all accident I shall feel most thankful and relieved of an almost
fearful responsibility. These brave fellows have had a hard time over
the Ohio Central for two to three days, and all officers and men com
plain of being too close pressed for room, though Clement only put
thirty to thirty-five in his large cars. I feel it but just and good policy
to put twenty-six to twenty eight in your small and thirty in your large
cars. This much delights all and makes them pleased with your road
and everybody. It only takes a few more cars, and 1 feel sure you will
concur, at least I hope you won t disapprove my action. Nearly all will
be in to-day, and I hope to clear out to-morrow.
LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
235.] BELLAIRE, January 30, 1865.
E. W. WOODWARD, Esq.,
Superintendent Little Miami Railroad, Cincinnati, Ohio:
DEAR SIR: I congratulate you on the completion of the transporta
tion of the Twenty-third Army Corps so far as your road is concerned,
and it gives me great pleasure to state that it has been done with a
remarkable degree of success and satisfaction to the Government, con
sidering the severity of the weather and the short notice I was able to
give you. According to my experience, which has been, as you know,
pretty extensive, everything considered there has been no large move
ment so successful. The completion of the transportation of 20.000
troops with all its artillery from the Tennessee to the Potomac, a dis
tance of nearly 1,500 miles, over rivers and mountains in the midst of
a severe winter, is no ordinary occurrence, and I venture the assertion
that nothing equal to it has ever occurred either in Europe or America,
and its success will certainly be a subject for pleasant future recollec
tion. I am delighted to know that from Eastport to Washington, as
far as heard from, there have been no accidents causing injury to life
or limb of any person. I expect to leave here for Washington tomor
row, where I trust I shall find your full reports, in which I hope you
will state all the circumstances, and the sudden change and condition
of the weather, affecting the movement.
By order of Quartermaster-General :
I remain, sir, very truly, yours,
LEWIS B. PAKSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
P. S. In case there are any complaints or misapprehension, would
it not be well for you to see your city papers and have corrections made
and the facts understood. The stories about freezing of men are pure
fiction. I have inquired fully and cannot learn a single case, though
it would not have been strange if some drunken man had exposed him
self and had his feet frozen. l)on f let this movement get mixed up with
that from Nashville. After all my intense anxieties and efforts I should
be sorry to have unjust complaints made when I know the success has
been wonderful, all things considered; but it would not be the first
time I have been blamed when the contrary was justly due. The aver
age time of movement from the upper Tennessee will not exceed ten
days.
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 279
236.] BELLAIRE, January 30, 1865.
THOMAS LOUGH, Esq.,
Superintendent Central Ohio Railroad:
DEAR SIR: Tarn glad to learn the transportation of the Twenty-
third Army Corps is completed, as far as your road is concerned, and
that, while accident and delays have occurred, there has been, as far as
I can learn, no injury to life or limb of any person, which is certainly a
cause for sincere congratulation. While I have felt and may have
expressed momentary annoyance at some of the delays arising, as you
advise me, from unavoidable circumstances, as broken rails and the like,
resulting from the intense cold weather, I beg to assure you that I-
fully appreciate the energy, earnest labor, and efforts you have made to
cause the movement to be a perfect success. I should be extremely
sorry to have any one suppose I would make the least unnecessary
complaint. [ think that perhaps you have erred a little in your unwill
ingness to incommode other roads by taking their machinery in accord
ance with my request and instructions; but as I may not be fully
advised of the facts I should hesitate in deciding, without further
knowledge and until I receive your report, that you had not acted best
under the circumstances. The completion of the transportation of
20,000 men. with all their artillery, from the Tennessee to the Potomac,
a distance of nearly 1,500 miles, over rivers and mountains, in the midst
of a severe winter, is no ordinary occurrence, and I venture the asser
tion that nothing equal to it has ever occurred either in Europe or
America, and its success will be a subject for future pleasant recollec
tion.
Wishing you every success in your new position in the way of devel
oping your road to the full extent of its metal, I am, very truly, yours,
LEWIS B. PAKSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
P. S. The average time of movement will not exceed ten days.
237.] BELLAIRE, January 30, 1865 11 a. m.
C. A. DAXA,
Assistant Secretary of War, Washington:
Ten trains left yesterday. I think we shall get off everything to-day.
We have had a very severe time over the Ohio Central, and in crossing
the Ohio; been off the track on the Ohio Central several times by
broken rails or axles, and had some very narrow escapes from great
disaster. But so far, thank Heaven, there has been no injury or loss to
life, limb, or property, and the troops are very cheerful and comfort
able. Weather has been very severe, but is moderating a little to day.
Since my arrival here I have had stoves and straw put in every car.
LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
238.] BELLAIRE, January 30, 186511.30 a. m.
W. PRESCOTT SMITH,
Baltimore, Md. :
Thank God, nearly everything is here safe. Ten trains left yester
day; hope to get off the balance to-day. Your employes have worked
280 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.
splendidly 5 we have been oif tlie track on the Ohio Central several
times by broken rails or axles, arising* from severe cold weather, occa
sioning much delay, and had some narrow escapes from great disaster,
but so far there has been no injury or loss of life, limb, or property.
