Posted on May 18, 2016
What was the most significant event on May 17 during the U.S. Civil War?
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In the Civil War bridges are critical to control in many areas. From Burnside Bridge in Antietam in 1862 to Big Black River Bridge in May 1863 many men have fought and died as they fought their way across or stopped the invader.
1862: Sarah Morgan of Baton Rouge writes of her anxieties in her diary: “Four days ago the Yankees left us, to attack Vicksburg, leaving their flag flying in the Garrison without a man to guard it, and with the understanding that the town would be held responsible for it. It was intended for a trap; and it succeeded. For night before last, it was pulled down and torn to pieces.
A new proclamation from Butler has just come. It seems that the ladies have an ugly way of gathering their skirts when the Federals pass, to avoid any possible contact. Some even turn up their noses. Unladylike, to say the least. But it is, maybe, owing to the odor they have, which is said to be unbearable even at this early season of the year. Butler says, whereas the so-called ladies of New Orleans insult his men and officers, he gives one and all permission to insult any or all who so treat them, then and there, with the assurance that the women will not receive the slightest protection from the Government, and that the men will all be justified. . . . Come to my bosom, O my discarded carving-knife, laid aside under the impression that these men were gentlemen. We will be close friends once more. And if you must have a sheath, perhaps I may find one for you in the heart of the first man who attempts to Butlerize me. I never dreamed of kissing any man save my father and brothers. And why any one should care to kiss any one else, I fail to understand. And I do not propose to learn to make exceptions.” Sarah Morgan
1864: The weather finally cleared on May 17. Grant made an assumption that led him to his next attack plan: since Lee had observed Grant's buildup along the Fredericksburg Road, it was likely that he had countered the Union moves by shifting his forces away from the former Mule Shoe positions. He ordered the II Corps and the VI Corps to attack there at sunrise, May 18. They retraced their steps to the vicinity of the Landrum house the night of May 17. Hancock's II Corps would make the primary assault with support from Wright on their right and Burnside on their left.
Pictures: 1863 Big Black River Bridge Battle Map-Purple background; 1863 Battle of the Big Black River Bridge; 1864 Atlanta Campaign May7-Jul2; 1862 Sarah Morgan
The Bloody Angle Mayhem at Dawn: The Union Onslaught Pt 1 Spotsylvania 150th
Confederate Crisis: Lee to the Rear Spotsylvania 150th Pt 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFqJzkB9F0Q&t=2806s
FYI CWO4 Terrence Clark Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SMSgt Lawrence McCarter PO3 Edward Riddle MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Byron Hewett CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw COL (Join to see) SPC Michael Terrell COL Lisandro Murphy SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSG Franklin Briant SSG Jeffrey Leake SPC Mike BennettCPT Earl George SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth PO3 Edward Riddle LTC John Griscom MAJ (Join to see) SMSgt David A Asbury
1862: Sarah Morgan of Baton Rouge writes of her anxieties in her diary: “Four days ago the Yankees left us, to attack Vicksburg, leaving their flag flying in the Garrison without a man to guard it, and with the understanding that the town would be held responsible for it. It was intended for a trap; and it succeeded. For night before last, it was pulled down and torn to pieces.
A new proclamation from Butler has just come. It seems that the ladies have an ugly way of gathering their skirts when the Federals pass, to avoid any possible contact. Some even turn up their noses. Unladylike, to say the least. But it is, maybe, owing to the odor they have, which is said to be unbearable even at this early season of the year. Butler says, whereas the so-called ladies of New Orleans insult his men and officers, he gives one and all permission to insult any or all who so treat them, then and there, with the assurance that the women will not receive the slightest protection from the Government, and that the men will all be justified. . . . Come to my bosom, O my discarded carving-knife, laid aside under the impression that these men were gentlemen. We will be close friends once more. And if you must have a sheath, perhaps I may find one for you in the heart of the first man who attempts to Butlerize me. I never dreamed of kissing any man save my father and brothers. And why any one should care to kiss any one else, I fail to understand. And I do not propose to learn to make exceptions.” Sarah Morgan
1864: The weather finally cleared on May 17. Grant made an assumption that led him to his next attack plan: since Lee had observed Grant's buildup along the Fredericksburg Road, it was likely that he had countered the Union moves by shifting his forces away from the former Mule Shoe positions. He ordered the II Corps and the VI Corps to attack there at sunrise, May 18. They retraced their steps to the vicinity of the Landrum house the night of May 17. Hancock's II Corps would make the primary assault with support from Wright on their right and Burnside on their left.
Pictures: 1863 Big Black River Bridge Battle Map-Purple background; 1863 Battle of the Big Black River Bridge; 1864 Atlanta Campaign May7-Jul2; 1862 Sarah Morgan
The Bloody Angle Mayhem at Dawn: The Union Onslaught Pt 1 Spotsylvania 150th
Confederate Crisis: Lee to the Rear Spotsylvania 150th Pt 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFqJzkB9F0Q&t=2806s
FYI CWO4 Terrence Clark Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SMSgt Lawrence McCarter PO3 Edward Riddle MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Byron Hewett CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw COL (Join to see) SPC Michael Terrell COL Lisandro Murphy SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL SSG Franklin Briant SSG Jeffrey Leake SPC Mike BennettCPT Earl George SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth PO3 Edward Riddle LTC John Griscom MAJ (Join to see) SMSgt David A Asbury
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History's Biggest Blunder | Battle of Big Black River Bridge Animated Battle Map
What was history's greatest military blunder? Who made the biggest mistake in history? Let's look at the Battle of Big Black River Bridge and see if it quali...
Saturday, May 17, 1862: At Galveston, Texas, Captain Henry Eagle, commanding the U.S. flotilla off the coast, sends onshore a demand for the surrender of the city of Galveston and its military stores and fortifications. Gen. Hebert of the Confederate Army sends back a reply to the effect that they would like to see the Yankees try to take the city if they can.
Tuesday, May 17, 1864: Kate Cumming, a nurse with the Confederate army, in Georgia, writes in her diary about the ongoing campaign, and the efforts to help the wounded: “There has been fighting near Dalton for some days. Our army has left that place, and is moving down, drawing the enemy with it. We are told that the enemy are suffering severe losses. I went to Atlanta on the 15th instant, in company with some ladies and gentlemen of this place. . . . That morning was one of the gloomiest I ever passed. It was damp and cheerless; and, look which way I would, the prospect was dreary. Hundreds of wounded men, dirty, bloody, and weary, were all around us. And when I thought of the many more which were expected, I was filled with despair, and felt like humbling myself in the dust, and praying more earnestly than ever before, that God would send us peace. . . .
We remained nearly all day in an old car, expecting to get on to the front. There was a relief committee, from Lagrange, in the same car with us. I observed that several such committees were in Atlanta, from every part of Georgia. The good people of Newnan had supplied us with quantities of every thing. In the afternoon, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Auld and myself went to the cars, on their arrival from the front; and O, what a sight we there beheld! No less than three long trains filled, outside and in, with wounded. Nearly all seemed to be wounded in the head, face, and hands. I asked some one near me why this was. They replied, because our men had fought behind breastworks.
There were ladies at the depot with baskets filled with edibles of all kinds, and buckets of milk, coffee, and lemonade; and I noticed many had wines. I observed a number of old gentlemen assisting— the only manner in which they could serve their country. I noticed one in particular, an aristocratic-looking gentleman, who wore a white linen apron.
The ladies in Atlanta have been doing this work ever since the commencement of the war. They have had tables set at the depot for the benefit of the soldiers. Our party went to the distributing hospital; there we found plenty of work. A number of the Atlanta ladies were there before us, dressing wounds. I commenced to dress one man’s hand, which was badly wounded. (Strange as it may seem, this was the first wound I had ever dressed. I had always had plenty of other work to do.) Just as I had got through, Dr. Jackson, who had gone with us from Newnan, requested me to come and assist him. We were in an immense hall, crowded with wounded; some walking about, others sitting on the floor—all waiting to have their wounds dressed. . . .
