He was a private in the Revolutionary War, served in the Virginia line, when he was only sixteen years old. he served 10 months during 1781 and 1782. He served mainly in operations and he fought in several skirmishes with the Tories and Indians near Wilmington, North Carolina. He was granted a Pension of $33.33 per year for life on 9-Apr-1834. We have copy of his application for Pension, #S4322. He fought in The North Carolina Line. At enlistment, he was living with his father in Burke County, North Carolina, he went back to live with him after the war. He moved to Jackson County Tennessee in 1806, and applied there for a Pension on 18-Mar-1834, at age 69. He served as a Justice of the Peace and officiated at the wedding of his daughter, Polly and Curry Lee in 1816 . On October 6, 1817 he was appointed by the Tennessee State Legislature as a commissioner to help lay-off the town of Gainesborough, Tn. Among the responsibilities of this commission was a charge to raise funds for the construction of a court house and jail in Gainesboro. They were also responsible for supervising the transfer of the county seat from Williamsburgh to Gainesboro. In 1814, Josph received three grants totalling 90 acres (one of 10 acres, one of 15 acres, and one of 65 acres) on the North side of Spring Creek on Roaring River. In 1833, he received an additional grant to 52 acres. In 1837, he received another grant for 154 acres lying on the north side of Spring Creek and joining property owned by Asa Lynn. Finally, in 1839, he received two grants of 200 acres each. These lands were also on Spring Creek and bordered lands owned by John Loftis. In 1843, he deeded the 65 acre tract to his daughter, Polly Hawkins Lee ,citing "...the natural love and affection which I have for my daughter Polly...and for the better maintenance of herself and offspring". The remainder of his land passed to his heirs after his death. Joseph Hawkins first appears in the Spring Creek Baptist Church records in September, 1806, which, according to other sources, was the year of his arrival in Jackson County. On March 1, 1809, Joseph was appointed clerk of Spring Creek Church, an office which he held until October 15, 1836. There is an entry in the church records dated July 3, 1842 which states: "the case of Joseph Hawkins...was taken up and he was excluded for adhering to and approving the principle and practice of the Stockton's Valley Association and associating with that disorderly body that was excluded for the same offense in April of 1841...". He was not mentioned again in the Spring Creek Church records. Many Baptist churches in Jackson County and surrounding regions were moving towards membership in the state Baptist convention and were beginning to accept the "missionary concept" and the idea of cooperative missions. These changes were opposed by Spring Creek Church, which wished to maintain strict autonomy and which felt the new ideas to be "unscriptual and disorderly".
Distillery occupied by Joseph Hawkins, Jackson Co.
Raw materials: Kind employed - 100 bushels corn.Cost - $33.63No. persons employed: Two men Machinery: One still( Capitol invested $125.00Expenditures: ( Amount paid annually for wages $48.00 Sales Ready.( Contingent expense $20.00Production: Anual manufacture 200 gallons whiskey. Market Value $140.00
Source: TN Census Report 1820--- Sheet of Manufacture Etc
Sources:1. Revolutionary War Pension Claim of Joseph Hawkins, General Services Administration, National Archives, Washington, D.C., Pension File #S4322.2. Burke County, North Carolina Land Records and More Important Miscellaneous Records, 1751-1809, Volume III, compiled by Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, published 1977, page 123 and 137.3. A Letter from Josiah Wilson Hawkins to William Carroll Hawkins, February 21, 1889.4. History of Gainesboro, transcribed from old manuscripts by Mrs. Maude McGlasson in 1936.5. Census Report 1820---Sheet of Manufacture Etc.6. Harold Hawkins
THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORD OF JOSEPH HAWKINS: The following is a transcript of a deposition given by Joseph Hawkins on March 18, 1834. This deposition was taken by James T. Quarles and was part of Joseph Hawkins' application for a Revolutionary War pension. "...he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated: In the year 1781, there was a call for men to go against the Cherokee Indians. Applicant volunteered as a private soldier under Captain James McFarland, the Regiment was commanded by Colonel McDowell, and served this tour of two months, was discharged and returned home to his father's residence in Burke County, North Carolina where he then resided with his father. There was after his return home another call for men to go against the Tories and British. Applicant volunteered under his former Captain McFarland under the command of Major White and his former Colonel McDowell. Believes this was in August or the first of September 1781. General Rutherford was our General. I marched from Burke County near the court house to a widow Ward's about eight miles distance from Sherrel's Ford on the Faulhaber River where this regiment rendezvoused. We was then marched to Wilmington, N. C. and kept about there until the place was evacuated by the British. We was then marched and encamped near the town. We had some fighting with the enemy picket guard and the Tories, but nothing like a general engagement. While lying and watching about, one of our men was killed in one of our skirmishes, and I understood from a deserter that came in to us that we had killed seven of the British in our skirmishes in the swamps in and about Bluford's Bridge. I enlisted for three months but I served four months this tour. I was discharged by Colonel McDowell, cannot with certainty state the time but know it was soon after we heard that Cornwallis was taken. There was another call for men to go against the Indians. I volunteered again under Captain Nicholas Hale, am not certain but believe (unreadable name) commanded the,Regiment. We rendezvoused on the North of Holstein River and was kept about there until peace was made with the Indians ... was then discharged and I went home and was out this tour two months as well as I now recollect. There was another call for men to go against the Indians again and I substituted in the place of Hugh Woods who was drafted. We rendezvoused at what was called the Head of Hausauer River under Colonel Joseph McDowell and marched to the the Cherokee Nation. Believe it was upon the waters of Tennessee River or Hiwassee. We had no general engagement with the Indians. When we could find them our orders was to pursue and destroy them in their way. We killed some Indians by shooting at them while in pursuit after them and destroyed some of their towns. Cannot say with certainty the length of time I served this tour before I was discharged by Colonel McDowell. We had to wait some time at the place of rendezvous for the men to collect before we was marched from that place and the great distance we had to march and that in a wilderness, mountainous country. Am satisfied I served two months this tour. In all. I served ten months......
