HISTORY OF THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT, TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, U. S.

WRITTEN BY SAMUEL W. SCOTT, CAPTAIN, Co. G, 13th T.V. C,

AND SAMUEL P. ANGEL ADJUTANT 13th, T. V. C,

KNOXVILLE ; TENNESSEE

 

COPYRIGHT, 1903, BY SCOTT and ANGEL.

Submitted to Sullivan TNGenWeb by Frank Combs, 2014

 

(pages 65-79)

While this correspondence was going on, as will be seen from his own letters, Mr. Carter does not seem to have entertained a single doubt that the men who with himself had entered into this bold and dangerous scheme would be protected. He was probably advised of General Thomas’ forward move from Camp Dick Robinson, but when that officer was ordered back it was then too late to notify Mr. Carter in time to stop the bridge burning.

Mr. Carter matured his plans and assigned men to the task of burning each of the bridges indicated, and set the time for burning them all at the same hour as far as possible, on the night of November 8, 1861, — a night now memorable in the history of East Tennessee. But as a general history of this event has been often written since the war, we will confine our story to the burning of the bridge across the Holston River at Zollicoffer (now Bluff City) which was done by citizens of Carter and Johnson Counties sworn into the service of the United States.

We are greatly indebted to Capt. S. H. Hendrix, of Watauga, Tenn., who is a veteran of Col. “Jim” Brown- low’s famous First Tennessee Cavalry, to Dr. Abram Jobe, of Elizabethton, and Capt. Dan. Ellis, of Hampton, the famous Union pilot and scout, who was one of the bridge burners himself, for many facts concerning the burning of the bridge across the Holston River, and other incidents at this period.

It has been stated on good authority that there were but four men entrusted with the secret of the bridge burning at Zollicoffer until within twenty-four hours of the time it was burned. These were Daniel Stover, Samuel A. Cunningham, Harrison Hendrix and his son, S. H. Hendrix.

In the latter part of October, 1861, a messenger, Capt. Thomas Tipton, bearing verbal instructions from William B. Carter and Andrew Johnson came to the residence of Harrison Hendrix at Carter’s Depot with instructions from them for Hendrix to conduct him to the home of Mr. W. B. Carter at Elizabethton. Hendrix sent his young son, S. H. Hendrix, with Capt. Tipton, both mounted on horses. Arriving at Taylor’s Ford in the Watauga River they found the river still very much swollen, it being just after the high tide of 1861, but with the assistance of a colored man, Wm. Taylor, they succeeded in crossing safely and proceeded to Elizabethton. Arriving there young Hendrix concealed Captain Tipton and the horses in some bushes and under the shadow of a tree across the mill race until he went to Carter’s house. After ascertaining that the coast was clear he knocked at the door which was opened by Mrs. Evaline Carter, who, after learning his name admitted him, when he told her and Mrs. W. B. Carter he had brought a messenger from Mr. Carter who wanted an interview with them. This created some excitement but Capt. Tipton was brought in. Young Hendrix was then instructed to go to the home of Daniel Stover and tell him a messenger from Mr. Carter and Mr. Johnson (Stover’s father-in-law) wanted to see him on important business. Mr. Stover and Hendrix came at once to the Carter residence and there, in the west room Capt. Tipton unfolded the plans for the burning of the bridges at Carter’s Depot and Zollicoffer, and commissioned him as leader in the undertaking. Col. Stover accepted the dangerous responsibility.

Between the time Hendrix and Tipton were at Elizabethton in the latter part of October, and the night preceding the bridge burning Mrs. Elizabeth Carter made a trip to Roan county, Tenn., met her husband there and returned with full instructions concerning the time and plans for burning the two bridges across the Watauga and Holston rivers. These instructions were communicated to Col. Stover and the night of Nov. 8 named as the time. He began at once to notify his men, appoint a rendezvous and make other necessary arrangements. The bridge at Carter’s Depot was guarded by 125 Con federate soldiers under Capt. David McClellan, all well-armed. It would require such a large force of poorly armed citizens to overcome this strong guard that after consultation with his friends it was deemed wise to use strategy instead of force to destroy this bridge. After maturing plans for this they were put in the hands of S. A. Cunningham, son-in-law of Judge Nelson, and a prominent Union man, to execute. S. H. Hendrix, who was a very young man at this time, was sent to Andrew D. Taylor’s, who lived one mile west of Carter’s Depot, on Thursday night preceding the night set for burning the bridges to notify Taylor that his father, Harrison Hendrix, and Mr. Cunningham wanted to see him on important business, and Mr. Taylor, a staunch and loyal friend of the Union, who was afterward assassinated, went to this conference. Young Hendrix had instructions from Col. Stover to remain at Carter’s Depot all day Friday and watch Capt. McGlellan’s movements* On the morning of the 8th Geo. W. Emmert, a reliable Union man residing in Turkey Town, a neighborhood not far from Carter’s Depot, was entrusted with the task of ascertaining the strength of the guard at the bridge across the Holston river at Zollicoffer. That place is situated between Carter’s Depot and Bristol. Mr. Emmert took the train at the former place the evening before the bridge burning and went to Bristol where he purposely remained overnight and until the train going west left, so he could walk back through Zollicoffer and make observations. He learned there from Mr. Hazy Davis, a reliable Union man. that the bridge was guarded by only two men, Stanford Jenkins and William Jones, rebel soldiers.

We will relate an incident now that prevented the burning of the bridge across the Watauga river at Carter’s Depot. Dr. Abram Jobe, who was one of the first and ablest friends of the Union in Carter county, was one of the very few men of any prominence who opposed the burning of the bridges, for although as we have seen the greatest efforts had been made to keep everything profoundly secret, and succeeded so far as the real plans and time were concerned, but rumors and talk about it had been common in secret among Union men.