It was a bright, moonlight night, and there were some folks who came into the hospital with provisions for the men. Dr. Wellford and a number of us took them and went all over, to see if we could find any in want, but nearly all had been supplied.
The men were lying all over the platform of the depot, preferring to remain there, so as to be ready for the train which would take them to other places.
I was informed that there were about seven or eight hundred wounded who had come in that evening. . . .
I kept my first promise, and as Mrs. H. did not feel very well, I went to the hospital by myself. While crossing the depot I met my friend, Mr. Gribble, and he accompanied me to it. On arriving there I found that no more wounded had come, but there were many there already, for whom I made toddies.
The scene which presented itself to me in the large room where we had been the night before was sickening.
There was pile after pile of rags, just as they had been taken from the wounds, covered with blood and the water used in bathing them. All of the attendants were too much exhausted to clean up. . . .”
Pictures:
1864_Atlanta_campaign Map-Adairsville;
1863 Battle of Black River, Mississippi Map; 1863
CSA Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton;
Kate Cumming, Confederate Nurse;
Since RallyPoint truncates survey selection text I am posting events that were not included and then the full text of each survey choice below:
A. Friday, May 17, 1861: At Galveston, Texas, Captain Henry Eagle, commanding the United States naval forces, sent the following message to the commander of the rebel forces at that place: “In a few days the naval and land forces of the United States will appear off the town of Galveston to enforce its surrender. To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which would result from the bombardment of your town, I hereby demand the surrender of the place, with all its fortifications Galveston to enforce its surrender. To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which would result from the bombardment of your town, I hereby demand the surrender of the place, with all its fortifications and batteries in its vicinity, with all arms and munitions of war. I trust you will comply with this demand.” General Herbert replied “that when the land and naval forces made their appearance, the demand would be answered.” At the same time, he advised the people of the city to “keep cool — there is no danger. When the enemy lands and endeavors to penetrate into the interior, he will be fought on every inch of ground. In the meantime, every man should stand by his arms…”
B. Sunday, May 17, 1863: Battle of Black River, Mississippi. Union Victory. CSA Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton placed his men with their backs to the Black River. When the U. S. attacked, Pemberton's line broke with most of the men crossing the Black River before the bridge was set on fire. Army of the Tennessee then spanned the Big Black, closing in on Vicksburg
The day after Champion Hill, Pemberton pulls his divisions back to the crossing of the Big Black River on the road to Vicksburg: the last big obstacle to that city. He posts John Bowen’s division on the east bank, with his back to the river, with 5,000 men. Stevenson’s division had been badly hammered the day before, and so Pemberton retires Stevenson to the safe western bank of the river. Grant sends Sherman’s XV Corps on a flank march to the northwest, upstream from the Rebel position---mainly to prevent Pemberton from marching to unite with Johnston. He pushes McClernand’s XIII Corps forward directly at the Confederate line, and McPherson’s XVII Corps remains in reserve. McClernand’s hope is to capture the bridge across the Big Black before the Rebels can destroy it. The Federals probe the Rebel line, and find a shallow bayou in front of it; a reconnoitering attack by Carr’s division is repulsed. McClernand then orders Osterhaus to advance against the Rebels’ left flank. Osterhaus is wounded, and his division is taken over by Brig. Gen. Albert Lee. Under cover of artillery fire, Lawler’s brigade sprints forward to a protective depression in the ground, and finds that they are on the Rebel flank. Lawler advances, and they begin to roll up the Confederate line in a rolling assault. Bowen’s troops---especially the large number of East Tennesseans, who are Unionists that were conscripted and are lukewarm at best---begin to break and flee. The Confederates crowd the bridge, and many dive into the swift-current Big Black, and many drown. The Confederates set fire to the turpentine-soaked bridge, so that many Rebels are unable to cross. The day ends in panic and rout for the Southerners, who lose nearly 400 killed and wounded, and another 1,700 captured, along with 18 cannon. Union Victory.
Losses: U.S. 276 C.S. 2,100
C. Tuesday, May 17, 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania, Day 9. The weather finally cleared on May 17. Lt Gen U.S. Grant made an assumption that led him to his next attack plan: since CSA Gen Robert E. Lee had observed Grant's buildup along the Fredericksburg Road, it was likely that he had countered the Union moves by shifting his forces away from the former Mule Shoe positions. Therefore, Grant ordered Hancock’s II Corps and Wright’s VI Corps to attack the Mule Shoe salient once again at sunrise, May 18. They retraced their steps to the vicinity of the Landrum house the night of May 17. Hancock's II Corps would make the primary assault with support from Wright on their right and Burnside on their left.
D. Tuesday, May 17, 1864: Battle of Adairsville, Georgia. Also known as the Battle of Cassville, was a battle of the Atlanta Campaign fought on May 17, 1864, just northeast of Rome, Georgia. The brief engagement was a Confederate delaying action that allowed General Joseph E. Johnston to bait a trap for the Union army at Cassville.
Background.
Following the Battle of Resaca, May 13–15, General Joseph E. Johnston's army retreated southward while Major General William Tecumseh Sherman pursued. Failing to find a good defensive position south of Calhoun, Georgia, Johnston continued to Adairsville, while the Confederate cavalry fought a skillful rearguard action and kept Sherman away from Atlanta.
The Battle.
Once across the Oostanaula River, Johnston sought to make a stand and draw the Federals into a costly assault. He expected to find favorable terrain near Calhoun, but in this he was disappointed and during the night of May 16–17 he led the Confederates southward toward Adairsville. Sherman followed, dividing his forces into three columns, and advancing on a broad front. There were skirmishes all along the route, but the main bodies were not engaged.
Two miles north of Adairsville Oliver Otis Howard and the Union IV Corps began skirmishing with entrenched units of William J. Hardee's Confederate corps. The 44th Illinois and 24th Wisconsin infantry regiments led by Maj. Arthur MacArthur, Jr. (father of Douglas MacArthur) attacked Benjamin F. Cheatham's division and suffered heavy losses. The rest of Howard's corps prepared for battle but further attacks were called off by General Thomas. At Adairsville, Johnston again hoped to find a position in which he could give battle but there too the terrain was unsuitable for further defense and the Confederate commander was forced to continue his withdrawal. As he fell back, however, Johnston devised a strategy that he hoped would lead to the destruction of a part of Sherman's forces. There were two roads leading south from Adairsville—one south to Kingston, the other southeast to Cassville. It seemed likely that Sherman would divide his armies so as to use both roads. This would give Johnston the opportunity to attack one column before the other could come to its aid.
1. Saturday, May 17, 1862: Flag Officer David Farragut has steamed upriver with his fleet and captured Natchez, Mississippi, and continued up to Vicksburg.
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2. Saturday, May 17, 1862 --- Sarah Morgan of Baton Rouge writes of her anxieties in her diary: Four days ago the Yankees left us, to attack Vicksburg, leaving their flag flying in the Garrison without a man to guard it, and with the understanding that the town would be held responsible for it. It was intended for a trap; and it succeeded. For night before last, it was pulled down and torn to pieces.
Now, unless Will will have the kindness to sink a dozen of their ships up there, — I hear he has command of the lower batteries, — they will be back in a few days, and will execute their threat of shelling the town. If they do, what will become of us? All we expect in the way of earthly property is as yet mere paper, which will be so much trash if the South is ruined, as it consists of debts due father by many planters for professional services rendered, who, of course, will be ruined, too, so all money is gone. That is nothing, we will not be ashamed to earn our bread, so let it go. . . .