REFERENCES: 1. Revolutionary War Pension Claim of Joseph Hawkins, General Services Administration, National Archives, Washington, D.C., Pension File #S 4322. 2. Burke County, North Carolina Land Records and More Important Miscellaneous Records, 1751-1809, Volume III,,compiled by Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, published 1977, pages 123 and 137. 3. Burke County, North Carolina Land Records, 1755-1821, Volume IV, compiled by Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, published 1987, page 13. 4. Burke County, North Carolina Records, 1755182 1, Volume IV, compiled by Edith Warren Huggins, Southern Historical Press, published 1987, pages 135, 136, 138. 5. Federal Census Records, Jackson County, Tennessee, 182Q,,-1830, 1840. 6. Personal letter from Josiah Wilson Hawkins to William Carroll Hawkins, February 21, 1889. 7. History of Gainesboro, transcribed from old manuscripts by Mrs. Maude McGlasson in 1936. 8. 1820 Census of Manufactures, Jackson County, Tennessee (copy on file in the genealogy reference room at the public library in Cookeville, Tennessee). 9. State of Tennessee Land Grant Records, Grants 5502, 5506, 5522. 2821, 5551, 7189, and 721 1. IO. Jackson County, Tennessee Deed Records, Joseph Hawkins to Polly (Hawkins) Lee and Heirs, July 15, 1843. 1 1. Minutes of the Spring Creek Baptist Church of Jackson and Overton Counties, Tennessee (1806 - 1868, Excluding Civil War Years), transcribed by Jane K. Wall and J. Hobart Bartlett, pages 12, 17, 18, 19,-20, 221- 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 40, 42, 44.
Joseph Hawkins------Revolutionary War Soldier Joseph Hawkins was born in Baltimore County, Maryland on June 7, 1765. He was the son of Augustine and Elizabeth Henley Hawkins. When Joseph was thirteen, his family moved from Maryland to North Carolina where his father entered a land grant of 200 acres in Burke County on August 13, 1778.At the age of sixteen, Joseph became a Revolutionary War soldier. Most of his Service was mainly in operations against the Indians and Tories, fighting in several skirmishes near Wilmington, North Carolina.He serve a total of 10 months during 1781-1762.In 1781 a call came for men to fight against the Cherokee Indians, Joseph volunteered and served as a private under Capt. James McFarland, with Col. Joseph McDowell as commander of the regiment. After two months he was discharged. Sometime after returning home Joseph answered the call for men to fight against the Tories. He served again under Capt. McFarland with Maj. White and Col. McDowell commanding the regiment.Years later, in an application for a Revolutionary War pension, he stated: "I marched from Burke County, near the court house, to a Widow Ward's about eight miles distance from Sherrill's Ford on the Catawba River, where the regiment rendezvokused." He went on to say "we were then marched to Wilmington, North Carolina and were kept there until the place was evacuated by the British. We were then marched and encamped near the town." Joseph enlisted for three months but served four: being discharged after Cornwallis was defeated.Later, Joseph would serve a fourth term of duty. He substituted in the place of Hugh Woods, who had been drafted. The regiment tendezvoused at the head of the Catawba River under Col. Joseph McDowell where they then marched to the Cherokee nation. In his pension application he indicated that he served for two months on this tour. Joseph applied for his Revolutionary War pension nearly fifty years later. It began on March 4, 1831 and continued until his death, about thirteen years later.After his Revolutionary War service, Joseph returned to his father's home in Burke Co. North Carolina. He later married, but the name of his wife is yet unknown to those who have researched his life. They had three known children: Elizabeth, Polly and William although census records for 1820 and 1830 seem to indicate there may have been others. Due to the incomplete nature of early records, the identity of these children, if any, are unknown. Joseph is on record as having served on several juries while living in Burke County. In 1795, he is listed as a Justice of the Peace and a Militia Officer in Burke County. Records show that he bought 140 acres of land from William Hawkins (probably a brother) on June 20, 1790.In 1806, Joseph left North Carolina and settled on Spring Creek, part of Roaring River in Jackson County, Tennessee. Records indicate that Joseph received seven grants to land in Jackson County, between 1814 and 1839. Early deed and land grant records show that he received a total of 696 acres in grants, all of which he passed on to his heirs.Joseph was a prominent member of the Spring Creek Baptist Church, first appearing on church records in September 1806, the year he arrived in Jackson County. Chruch records show that he served as clerk of spring Creek Baptist Church for many years. He also was appointed moderator of church business meetings. He also represented the church at associational meetings and served on various committees. He continued as a member until about 1841-42 when he and several others disassociated themselves with Spring Creek Baptist and became involved with the movement toward membership in the state Baptist Convention, which accepts the missionary concept, a concept unacceptable to' Spring Creek Baptist.Joseph held various jobs while living in Jackson County. For several years he served an Justice of the Peace, officiating at his daughter, Polly's wedding in 1816. In the 1820 Census of Manufactures, it shows that Joseph operated a distillery in Jackson County.In 1817 Joseph was appointed by the Tennessee State Legislature to a board of commissioners that were charged with the responsibility of laying off the town of Gainesboro. The commission also had the responsibility for raising money for the construction of a courthouse and jail in Gainesboro. They were also given the responsibility of supervising the transfer of the county seat from Williamsburgh to Gainesboro. Joseph Hawkins died in Jackson County, Tennessee on September 5, 1844, at the age of 79 years.
References1. Echoes of Spring Creek and Jackson County, Tennessee by Harold Allen Hawkins and Janice Hawkins Elrod, 2000.2. Revolutionary War Pension Claim of Joseph Hawkins, General Services Administration, National Archives, Washington, DC Pension File #54322.3. History of Gainesboro, transcribed from old manuscripts by Mrs. Maude McClassen, 1936.4. Minutes of the Spring Creek Baptist Church of Jackson and Overton Counties, Tennessee (1806-1868 excluding the Civil War years) transcribed by Jane K. Wall and J. Hobart Bartlett, pps. 12, 17-20, 22, 24-33, 35, 36,40, 42 ,44. (Contributed by Carol and Glenn Bradford, 931-520-7537 or e-mail hallmjc@ charter.net and Dimple Hawkins Thacker)
Somewhere, I have a note that said he lived with the Indians for seven years but I cannot find it
at this time.