Dr. Jobe had some experience as a soldier in the Indian War and knew that under military law destroying public property or engaging in any way in anything that would obstruct military operations in time of war by citizens would subject them to capital punishment. He also knew the uncertainty of the movements of the army and distrusted the ability of the Federal authorities at that time to protect the people who might engage in it. He was most earnest in his opposition, and contended that if the bridges were burned it should be done by the military and not by citizens. For this reason when the time came Dr. Jobe was not let into the secret. However, on the night before, or within the twenty-four hours of the time in which the work was accomplished, a friend of his, believing it was not right to withhold the secret from one so trustworthy, told him what was to be done. He immediately set about the task of trying to have the scheme abandoned. On the morning of the 8th he arose at daylight and went early to the home of Mrs. Carter, who had just returned from the visit to her husband in Roan County. He plead with her to use her influence to prevent the burning of the bridges, representing to her with all the eloquence and earnestness at his command the dreadful calamity that would result, but she told him it was now too late, and holding her hand above her head in a tragic manner she declared : “The fiat has gone forth and the work must be done.”

She told him, however, that Col. Stover was the leader in the matter and it was entirely under his control. Learning that Col. Stover would be in Elizabethton that day, Dr. Jobe awaited his coming with much impatience until about 3 P. M., when he rode into town, alighted from his horse and went into the counting room of one of the business houses, the Doctor following him, locked the door and said to him questioningly: “Mr. Stover, the bridges are to be burned tonight?” Col. Stover exclaimed: “My God, how did you know this?” Dr. Jobe replied that this question was not to be discussed now, and went on to set forth the danger attending the burning the bridges, especially the one at Carter’s Depot, which was heavily guarded. He portrayed the danger attending it in much the same manner he had done to Mrs. Carter. Col. Stover listened attentively, then admitted the force of the arguments and said to him: “You espoused the Union cause before I did, and are as much entitled to your opinion in this matter as I am, or even as Mr. Lincoln himself. You have taken a great interest in the welfare and integrity of the Government, and if you wish to save the bridge at Carter’s Depot you can do so but nothing can dissuade me from attempting to burn the bridge across the Holston river whatever may be the consequences; but you may go immediately to Carter’s Depot and see Mr. Cunningham who has charge of affairs there; say to him what you have said to me and tell him I have consented for you to have your own way about the burning of that bridge, but that I will go with my men and burn the bridge across the Holston river.”

Dr. Jobe went at once to Mr. Cunningham and related tr. him what had passed between himself and Col. Stover. Mr. Cunningham told him he had promised his negro man his freedom to put a torch to the bridge that night, and the negro had agreed to do it, but that now the bridge should not be burned.

On the way returning home Dr. Jobe met a number of Union men going in the direction of the Depot to assist in burning the bridge but on learning it was not to be burned they turned their course towards Zollicoffer to assist in burning the bridge at that place.

For the details of the burning of the bridge at Zollicoffer we are largely indebted to Captain Dan Ellis, who was present and assisted in the work, and John G. Burchfield, also a bridge burner.

Col. Stover having selected about thirty men from among the citizens, the most prudent reliable men that could be found in the vicinity of Elizabethton, and swore them into the military service at Reuben Miller’s barn at the head of Indian Creek, for that purpose. These men coming from different directions met near Elizabethton and the nature of the enterprise was explained to them by Col. Stover, and they were informed by him that in addition to the honor attached to doing so great a service for the country they were to be paid by the Federal Government. He explained to them also that Gen. Thomas with his army was then, as he believed, on the borders of East Tennessee, and immediately upon the burning of the bridges, so that Confederate troops could not be hurried in by rail, the Federal army would advance rapidly into East Tennessee, finish the destruction of the railroad and protect the bridge burners and all other loyal people.

Being provided with turpentine which had been procured by Dr. James M. Cameron, and a supply of rich pine knots which would easily ignite and set fire to the bridge, the company crossed the Watauga river at Drake’s Ford, one mile east of Elizabethton, proceeded through Turkey Town and down Indian Creek, being recruited along the way by a number of men who joined them. Reaching a point about one-half mile south of Zollicoffer the men were halted and dismounted near a woods where the horses were concealed and Elijah Simerly, Pleasant M. Williams and Benjamin F. Treadway left to guard them.

Col. Stover said to them: “All who are willing to go with me to the bridge and assist in burning it, fall in line.” The following men fell into line: John F. Burrow, John G. Burchfield, Gilson O. Collins, Watson Collins, Landon Carter, M. L. Cameron, Jackson Carriger, James T. Davenport, Samuel Davenport, Daniel Ellis, John Fondrin, William M. Gourley, Henderson Garland, Wm. F. M. Hyder, J. K. Haun, Jacob Hendrixson, Mark Hendrixson, Jonas H. Keen, George Maston, B. M. G. O’Brien. Berry Pritchard, Henry Slagle, James P. Scott, Daniel Stover, the leader, and James Williams. It is alleged that only twenty-three men went to the bridge, while three others, Simerly, Treadway and Williams did the part assigned them — guarding the horses. The list who fell into line is as nearly correct as we have been able to get it. It is said that two or three names that appear above did not go all the way to the bridge while it is said by others they did.

Col. Stover and G. O. Collins had masks over their faces which had been prepared by Mrs. Lizzie Carter. The other men were not disguised in any way. When the men signified their willingness to go G. O. Collins gave the command in an undertone to move towards the bridge which they did, moving quickly and in good order. Arriving at the south end of the bridge they did not find any guard at first. They formed the men, part of them going up the river, and others down the river, while six or eight of them went hastily through the bridge nearly to the north end of it. The two guards, Stanford Jenkins and William Jones, rebel soldiers, were under the bridge, the former at the south end and the latter at the north end. Hearing the men, Jones ran and John F. Burrow raised his gun to shoot him, but was ordered not to fire. As the party returned from the north end of the bridge Jenkins came up from under the bridge and recognizing G. O. Collins, spoke to him and said : “Ollie, here’s my gun, don’t kill me.” G. O. Collins, M. L. Cameron and J. M. Emmert then hastily placing the pine and pouring the turpentine on the bridge applied matches to it and it was soon in flames. They hastened back to their horses, taking Jenkins with them. Unfortunately he had recognized Collins, Keen, Carter, and others.