A new proclamation from Butler has just come. It seems that the ladies have an ugly way of gathering their skirts when the Federals pass, to avoid any possible contact. Some even turn up their noses. Unladylike, to say the least. But it is, maybe, owing to the odor they have, which is said to be unbearable even at this early season of the year. Butler says, whereas the so-called ladies of New Orleans insult his men and officers, he gives one and all permission to insult any or all who so treat them, then and there, with the assurance that the women will not receive the slightest protection from the Government, and that the men will all be justified. . . . Come to my bosom, O my discarded carving-knife, laid aside under the impression that these men were gentlemen. We will be close friends once more. And if you must have a sheath, perhaps I may find one for you in the heart of the first man who attempts to Butlerize me. I never dreamed of kissing any man save my father and brothers. And why any one should care to kiss any one else, I fail to understand. And I do not propose to learn to make exceptions. Sarah Morgan
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3. Saturday, May 17, 1862 --- Surgeon Alfred L. Castleman, of the Army of the Potomac, records his frustration with how slow McClellan’s troops are moving up the Peninsula: 17th.—But little worthy of note to-day, except the increasing impatience of the army. They begin to complain of the Commander in Chief, and, I fear, with some ground of justice. This morning the whole plain of 80,000 men, with its five hundred wagons, ambulances and carts, its five thousand horses, and all the paraphenalia of the army, was ordered to be ready to move at 12 M., precisely. At 11 we ate our dinners; then came the details of men for loading the heavy boxes and chests, striking, rolling and loading tents, which, by hard work, was accomplished by the hour fixed, and noon found us all in column; the word "march" was given, and off we started; moved about fifteen rods, wheeled (teams and all) out of the road into a beautiful field of wheat; wheeled again, and in a few minutes found ourselves right where we started from, with orders to unload and pitch tents. A few regimental groans went up as complimentary of the movement, and in two hours we were again settled. The object of this movement is now known to me, and so small and contemptible was it, so mixed up with the gratification of a petty vindictiveness, that, for the honor of the army, and some of its sub-commanders, I leave it unrecorded, hoping to forget it.
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4. Sunday, May 17 1863 --- Capt. J.N. Groves, a surgeon in the 98th Illinois Infantry, writes home to his wife about a wild raid amongst the “Secesh” in central Tennessee with Col. Wilder’s Lightning Brigade---a brigade of mounted infantry who carried repeating rifles. Groves is very frank about the stolen booty he acquired, some of which he is sending to his wife. This war sounds like a jolly holiday: Dear Regina- We have just returned from a grand thieving expedition; some may call it a scouting party but the most appropriate name is the former. We captured about a thousand horses, five hundred negroes, and two hundred prisoners. It was the first trip I had been on of the kind. We would go to the field where the negroes were plowing and make them unharness and get on the horses and strike out; enter the smoke houses and take all the house we could carry, and then burn the rest. The women would cry and beg, but to no purpose.–One of our men was shot, and Dr. Vertress and I amputated his leg, at a Mr. Anderson’s. We took all his horses but one. This belonged to a young lady, who gave me the mare, and told me she would sooner make me a present of her than to let the soldiers steal her. I have got her; she is the finest animal ever saw. –I could talk about incidents for a month that happened on this trip, but I will refrain. I have got a very fine silk dress for you and Nelly. I will send them as soon as possible.–The black one is for you and the green one for Nelly. Your dress pattern is worth thirty dollars; and also a fine scarf, red; you may do as you please with it. I do not know what the latter is for. Tom Cox, the man that took the coffee, stole the silks and gave them to me.–He run out of money going home and sold the coffee. I have got a shot gun for Walter; a nice carbine that will shoot a thousand yards for your father. If I get a chance I will send them home. Officers are resigning every week. I will send your dresses next week by Capt. Cox; he will express them from Olney. I am not caring whether I get home or not; I could only stay there a few weeks if I were to go, and it will not cost any more for you to come to see me than for me to go and see you. Get your clothing made and when you are ready to come let me know, I want you to travel some, and this will be a nice trip. Whenever you see Col. Winders [Wilder's] mounted brigade mentioned look out for breakers; they run the rebels into the mountains and catch them. It is the brigade that the bloody 98th belongs to. I love to go on these wild trips, but it is not often that I get the privilege of going. I have not received any word from your mother for a long time. I have gone up to the gallery to have my picture taken twice, and did not get one to suit me. I will not send one until it suits me; you don’t want an ugly picture. You can’t guess what we had for dinner. Eggs, biscuit, butter, ham, potatoes, molasses, pies, peaches and blackberries, and other articles too tedious to mention. I wish you would send me some stamps, they are very scarce here. I hope you have got that money by this time. – Answer soon, your affectionate husband.
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5. Tuesday, May 17, 1864: The Federal Congress passes measures setting up the postal money order system.
{[wplucey.com/2011/01/us-civil-war-150th-anniversary-reference-guide.html]}
6. Tuesday, May 17, 1864: Battle of Adairsville, Georgia
{[blueandgraytrail.com/year/186405]}
7. Tuesday, May 17, 1864 --- Kate Cumming, a nurse with the Confederate army, in Georgia, writes in her diary about the ongoing campaign, and the efforts to help the wounded: There has been fighting near Dalton for some days. Our army has left that place, and is moving down, drawing the enemy with it. We are told that the enemy are suffering severe losses. I went to Atlanta on the 15th instant, in company with some ladies and gentlemen of this place. . . . That morning was one of the gloomiest I ever passed. It was damp and cheerless; and, look which way I would, the prospect was dreary. Hundreds of wounded men, dirty, bloody, and weary, were all around us. And when I thought of the many more which were expected, I was filled with despair, and felt like humbling myself in the dust, and praying more earnestly than ever before, that God would send us peace. . . .
We remained nearly all day in an old car, expecting to get on to the front. There was a relief committee, from Lagrange, in the same car with us. I observed that several such committees were in Atlanta, from every part of Georgia. The good people of Newnan had supplied us with quantities of every thing. In the afternoon, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Auld and myself went to the cars, on their arrival from the front; and O, what a sight we there beheld! No less than three long trains filled, outside and in, with wounded. Nearly all seemed to be wounded in the head, face, and hands. I asked some one near me why this was. They replied, because our men had fought behind breastworks.
There were ladies at the depot with baskets filled with edibles of all kinds, and buckets of milk, coffee, and lemonade; and I noticed many had wines. I observed a number of old gentlemen assisting— the only manner in which they could serve their country. I noticed one in particular, an aristocratic-looking gentleman, who wore a white linen apron.
The ladies in Atlanta have been doing this work ever since the commencement of the war. They have had tables set at the depot for the benefit of the soldiers. Our party went to the distributing hospital; there we found plenty of work. A number of the Atlanta ladies were there before us, dressing wounds. I commenced to dress one man’s hand, which was badly wounded. (Strange as it may seem, this was the first wound I had ever dressed. I had always had plenty of other work to do.) Just as I had got through, Dr. Jackson, who had gone with us from Newnan, requested me to come and assist him. We were in an immense hall, crowded with wounded; some walking about, others sitting on the floor—all waiting to have their wounds dressed. . . .
It was a bright, moonlight night, and there were some folks who came into the hospital with provisions for the men. Dr. Wellford and a number of us took them and went all over, to see if we could find any in want, but nearly all had been supplied.
The men were lying all over the platform of the depot, preferring to remain there, so as to be ready for the train which would take them to other places.
I was informed that there were about seven or eight hundred wounded who had come in that evening. . .
I kept my first promise, and as Mrs. H. did not feel very well, I went to the hospital by myself. While crossing the depot I met my friend, Mr. Gribble, and he accompanied me to it. On arriving there I found that no more wounded had come, but there were many there already, for whom I made toddies.
The scene which presented itself to me in the large room where we had been the night before was sickening.
There was pile after pile of rags, just as they had been taken from the wounds, covered with blood and the water used in bathing them. All of the attendants were too much exhausted to clean up. . . .