Lois
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The battle of Fishing Creek-first engagement of the28th regiment
BATTLE OF FISHING CREEK, KY
This was the first battle for many of the soldiers who came from the Flynns Lick, Tennessee area of Jackson County.Our direct ancestor, John HL Brown, served as a First Lieutenant, Company "E", 28th Regt., Tennessee Volunteers. He enlisted at Camp Zollicoffer, near Livingston, Tennessee, August 7, 1861. He served in Captain Uriah Thomas Brown's Company,"E", Col. John P.Murray's, Regt.. Capt. Uriah Thomas Brown is also our direct ancestor through the Lynn lineage as well as the Brown lineage.
Some of the men serving the Confederacy from Jackson County, Tennessee are as follows: 28th Tennessee Infantry, Co. "E", Uriah Thomas Brown-Capt.,John H.L.Brown-1st.Lt.,Ben Fox-1st.Lt.,Bill Wheeler, Campbell Davis, Joshua Haile,Jr., Lafayette Haile, D. Haile, L.H.Haile,Sr.,James A. Haile, J.M.C.Carter, Guss Lock, Henison Young, Jim Dudney, Bart Fox, Uriah Fox, John L.B.Fox, Jubilee Fox, Ben Birdwell, Joe Ab Birdwell, John Jones, Tom Crook, Dent Parkerson, Alfred C. Pippin, James Pippin, Willis Pippin, Russ Brevington, Dan Johnson, Bob Johnson, John D. Pippin, James Howard Brown, James Rash, Elison Rash, Tom Young, Lou Brooks, Pete Hix, Clay Hix, Bill Jones, Jeff Jones, Jim West, Roe Johnson, Jim Johnson, Rodney Burks, Joe Cunningham, Preston Cunningham, Littelton Hall, Edmond Shepard Kirby, John Mathaney, Thomas Billingsley, Walter S. Billingsley, William H. Billingsley,
Company "G" 28th Regiment
Bill Elrod, Jim Elrod, John Elrod, Rich Young, Nick Hollaman, Matt Ford, Rich Young, Marshall Smith, Joe Dillard, John Blair, Bud Clark, Alex Ray, Lum Clark, Sam Hunter, Uriah Gillihan, Clem Gillihan, Maron Young, Sam Young, L.H. Horn, Bill Furgerson, Rafe Rogers, Sam Booker, Bailey Apple, Bob Apple, George Apple, Henry Apple, James Beller, 3rd Lt. W.W. Vaden, 2nd. Lt. Ray Carter, 1st. Lt. A.E. Hogan, Capt. W.C. Trousdale, of Granville, Tn.
Those serving with the 4th Tennessee Cavalry were, Capt. Bob Gailbreath, 1st Lt. Albert Brooks, 2nd Lt. Amon Haile, 2nd Lt. Bill Cox, Russell Spurlock, Riley Spurlock, John Darwin, William Darwin, George Flatt, John R.Brown, W.A."Bill" Ragland, Cowine Brown, Wade Brown, George Kirby, Cullom Ragland, John Apple, Bill Flatt, John M.Flatt, Jim Bullington, Thomas C.Brown, John L.Brown, Lige Allen, Wes Allen, Berry Allen, Thomas Young, Joe Whitfield, Ben Burnett, Tom Burnett, Tom Hoover, Tom Burgess, Sol Anderson, John Hager, Matthew Gipson, Jack Gipson, Joe Gipson, Buck Gipson, John Jackson.
For the official report of the battle of fishing creek, see the notes under-------John H.L. Brown----------Report follows
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The following is a report filed by Brig.General William H.Carroll,
commanding the Second Brigade, to Major General G. B. Crittenden.
Hdgrs. Second Brigade-Division, C.S. Army,
Gainesborough, Tennessee, Sept.1, 1862
GENERAL: I embrace the first leisure moment, after receiving
reports from the different officers of this brigade, to lay before
you an account of the operations of my command in the engagement
with the enemy near Fishing Creek, Ky., on the morning of January
19th.
In accordance with your orders of January 17th, which reached me at
midnight of that date, I moved the 17th Regt., then under command
of Lt. John P. Murray, from their encampment at Mill Springs, to
the north side of the Cumberland river, and halted them at Beech
Grove, taking quarters with the 20th and the 25th Tennessee
Regiments, commanded by the Colonels Battle and Stanton, which were
encamped at that place, at 8:00 p.m.
On the evening of the 18th instant I received orders from you to
move my command at 12:00 that night, by the Fishing Creek road in
the direction of Webb's (Logans) Cross roads, a point 10 miles
distant in a Northerly direction from the position we then
occupied. At the hour designated I put my command in motion and
took up the line of march for the point above mentioned. The
Brigade commanded by Brig.General F.K. Zollicoffer, preceded me
about thirty minutes, taking the same direction and marching about
1 mile in advance of my front. My command consisting of the 17th,
28th, 29th, Tennessee, and 16th Alabama Regiments of Infantry,
Lt.Col. Branner's battalions of cavalry, and two pieces of
McClung's battery, moved in the following order: The 17th,
Tennessee, commanded by Lt.Col. Miller, marched in front, the 28th
Tennessee, commanded by Col.J.P. Murray, following at the distance
of thirty paces behind the 17th; the 29th Tennessee, commanded by
Col. S. Powell, marched above the same distance in the rear of Col.
Murray; the artillery and one company of Branners cavalry brought
up the rear, and the remaining cavalry marched on either flank,
with orders to scout the woods on the right and left of Fishing
Creek road along which we were marching. The 16th Alabama Regt.,
under the command of Col. Wood marched about 600 paces in the rear
of the remainder of my command, with orders to hold his command as
a reserve corps, and be governed in this after movements as
emergencies might require.
The night was dark and gloomy, and a cold rain was falling,
rendering the march extremely difficult and unpleasant.this
together with the almost impassable conditions of the roads,
rendered so by recent heavy rains, so much retarded our progress,
that at daylight, we had not advanced 10 miles from camp Beech
Grove, thus consuming nearly six hours in marching this short
distance.