The company mounted their horses and proceeded some distance on their return when they halted to consult as to what disposition they would make of their prisoner. Feeling sure that Jenkins had recognized Keen (who had once employed him), Collins, and perhaps others, and that if released he would probably report their names to the Confederate authorities, the situation became very serious. In discussing what should be done with Jenkins, Watson Collins and others advocated shooting him. They said that if he reported them their lives would pay the penalty and that in time of war no man could be trusted, that “only dead men tell no tales,” and that their only safety was in silencing him forever; but through the intercession of Mr. Keen, who was very kind hearted, and shrank from blood-shed, and the appeals of Jenkins himself, who made the most solemn promises that he would not betray them, they swore him to secrecy and turned him loose. The party then made a hasty retreat, separating and returning to their homes as if nothing unusual had happened.

The remains of the train trestle at Bluff City. Photo by Sharon Steele-Smith, 2012.

 

J. G. Burchfield’s account of the bridge burning.

The Union men had been, for many days, looking for and expecting Gen. George H. Thomas to advance with his forces into East Tennessee, by way of Cumberland Gap. Capt. J. I. R. Boyd having returned, during the month of September, from Louisville, Ky., with instructions to organize the Union men and have them ready for the service when Gen. Thomas should appear.

The order for raising and organizing the loyal men in East Tennessee to destroy the railroad bridges had been given by General McClellan sometime in August, 1861. Rev. W. B. Carter was the agent of the War Department to execute the order. General Thomas gave his order for a detail of three commissioned officers, Capt. David Fry, of Greene County, Capt. Thomas Tipton, of (Blountville.) Sullivan Co., and Lieutenant Myers, of Blount county, to go with Mr. Carter to East Tennessee where the bridges were to be burned on the 8th of November, 1861.

All the bridges were attacked and many burned. The bridge at Zollicoffer, between Bristol and Carter’s Depot was burned by the men from Carter county, under the leadership of Colonel Daniel Stover, Jonas H. Keen, William Gourley. W. F. M. Hyder, John Burrows, Benjamin F. Treadway, G. O. Collins, Lafayette Cameron. J. P. Scott, P. M. Williams, James Williams, Samuel Davenport, Watson Collins, Berry Pritchard, J. G. Burchfield, Landon Carter, George Moody, George Maston and Jacob Hendrixson. Others among whom were C. C. Wilcox, J. P. Wilson, John K. Miller and Morgan Treadway, were detailed for the purpose of bringing in the Union men from the mountains to be in readiness to defend the bridge burners.

By noon on the 9th, there were assembled at Elizabethton fully one thousand men, armed with all kinds of weapons. It was a fine body of men, and would have put up a strong fight if it had been under well-disciplined officers. But here the men were, without any kind of officers. About 3 P. M. they marched to Taylor’s Ford. All looked to N. G. Taylor to take command. He rather deferred to Col. Dan Stover, and he, although without any knowledge of military matters, was selected for Colonel and called a conference of the leading men. They met in the residence of N. G. Taylor. Capt. Wm. Gourley suggested that the best armed men be placed under someone and sent down to capture the Confederate company at Carter’s Depot.

Capt. Boyd and his associates had done their work well, and by the first day of November, 1861, the Union men of Washington, Carter and Johnson counties were well organized and ready for serious business.

On November 7th, late in the evening, there were gathered at the store of Lafayette Cameron, in Elizabethton, a few of the leading men from Carter county.

I remember that some boys who were playing near the corner, broke up in a boys’ fight, and I walked around to the store and went in. I was told by Landon Carter to get out. I saw in the room, William M. Gourley, Pleasant M. Williams, John Burrow and a young man, Berry Pritchard, who was captured and shot by the rebels few weeks later. I also saw the late Major C. C. Wilcox, J. P. Scott, Ollie, and Watson Collins and John Helton. There were others, but I do not recall their names. The next night, William M. Gourley came to the blacksmith-shop of J. J. Edens and told me that he wanted the mare, and would be around about 10 o’clock, for her. He ate supper with us, and I went to bed early. I was out by half past nine o’clock and had been down to Mrs. J. P. Tipton’s, and secured a horse and was ready for whatever might come. I only waited a few minutes when W. F. M. Hyder rode up, with some seven, or eight men, and waited for Capt. Gourley, who soon came down by the saw-mill and rode to the head of the little squad, and said: “Boys, we have a dangerous job on hands to-night. It will be death to any of us should we be captured. The others have gone by Drake’s Ford; we will meet them at the Narrows.”

Others among whom were C. C. Wilcox, J. P. Wilson, John K. Miller and Morgan Treadway, were detailed for the purpose of bringing in the Union men from the mountains to be in readiness to defend the bridge burners.

Then we crossed the Watauga River and quietly rode through the darkness until we reached Mr. Miller’s place. Landon Carter and J. P. Scott came to us and we rode rapidly from this place until we reached a farm house on the hill, south of Union. Some of the men stopped and got bundles of straw. While we were standing here in the road, a man, on foot, came out of the house and spoke to Jonas H. Keen in low, earnest tones. Keen and Gourley rode forward, and then G. O. Collins came up and ordered all forward.

We all rode to the station, dismounted, and rushed to the bridge. It would be impossible to describe the haste with which each man did his part. A guard was captured at the bridge, and in five minutes from the time we reached it, the flames were driven from the south end to the north end of the bridge. All re-mounted and returned by the way we came. At the head of the Narrows, Gourley, Hyder and Williams, and a few others, left the main force, under Col. Stover, and reached J. J. Eden’s place about 4 130 in the morning.

I slept until awakened by Mrs. Edens. I did not speak to any one of what had been done, for the reason that I felt that death would be visited upon any of the men who participated in that nights fearful work. Mr. Gourley and I went down to the shop and started a fire in the forge. J. J. Edens came in, and said: “What is the trouble? Do you know that the bridge at Zollicoffer has been burned?”

By noon I was in Elizabethton, with a gun in my hands, and was drilling a squad of the boys of my own age. D. P. Wilcox came to us and asked us if we wanted to enlist. I said we were already in the army. That evening we elected him Captain of the Town Company, and he led us down to Taylor’s Ford, where we received our “Baptism” for the Union, under the fire of rebel lead, and from there to Clark’s Spring and then to Elizabethton, and finally to “Hyder’s Old Field” in the Doe river cove where the “army” disbanded.