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8.
A Friday, May 17, 1861, At Galveston, Texas, Captain Henry Eagle, commanding the United States naval forces, sent the following message to the commander of the rebel forces at that place: “In a few days the naval and land forces of the United States will appear off the town of Galveston to enforce its surrender. To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which would result from the bombardment of your town, I hereby demand the surrender of the place, with all its fortifications Galveston to enforce its surrender. To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which would result from the bombardment of your town, I hereby demand the surrender of the place, with all its fortifications and batteries in its vicinity, with all arms and munitions of war. I trust you will comply with this demand.” General Herbert replied “that when the land and naval forces made their appearance, the demand would be answered.” At the same time, he advised the people of the city to “keep cool — there is no danger. When the enemy lands and endeavors to penetrate into the interior, he will be fought on every inch of ground. In the meantime, every man should stand by his arms…”.
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A+ Saturday, May 17, 1862 --- At Galveston, Texas, Captain Henry Eagle, commanding the U.S. flotilla off the coast, sends onshore a demand for the surrender of the city of Galveston and its military stores and fortifications. Gen. Hebert of the Confederate Army sends back a reply to the effect that they would like to see the Yankees try to take the city if they can.
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B Sunday, May 17 1863: Battle of Black River, Mississippi. Pemberton placed his men with their backs to the Black River. When the U. S. attacked, Pemberton's line broke with most of the men crossing the Black River before the bridge was set on fire. Army of the Tennessee then spanned the Big Black, closing in on Vicksburg
{[blueandgraytrail.com/year/186305]}
B+ Sunday, May 17 1863 --- Battle of Big Black River, Mississippi – The day after Champion Hill, Pemberton pulls his divisions back to the crossing of the Big Black River on the road to Vicksburg: the last big obstacle to that city. He posts John Bowen’s division on the east bank, with his back to the river, with 5,000 men. Stevenson’s division had been badly hammered the day before, and so Pemberton retires Stevenson to the safe western bank of the river. Grant sends Sherman’s XV Corps on a flank march to the northwest, upstream from the Rebel position---mainly to prevent Pemberton from marching to unite with Johnston. He pushes McClernand’s XIII Corps forward directly at the Confederate line, and McPherson’s XVII Corps remains in reserve. McClernand’s hope is to capture the bridge across the Big Black before the Rebels can destroy it. The Federals probe the Rebel line, and find a shallow bayou in front of it; a reconnoitering attack by Carr’s division is repulsed. McClernand then orders Osterhaus to advance against the Rebels’ left flank. Osterhaus is wounded, and his division is taken over by Brig. Gen. Albert Lee. Under cover of artillery fire, Lawler’s brigade sprints forward to a protective depression in the ground, and finds that they are on the Rebel flank. Lawler advances, and they begin to roll up the Confederate line in a rolling assault. Bowen’s troops---especially the large number of East Tennesseeans, who are Unionists that were conscripted and are lukewarm at best---begin to break and flee. The Confederates crowd the bridge, and many dive into the swift-current Big Black, and many drown. The Confederates set fire to the turpentine-soaked bridge, so that many Rebels are unable to cross. The day ends in panic and rout for the Southerners, who lose nearly 400 killed and wounded, and another 1,700 captured, along with 18 cannon. Union Victory.
Losses: U.S. 276 C.S. 2,100
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Sunday, May 17 1863 --- A newspaper in Seneca County, New York, publishes an editorial that protests strenuously against the arrest and court-martial of Clement Vallandigham, former Congressman and leader of the Copperhead faction of the Democratic Party: The illegal arrest of VALLANDIGHAM has thoroughly aroused the Northern States. Public meetings are being held in almost every town and county in New York, and the action of the people indicates that they do not regard this as an individual affair, but as a question involving the dearest and most sacred rights of American freemen. The people of Seneca county should not be less patriotic and determined than their conservative friends elsewhere. Let them rally then to the Mass Meeting at Waterloo to-morrow.
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Sunday, May 17 1863: President Lincoln declares Judge Leavitt's denial of motion for habeas corpus in the Vallandigham case the equivalent of 3 victories in the field.
{[blueandgraytrail.com/year/186305]}
C Tuesday, May 17, 1864 --- Battle of Spotsylvania, Day 9: Deciding that today may finally allow him to move troops on fairly solid roads, Grant wants to continue the countermarch to attack the Confederate right. But, realizing that Lee probably knows about his movement already, he instead orders Hancock’s II Corps and Wright’s VI Corps to attack the Mule Shoe salient once again, thinking that these lines would be weakened. However, Lee is not caught by surprise in the least. As the Federals attack, their lines are shredded by well-placed artillery, and finally the attacks are called off.
{[civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=may+17%2C+1864]}
C+ Tuesday, May 17, 1864: Battle of Spotsylvania, Day 9: The weather finally cleared on May 17. Grant made an assumption that led him to his next attack plan: since Lee had observed Grant's buildup along the Fredericksburg Road, it was likely that he had countered the Union moves by shifting his forces away from the former Mule Shoe positions. He ordered the II Corps and the VI Corps to attack there at sunrise, May 18. They retraced their steps to the vicinity of the Landrum house the night of May 17. Hancock's II Corps would make the primary assault with support from Wright on their right and Burnside on their left.
{[wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Spotsylvania_Court_House]}
D Tuesday, May 17, 1864 --- Battle of Adairsville, Georgia: The Confederate cavalry fights an effective rearguard action as Johnston’s Army of Tennessee moves southward, looking for a good place to deploy on the defense. At Adairsville, he stops, and Gen. Thomas readies a force to attack his position. There is maneuvering and skirmishing, and some all-out combat between troops from Howard’s IV Corps Federals and the gray-coats of Hardee’s corps. But that night, Johnston decides that the position is untenable and moves on. Near Cassville, further south, Johnston stops and sense an opportunity to hurt Sherman’s juggernaut.
{[civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=may+17%2C+1864]]
D+ Tuesday, May 17, 1864: The Battle of Adairsville, also known as the Battle of Cassville, was a battle of the Atlanta Campaign fought during the American Civil War on May 17, 1864, just northeast of Rome, Georgia. The brief engagement was a Confederate delaying action that allowed General Joseph E. Johnston to bait a trap for the Union army at Cassville.
Prelude.
Following the Battle of Resaca, May 13–15, General Joseph E. Johnston's army retreated southward while Major General William Tecumseh Sherman pursued. Failing to find a good defensive position south of Calhoun, Georgia, Johnston continued to Adairsville, while the Confederate cavalry fought a skillful rearguard action and kept Sherman away from Atlanta.
The Battle.
Once across the Oostanaula River, Johnston sought to make a stand and draw the Federals into a costly assault. He expected to find favorable terrain near Calhoun, but in this he was disappointed and during the night of May 16–17 he led the Confederates southward toward Adairsville. Sherman followed, dividing his forces into three columns, and advancing on a broad front. There were skirmishes all along the route, but the main bodies were not engaged.
Two miles north of Adairsville Oliver Otis Howard and the Union IV Corps began skirmishing with entrenched units of William J. Hardee's Confederate corps. The 44th Illinois and 24th Wisconsin infantry regiments led by Maj. Arthur MacArthur, Jr. (father of Douglas MacArthur) attacked Benjamin F. Cheatham's division and suffered heavy losses. The rest of Howard's corps prepared for battle but further attacks were called off by General Thomas. At Adairsville, Johnston again hoped to find a position in which he could give battle but there too the terrain was unsuitable for further defense and the Confederate commander was forced to continue his withdrawal. As he fell back, however, Johnston devised a strategy that he hoped would lead to the destruction of a part of Sherman's forces. There were two roads leading south from Adairsville—one south to Kingston, the other southeast to Cassville. It seemed likely that Sherman would divide his armies so as to use both roads. This would give Johnston the opportunity to attack one column before the other could come to its aid.