Just at dawn on the 19th, and while the troops were toiling
slowly,along through the mud and water, sometimes more than a foot
in depth, I heard the report of several guns, fired in quick
succession, and apparently about a half mile in advance of me. This
firing I supposed to be from the pickets of the enemy, who had
discovered the advance of General Zollicoffer's brigade. In a few
minutes I heard a heavy volley of musketry proceeding from the
direction of the former reports, and extending some distance to my
right and left and in a line running parallel with the front of my
command. The rapid and continuous fire in front convinced me that
General Zollicoffer had encountered the enemy in strong force and
a determined and sanguinary conflict had commenced.
I immediately moved my command forward at the double-quick to the
brow of a hill, and deployed my columns in line of battle, making
the summit of the hill a partial protection for my men. While
forming and preparing for the engagement, the regiment of Col.
Murray, constituted the right of my line of battle, and was
extended the full line on the east side of Fishing Creek road,
while the 17th Tennessee Regiment, commanded by Lt.Col. Miller,
composed my left, and extended in a similar manner on the west side
of the road. Colonel Powell's 29th regiment, was drawn up in the
rear of the 28th, designed to act as a support or a reserve as
circumstances may require. Col. Wood 16th Alabama was posted about
100 paces in the rear of the 29th, and on the east side of the
road. Branner's cavalry was directed to take post in the rear and
supporting distance of my left flank,while McClungs artillery was
stationed in the rear of my center.
This disposition of my forces was partly induced by surrounding
circumstances. The morning was exceedingly cloudy, and rendered
still darker by the volumes of smoke arising from the firing in
front, so that the eye could distinguish objects clearly only at a
short distance. I could, therefore, only judge of the probable
force and position of the enemy by the flash and report of their
guns. Judging as correctly as I could by these indications, I was
induced to think that the most vigorous attack was being made in
front and east of my right wing.
In order to determine the proper manner and most available point to
bring my force into action, I left my command stationary, and with
my staff rode forward until I came into view of the enemy, on the
declivity of the opposite hill, engaged in a fierce conflict with
a portion of General Zollicoffer's brigade. I then approached you,
reported for orders, and returned to my command. Soon after your
aide, Col. Thornton, rode up and ordered me to advance my regiment
to sustain the gallant 15th Mississippi, in a charge which he was
on the way to order.
I accordingly ordered Col. Murray's regt. to move forward to the
foot of the hill and take shelter behind a rail fence and some
surrounding timber. In a few minutes the gallant Mississippians
charged and were driving the enemy rapidly before them. While thus
engaged a regiment of cavalry began a flanking movement against
their left. I then ordered Col. Murray to advance his regiment
against this flanking force. This order was received by a shout by
the entire regiment, who, led by their colonel dashed into the
thickest of the fight. About this time a strong re-enforcement of
the enemy arrived on our left, evidently intending to attack and
turn our left flank. In order to thwart this design, I ordered Col.
Cummings regiment, of General Zollicoffers Brigade, which was near
at hand, and for the moment dis-engaged, to move by the left flank
in the direction of the approaching enemy, thus extending our line
nearly to the full extent of their right. Mis-understanding the
order, the regiment fell into some confusion, which was however
quickly overcome by the promptness and activity of the commanding
officer, Lt.Col. Walker. It then moved in good order to the place
assigned it and did good service as long as it remained under my
observation. I then ordered up the 17th Tennessee, Lt.Col. Miller,
and formed it behind a fence, within 80 to 100 yards of the enemy.
This position they held for nearly one hour against an overwhelming
force, meanwhile pouring a destructive fire against the advancing
column, spreading terror through the ranks of the enemy.
I cannot speak too highly of the striking influence over this
regiment, of the through and rigid discipline to which it had been
reduced by it's efficient commander, Col.T.W.Newman, who I regret
was prevented from being present at the engagement by some in
disposition.
Perceiving that the enemy was being re-enforced in this quarter by
several fresh regiments, and that they were pushing on with a most
determined courage, I directed my aide, W.H.Carroll, to return and
order up the regiments of Colonels Wood and Powell, that up till
this time had been held in reserve.
Col. Wood brought his men forward with the steadiness of veterans,
and formed them into battle array, with the coolness and precision
of a holiday parade. Advancing toward the enemy, we keep up a
constant and most destructive fire, until we were forced to quit
the field and fall back before superior numbers. Returning a short
distance, we rallied and continued the contest, but we were again
assailed by an unequal force and slowly driven back, stubbornly
resisting every inch of the ground over which the enemy was
advancing. The action had now become general, all along my entire
line-the federals fighting with unusual vigor and courage. Re-
enforcements for the enemy continued to pour in on us from every
direction, the ground was soon covered with the dead and wounded,
and the discharge of small arms and the roar of the cannon was
incessant. When ever we could succeed in driving back one regiment,
another would supply it's place and meet us with a more determined
resistance. Their artillery having been brought into play, swept
the entire field, throwing shell, grape, and canister into our
midst.
In the meantime the 28th tennessee, Col.J.P. Murry, being assailed
by almost twice its numbers, after making a brief resistance, broke
and fled in confusion from the field. The 29th Tennessee, Col.
Powell, was also attacked in a similar manner, and the Colonel
himself being seriously wounded, his men fell back in considerable
disorder, and could not be induced to face the enemy again, though
ever effort was made to rally them back by their own officers and
members of my staff. Two regiments of Gen. Zollicofers command had
already been forced to retire from the field. Their retreat through
my ranks contributed very much to throw my columns into disorder.
The regiments of Colonel Wood and Lt. Col. Miller continued to hold
the enemy at bay, slowly retiring from the field now lost to us.
Perceiving the fortunes of the day were against us, and that we
could not longer maintain the unequal contest, I reluctantly
permitted my entire command to retreat in the direction of our
works at Mill Springs. I was not able to bring my Cavalry or
Artillery into action, in consequence of the rugged and uneven
nature of the ground over which the battle was fought. While
retiring from the field, the enemy had little disposition to pursue
us, having evidently suffered, in all probability, a loss greater
than ours.
Late in the afternoon my command reached our encampment at Beech
Grove and took possession of the fortifications formerly erected at
that place. I succeed in bringing as many of my wounded as limited
transportation would permit.