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We will place on record here that this man Jenkins whose life had been spared by these men upon his solemn promises and obligation not to betray them, and through the intercession of Keen, who had been his friend and neighbor, who had once employed him, and believed he could not be so destitute of honor and all the instincts of humanity as to betray him, upon being released, he immediately reported the names of Keen, and others of the party, whom he recognized, under oath, to the Confederate authorities! But these men, and indeed every loyal citizen was yet to learn that honor, truth and integrity, those great virtues that should exist in every human heart, and some of which are said to exist even among thieves, found no abiding place in the breast of this man, and the same was true of many others of the enemies and oppressors of the Unionists of Carter and Johnson counties.

On the morning after the burning of the bridges, as the news spread, the greatest excitement and consternation prevailed among the rebel sympathizers, and great alarm was felt by the Unionists lest the wrath of the Confederates would be visited upon them, regardless of their guilt or innocence in connection with the bridge burning. But the leaders were yet confident that they would be relieved and protected by the advent of the Federal army.

S. H. Hendrix, of Carter’s Depot (now Watauga), then a very young man, but who, as we have seen, was an active and useful participant in carrying out the plans for burning the bridges was the first man arrested on the morning after the bridge was burned, and the first one to convey the news to Keen and others that Jenkins had betrayed them. In a letter written by Capt. Hendrix in reply to a request from us to furnish such information as he might be in possession of regarding the bridge burning we take the liberty to quote the following :

“On Saturday morning when the excitement was at its highest I was arrested and carried to the headquarters of Capt. McClellan and ordered placed in the guard house with six guards over me. I was the first man arrested for bridge burning, but proved such a conclusive alibi by Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Brown (my uncle and aunt) and Miss Bettie Bishop, daughter of James Bishop, that I was sent home under guard, and under promise to remain inside the Confederate lines and report to headquarters twice a day. Through my anxiety to get with the Union forces so as to inform Lafayette Cameron, Jonas H. Keen and Landon Carter that they had been betrayed and reported by Jenkins and were in great danger, I made my escape on Monday and went up the river through the pines and brush to the bend of the river below Buck’s Rock (now Watauga Point), crossed the river at what was then called the “Devil’s Stairs,” and made my way to Elizabethton and told Cameron, Carter and Keen what I had learned while a prisoner at Carter’s Depot.”

But few of the “Bridge Burners” are now living. Of those living (1902) now all but a very few, perhaps two or three, joined the Federal army and were pensioned by the Federal Government as soldiers. Pleasant M. Williams, of Gap Creek, Carter County, is still living. There has never been a braver, truer or more patriotic citizen than Mr. Williams, and his old age should have been made happy, long ago, by a liberal pension from the Government.

John F. Burrow, Esq., is also still living and should long ago have been placed on the pension rolls. He was a brave and loyal Union man and took his life in his hands to do a great service for his country.

A few years ago a bill was introduced in Congress to pension these few remaining heroes by Hon. W. C. Anderson, and it was favorably reported by the committee but has never become a law. In 1898 John F. Burrow requested Capt. S. W. Scott to have the matter brought before the encampment of the G. A. R., Department of Tennessee, which was held in Knoxville on February 22 of that year. Capt. Scott wrote to Capt. S. P. Angel, a resident of Knoxville, on the subject, and the latter introduced a resolution in the encampment which was favorably acted on but we regret to say that as yet Congress has not acted favorably on the bill.

We append a copy of the bill introduced into Congress giving the names of the bridge burners and the action of the Grand Army encampment thereon:

 

Resolution No. 6, submitted by S. P. Angel.

Resolved, That this Encampment endorse the bill No. 5298, now pending before Congress, granting pensions to certain East Tennesseans named in the bill, and that we hereby respectfully request our Senators and Representatives in Congress to vote in favor of the passage of said bill.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FIFTY-FOURTH CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION. Report No. 2776. PENSIONS TO CERTAIN EAST TENNESSEEANS. February 3, 1897. — Committed to the Committee of the Whole House and ordered to be printed. Mr. Anderson, from the Committee on Invalid Pensions, submitted the following report. The Committee on Invalid Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 5298) granting a pension to certain East Tennesseans engaged in the secret service of the United States during the War of the Rebellion, having carefully considered the same, respectfully report : Pleasant M. Williams, John F. Burrow, Benjamin F. Treadway, Samuel Davenport, John G. Burchfield, George Maston, Gilson O. Collins, Landon Carter, Jeremiah M. Miller, J. K. Haun, and Elijah Simerley were residents of East Tennessee at the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion in 1861 , and most of them possessed of valuable property, and were loyal to the Union cause.

Those named were, on November 8. 1861, enlisted and were sworn into a company in the secret service of the United States, known as the “East Tennessee Bridge Burners,” by Capt. Thomas Tipton, together with Capt. Daniel Ellis, Jacob Hendrickson, M. L. Cameron, Jonas H. Keen, J. D. Carriger, Watson Collins, Henry Slagle, Mark Hendrickson, Berry Pritchard, W. F. M. Hyder, William Gourley, James T. Davenport. James P. Scott, Henderson Garland, B. M. G. O Brien, John Fondrin and James Williams, and under the command of Capt. Daniel Stover, on the night of November 8 1861, surprised the guards and burned the bridge across the Holston River on the East Tennessee. Virginia and Georgia Railroad.

The authority for the organization of the East Tennessee Bridge Burners came through Gen. George H. Thomas, then commanding the Union forces in that locality, through authority obtained from Gen. George B. McClellan commanding the Army of the Potomac, and was approved by the President of the United States.

Those enlisted for the enterprise were carefully selected because of their known loyalty and they were charged with the destruction of the bridges on the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad, preparatory to the contemplated movement of Gen. Thomas’ forces upon Knoxville, Tenn., in November, 1861. The undertaking was a most perilous one, everyone engaged in the same being fully cognizant of the result which would surely follow a capture by the enemy, and it was entered into only upon the promise made by Gen. Thomas that his occupation of East Tennessee would immediately follow upon the destruction of the said bridges, which would afford protection to those engaged in the hazardous work, and even then it was difficult to induce a sufficient number of the citizens of that region to engage in the execution of the dangerous enterprise.

On the night of November 8, 1861, the bridge across Holston River and that over Lick Creek were destroyed; but Gen. Thomas did not come, as was expected, he having proceeded, according to his promise, only a short distance when he was recalled by General Sherman, who commanded the department, for the supposedly more important work.