May 18, 1864 When the Southerners abandoned Adairsville during the night of May 17–18, Johnston sent William J. Hardee's Corps to Kingston, while he fell back toward Cassville with the rest of his army. He hoped that Sherman would believe most of the Southerners to be in Kingston and concentrate the bulk of his forces there. Hardee would then hold off the Northerners at Kingston while Johnston, with Leonidas Polk and John Bell Hood, destroyed the smaller Federal column at Cassville.
Sherman reacted as Johnston hoped, ordering James B. McPherson and the bulk of George Henry Thomas's army toward Kingston while sending only John Schofield and one corps of Thomas' army along the road to Cassville. On the morning of May 19, Johnston ordered Hood to march along a country road a mile or so east of the Adairsville-Cassville Road and form his corps for battle facing west. While Polk attacked the head of the Federal column, Hood was to assail its left flank. As Hood was moving into position, he ran into Daniel Butterfield's Federal brigade to the east. This was a source of great danger, for had Hood formed facing west, these Federals would have been in position to attack the exposed flank and rear of his corps. After a brief skirmish with the Northerners, Hood fell back to rejoin Polk. Johnston, believing that the opportunity for a successful battle had passed, ordered Hood and Polk to move to a new line east and south of Cassville, where they were joined by Hardee who had been pushed out of Kingston. Johnston formed his army on a ridge and hoped that Sherman would attack him there on May 20. As usual, the Southern commander was confident of repulsing the enemy.
During the night, the Confederates withdrew across the Etowah River. As they fell back, their feelings were mixed. They had lost a very strong position at Dalton, and had fallen back from Resaca, Calhoun, and Adairsville. Now they were retreating again under cover of darkness. That morning as they prepared for battle, their spirits had been high. Now their disappointment was bitter. Although morale would revive in the next few days, many Southern soldiers would never again place as much confidence in Johnston's abilities as they once had.
{[wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Adairsville]}
History's Biggest Blunder | Battle of Big Black River Bridge Animated Battle Map
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL4EaCaxJEg
FYI MGySgt Rick Tyrrell LTC Trent Klug SSG Jeffrey Leake
FYI SGT Tiffanie G. SGT Mary G.CPL Ronald Keyes Jr SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Franklin BriantMSG Joseph ChristofaroLTC Greg HenningSFC George Smith SPC Michael Terrell SPC Maurice Evans PO3 Edward Riddle GySgt Jack Wallace
Tuesday, May 17, 1864: Kate Cumming, a nurse with the Confederate army, in Georgia, writes in her diary about the ongoing campaign, and the efforts to help the wounded: “There has been fighting near Dalton for some days. Our army has left that place, and is moving down, drawing the enemy with it. We are told that the enemy are suffering severe losses. I went to Atlanta on the 15th instant, in company with some ladies and gentlemen of this place. . . . That morning was one of the gloomiest I ever passed. It was damp and cheerless; and, look which way I would, the prospect was dreary. Hundreds of wounded men, dirty, bloody, and weary, were all around us. And when I thought of the many more which were expected, I was filled with despair, and felt like humbling myself in the dust, and praying more earnestly than ever before, that God would send us peace. . . .
We remained nearly all day in an old car, expecting to get on to the front. There was a relief committee, from Lagrange, in the same car with us. I observed that several such committees were in Atlanta, from every part of Georgia. The good people of Newnan had supplied us with quantities of every thing. In the afternoon, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Auld and myself went to the cars, on their arrival from the front; and O, what a sight we there beheld! No less than three long trains filled, outside and in, with wounded. Nearly all seemed to be wounded in the head, face, and hands. I asked some one near me why this was. They replied, because our men had fought behind breastworks.
There were ladies at the depot with baskets filled with edibles of all kinds, and buckets of milk, coffee, and lemonade; and I noticed many had wines. I observed a number of old gentlemen assisting— the only manner in which they could serve their country. I noticed one in particular, an aristocratic-looking gentleman, who wore a white linen apron.
The ladies in Atlanta have been doing this work ever since the commencement of the war. They have had tables set at the depot for the benefit of the soldiers. Our party went to the distributing hospital; there we found plenty of work. A number of the Atlanta ladies were there before us, dressing wounds. I commenced to dress one man’s hand, which was badly wounded. (Strange as it may seem, this was the first wound I had ever dressed. I had always had plenty of other work to do.) Just as I had got through, Dr. Jackson, who had gone with us from Newnan, requested me to come and assist him. We were in an immense hall, crowded with wounded; some walking about, others sitting on the floor—all waiting to have their wounds dressed. . . .
It was a bright, moonlight night, and there were some folks who came into the hospital with provisions for the men. Dr. Wellford and a number of us took them and went all over, to see if we could find any in want, but nearly all had been supplied.
The men were lying all over the platform of the depot, preferring to remain there, so as to be ready for the train which would take them to other places.
I was informed that there were about seven or eight hundred wounded who had come in that evening. . . .
I kept my first promise, and as Mrs. H. did not feel very well, I went to the hospital by myself. While crossing the depot I met my friend, Mr. Gribble, and he accompanied me to it. On arriving there I found that no more wounded had come, but there were many there already, for whom I made toddies.
The scene which presented itself to me in the large room where we had been the night before was sickening.
There was pile after pile of rags, just as they had been taken from the wounds, covered with blood and the water used in bathing them. All of the attendants were too much exhausted to clean up. . . .”
Pictures:
1864_Atlanta_campaign Map-Adairsville;
1863 Battle of Black River, Mississippi Map; 1863
CSA Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton;
Kate Cumming, Confederate Nurse;
Since RallyPoint truncates survey selection text I am posting events that were not included and then the full text of each survey choice below:
A. Friday, May 17, 1861: At Galveston, Texas, Captain Henry Eagle, commanding the United States naval forces, sent the following message to the commander of the rebel forces at that place: “In a few days the naval and land forces of the United States will appear off the town of Galveston to enforce its surrender. To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which would result from the bombardment of your town, I hereby demand the surrender of the place, with all its fortifications Galveston to enforce its surrender. To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which would result from the bombardment of your town, I hereby demand the surrender of the place, with all its fortifications and batteries in its vicinity, with all arms and munitions of war. I trust you will comply with this demand.” General Herbert replied “that when the land and naval forces made their appearance, the demand would be answered.” At the same time, he advised the people of the city to “keep cool — there is no danger. When the enemy lands and endeavors to penetrate into the interior, he will be fought on every inch of ground. In the meantime, every man should stand by his arms…”
B. Sunday, May 17, 1863: Battle of Black River, Mississippi. Union Victory. CSA Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton placed his men with their backs to the Black River. When the U. S. attacked, Pemberton's line broke with most of the men crossing the Black River before the bridge was set on fire. Army of the Tennessee then spanned the Big Black, closing in on Vicksburg
The day after Champion Hill, Pemberton pulls his divisions back to the crossing of the Big Black River on the road to Vicksburg: the last big obstacle to that city. He posts John Bowen’s division on the east bank, with his back to the river, with 5,000 men. Stevenson’s division had been badly hammered the day before, and so Pemberton retires Stevenson to the safe western bank of the river. Grant sends Sherman’s XV Corps on a flank march to the northwest, upstream from the Rebel position---mainly to prevent Pemberton from marching to unite with Johnston. He pushes McClernand’s XIII Corps forward directly at the Confederate line, and McPherson’s XVII Corps remains in reserve. McClernand’s hope is to capture the bridge across the Big Black before the Rebels can destroy it. The Federals probe the Rebel line, and find a shallow bayou in front of it; a reconnoitering attack by Carr’s division is repulsed. McClernand then orders Osterhaus to advance against the Rebels’ left flank. Osterhaus is wounded, and his division is taken over by Brig. Gen. Albert Lee. Under cover of artillery fire, Lawler’s brigade sprints forward to a protective depression in the ground, and finds that they are on the Rebel flank. Lawler advances, and they begin to roll up the Confederate line in a rolling assault. Bowen’s troops---especially the large number of East Tennesseans, who are Unionists that were conscripted and are lukewarm at best---begin to break and flee. The Confederates crowd the bridge, and many dive into the swift-current Big Black, and many drown. The Confederates set fire to the turpentine-soaked bridge, so that many Rebels are unable to cross. The day ends in panic and rout for the Southerners, who lose nearly 400 killed and wounded, and another 1,700 captured, along with 18 cannon. Union Victory.