At about five o'clock in the evening the enemy having approached
within a about a mile of our works, planted their batteries of
heavy guns on commanding eminences and commenced a vigorous
cannonade, which would have soon driven us out of our
fortifications had not the setting in of night, prevented further
prosecution of the attack.
Our position being wholly untenable, it was determined in council
of officers, called by yourself, to abandon it and return to the
other side of the Cumberland. Having but one small boat to
transport the entire command across, it was found impossible to
carry any of our equipage with us. It was destroyed, therefore, in
order that it might not fall into the hands of the enemy. I was
also compelled to abandon two pieces of McClungs battery and nearly
all of my Cavalry horses. Some of the later succeeded in swimming
the river, but many were drowned in the attempt. By daylight in the
morning my entire command had reached the south side of the
Cumberland.
Being entirely without commissary supplies, and there being none,
or very little, in the surrounding country, my men became more
apprehensive of destruction by famine, than at the hands of the
enemy. Under the influence of this panic, created by a fear of
starvation, many deserted the army and fled through the mountains
into East Tennessee. Among these I regret to say were some of the
officers, but mostly, however, of an inferior grade. Most of my
officers exerted ever effort to preserve their commands intact and
maintain the strictest order of discipline in the retreat.
The casualties in my command during the engagement were as follows:
Killed........................................28
Wounded.......................................46
Missing.......................................29
Total..........................................103
It will be seen that my entire loss in killed, wounded, and missing
amounts in the aggregate to 103.
The repulse of the regiments of my command that gave way in
confusion during the battle is attributed (besides the superior
numbers with which they were contending), in a great measure, to
the inefficient and worthless character of their arms, being old
flintlock muskets and country rifles, nearly half of which wouldn't
fire at all.
During the engagement I saw numbers of the men walking deliberately
away from the field of action for no other reason than that their
guns were wholly useless. Another reason why some of the troops
under my command did not exhibit a more soldierly bearing is found
in the fact that they only had a day or two before being assigned
to me, and were deficient in drill and discipline, having previous
to that time had little opportunity of becoming proficient in these
particulars.
I cannot close this report without expressing the high appreciation
by both myself and my officers, for the personal courage and skill
evinced by yourself and staff during the entire engagement; and
however much I regret the un-fortunate disaster that befell us, I
feel conscious that it resulted from no want of gallantry and
military tact on the part of the commanding General.
For more minute details I respectfully refer you to the
accompanying reports of the commanding officers of my brigade.
I am, general, very respectively,
W.H. Carroll, Brig. General-CSA
This was the first battle for many of the soldiers who came from the Flynns Lick, Tennessee area of Jackson County.Our direct ancestor, John HL Brown, served as a First Lieutenant, Company "E", 28th Regt., Tennessee Volunteers. He enlisted at Camp Zollicoffer, near Livingston, Tennessee, August 7, 1861. He served in Captain Uriah Thomas Brown's Company,"E", Col. John P.Murray's, Regt.. Capt. Uriah Thomas Brown is also our direct ancestor through the Lynn lineage as well as the Brown lineage.
Some of the men serving the Confederacy from Jackson County, Tennessee are as follows: 28th Tennessee Infantry, Co. "E", Uriah Thomas Brown-Capt.,John H.L.Brown-1st.Lt.,Ben Fox-1st.Lt.,Bill Wheeler, Campbell Davis, Joshua Haile,Jr., Lafayette Haile, D. Haile, L.H.Haile,Sr.,James A. Haile, J.M.C.Carter, Guss Lock, Henison Young, Jim Dudney, Bart Fox, Uriah Fox, John L.B.Fox, Jubilee Fox, Ben Birdwell, Joe Ab Birdwell, John Jones, Tom Crook, Dent Parkerson, Alfred C. Pippin, James Pippin, Willis Pippin, Russ Brevington, Dan Johnson, Bob Johnson, John D. Pippin, James Howard Brown, James Rash, Elison Rash, Tom Young, Lou Brooks, Pete Hix, Clay Hix, Bill Jones, Jeff Jones, Jim West, Roe Johnson, Jim Johnson, Rodney Burks, Joe Cunningham, Preston Cunningham, Littelton Hall, Edmond Shepard Kirby, John Mathaney, Thomas Billingsley, Walter S. Billingsley, William H. Billingsley,
Company "G" 28th Regiment
Bill Elrod, Jim Elrod, John Elrod, Rich Young, Nick Hollaman, Matt Ford, Rich Young, Marshall Smith, Joe Dillard, John Blair, Bud Clark, Alex Ray, Lum Clark, Sam Hunter, Uriah Gillihan, Clem Gillihan, Maron Young, Sam Young, L.H. Horn, Bill Furgerson, Rafe Rogers, Sam Booker, Bailey Apple, Bob Apple, George Apple, Henry Apple, James Beller, 3rd Lt. W.W. Vaden, 2nd. Lt. Ray Carter, 1st. Lt. A.E. Hogan, Capt. W.C. Trousdale, of Granville, Tn.
Those serving with the 4th Tennessee Cavalry were, Capt. Bob Gailbreath, 1st Lt. Albert Brooks, 2nd Lt. Amon Haile, 2nd Lt. Bill Cox, Russell Spurlock, Riley Spurlock, John Darwin, William Darwin, George Flatt, John R.Brown, W.A."Bill" Ragland, Cowine Brown, Wade Brown, George Kirby, Cullom Ragland, John Apple, Bill Flatt, John M.Flatt, Jim Bullington, Thomas C.Brown, John L.Brown, Lige Allen, Wes Allen, Berry Allen, Thomas Young, Joe Whitfield, Ben Burnett, Tom Burnett, Tom Hoover, Tom Burgess, Sol Anderson, John Hager, Matthew Gipson, Jack Gipson, Joe Gipson, Buck Gipson, John Jackson.
For the official report of the battle of fishing creek, see the notes under-------John H.L. Brown----------Report follows
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a report filed by Brig.General William H.Carroll,
commanding the Second Brigade, to Major General G. B. Crittenden.