Thus were the Bridge Burners left to their own fate. Many of them were recognized by the bridge guards, and flight and seclusion became imperative to escape death. They attempted to escape into Kentucky and join the Union forces there, but after several futile attempts abandoned this course as impracticable, and the company as disbanded and each left to shift for himself. Some of them were captured and hung or shot; others sought refuge in the mountains and endeavored to conceal themselves, suffering much exposure and hardship, hunger, cold, and rain. Some made their way, after overcoming many obstacles, and joined and enlisted in the Union armies; others, among whom was Pleasant M. Williams, were captured and imprisoned in rebel prisons, and were confined and starved until the bones of back, hips, and arms protruded through the skin after the flesh had been absorbed by the wasting bodies.

Nearly all of those named in the bill — all but two or three, as your committee is informed — are now borne upon the pension roll by reason of subsequent enlistment and service in other organizations, but your committee believe that there should be a public recognition of the service of these men, who, according to the war records of the Rebellion, spread consternation and dismay among the secessionists of East Tennessee and among the officers of the Confederate Government, who appealed for more troops to guard the railroads and prevent disruption of communication between the troops in Virginia and those in the cotton States co-operating with them. These men were heroes, and their names should be emblazoned on a roll of honor.

Your committee therefore recommends the passage of the bill.

The report of the committee was concurred in.

(Page 94-97)

On the 9th of December Gen. Carroll, who was in command of the Confederate forces at Knoxville, issued a proclamation declaring martial law and suspending the writ of habeas corpus. The people were now deprived of free speech that boon so highly prized by all freemen and especially so by the independent mountaineers of East Tennessee. They knew not what to do nor which way to turn. The rigorous winter common to the high elevation of this mountain region was upon them, but their homes built by the arduous toil of many years to protect themselves and families, and where was erected the family altar, were now to them a place of danger, to be avoided, or only visited at the dead hour of night to seek a brief interview with their loved ones and steal away again into the almost inaccessible cliffs and ravines of the mountains. Men were heard to say that they had often wondered why the Creator had built these stupendous monuments where little that was useful to man could thrive, but now they saw the mystery of the Divine plan made clear — they were to be the friendly shelter of the race at such times as this, when “Man’s inhumanity to man made countless thousands mourn.”

These lines might very appropriately have come into the minds of these hunted refugees:

“For the strength of the hills we bless thee, Our God, our father’s God! Thou hast made thy children mighty By the touch of the mountain sod. Thou hast fixed our mountain refuge, Where the spoiler’s feet ne’er trod; For the strength of the hills we bless thee, Our God, our father’s God!”

Many Unionists, and especially the bridge burners, however, escaped to the mountains or concealed themselves so effectually about their homes or among their friends that they were not discovered.

Col. Daniel Stover, the leader of the “Bridge Burners” and the “Rebellion,” with Dan Ellis, Jonas H. Keen, B. F. Treadway, G. O. Collins, Watson Collins and others, sought safety in the Pond Mountains in the eastern part of Carter County. They were far back in the mountain some seven miles from any settlement, and their place of hiding was known only to William Lewis, a trusted Union man, who resided on the Watauga River. Their provisions had to be carried to them by some of their number who packed it on their backs this long distance through dense thickets and through deep ravines and over steep rough hills.

Here they constructed rude shanties and provided with a few cooking utensils and blankets these men, who had been accustomed to the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, spent many weary weeks expecting all the time to hear of the advance of the Federal army into East Tennessee.

Dan. Ellis was their main dependence. Being by nature and experience a fine woodsman he made many excursions back into the settlements to learn the latest news and bring back letters from the families. Thus began the experience of Captain Ellis, who afterwards did such excellent service both to the Government and to the Union men in piloting the latter from these counties and from Western North Carolina into the Union lines in Kentucky; an extended account of his adventures will be found in another chapter of this history.

Across in the Buck Mountains, also in Carter County, was another company of refugees, among whom were Col. N. G. Taylor, Col. J. G. Fellers, Elijah Simerly, Jas. P. Scott, M. L. Cameron, Charles P. and William J. Toncray. These refugees spent some time at the home of David Stout, a Union man who lived far back in the mountains.

They were visited by a few trusted friends, bringing them news, clothing and provisions. They were situated very much like the others, but contrived to pass the time more or less pleasantly around their blazing fires, especially at night, whose friendly shades relieved their fears, yet much uneasiness was felt as they knew their place of concealment was being searched for by armed men, and if found their lives would probably pay the penalty of their loyalty to the Union.

Other Union men fearing these camps were less safe than even their homes concealed themselves in their attics or cellars. One case in point was that of Dr. A. Jobe, who, though strongly opposed to the bridge burning, from which the rebellion resulted, but being a leading Union man from the beginning and knowing that in the excitement of the times his life would be endangered, took refuge in his cellar. He had recently built a new residence close to Elizabethton. He had a cellar under his kitchen with no opening into it except a trap-door in the kitchen floor. Signals were arranged so that calling the names of certain members of his family warned him of the approach of soldiers and others so that he must be very quiet; the names of other members would indicate that the coast was clear. The colored servant who occupied the kitchen usually kept the cradle with the babe in h over the cellar door. The kitchen floor was carpeted so the trap-door could not be seen. When soldiers came to the house, which they frequently did, the servant would rock the cradle industriously and sing lullabies to the infant to drown any noise the occupant of the cellar might make.

In a similar manner Geo. W. Ryan, who had been captured and escaped from prison, was concealed under the residence of W. B. Carter for many weeks until he had an opportunity to escape through the lines to Kentucky.

These men and many others spent many weeks in this way, fearing to cough or even draw a deep breath lest they might be discovered and dragged to prison or death.

Thus the dreary winter of 1861-2 moved along. Many Union men to avoid a worse fate joined the Confederate army, hoping to escape to the Federals at a later date; others made their way to Kentucky, while others still hoping for relief remained in hiding.