Losses: U.S. 276 C.S. 2,100
C. Tuesday, May 17, 1864 Battle of Spotsylvania, Day 9. The weather finally cleared on May 17. Lt Gen U.S. Grant made an assumption that led him to his next attack plan: since CSA Gen Robert E. Lee had observed Grant's buildup along the Fredericksburg Road, it was likely that he had countered the Union moves by shifting his forces away from the former Mule Shoe positions. Therefore, Grant ordered Hancock’s II Corps and Wright’s VI Corps to attack the Mule Shoe salient once again at sunrise, May 18. They retraced their steps to the vicinity of the Landrum house the night of May 17. Hancock's II Corps would make the primary assault with support from Wright on their right and Burnside on their left.
D. Tuesday, May 17, 1864: Battle of Adairsville, Georgia. Also known as the Battle of Cassville, was a battle of the Atlanta Campaign fought on May 17, 1864, just northeast of Rome, Georgia. The brief engagement was a Confederate delaying action that allowed General Joseph E. Johnston to bait a trap for the Union army at Cassville.
Background.
Following the Battle of Resaca, May 13–15, General Joseph E. Johnston's army retreated southward while Major General William Tecumseh Sherman pursued. Failing to find a good defensive position south of Calhoun, Georgia, Johnston continued to Adairsville, while the Confederate cavalry fought a skillful rearguard action and kept Sherman away from Atlanta.
The Battle.
Once across the Oostanaula River, Johnston sought to make a stand and draw the Federals into a costly assault. He expected to find favorable terrain near Calhoun, but in this he was disappointed and during the night of May 16–17 he led the Confederates southward toward Adairsville. Sherman followed, dividing his forces into three columns, and advancing on a broad front. There were skirmishes all along the route, but the main bodies were not engaged.
Two miles north of Adairsville Oliver Otis Howard and the Union IV Corps began skirmishing with entrenched units of William J. Hardee's Confederate corps. The 44th Illinois and 24th Wisconsin infantry regiments led by Maj. Arthur MacArthur, Jr. (father of Douglas MacArthur) attacked Benjamin F. Cheatham's division and suffered heavy losses. The rest of Howard's corps prepared for battle but further attacks were called off by General Thomas. At Adairsville, Johnston again hoped to find a position in which he could give battle but there too the terrain was unsuitable for further defense and the Confederate commander was forced to continue his withdrawal. As he fell back, however, Johnston devised a strategy that he hoped would lead to the destruction of a part of Sherman's forces. There were two roads leading south from Adairsville—one south to Kingston, the other southeast to Cassville. It seemed likely that Sherman would divide his armies so as to use both roads. This would give Johnston the opportunity to attack one column before the other could come to its aid.
1. Saturday, May 17, 1862: Flag Officer David Farragut has steamed upriver with his fleet and captured Natchez, Mississippi, and continued up to Vicksburg.
{[civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=may+17%2C+1862]}
2. Saturday, May 17, 1862 --- Sarah Morgan of Baton Rouge writes of her anxieties in her diary: Four days ago the Yankees left us, to attack Vicksburg, leaving their flag flying in the Garrison without a man to guard it, and with the understanding that the town would be held responsible for it. It was intended for a trap; and it succeeded. For night before last, it was pulled down and torn to pieces.
Now, unless Will will have the kindness to sink a dozen of their ships up there, — I hear he has command of the lower batteries, — they will be back in a few days, and will execute their threat of shelling the town. If they do, what will become of us? All we expect in the way of earthly property is as yet mere paper, which will be so much trash if the South is ruined, as it consists of debts due father by many planters for professional services rendered, who, of course, will be ruined, too, so all money is gone. That is nothing, we will not be ashamed to earn our bread, so let it go. . . .
A new proclamation from Butler has just come. It seems that the ladies have an ugly way of gathering their skirts when the Federals pass, to avoid any possible contact. Some even turn up their noses. Unladylike, to say the least. But it is, maybe, owing to the odor they have, which is said to be unbearable even at this early season of the year. Butler says, whereas the so-called ladies of New Orleans insult his men and officers, he gives one and all permission to insult any or all who so treat them, then and there, with the assurance that the women will not receive the slightest protection from the Government, and that the men will all be justified. . . . Come to my bosom, O my discarded carving-knife, laid aside under the impression that these men were gentlemen. We will be close friends once more. And if you must have a sheath, perhaps I may find one for you in the heart of the first man who attempts to Butlerize me. I never dreamed of kissing any man save my father and brothers. And why any one should care to kiss any one else, I fail to understand. And I do not propose to learn to make exceptions. Sarah Morgan
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3. Saturday, May 17, 1862 --- Surgeon Alfred L. Castleman, of the Army of the Potomac, records his frustration with how slow McClellan’s troops are moving up the Peninsula: 17th.—But little worthy of note to-day, except the increasing impatience of the army. They begin to complain of the Commander in Chief, and, I fear, with some ground of justice. This morning the whole plain of 80,000 men, with its five hundred wagons, ambulances and carts, its five thousand horses, and all the paraphenalia of the army, was ordered to be ready to move at 12 M., precisely. At 11 we ate our dinners; then came the details of men for loading the heavy boxes and chests, striking, rolling and loading tents, which, by hard work, was accomplished by the hour fixed, and noon found us all in column; the word "march" was given, and off we started; moved about fifteen rods, wheeled (teams and all) out of the road into a beautiful field of wheat; wheeled again, and in a few minutes found ourselves right where we started from, with orders to unload and pitch tents. A few regimental groans went up as complimentary of the movement, and in two hours we were again settled. The object of this movement is now known to me, and so small and contemptible was it, so mixed up with the gratification of a petty vindictiveness, that, for the honor of the army, and some of its sub-commanders, I leave it unrecorded, hoping to forget it.
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4. Sunday, May 17 1863 --- Capt. J.N. Groves, a surgeon in the 98th Illinois Infantry, writes home to his wife about a wild raid amongst the “Secesh” in central Tennessee with Col. Wilder’s Lightning Brigade---a brigade of mounted infantry who carried repeating rifles. Groves is very frank about the stolen booty he acquired, some of which he is sending to his wife. This war sounds like a jolly holiday: Dear Regina- We have just returned from a grand thieving expedition; some may call it a scouting party but the most appropriate name is the former. We captured about a thousand horses, five hundred negroes, and two hundred prisoners. It was the first trip I had been on of the kind. We would go to the field where the negroes were plowing and make them unharness and get on the horses and strike out; enter the smoke houses and take all the house we could carry, and then burn the rest. The women would cry and beg, but to no purpose.–One of our men was shot, and Dr. Vertress and I amputated his leg, at a Mr. Anderson’s. We took all his horses but one. This belonged to a young lady, who gave me the mare, and told me she would sooner make me a present of her than to let the soldiers steal her. I have got her; she is the finest animal ever saw. –I could talk about incidents for a month that happened on this trip, but I will refrain. I have got a very fine silk dress for you and Nelly. I will send them as soon as possible.–The black one is for you and the green one for Nelly. Your dress pattern is worth thirty dollars; and also a fine scarf, red; you may do as you please with it. I do not know what the latter is for. Tom Cox, the man that took the coffee, stole the silks and gave them to me.–He run out of money going home and sold the coffee. I have got a shot gun for Walter; a nice carbine that will shoot a thousand yards for your father. If I get a chance I will send them home. Officers are resigning every week. I will send your dresses next week by Capt. Cox; he will express them from Olney. I am not caring whether I get home or not; I could only stay there a few weeks if I were to go, and it will not cost any more for you to come to see me than for me to go and see you. Get your clothing made and when you are ready to come let me know, I want you to travel some, and this will be a nice trip. Whenever you see Col. Winders [Wilder's] mounted brigade mentioned look out for breakers; they run the rebels into the mountains and catch them. It is the brigade that the bloody 98th belongs to. I love to go on these wild trips, but it is not often that I get the privilege of going. I have not received any word from your mother for a long time. I have gone up to the gallery to have my picture taken twice, and did not get one to suit me. I will not send one until it suits me; you don’t want an ugly picture. You can’t guess what we had for dinner. Eggs, biscuit, butter, ham, potatoes, molasses, pies, peaches and blackberries, and other articles too tedious to mention. I wish you would send me some stamps, they are very scarce here. I hope you have got that money by this time. – Answer soon, your affectionate husband.