Hdgrs. Second Brigade-Division, C.S. Army,
Gainesborough, Tennessee, Sept.1, 1862
GENERAL: I embrace the first leisure moment, after receiving
reports from the different officers of this brigade, to lay before
you an account of the operations of my command in the engagement
with the enemy near Fishing Creek, Ky., on the morning of January
19th.
In accordance with your orders of January 17th, which reached me at
midnight of that date, I moved the 17th Regt., then under command
of Lt. John P. Murray, from their encampment at Mill Springs, to
the north side of the Cumberland river, and halted them at Beech
Grove, taking quarters with the 20th and the 25th Tennessee
Regiments, commanded by the Colonels Battle and Stanton, which were
encamped at that place, at 8:00 p.m.
On the evening of the 18th instant I received orders from you to
move my command at 12:00 that night, by the Fishing Creek road in
the direction of Webb's (Logans) Cross roads, a point 10 miles
distant in a Northerly direction from the position we then
occupied. At the hour designated I put my command in motion and
took up the line of march for the point above mentioned. The
Brigade commanded by Brig.General F.K. Zollicoffer, preceded me
about thirty minutes, taking the same direction and marching about
1 mile in advance of my front. My command consisting of the 17th,
28th, 29th, Tennessee, and 16th Alabama Regiments of Infantry,
Lt.Col. Branner's battalions of cavalry, and two pieces of
McClung's battery, moved in the following order: The 17th,
Tennessee, commanded by Lt.Col. Miller, marched in front, the 28th
Tennessee, commanded by Col.J.P. Murray, following at the distance
of thirty paces behind the 17th; the 29th Tennessee, commanded by
Col. S. Powell, marched above the same distance in the rear of Col.
Murray; the artillery and one company of Branners cavalry brought
up the rear, and the remaining cavalry marched on either flank,
with orders to scout the woods on the right and left of Fishing
Creek road along which we were marching. The 16th Alabama Regt.,
under the command of Col. Wood marched about 600 paces in the rear
of the remainder of my command, with orders to hold his command as
a reserve corps, and be governed in this after movements as
emergencies might require.
The night was dark and gloomy, and a cold rain was falling,
rendering the march extremely difficult and unpleasant.this
together with the almost impassable conditions of the roads,
rendered so by recent heavy rains, so much retarded our progress,
that at daylight, we had not advanced 10 miles from camp Beech
Grove, thus consuming nearly six hours in marching this short
distance.
Just at dawn on the 19th, and while the troops were toiling
slowly,along through the mud and water, sometimes more than a foot
in depth, I heard the report of several guns, fired in quick
succession, and apparently about a half mile in advance of me. This
firing I supposed to be from the pickets of the enemy, who had
discovered the advance of General Zollicoffer's brigade. In a few
minutes I heard a heavy volley of musketry proceeding from the
direction of the former reports, and extending some distance to my
right and left and in a line running parallel with the front of my
command. The rapid and continuous fire in front convinced me that
General Zollicoffer had encountered the enemy in strong force and
a determined and sanguinary conflict had commenced.
I immediately moved my command forward at the double-quick to the
brow of a hill, and deployed my columns in line of battle, making
the summit of the hill a partial protection for my men. While
forming and preparing for the engagement, the regiment of Col.
Murray, constituted the right of my line of battle, and was
extended the full line on the east side of Fishing Creek road,
while the 17th Tennessee Regiment, commanded by Lt.Col. Miller,
composed my left, and extended in a similar manner on the west side
of the road. Colonel Powell's 29th regiment, was drawn up in the
rear of the 28th, designed to act as a support or a reserve as
circumstances may require. Col. Wood 16th Alabama was posted about
100 paces in the rear of the 29th, and on the east side of the
road. Branner's cavalry was directed to take post in the rear and
supporting distance of my left flank,while McClungs artillery was
stationed in the rear of my center.
This disposition of my forces was partly induced by surrounding
circumstances. The morning was exceedingly cloudy, and rendered
still darker by the volumes of smoke arising from the firing in
front, so that the eye could distinguish objects clearly only at a
short distance. I could, therefore, only judge of the probable
force and position of the enemy by the flash and report of their
guns. Judging as correctly as I could by these indications, I was
induced to think that the most vigorous attack was being made in
front and east of my right wing.
In order to determine the proper manner and most available point to
bring my force into action, I left my command stationary, and with
my staff rode forward until I came into view of the enemy, on the
declivity of the opposite hill, engaged in a fierce conflict with
a portion of General Zollicoffer's brigade. I then approached you,
reported for orders, and returned to my command. Soon after your
aide, Col. Thornton, rode up and ordered me to advance my regiment
to sustain the gallant 15th Mississippi, in a charge which he was
on the way to order.
I accordingly ordered Col. Murray's regt. to move forward to the
foot of the hill and take shelter behind a rail fence and some
surrounding timber. In a few minutes the gallant Mississippians
charged and were driving the enemy rapidly before them. While thus
engaged a regiment of cavalry began a flanking movement against
their left. I then ordered Col. Murray to advance his regiment
against this flanking force. This order was received by a shout by
the entire regiment, who, led by their colonel dashed into the
thickest of the fight. About this time a strong re-enforcement of
the enemy arrived on our left, evidently intending to attack and
turn our left flank. In order to thwart this design, I ordered Col.
Cummings regiment, of General Zollicoffers Brigade, which was near
at hand, and for the moment dis-engaged, to move by the left flank
in the direction of the approaching enemy, thus extending our line
nearly to the full extent of their right. Mis-understanding the
order, the regiment fell into some confusion, which was however
quickly overcome by the promptness and activity of the commanding
officer, Lt.Col. Walker. It then moved in good order to the place
assigned it and did good service as long as it remained under my
observation. I then ordered up the 17th Tennessee, Lt.Col. Miller,
and formed it behind a fence, within 80 to 100 yards of the enemy.
This position they held for nearly one hour against an overwhelming
force, meanwhile pouring a destructive fire against the advancing
column, spreading terror through the ranks of the enemy.
I cannot speak too highly of the striking influence over this
regiment, of the through and rigid discipline to which it had been
reduced by it's efficient commander, Col.T.W.Newman, who I regret
was prevented from being present at the engagement by some in
disposition.
