I was able to be part of the funeral procession that honored the unknown Civil War soldier the city of Franklin reburied back in October. My wife and I also hosted the two living sons, Harold Becker and James Brown, Jr., in our home for dinner.
To see the many previous related blog posts click here.
For more posts on Fort Granger click here
The CWPT shot some video of historian Eric Jacobson talking about the Eastern Flank at Franklin during the June 2009 Franklin’s Charge symposium. You will find the link on the CWPT web site here.
Watch the video
I have many videos on YouTube of Franklin content, several by Eric Jacobson. They are found here.
La-Grange, Tenn.
7/9/62
Description:
Nilson writes with a keen eye that while on a blackberry expedition he heard some shooting nearby. His group returned to camp since they didn’t have their guns with them. He did not want to repeat an incident that took place at Holly Springs (MS), when one of the 25th Indiana soldiers from Co. F had fallen behind and was “hunted down by bloodhounds and tore to pieces.” In retaliation, the Hoosier-Yankees burnt the plantation rails and destroyed two large fields (cotton, corn),leaving for memphis to guard the train, etc.
Very Fine condition
$350.00
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Other content notes about this letter, i.e., what else Nilson mentions?
Research notes on John Nilson and the 25th Indiana:
John Nilson was from Medora, Indiana, and was promoted to 1st Lt on 8/18/64 and to Captain on 1/1/65. At the time of this letter he was with the District and Army of West Tennessee.
The 25th Indiana saw action at:
Key words this letter pertains to:
25th Indiana Infantry | John Nilson Co. G | Van Dorn | Shiloh | Corinth | Guerilla warfare | Ft Donelson | Holly Springs, MS | Marshall County, MS | Northern Mississippi
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All information is deemed reliable but subject to revision as more is learned. I offer few items for sale so please contact me at civilwargazette[at]yahoo.com if interested. Let me know if you’re looking for specific items or areas of interest.
“Our division, that of the 2d of the 4th army corps, bore the brunt of this terrible, bloody battle, losing more than 2,000 men. This was the hardest fought and bloodiest battle, for the number engaged, during the war. It was a hand-to-hand contest. The rebels, being stimulated by the aid of whisky, were urged on by the valor of their officers to break through our lines and march on Nashville, Tenn., only thirty miles distant, and the home of many of the brave, rebel soldiers who fell to rise no more at that bloody battle. Each charge made by the rebels was as stubbornly resisted by us Union soldiers. Never wavering or faltering, but each one vieing [sic] with each other in deeds of valor, every one of us baring our breasts to the enemy’s guns to do or to die.” – James Bragg, 40th Indiana Infantry
Source: Early Life and Times in Boone County, Indiana; Harden & Spahr, Lebanon, Ind. 1887.
Web resource: The 40th Indiana Infantry
Several months ago I posted the transcript of a letter written by a 117th Illinois soldier Thomas A. Whitesides. It is quite an interesting letter. I’m going to break this letter down in a series of successive posts so we can glean every nugget from this fine letter.
Before I get into the actual letter content it is important to lay the foundation in this post.
I previously stated the following about the letter writer and his regiment:
It was written by a 117th Illinois Infantry soldier named Thomas A. Whitesides. It is dated Nashville, Tenn., December 6th, 1864. This letter was written just six days after the Battle of Franklin (30 November 1864). The 117th was not engaged at Franklin.
Whitesides wrote this letter to his wife who was living in Belleville, Illinois. Belleville is just a little southwest from St. Louis. Records indicate that Belleville sent nearly 1,300 men into the Civil War. 921 out of 1,291 mustered out; 51 were killed or mortally wounded, 2 died as POWs, 52 died of disease, 69 were disabled, 49 deserted and 55 were discharged.
Thomas A. Whitesides enlisted August 12, 1862 as a Corporal. On September 19, 1862, he mustered into Company H of the 117th Illinois Infantry at Camp Butler in Springfield, Illinois. He mustered out on August 5th, 1865, having served nearly three years in the service for the Union. He died in 1919.