 

(page 105-106)

 

A Federal force of about 2000 troops left Lexington, Kentucky, about the 20th of December, 1862, under command of Gen. Samuel P. Carter to make a raid into East Tennessee for the purpose of burning bridges and otherwise crippling the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad, which was so important to the Confederacy. This command was composed of two battalions of the Second Michigan Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Campbell; one battalion of the Seventh Ohio Cavalry, Major Ramsey; the Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Major Russell, Col. Charles J. Walker, of the Tenth Kentucky Cavalry, was in command of the cavalry brigade. This command crossed the mountains at Crank’s Gap, near Harlan Court House, into Lee County, Va., moved down Cane Creek, passed through a gap in Poor Valley ridge and crossed Powell’s Valley four miles east of Jonesville, they reached the summit of Walden’s ridge about twenty miles from the foot of the Cumberland Mountains and halted.

They had advanced this far without creating any alarm, or exciting any suspicion as to who they were. From here they moved to Stickleyville, across Powell’s Mountain and through Pattonsville. They crossed Clinch river twelve miles from Estellville, Va. News of their approach had preceded them, and upon their arrival at Estellville they were told that a considerable force of rebels were at Moccasin Gap prepared to dispute their passage. The Michigan battalion under Col. Campbell were dismounted and moved through the Gap; the enemy retreated towards Kingsport. A lieutenant and several rebel soldiers were captured near the Gap. The command pushed forward and on the way a Sergeant of the 2d Michigan was killed, and two other soldiers who had wandered from the road were captured. About daylight on the morning of December 30 they reached Blountville, Sullivan County, Tenn., surprised the place and captured 30 soldiers of the 4th Kentucky rebel cavalry and paroled them. They left Bristol, which was said to be held by a strong rebel force, to their left and preceded to Zollicoffer (now Bluff City) on the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad six miles distant. Gen. Carter sent his brother, Col. J. P. T. Carter, with a portion of the 2d Michigan with orders to burn the bridge across the Holston river, Gen. Carter following as soon as his forces all came up. Major McDowell with a force of about 150 of the 62d North Carolina surrendered to Col. Carter without resistance. They were paroled and declared that they would not again return to the army.

The barracks, tents, arms, a railroad car, together with the railroad and wagon bridge were burned or destroyed.

It was reported that G. O. Collins, who accompanied Gen. Carter as his orderly, and who had been one of the bridge burners on the night of November 8, 1861, when the bridge across the river at this place was burned, and had made his escape into Kentucky and joined the 2d Tennessee Infantry, applied the torch to the railroad bridge with the remark: “I was accused of burning a bridge here once before, if you’ll watch me you will see that I am guilty this time.” After setting fire to the bridge he climbed up on the railing and crowed.

 

(page 311-312)

 

CAPTAIN GILSON O. COLLINS, CO. M.

Gilson O. Collins is a Carter county man, and remained steadfast to the Union cause through many dangers and difficulties. Being a man of decided opinions and with courage to assert and maintain them, he early lost favor with the Confederate authorities. After assisting to burn the bridge at Union, or Zollicoffer, as detailed elsewhere, and engaging in the Carter county rebellion he fled to Kentucky and joined the 2d Tennessee Mounted Infantry and served with that regiment until its capture, Nov. 6, 1863. Collins, at that time a private soldier absented himself from his command on account of striking a Federal officer for making disparaging remarks about Tennesseans, and though his absence was known and approved by Col. Carter he was marked on his company rolls as a deserter. Since the war the facts were made known and he received an honorable discharge from the 2d Tennessee Infantry as well as from the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry.

Captain Collins was commissioned as Captain March 22d, 1865, and assigned to duty with Company M. He was in command of his company in the last Stoneman raid in pursuit of President Davis.

Captain Collins is still living near Valley Forge, Carter county, Tenn.

 

(page 371-372)

 

HEROINES.

We give the names of some of the noble women in the two counties of Carter and Johnson, and only regret we cannot follow them, one and all, as they went through the fiery ordeal of the Civil War, facing every danger, toiling and praying for the loved ones, dispensing love and sun shine in their pathway. Their names should be written in letters of gold on imperishable parchment, or engraven on enduring metal that time cannot efface. They heard the roar of cannon and the rattle of musketry that told of battle and death. They witnessed bloody tragedies. They saw their loved ones imprisoned. They saw them brought home dead. They heard the tramp of armed men and the clanking of arms and the shouts of soldiers and the groans of the dying. They witnessed the cruelties of civil war in all its horrors and hideousness. They saw the dead bodies of men who had been hung or shot, sometimes their own friends or relatives, and yet they lived through it all. They were familiar with danger and strangers to fear. They went out into the darkness and storm to aid the suffering. They ventured into dangers from which brave men recoiled. They seemed to require no rest but were always on the alert. They waited on the sick, dressed the wounds of those who had been shot and sometimes had to bury the dead with their own hands. They cooked and fed Union men who were in hiding and men who had escaped from prison, often piloting them to places of safety. Among those who received the care and hospitality of the loyal women of these counties were Albert D. Richardson, the gifted war correspondent of the “New York Tribune” and author of “The Field, Dungeon and Escape,” and Junius Henri Browne, the brilliant war correspondent of the “New York Herald.”