Perceiving that the enemy was being re-enforced in this quarter by
several fresh regiments, and that they were pushing on with a most
determined courage, I directed my aide, W.H.Carroll, to return and
order up the regiments of Colonels Wood and Powell, that up till
this time had been held in reserve.
Col. Wood brought his men forward with the steadiness of veterans,
and formed them into battle array, with the coolness and precision
of a holiday parade. Advancing toward the enemy, we keep up a
constant and most destructive fire, until we were forced to quit
the field and fall back before superior numbers. Returning a short
distance, we rallied and continued the contest, but we were again
assailed by an unequal force and slowly driven back, stubbornly
resisting every inch of the ground over which the enemy was
advancing. The action had now become general, all along my entire
line-the federals fighting with unusual vigor and courage. Re-
enforcements for the enemy continued to pour in on us from every
direction, the ground was soon covered with the dead and wounded,
and the discharge of small arms and the roar of the cannon was
incessant. When ever we could succeed in driving back one regiment,
another would supply it's place and meet us with a more determined
resistance. Their artillery having been brought into play, swept
the entire field, throwing shell, grape, and canister into our
midst.
In the meantime the 28th tennessee, Col.J.P. Murry, being assailed
by almost twice its numbers, after making a brief resistance, broke
and fled in confusion from the field. The 29th Tennessee, Col.
Powell, was also attacked in a similar manner, and the Colonel
himself being seriously wounded, his men fell back in considerable
disorder, and could not be induced to face the enemy again, though
ever effort was made to rally them back by their own officers and
members of my staff. Two regiments of Gen. Zollicofers command had
already been forced to retire from the field. Their retreat through
my ranks contributed very much to throw my columns into disorder.
The regiments of Colonel Wood and Lt. Col. Miller continued to hold
the enemy at bay, slowly retiring from the field now lost to us.
Perceiving the fortunes of the day were against us, and that we
could not longer maintain the unequal contest, I reluctantly
permitted my entire command to retreat in the direction of our
works at Mill Springs. I was not able to bring my Cavalry or
Artillery into action, in consequence of the rugged and uneven
nature of the ground over which the battle was fought. While
retiring from the field, the enemy had little disposition to pursue
us, having evidently suffered, in all probability, a loss greater
than ours.
Late in the afternoon my command reached our encampment at Beech
Grove and took possession of the fortifications formerly erected at
that place. I succeed in bringing as many of my wounded as limited
transportation would permit.
At about five o'clock in the evening the enemy having approached
within a about a mile of our works, planted their batteries of
heavy guns on commanding eminences and commenced a vigorous
cannonade, which would have soon driven us out of our
fortifications had not the setting in of night, prevented further
prosecution of the attack.
Our position being wholly untenable, it was determined in council
of officers, called by yourself, to abandon it and return to the
other side of the Cumberland. Having but one small boat to
transport the entire command across, it was found impossible to
carry any of our equipage with us. It was destroyed, therefore, in
order that it might not fall into the hands of the enemy. I was
also compelled to abandon two pieces of McClungs battery and nearly
all of my Cavalry horses. Some of the later succeeded in swimming
the river, but many were drowned in the attempt. By daylight in the
morning my entire command had reached the south side of the
Cumberland.
Being entirely without commissary supplies, and there being none,
or very little, in the surrounding country, my men became more
apprehensive of destruction by famine, than at the hands of the
enemy. Under the influence of this panic, created by a fear of
starvation, many deserted the army and fled through the mountains
into East Tennessee. Among these I regret to say were some of the
officers, but mostly, however, of an inferior grade. Most of my
officers exerted ever effort to preserve their commands intact and
maintain the strictest order of discipline in the retreat.
The casualties in my command during the engagement were as follows:
Killed........................................28
Wounded.......................................46
Missing.......................................29
Total..........................................103
It will be seen that my entire loss in killed, wounded, and missing
amounts in the aggregate to 103.
The repulse of the regiments of my command that gave way in
confusion during the battle is attributed (besides the superior
numbers with which they were contending), in a great measure, to
the inefficient and worthless character of their arms, being old
flintlock muskets and country rifles, nearly half of which wouldn't
fire at all.
During the engagement I saw numbers of the men walking deliberately
away from the field of action for no other reason than that their
guns were wholly useless. Another reason why some of the troops
under my command did not exhibit a more soldierly bearing is found
in the fact that they only had a day or two before being assigned
to me, and were deficient in drill and discipline, having previous
to that time had little opportunity of becoming proficient in these
particulars.
I cannot close this report without expressing the high appreciation
by both myself and my officers, for the personal courage and skill
evinced by yourself and staff during the entire engagement; and
however much I regret the un-fortunate disaster that befell us, I
feel conscious that it resulted from no want of gallantry and
military tact on the part of the commanding General.
For more minute details I respectfully refer you to the
accompanying reports of the commanding officers of my brigade.
I am, general, very respectively,
W.H. Carroll, Brig. General-CSA
Only Rain
All is well here. We had rain yesterday with a little flooding on some low areas. Everyone is fine.
Edouard missed us.
Lois
Edouard missed us.
Lois
Monday, August 4, 2008
Tropical Storm Edouard
Here I am again talking about a storm. We have all decided to stay home since it is so close and a minimal storm so far. We live 25 miles North of Galveston and our girls live 35 miles North- Northwest of Galveston. We have all prepared for this with food, water, flashlights, batteries, candles etc. What concerns us the most is the flooding and possible tornadoes, but we are as prepared as can be. We have our cell phone charged up and can recharge in one of the cars if they don't get flooded.
Anyway, we are all fine and will ride out whatever comes our way. They are saying a lot of us will lose electricity. I hope it is not any of us with this terrible temperature we have been having. It got to 100 degrees Saturday. Jan and Glenn have had 105 in Dallas. Glenn says they are staying in the house. The only good thing for them is low humidity. He says he can take theirs a lot more than he can ours when they visit.
Will let everyone know what is going on when I can.
Love To All,
Lois
Anyway, we are all fine and will ride out whatever comes our way. They are saying a lot of us will lose electricity. I hope it is not any of us with this terrible temperature we have been having. It got to 100 degrees Saturday. Jan and Glenn have had 105 in Dallas. Glenn says they are staying in the house. The only good thing for them is low humidity. He says he can take theirs a lot more than he can ours when they visit.