Whitesides would have seen action with the 117th in places like Vicksburg (summer 1863); western Tennessee chasing after Nathan Bedford Forrest’s cavalry (Dec 1863); the Red River expedition and the Battle of Pleasant Hill (Feb 1864); the Battle of Nashville (Dec 15-16th, 1864), and the pursuit of Hood (Dec 18-27th, 1864).
Whitesides was a sergeant at Nashville (15 Dec 1864). What was the role of a sergeant in the Civil War?
A regiment, like the 177th Illinois Infantry, was original staffed by close to 1,000 men. By the war’s end it was not uncommon for a regiment to only field several hundred men on the field of battle. It was not uncommon for one-half of an entire regiment to be unavailable for battle due to disease or a myriad of other reasons.
A regiment was made up by companies. At the start of the war, a Company (led by a Captain) was fielded by 80-100 men, almost all in that given Company were from the same county, sometimes even the same town. Relatives – brothers, cousins, uncles, father-sons – often served in the very same Company. Most regiments had 10 Companies, starting with Company A and possibly going all the way through Company K (skipping “J”). Whitesides was a member of Company H of the 117th Illinois.
Late in the war, again, it would not be uncommon for a Company to be reduced to 30-60 men at full strength. Companies were further subdivided by platoons, usually two platoons per company. One platoon originally equaled 50 men.
Platoons were further broken down by sections, or four sections per Company. Each section was made up of two squads, led by a Sergeant.
About eight squads originally made up a platoon. The squad was the most basic and smallest size unit of soldiers fighting together during the Civil War. A Corporal usually led a squad.
When Thomas A. Whitesides wrote his letter of 6 December 1864 at Nashville, he was a Sergeant in Company H of the 117th Illinois Infantry, which means he probably led roughly 10-20 men at Nashville.
It was very common for a company to lose a disproportionate number of Sergeants because they were key leaders on the very front line of battle.
Thus, here is the basic breakdown of the Company (100 men) during the Civil War:
Captain (1), 1st. Lieut. (1), 2nd. Lieut. (1)
1st Sgt. (1), Sgts. (4) and Corporals (8).
Plus 2 musicians.
And of course, around 80-100 men – privates – at original full strength.
Camp Winfield
Franklin, Tennessee,
July 16, 1863,
“…I receieved your kind and most welcome letter…and it gave me much pleasure in hearing that you was in good health and also that when your state was invaded by the notorious rebels that you was so willing to take your musket and defend your state. God Bless the noble sons of Pennsylvania for their noble conduct and bravery which they have shown if every loyal state will do likewise the rebellion will soon be crushed to atoms. We have at last left Murfreesoboro…we are in the 14 army corps which formed the center and McCook was on the right and Crittendon on the left and in this way old Rose moved his Army. Gen. Thomas commands the 14 corps and McCook to 20th and Crittendon the 21st and Gen. Reynolds Division which we are in formed the centre of Gen Thomas Corps and when we got about 17 miles from town our advance was attacked and Col. Wilder with his mounted Brigade was in front and they are all well armed with the Spencer rifle (seven shooters) and they soon repulsed the enemy with heavy loss our loss was about 100 in killed wounded and missing and that of the rebels 100 killed and 400 wounded and missing. Our Brigade did not get in to any engagement and in the night at two oclock our Co. and another had to go on picket and we were not relieved until 8 oclock in the morning this being the 25th and as soon as day light we saw the rebel pickets on the hill in front of us and skirmishing soon commenced…there was but one man hurt in our Regt he was wounded in the thigh but not serious and on the 25th the rebels fell back on Tullahoma…we started for Tullahoma and it was reported that old Bragg was there with a heavy force and on the 1st of July we marched in to Tullahoma unmolested the rebels were all gone excepta a few stragglers that were behind and I suppose they stayed there for the purpose of being taken, they all seemed to be glad they were taken…”
Source: Live Auctioneers online