We give first the names of those who lived at Elizabethton and in that vicinity: Mrs. Elizabeth and Evaline Carter, Mrs. Emma Taylor, Mrs. Sophronia Jobe, Mrs. Mary Stover, Mrs. Catherine Tipton, Mrs. Susan Fellers. Mrs. Edna Edens, Mrs. Joanna Tipton, Mrs. Jane Cameron, Mrs. Mary Ann Singletary, Mrs. Eliza Cameron, Mrs. Laura Cameron, Mrs. Margaret Toncray, Mrs. Martha Tipton, Mrs. Nancy Johnson, Mrs. Catherine Patterson, Mrs. Elizabeth Bradley, Mrs. Martha G. Angel, Mrs. Matilda Burrow, Mrs. Jane J. Scott, Mrs. Eliza Hawkins, Mrs. Mary Burrow, Mrs. Elizabeth Ryan, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Mrs. Nancy Barker, Mrs. Martha Perry, Mrs. Mary Hart, Mrs. Nancy Roberts, Mrs. Elizabeth Hyder, Mrs. Emily Collins, Mrs. Martha Hatcher, Mrs. Rosanna Taylor, Mrs. Margaret Toncray, Mrs. Mary Cameron, Mrs. Margaret Jobe, Mrs. Hester Williams, Mrs. Sarah Keen, Mrs. Susan Beasley, Mrs. Nancy Tip ton, Mrs. Matilda Wilcox, Mrs. Evaline Treadway, Mrs. Lucy Wilcox, Mrs. Lucy Turner, Mrs. Janes Minor, Mrs. Timanda Badgett, Mrs. Dorcas Gourley, Mrs. Mary Hilton, Mrs. Eliza Douthat, Mrs. Mary Angel, Mrs. William Cass, and Misses Mary and Eva Taylor, Miss Sarah Folsom, Miss Eliza O’Brien, Miss Emma Jobe, Miss Lizzie Cameron, Misses Margaret and Lydia Barker, Miss Mary George, Misses Seraphina, Ann M. and Addie Johnson. Misses Agnes, Elmira and Latitia Roberts, Misses Politha and Hester Heatherly, Miss Mattie Tipton, Misses Cordelia and Amanda Hyder, Misses Susan and Mary Angel, Miss Alice Angel, Miss Cordelia Bradley, Miss Jennie Garrison, Misses Sue and Sallie Smith, Miss Mary R. Toncray, Miss Emma Roberts, Miss Emma Burrow.

These ladies, old and young, performed deeds which, had they been done in ordinary times, would have won for them great honor and distinction, but in those perilous times brave deeds were done and little notice taken of them. It has been truly said of woman that she is timid and often shrinks from trivial or imaginary danger, but when confronted with great peril she rises to the occasion and displays the greatest courage and heroism. In the Civil War they were the sentinels on the watch-tower when every hour was fraught with danger and dread. Midnight, as well as midday, found them at their post, ready at the approach of danger to rush to the rescue of father, brother or friend, whether in the darkness of the night, the raging storm or in the face of a relentless enemy. They never deserted the side of a father, brother or friend, no odds how great the threatened danger, but clung the closer to him. If we could but relate the stories or picture the scenes they passed through they would startle those who have known women only in time of peace. Imagine a hunted refugee, pursued by soldiers or Indians, taking refuge in a house whose only tenant is a woman — her husband or sons not daring to remain at home — the pursuers follow the refugee into the house, demand in angry tones and with guns in their hands to know where the man is hidden. Does she quail before them and scream and point out the trembling victim to be dragged off to prison or death? You answer yes, what else could she do? She is but a woman. But he is her neighbor’s boy, a youth, not long ago a mere boy — she knows him well. She calmly faces the men and tells them the boy passed through the house. She says to them with the greatest carelessness of manner, “Don’t you see he is not in here?” They pass on through and search the barn and out-houses, and when they are gone the boy is hidden more securely to await a chance to escape. He was behind the door and the lady kept between him and the soldiers and her cool indifferent manner deceived them, and so she saved her neighbor’s son. Was she not a heroine? Nor is this story a romance. Captain S. H. Hendrix was the youth, and Mrs. Christina Scott, of Turkey Town then, (now we trust a saint in heaven), was the lady.

 

(page 379)

 

We give the names of those we remember who lived in the vicinity of Valley Forge during the Civil War, and there is not one among them who did not aid to his utmost the cause of the Union, or would not brave any dangers to succor the conscripts and refugees : William X. O’Brien, James G. Smith, John C. and Robert A. Smith, Abram and Elijah Hathaway, John Bayless, Elbert Range, David S. Hilton, James Garrison, Alfred Williams, John Grindstaff, James and Joseph Hyder, Wiley Ellis, James McCathern, Virgil Morris, Elisha Collins, Eli Fletcher, Mordicai Williams, Brownlow Fair, Chris, Simerly, Jehu Humphreys. We give here the name of some of the wives and daughters of these men, each of whom did many heroic deeds like the one we have narrated, had we time and space to tell them : Mrs. Elizabeth and Mrs. Rosanna Smith, Mrs. Ann O’Brien, Mrs. Martha Ellis, Mrs. Hannah Garrison, Mrs. Sarah Bayless, Mrs. Celia Humphreys, Mrs. Jane Hathaway, Mrs. Margaret and Eliza Jane Hyder, Mrs. Louisa Camp bell, Mrs. Nora Williams, Mrs. Vina Fletcher, Mrs. Eliza Humphrey, Mrs. Ollie Hilton, Mrs. Hugh Jenkins, Mrs. Salina Collins, Mrs. Sabina Grindstaff, and Misses Mary, Caroline and Margaret Smith, Miss Minerva Ellis, Misses Rebecca, Alpha and Sarah McCathern, Miss Jane O’Brien, Miss Ann Barnes.

 

(page 482)

 

COMPANY M. Gilson O. Collins. Capt. ; age. 34; enlisted, Mar. 22. “65; mustered in, Mar. 22. ’65.

 

(page 500-503)

 

appendix

THE SECOND TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

We introduce brief memoranda of the Second and Fourth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, because in writing a history of what the two counties of Carter and John son did in the Civil War we find that Carter County men were Colonels of each of these regiments, and they included in their ranks a larger number of men from these two counties than any other organizations except the 13th Tennessee Cavalry.

It was our design in the beginning to endeavor to get the name of every loyal soldier that went out from these counties, regardless of what command he served with, but so many of them have died or removed to distant States that we have found this impracticable, and can only mention their names here and there as we find them out. We can only say that this was a splendid organization and did good service though it had the misfortune to be captured in 1863 and its members held in prison so long that it did not take the field again as a regimental organization. The following condensed report of its service will be read with interest by many who had friends in the regiment.

 

MEMORANDA FROM ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S REPORT.