Will let everyone know what is going on when I can.
Love To All,
Lois
Marks of Distinction
Bill's gun accident is an incredible story by today's standards, but as I remember it, people were often reluctant to go to the doctor back then.
As a result, it was not uncommon to see people with missing parts on fingers and toes as a result of gunshot accidents, spider bites, and misdirected ax or hatchet cuts that often went untended until it was too late.
As a young child in the early fifties, this was one of the most fascinating things about traveling around with Dad. It seemed like everywhere we went, people had what were then considered marks of distinction that were proudly displayed.
My grandfather Whiteside, for instance, was born with two webbed fingers! In other words, they were attached by a flap of skin growing between them. Even to this day, many Whiteside relatives have webbed appendages, usually toes.
All of which has me wondering: Do the Lynns or Browns have any inherited marks of distinction? In other words, do we have any unusual physical characteristics that set us apart?
Dad taught high school agriculture in the 30's, 40's, and 50's, but also served as a sort of extension agent to farmers in the area during the summer. This involved things like dehorning cattle and castrating pigs. Like farming in general, it was an occupation where accidents were common. That was the other way people ended up with marks of distinction.
That suggests another half to the same question. Which of our Lynn and Brown relatives had unusual characteristics as a result of accidents? What were they? And how and when did they happen?
As a result, it was not uncommon to see people with missing parts on fingers and toes as a result of gunshot accidents, spider bites, and misdirected ax or hatchet cuts that often went untended until it was too late.
As a young child in the early fifties, this was one of the most fascinating things about traveling around with Dad. It seemed like everywhere we went, people had what were then considered marks of distinction that were proudly displayed.
My grandfather Whiteside, for instance, was born with two webbed fingers! In other words, they were attached by a flap of skin growing between them. Even to this day, many Whiteside relatives have webbed appendages, usually toes.
All of which has me wondering: Do the Lynns or Browns have any inherited marks of distinction? In other words, do we have any unusual physical characteristics that set us apart?
Dad taught high school agriculture in the 30's, 40's, and 50's, but also served as a sort of extension agent to farmers in the area during the summer. This involved things like dehorning cattle and castrating pigs. Like farming in general, it was an occupation where accidents were common. That was the other way people ended up with marks of distinction.
That suggests another half to the same question. Which of our Lynn and Brown relatives had unusual characteristics as a result of accidents? What were they? And how and when did they happen?
Friday, August 1, 2008
As I remember it.......
The Gun Incident……..as I remember it.
My brother Bill and I have been hunters most all our lives. This story happened in my teenage years. Unknown to our dad, one day Bill decided to take Grandmother Lynn’s Winchester lever action rifle over to our barn for some target practice. He then climbed to the top of the hill behind the barn. On reaching the summit he heard some crows calling back and forth and decided to see if he could get a shot at one. While waiting for them to come into range, he rested the barrel of the rifle on the toe of his shoe, not realizing he had the hammer of the gun at full cock. It had rained the night before and the ground was muddy. He started to shift positions. He began to slide on the slopping ground an accidentally pulled the trigger of the rifle. The bullet entered his foot between the big toe and the next toe to it. I don’t know how he stood the pain; here he was close to half a mile from the house high on our hill and no way to get help. Some how he made it back to the house and went to bed without informing anyone as to what had happened.
No one thought anything about his being in bed because he occasionally would get a violet migraine headache and go to bed to sleep it off. The next day everyone was out of the house or in other parts of the house. Bill was still in bed and I was helping out at our general store. I went to the house for some forgotten reason and as I entered our bedroom, Bill, was out of bed.
When he saw me he began to hop on one foot and dived into bed. I ask him what was wrong with his foot. He said nothing but I knew better and throwing back the covers discovered the foot beginning to turn different colors. He then had no choice but to tell me what had happened. I rushed back to the store and told dad what happened. He was so angry he didn’t trust himself to talk to Bill. He told me to get Bill in the car and take him to doctor Dudney at Gainesboro. Off we went and reaching doctor Dudney’s office we were taken right into his examination room. Doctor came in looked at the wound and proceeded to start treatment. He told Bill how lucky he was, because another day without treatment and he might have lost his foot to gangrene. I often wondered what occurred went dad and Bill finally had their discussion. May be Bill will offer us his version of this tale.
My brother Bill and I have been hunters most all our lives. This story happened in my teenage years. Unknown to our dad, one day Bill decided to take Grandmother Lynn’s Winchester lever action rifle over to our barn for some target practice. He then climbed to the top of the hill behind the barn. On reaching the summit he heard some crows calling back and forth and decided to see if he could get a shot at one. While waiting for them to come into range, he rested the barrel of the rifle on the toe of his shoe, not realizing he had the hammer of the gun at full cock. It had rained the night before and the ground was muddy. He started to shift positions. He began to slide on the slopping ground an accidentally pulled the trigger of the rifle. The bullet entered his foot between the big toe and the next toe to it. I don’t know how he stood the pain; here he was close to half a mile from the house high on our hill and no way to get help. Some how he made it back to the house and went to bed without informing anyone as to what had happened.
No one thought anything about his being in bed because he occasionally would get a violet migraine headache and go to bed to sleep it off. The next day everyone was out of the house or in other parts of the house. Bill was still in bed and I was helping out at our general store. I went to the house for some forgotten reason and as I entered our bedroom, Bill, was out of bed.
When he saw me he began to hop on one foot and dived into bed. I ask him what was wrong with his foot. He said nothing but I knew better and throwing back the covers discovered the foot beginning to turn different colors. He then had no choice but to tell me what had happened. I rushed back to the store and told dad what happened. He was so angry he didn’t trust himself to talk to Bill. He told me to get Bill in the car and take him to doctor Dudney at Gainesboro. Off we went and reaching doctor Dudney’s office we were taken right into his examination room. Doctor came in looked at the wound and proceeded to start treatment. He told Bill how lucky he was, because another day without treatment and he might have lost his foot to gangrene. I often wondered what occurred went dad and Bill finally had their discussion. May be Bill will offer us his version of this tale.
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