Letter written by P. Gamble
1st Illinois Light Artillery,
Hamburg, Tennessee,
April 26, 1862,
“…We are on the Tennessee River seventeen miles from Corinth…had the pleasure of taking over five thousand prisoners. We took our guns over and could not take but one section of our horses across by the same boat so we sent one section under the command of Lieut Vand{?} ahead and the rest of us waited for our horses…the section we sent ahead came in sight of the rebels at dark but did not attack them, but would in the morning if they had not surrendered to General Paine. When we got there in the morning they had the prisoners…I witnessed an engagement between our Gun boats and a three gun battery a little below New Madrid. The Gun Boats Carondolet & Essex wiped them out…went down in sight of Fort Pillow…stayed two or three days but did not leave the boat…got order to reinforce General Grant at Pittsburg Landing so we had to retrace our steps …Chester is promoted to the rank of Sergeant in our company now. He is off some three miles from here with his guns on a neighboring hill some three hundred feet higher than we are here. Oh Otis you ought to be here once just to see how much artillery we have got here. Well in once place there is for five miles a complete fence of artillery, from ten paces to ten rods apart, and we have lots of companies scattered around in several places, if ever Tennessee & Mississippi was Inhabited it is now….It is going to be one awful battle…Both sides are tyring to fortify as fast as time will permit. General Paine sent out Eighty wagon loads of shovels and picks for throwing up Breastworks and there is now nine thousand hard at work at the breastworks…The Pickets have skirmishes every day with the rebels, if we whip them out here & at Yorktown the war is over…we are bound to do it if we sacrifice the last man, the enemy is not afraid of us this time I guess for at the Battle of Pittsburg landing they came to attack us….Direct to Cairo in care of Capt. Houghtaling, Ottawa Light Artillery, General Paines Division on the Tennessee River…”
Source: Live Auctioneers online
Iowa Cavalry soldier, prisoner of war story in relation to the siege of Corinth, battle detail between cavalry units, middle TN action, soldier and a Cav unit that saw significant participation at the Battle of Nashville and in Hood’s retreat.
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Notes from Schlaap’s letter
1. He is describing the severe engagement at Lockridge’s Mill, TN where he and 60 of his comrades were captured during a surprise raid by Rebel cavalry.
2. Details incredible action during the raid between Union and Confederate cavalry forces.
3. Mentions 61 of the Union men were taken prisoner, and were taken back to Corinth, paroled, and had to dig graves under Halleck’s supervision.
August L. Schlapp was from Burlington, Iowa. He was 24 years old when he enlisted on September 7th, 1861 as an 8th Corporal. On October 25, 1861 he mustered in to Co. F., 5th Iowa Cavalry. He reenlisted 1/14/64 and mustered out 8/11/65.
About two months prior to writing this letter he was listed as a POW at Lockridge’s Mill, TN. He was returned to his regiment on 6/10/62, writing this letter just a few weeks later. Schlaap was born in Germany.
At the time of Schlapp writing this letter he was a member of the District and Army of West Tennessee.
According to David Conzett’s web site: Schlapp was one of the men who was part of an amazing episode in the regiment’s history. The Official Roster entry says “taken prisoner May 5, 1862, Lockridge’s Mill, Tennessee. Returned to Company June 10, 1862.” However, the story did not end there. The men had been paroled by the Confederates, but were not properly exchanged. Nevertheless they were coerced by their commander to reenter the fray. This was contrary to laws of war, and the men knew it. Some disobeyed the order, but most acquiesced when they witness the punishment of their friends. Schlapp’s entry in the 1888 Portrait and Biograhical Album of Des Moines County, Iowa describes the event this way, stating he “was captured near Mayfield, Ky., in 1862, held a prisoner for two weeks and discharged on parole. The parole was not respected by his superior officers, and, with others of his comrades, he was forced to return to active duty.”