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5. Tuesday, May 17, 1864: The Federal Congress passes measures setting up the postal money order system.
{[wplucey.com/2011/01/us-civil-war-150th-anniversary-reference-guide.html]}
6. Tuesday, May 17, 1864: Battle of Adairsville, Georgia
{[blueandgraytrail.com/year/186405]}
7. Tuesday, May 17, 1864 --- Kate Cumming, a nurse with the Confederate army, in Georgia, writes in her diary about the ongoing campaign, and the efforts to help the wounded: There has been fighting near Dalton for some days. Our army has left that place, and is moving down, drawing the enemy with it. We are told that the enemy are suffering severe losses. I went to Atlanta on the 15th instant, in company with some ladies and gentlemen of this place. . . . That morning was one of the gloomiest I ever passed. It was damp and cheerless; and, look which way I would, the prospect was dreary. Hundreds of wounded men, dirty, bloody, and weary, were all around us. And when I thought of the many more which were expected, I was filled with despair, and felt like humbling myself in the dust, and praying more earnestly than ever before, that God would send us peace. . . .
We remained nearly all day in an old car, expecting to get on to the front. There was a relief committee, from Lagrange, in the same car with us. I observed that several such committees were in Atlanta, from every part of Georgia. The good people of Newnan had supplied us with quantities of every thing. In the afternoon, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Auld and myself went to the cars, on their arrival from the front; and O, what a sight we there beheld! No less than three long trains filled, outside and in, with wounded. Nearly all seemed to be wounded in the head, face, and hands. I asked some one near me why this was. They replied, because our men had fought behind breastworks.
There were ladies at the depot with baskets filled with edibles of all kinds, and buckets of milk, coffee, and lemonade; and I noticed many had wines. I observed a number of old gentlemen assisting— the only manner in which they could serve their country. I noticed one in particular, an aristocratic-looking gentleman, who wore a white linen apron.
The ladies in Atlanta have been doing this work ever since the commencement of the war. They have had tables set at the depot for the benefit of the soldiers. Our party went to the distributing hospital; there we found plenty of work. A number of the Atlanta ladies were there before us, dressing wounds. I commenced to dress one man’s hand, which was badly wounded. (Strange as it may seem, this was the first wound I had ever dressed. I had always had plenty of other work to do.) Just as I had got through, Dr. Jackson, who had gone with us from Newnan, requested me to come and assist him. We were in an immense hall, crowded with wounded; some walking about, others sitting on the floor—all waiting to have their wounds dressed. . . .
It was a bright, moonlight night, and there were some folks who came into the hospital with provisions for the men. Dr. Wellford and a number of us took them and went all over, to see if we could find any in want, but nearly all had been supplied.
The men were lying all over the platform of the depot, preferring to remain there, so as to be ready for the train which would take them to other places.
I was informed that there were about seven or eight hundred wounded who had come in that evening. . .
I kept my first promise, and as Mrs. H. did not feel very well, I went to the hospital by myself. While crossing the depot I met my friend, Mr. Gribble, and he accompanied me to it. On arriving there I found that no more wounded had come, but there were many there already, for whom I made toddies.
The scene which presented itself to me in the large room where we had been the night before was sickening.
There was pile after pile of rags, just as they had been taken from the wounds, covered with blood and the water used in bathing them. All of the attendants were too much exhausted to clean up. . . .
{[civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=may+17%2C+1864]}
8.
A Friday, May 17, 1861, At Galveston, Texas, Captain Henry Eagle, commanding the United States naval forces, sent the following message to the commander of the rebel forces at that place: “In a few days the naval and land forces of the United States will appear off the town of Galveston to enforce its surrender. To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which would result from the bombardment of your town, I hereby demand the surrender of the place, with all its fortifications Galveston to enforce its surrender. To prevent the effusion of blood and destruction of property which would result from the bombardment of your town, I hereby demand the surrender of the place, with all its fortifications and batteries in its vicinity, with all arms and munitions of war. I trust you will comply with this demand.” General Herbert replied “that when the land and naval forces made their appearance, the demand would be answered.” At the same time, he advised the people of the city to “keep cool — there is no danger. When the enemy lands and endeavors to penetrate into the interior, he will be fought on every inch of ground. In the meantime, every man should stand by his arms…”.
{[perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/nebrowser?id=tgn%2C7014041&order=asc&start=4]}
A+ Saturday, May 17, 1862 --- At Galveston, Texas, Captain Henry Eagle, commanding the U.S. flotilla off the coast, sends onshore a demand for the surrender of the city of Galveston and its military stores and fortifications. Gen. Hebert of the Confederate Army sends back a reply to the effect that they would like to see the Yankees try to take the city if they can.
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B Sunday, May 17 1863: Battle of Black River, Mississippi. Pemberton placed his men with their backs to the Black River. When the U. S. attacked, Pemberton's line broke with most of the men crossing the Black River before the bridge was set on fire. Army of the Tennessee then spanned the Big Black, closing in on Vicksburg
{[blueandgraytrail.com/year/186305]}
B+ Sunday, May 17 1863 --- Battle of Big Black River, Mississippi – The day after Champion Hill, Pemberton pulls his divisions back to the crossing of the Big Black River on the road to Vicksburg: the last big obstacle to that city. He posts John Bowen’s division on the east bank, with his back to the river, with 5,000 men. Stevenson’s division had been badly hammered the day before, and so Pemberton retires Stevenson to the safe western bank of the river. Grant sends Sherman’s XV Corps on a flank march to the northwest, upstream from the Rebel position---mainly to prevent Pemberton from marching to unite with Johnston. He pushes McClernand’s XIII Corps forward directly at the Confederate line, and McPherson’s XVII Corps remains in reserve. McClernand’s hope is to capture the bridge across the Big Black before the Rebels can destroy it. The Federals probe the Rebel line, and find a shallow bayou in front of it; a reconnoitering attack by Carr’s division is repulsed. McClernand then orders Osterhaus to advance against the Rebels’ left flank. Osterhaus is wounded, and his division is taken over by Brig. Gen. Albert Lee. Under cover of artillery fire, Lawler’s brigade sprints forward to a protective depression in the ground, and finds that they are on the Rebel flank. Lawler advances, and they begin to roll up the Confederate line in a rolling assault. Bowen’s troops---especially the large number of East Tennesseeans, who are Unionists that were conscripted and are lukewarm at best---begin to break and flee. The Confederates crowd the bridge, and many dive into the swift-current Big Black, and many drown. The Confederates set fire to the turpentine-soaked bridge, so that many Rebels are unable to cross. The day ends in panic and rout for the Southerners, who lose nearly 400 killed and wounded, and another 1,700 captured, along with 18 cannon. Union Victory.