Stories about men being frozen to death are pure fiction. I have
inquired carefully and cannot find a single case of even a frozen limb.
Troops are cheerful and happy in being sent East in cars not over
crowded and having stoves.
LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
239.] BELLAIRE, January 30, 1865.
J. W. GARRETT, Esq.,
President,
W. PRESCOTT SMITH, Esq.,
Master of Transportation, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad:
GENTLEMEN: I am happy to inform you that the transfer of the
Twenty- third Army Corps across the Ohio from Beilaire to your cars
at Benwood is completed. In closing it, I should feel that I were lack
ing in justice not to especially acknowledge the services rendered by
the employes of your road.
As you are aware, before our arrival here the weather suddenly
changed and became and has continued intensely cold, by which, all
railroad men know, the difficulties and dangers of such a movement
become trebled and quadrupled. It is gratifying to know that, owing
in a great extent to the untiring energy and perseverance of your
employes, the work has been completed rapidly, and without injury or
loss to person or property. The accomplishment of the work so suc
cessfully is mainly owing to the service of Mr. John Cronan, your agent
here, and Mr. James E. Shroder, assistant supervisor of trains, who for
eight days have been ever at their posts, and at times without sleep or
rest for two and three days; also to the assistance of Mr. McMurphy,
superintendent of transfer, who exerted himself with like energy until
he became ill; as also to the aid given by Mr. Harvey, temporarily
assisting Mr. Cronan, and to Captain Snyder, in charge of the transfer-
boat W. H. Harrison, to the watchful care of whom, by night and day,
is owing the fact that we have been able to cross at all through the ice.
The value of these men, I doubt not, is well known to you, yet I cannot
but think for their services in this case they are worthy of special
commendation, and that with such employes your road will continue
to maintain its unsurpassed reputation for safety and good manage
ment.
I am, very respectfully,
LEWIS B. PARSONS,
Colonel and Chief of Rail and River Transportation.
240.] BELLAIRE, January 3(>, 1865.
Colonel McKiM,
Chief Quartermaster, and
Capt. J. V. LEWIS,
Assistant Quartermaster, Cincinnati, Ohio :
GENTLEMEN: I am glad to inform you that all the Twenty-third
Army Corps have arrived here, been transferred, and that a large pro-
CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 281
portion of them have already arrived at their destination. I have not
seen a Cincinnati paper for some days, but a gentleman casually
informed me that there had been some complaint in reference to neglect
on the part of the commissary department, though we thought the com
plaint only applied to the small force under General Meagher proceed
ing east by 1 ittsburg. That there may be no misapprehension, would
it not be well for one of you to see the editors of your papers ML regard
to the movement of the Twenty-third Army Corps, letting it be known
that the small force moving from Nashville have no connection with it,
and was moving without your own or my authority or instructions. As
you are aware, the movement of the Twenty-third Army Corps was very
hastily decided upon, and that until my arrival at the mouth of the
Tennessee I had no express instructions in regard to the same, further
than to report and await orders; and that after receiving such orders
the whole force within three days was embarked at Clifton, and the
most of it proceeding up the Ohio. The transportation until we arrived
at Cincinnati was every way satisfactory, the weather being compara
tively mild and pleasant. At Cincinnati I heard of no complaint, unless
it was owing to a few hours delay in proceeding for lack of rations, and
of which in moving so large a force it would be hardly just to complain
of the commissary. The cars were all amply provided with straw, and
many of them with stoves, though the latter were not deemed necessary
for the short trip to Bellaire, in weather no colder than it was when
most of them left Cincinnati. Unfortunately, trains being thrown oft
the track several times on the Ohio Central, there have been very con
siderable detentions in getting them through to this point. At Colum
bus and this place a most ample supply of coffee w^as furnished to all
the regiments immediately on arrival, as also at four different points on
the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad, and I never saw a body of men more
satisfied or merry than were these troops on reaching this point.
On arriving here I immediately took steps to secure an ample supply
of stoves and straw to make the troops comfortable in passing over the
mountains. Most of the corps have already arrived at Washington,
and I am in receipt of dispatch informing me that the Secretary of War,
Generals Halleck, Schofield, and Couch express themselves in the high
est degree satisfied and pleased with the rapidity and great success of
the movement in all respects.
There have been some reports of injury to persons by freezing and
othenvise, but after the most careful inquiry in every direction I have
not been able to ascertain that a single man has suffered in life or limb in
any respect, and I believe such statements are pure fiction. When it is
considered that this movement was so suddenly decided and so promptly
acted upon, and that 20,000 men will have been transported nearly
1,500 miles by river and rail, amid the constant changes and severities
of midwinter, I know there is no one of the gentlemen controlling your
papers who will not regard it in its true light, as one of the remarkable
events of this most remarkable war; the like of which, every thing con
sidered, has not been before accomplished. The movement of the
Twenty-second [Eleventh and Twelfth] Army Corps of 22,000 men from
the East to the West was effected in delightful autumn weather, and
with ample time for previous preparation, and the route distinctly fixed
upon. One thing is certain, so far as I am concerned, that no consider
ation will again induce me voluntarily to assume the general supervis