The 5th Iowa Cavalry saw action at:
5th Iowa Cavalry | August Schlaap | Confederate Cavalry | Union Cavalry | Lockridge’s Mill, TN | Prisoner of War | Corinth | Burying the Dead | Fort Heiman | Battle of Nashville | Duck River | Hood’s Retreat
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August L. Schlapp, a member of the wholesale grocery house of Biklen, Winzer & Co., was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, July 27, 1837, and is a son of H. L. Schlapp, also a native of that country. He was educated in the gymnasium of his native city, taking a classical course, and then was employed in an antiquarian book-store for a time as a salesman, but subsequently emigrated to America, coming direct to Burlington, Iowa, which he reached in July 1857. At this time he was but twenty years of age. He engaged as a farm-hand in Des Moines County, also doing some work of he same character in Henry County until the war broke out, when he enlisted in the Fremont Hussars, an independent cavalry regiment, but was subsequently transferred with his company to the 5th Iowa Cavalry, was captured near Mayfield, Ky., in 1862, held a prisoner for two weeks and discharged on parole. The parole was not respected by his superior officers, and, with others of his comrades, he was forced to return to active duty. His promotion to the rank of Second Lieutenant occurred Oct. 20, 1864. Until 1863 Mr. Schlapp’s services were employed in hunting guerrillas, but at that time his regiment joined the main army, the Army of the Cumberland, before Murfreesboro, and participated in the battles of Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Chattanooga, capture of Atlanta, battle of Jonesboro, Franklin, Nashville, Decatur, the raid through middle Tennessee, Wilson’s Raid, the capture of Selma, Ala., and of Columbus, Ga. He was mustered out at the close of the war, Aug. 20, 1865.
On his return from the war, Mr. Schlapp located in Burlington, Iowa, and engaged with Starker & Hagemann, wholesale grocers, as shipping clerk, and one year later left them to engage in the retail grocery business at Ft. Madison. He carried on that business successfully until 1875, when he sold out, returned to Burlington, and with Biklen and Winzer succeeded the wholesale grocery house of Starker, Hagemann & Co. Mr. Schlapp has been an active member of the firm of Biklen, Winzer & Co., the most extensive house in this line in the city since its incorporation.
On the 13th of October, 1866, in Burlington, Iowa, Mr. Schlapp led to the marriage alter Miss Lina Krust, a native of St. Louis, Mo. Three living children grace their union, two sons and a daughter–Carl H. L., Ernest Otto and Anna.
Mr. Schlapp was a Republican for many years, but is now known as a member of that class called Mugwumps, and, having never been an aspirant for the honors of public office, has devoted his attention strictly to business pursuits. He is a member of the Turners’ Society, the Crystal Lake Shooting Club, the Burlington Commercial Club, and Burlington Schuetzen Verein, and has always taken an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare and development of the city, being recognized as one of the representative business men.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Desmoines County, Iowa. Chicago: Acme Publishing, 1888.
All information is deemed reliable but subject to revision as more is learned. I offer few items for sale so please contact me at civilwargazette[at]yahoo.com if interested. Let me know if you’re looking for specific items or areas of interest.