Losses: U.S. 276 C.S. 2,100
{[civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=may+17%2C+186]}
Sunday, May 17 1863 --- A newspaper in Seneca County, New York, publishes an editorial that protests strenuously against the arrest and court-martial of Clement Vallandigham, former Congressman and leader of the Copperhead faction of the Democratic Party: The illegal arrest of VALLANDIGHAM has thoroughly aroused the Northern States. Public meetings are being held in almost every town and county in New York, and the action of the people indicates that they do not regard this as an individual affair, but as a question involving the dearest and most sacred rights of American freemen. The people of Seneca county should not be less patriotic and determined than their conservative friends elsewhere. Let them rally then to the Mass Meeting at Waterloo to-morrow.
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Sunday, May 17 1863: President Lincoln declares Judge Leavitt's denial of motion for habeas corpus in the Vallandigham case the equivalent of 3 victories in the field.
{[blueandgraytrail.com/year/186305]}
C Tuesday, May 17, 1864 --- Battle of Spotsylvania, Day 9: Deciding that today may finally allow him to move troops on fairly solid roads, Grant wants to continue the countermarch to attack the Confederate right. But, realizing that Lee probably knows about his movement already, he instead orders Hancock’s II Corps and Wright’s VI Corps to attack the Mule Shoe salient once again, thinking that these lines would be weakened. However, Lee is not caught by surprise in the least. As the Federals attack, their lines are shredded by well-placed artillery, and finally the attacks are called off.
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C+ Tuesday, May 17, 1864: Battle of Spotsylvania, Day 9: The weather finally cleared on May 17. Grant made an assumption that led him to his next attack plan: since Lee had observed Grant's buildup along the Fredericksburg Road, it was likely that he had countered the Union moves by shifting his forces away from the former Mule Shoe positions. He ordered the II Corps and the VI Corps to attack there at sunrise, May 18. They retraced their steps to the vicinity of the Landrum house the night of May 17. Hancock's II Corps would make the primary assault with support from Wright on their right and Burnside on their left.
{[wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Spotsylvania_Court_House]}
D Tuesday, May 17, 1864 --- Battle of Adairsville, Georgia: The Confederate cavalry fights an effective rearguard action as Johnston’s Army of Tennessee moves southward, looking for a good place to deploy on the defense. At Adairsville, he stops, and Gen. Thomas readies a force to attack his position. There is maneuvering and skirmishing, and some all-out combat between troops from Howard’s IV Corps Federals and the gray-coats of Hardee’s corps. But that night, Johnston decides that the position is untenable and moves on. Near Cassville, further south, Johnston stops and sense an opportunity to hurt Sherman’s juggernaut.
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D+ Tuesday, May 17, 1864: The Battle of Adairsville, also known as the Battle of Cassville, was a battle of the Atlanta Campaign fought during the American Civil War on May 17, 1864, just northeast of Rome, Georgia. The brief engagement was a Confederate delaying action that allowed General Joseph E. Johnston to bait a trap for the Union army at Cassville.
Prelude.
Following the Battle of Resaca, May 13–15, General Joseph E. Johnston's army retreated southward while Major General William Tecumseh Sherman pursued. Failing to find a good defensive position south of Calhoun, Georgia, Johnston continued to Adairsville, while the Confederate cavalry fought a skillful rearguard action and kept Sherman away from Atlanta.
The Battle.
Once across the Oostanaula River, Johnston sought to make a stand and draw the Federals into a costly assault. He expected to find favorable terrain near Calhoun, but in this he was disappointed and during the night of May 16–17 he led the Confederates southward toward Adairsville. Sherman followed, dividing his forces into three columns, and advancing on a broad front. There were skirmishes all along the route, but the main bodies were not engaged.
Two miles north of Adairsville Oliver Otis Howard and the Union IV Corps began skirmishing with entrenched units of William J. Hardee's Confederate corps. The 44th Illinois and 24th Wisconsin infantry regiments led by Maj. Arthur MacArthur, Jr. (father of Douglas MacArthur) attacked Benjamin F. Cheatham's division and suffered heavy losses. The rest of Howard's corps prepared for battle but further attacks were called off by General Thomas. At Adairsville, Johnston again hoped to find a position in which he could give battle but there too the terrain was unsuitable for further defense and the Confederate commander was forced to continue his withdrawal. As he fell back, however, Johnston devised a strategy that he hoped would lead to the destruction of a part of Sherman's forces. There were two roads leading south from Adairsville—one south to Kingston, the other southeast to Cassville. It seemed likely that Sherman would divide his armies so as to use both roads. This would give Johnston the opportunity to attack one column before the other could come to its aid.
May 18, 1864 When the Southerners abandoned Adairsville during the night of May 17–18, Johnston sent William J. Hardee's Corps to Kingston, while he fell back toward Cassville with the rest of his army. He hoped that Sherman would believe most of the Southerners to be in Kingston and concentrate the bulk of his forces there. Hardee would then hold off the Northerners at Kingston while Johnston, with Leonidas Polk and John Bell Hood, destroyed the smaller Federal column at Cassville.
Sherman reacted as Johnston hoped, ordering James B. McPherson and the bulk of George Henry Thomas's army toward Kingston while sending only John Schofield and one corps of Thomas' army along the road to Cassville. On the morning of May 19, Johnston ordered Hood to march along a country road a mile or so east of the Adairsville-Cassville Road and form his corps for battle facing west. While Polk attacked the head of the Federal column, Hood was to assail its left flank. As Hood was moving into position, he ran into Daniel Butterfield's Federal brigade to the east. This was a source of great danger, for had Hood formed facing west, these Federals would have been in position to attack the exposed flank and rear of his corps. After a brief skirmish with the Northerners, Hood fell back to rejoin Polk. Johnston, believing that the opportunity for a successful battle had passed, ordered Hood and Polk to move to a new line east and south of Cassville, where they were joined by Hardee who had been pushed out of Kingston. Johnston formed his army on a ridge and hoped that Sherman would attack him there on May 20. As usual, the Southern commander was confident of repulsing the enemy.
During the night, the Confederates withdrew across the Etowah River. As they fell back, their feelings were mixed. They had lost a very strong position at Dalton, and had fallen back from Resaca, Calhoun, and Adairsville. Now they were retreating again under cover of darkness. That morning as they prepared for battle, their spirits had been high. Now their disappointment was bitter. Although morale would revive in the next few days, many Southern soldiers would never again place as much confidence in Johnston's abilities as they once had.
{[wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Adairsville]}
History's Biggest Blunder | Battle of Big Black River Bridge Animated Battle Map
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL4EaCaxJEg
FYI MGySgt Rick Tyrrell LTC Trent Klug SSG Jeffrey Leake
FYI SGT Tiffanie G. SGT Mary G.CPL Ronald Keyes Jr SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Franklin BriantMSG Joseph ChristofaroLTC Greg HenningSFC George Smith SPC Michael Terrell SPC Maurice Evans PO3 Edward Riddle GySgt Jack Wallace
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MGySgt Rick Tyrrell
Although a great trap, Divisions of the Union Army of the Cumberland and Army of the Tennessee marched through Adairsville on May 18 in pursuit of the Confederates.
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LTC Stephen F.
Thank you my fellow US History appreciating friend MGySgt Rick Tyrrell for commenting astutely.
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LTC Stephen F.
Belated you are very welcome my deceased brother-in-Christ SP5 Mark Kuzinski
Rest in eternal peace and joy and prayers for peace for your widow Diana, your children and grandchildren
Rest in eternal peace and joy and prayers for peace for your widow Diana, your children and grandchildren
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LTC Stephen F.
You are very welcome my fellow civil war history appreciator SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM
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