“The Second East Tennessee Volunteer Infantry was recruited and organized at Camp Dick Robinson, Ky.; mustered into service to date from the 28th of September, 1861; left Camp Dick Robinson the 18th of October, 1861; marched to Wildcat, Kentucky, to meet the rebel forces under Zollicoffer. After the Wildcat fight, marched to London, Ky. ; remained there until the 5th of December, 1861 ; marched thence to Somerset, Ky., and was at the battle of Mill Springs, Ky. Left the latter place on the 21st of January, 1862, and marched to Cumberland Ford. Left that place on the 7th of March and crossed the mountain, via Boston, Ky., to Big Creek Gap, routed and captured a rebel cavalry force under command of Lieut-Col. J. F. White; destroyed a large amount of quartermaster and commissary stores; captured eighty- nine horses and mules and a large amount of small arms and ammunition. Returned to Cumberland Ford, Kentucky, and remained there until about the 1st of June, 1862, when we marched via Boston and Big Creek Gap to Cumberland Gap, arriving there on the 18th of June. We remained there until the 18th of September, following, when the Federal forces under Gen. Geo. W. Morgan, evacuated that place. We marched from there through the northeastern portion of Kentucky to the Ohio river and crossed the river to Wheelersburg, thence via Sciotaville, Oak Hill, Gallopolis, Point Pleasant and Charleston to the Saline Salt Works in the Kanawa Valley, West Virginia, from there, by water to Louisville, Ky., and from there we marched to Murfreesboro and participated in the battle of Stones River.

“We remained at Murfreesboro until the 10th of March when we returned to Kentucky for the purpose of being mounted ; remained in Kentucky, taking part in divers engagements with the rebel forces under Scott, Pegram and others until the 4th of July, when the regiment left Somerset in pursuit of the rebel General Morgan in the raid through Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio; participated in the pursuit and was present at Salineville when Morgan was captured; returned to Kentucky via Cincinnati, and joined the forces then organizing at Stanford, Ky.. for the campaign in East Tennessee ; was in the advance of Burnside’s forces at Wolf Creek and at Loudon, Tenn. Went from there to Knoxville, and on to Cumberland Gap and was present when that place was surrendered by the rebel Gen. Phrasier; returned then to Knoxville and took the advance of the column that moved into Upper East Tennessee; brought on the engagement at Blue Springs; pursuit of the rebel retreating forces under Gens. Jones, Williams and Jackson, until it drove their pickets in at Abingdon, Va. ; destroyed the railroad at Bristol and other points, together with a large amount of rebel stores, cars and other property.

“The regiment returned to Rogersville, Tenn., where through an unfortunate mistake of Col. Garrard, of the 7th Ohio Cavalry, the brigade commander, the regiment was captured on the 6th of November, 1863, by the forces under the rebel Gen. Jones.

“After the capture of the greater portion of the regiment, 117 men, most of whom had been captured with the regiment, but soon afterwards made their escape, reported to Knoxville and were on duty there up to the 31st of November. They marched to Clinton and captured a number of men, horses and small arms from Gen. Wheeler’s forces, with whom they skirmished for three days. Col. Melton gathered up the remnants of the regiment and escorted Gen. Burnside to Camp Nelson, Ky. ; returned from there to Rogersville and reported to Gen. S. P. Carter, Provost Marshal-General of East Tennessee. The regiment was detailed as provost guards to do duty at Sevierville, Maryville, Clinton and Maynardsville, which duty it performed until Wheeler’s raid through East Tennessee in September, 1864, when a garrison of twenty-eight men was captured at Maryville after a resistance of six hours. The remaining detachments were ordered immediately to Lee’s Ferry on the Clinch River, to harass Wheeler’s forces. About 12 o’clock at night the regiment fell in between the two columns of Wheeler’s command and moved on in that position until daylight, when it was charged by the enemy, and after a short resistance in a hand to hand fight against at least ten to one, it drove the rebels back about a half mile, but finding themselves menaced in front and rear by a largely superior force, and seeing that further resistance was useless and hopeless our troops retreated in good order with the loss of but one man killed.

“The regiment then returned to Knoxville, where it remained until the 6th of October, 1864, when it was mustered out of service, having only 106 of the original number of men.”

We have already given extended notice of Col. Carter in connection with “Carter’s Raid into East Tennessee.” Col. Carter and his brothers, Gen. S. P. and Rev. W. B. Carter, were all land and slave owners, contradicting again the often repeated and false assertion that none but the poor and ignorant people of the South favored the Union.

The names of Officers and enlisted men who volunteered from Johnson and Carter counties in the Second Tennessee Mounted Infantry.

These names were taken from the Adjutant-General’s report by Lieut. D. P. Wilcox, who was an officer in that regiment. It is very probable that the list does not contain near all the names of men who belonged to that regiment who enlisted from these counties for the reason that the Regimental rolls of the Regiment were captured and those afterwards made out were very imperfect.

Collins, Gilson O., Corp.; age 33; May I, 1863; June 5, 1863; promoted to Capt. in 13th Tenn. Cav.

Collins, Watson, Private; age 40; July 22, 1862; June 5, 1863. Captured at Rogersville, Nov. 6, 1863.

 

 

Above: Captain Gilson O. Collins

 

Brother: Watson Collins, born March 17, 1822 in VA; died July 4, 1864 Andersonville POW camp

Brother: Elisha Collins, born 1831; died June 19, 1896 in Carter County, Tennessee.

Gilson Collins married Emily P. Fletcher

Daughter of Gilson and Emily Collins: Amy Collins, who married Elbert H. Glover. They and several of their family members are buried at Chinquapin Grove Cemetery in Sullivan County, Tennessee.

 

 

Additional notes from Frank Combs (flcombs (at) att.net):

I am also descended from Alexander McMillan, one of the original settlers in what is now Knox County.  He came with White and stayed to the east of what became White’s Fort/Knoxville after White moved on to build a house and the city.  McMillan’s area out near Strawberry Plains was called McMillan Station, and the house he built in 1785 is still there.  I’m also descended from Sherrods that had a McMillan marry into the family.

Dr. Allen W. Ellis is a descendant of Ollie’s brother Watson, one of the bridge burners, who died at Andersonville. He stated that Watson’s daughter Eliza married Dan Ellis, one of the characters in this story. Also, a historian in Johnson City with whom Dr. Ellis spoke said that Ollie once ran a “house of ill repute,” so he must have been quite a character.

 

Allen W. Ellis

Professor of Library Services, W. Frank Steely Library

Department of Communication, Popular Culture Program

Department of English, Cinema Studies Program

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY 41099-6101

859-572-5527

Fax: 859-572-5390

Email: ellisa@nku.edu

http://www.nku.edu/~ellisa/danielellis/