Memphis, Tennesse,
July 21, 1862,
“…as you know that I am in the service of the government, I need not inform you of that. I was sent down here with body of Illinois Artillery who we all mounted or ride on the gun carriages to be eased around large cities principly so as to move from one part to an other with rapidily and sweep the streets of hostile foes. This city the most imporant between St. Louis & New Orelans is now our Head Quarters and perhaps will be during the war. Our letters directed to Memphis company K. 2nd Reg. Artillery Care of Capt. Rogers are sent to the company Post Office and sent by the Orderly Sergeant to the tents of each one of the company. The troops which have been doing such hard fighting in middle Tennessee are now coming into this city. One train coming in today two blocks north of the park where our tents are set up, I should think must be as much as 20 miles long as it has been coming in since day light this morning till now 3 oclock and the end of the Train just now coming in all but 15 thousand cavalry which are behind those which have come in are Infantry & Artillery. When we first came this city a few days after the destruction of the Rebel Gun Boats, on the River, supposed to be contain there about 40,000 inhabitants and the Rebels then thratened to drive us out but since our Troops have been coming in so fast Secesh has been very still. There has been an order for a Regiment of Infantry and A Battery of Artillery to march through the principal parts of the city every night and morning. We marched around last night the windows, doors, and side matter were pretty well filled as we went through Union men showed it generally by their faces. I was in hopes, the Rebels would have laid down their arms and the war would have closed before this time, but do not know but they will have to be anhilated before they will give up. They say taht white men cannot work in this Southern climate perhaps they will be colonized and the Blacks kept at work here raising cotton to pay the expenses of the War….heard stories last night of the Union troops who came in yesterday of their burning 3 towns on their way from Corinth, Mississippi to this place and burned one fine house because the owner had cut down his well ropes and said the Yankees should have no water from his place. Our Illinois troops who came in yesterday were many without shoes, their pants worn of half way to their knees having been trhough battles of Fort Donelson & about Corinth but will draw clothing again…”
Source: Live Auctioneers online
Letter written by John A. Jackson
January 1, 1865,
addressed to General Thomas, reads in part:
“…I feel that the thanks of every Union loving heart, are due to you this bright New Year’s morning, that the ‘Stars & Stripes’ now float over Tennessee, instead of the piratical banner of Secession. I have never felt deeper interest in our cause, nor greater confidence that a triumph more signal, and glorious even than that before Nashville will soon crown the Union arms, and redeem our beloved South from the filthy pool of Secession in which she has been so long plunging – and clad in clean Union garments she will soon forget the stained and dishonored rags which her leaders for a time have compelled her sons to wear! War is a…terrible school in which we all share – all suffer – the innocent and the guilt but with you Gen’l to wield our armies I shall look soon for a peace – a conquered peace….”
Source: Live Auctioneers online
Mike Noirot interviewed famed Franklin storyteller Thomas Cartwright on his blog recently. Definitely worth listening to.
Over on my Franklin Facebook Group, I recently asked our members what they thought about the idea of Franklin building a world-class museum.
I initiated the discussion with this statement:
I first blogged about this in July 2008 [see post].
Here are a few of the recent comments:
David Richmond - There’s been a long-time ignorance by most in Franklin and in Williamson County of their great CW heritage and the tragic and monumental events which happened maybe in their own yards or businesses on that battlefield. More parks are very much needed besides just the tiny Carter House, Hudson. Just my opinion, of course. Franklin has long neglected the importance they have in CW history.
Diane Stephens White – I think it’s a great idea! What better way to honor those soldiers who lost their lives at Franklin, during one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Civil War. So many were never found and given a proper burial. A museum would bring people to Tennessee and that hallowed ground at Franklin, who lost ancestors there. Our state needs a good museum to honor our Civil War Soldiers, who gave their “Last Full Measure” of devotion for what they believed in.
Phil Spaugy – I agree…Good location, and the Battle of Franklin, along with the Western Theater needs their story told. What a great way to do it!!
Sam Gant – This is a great concept to promote. Franklin has the great Civil War house museums and some outstanding displays of artifacts related to the Battle of Franklin, but Dr. Lossom’s mention of his coming to Nashville “to research” is the key. A “world-class” Civil War museum must have not only extensive displays for the general public but almost unlimited Civil War research capabilities. The space for both are becoming available at the Carter House, but the big bucks to pay for them is not yet there. Also, I do not know if any serious planning has be done for the research part of a museum.
Mike Walker - I believe Dr. Losson’s challenge of creating a world class Civil War museum in Franklin is an outstanding idea and worthy of investigation. Franklin as a location has a lot going for it with recent preservation work and growing visitation. Also the timing is right with interest in the Sesquicentennial growing. Sam is absolutely right, research resources is a key ingredient of such a museum. A concern is that we already have multiple projects underway seeking dollars. However, this project could appeal to a much larger pool of potential donors than are currently being tapped. Also, the interest could bring in more dollars for ongoing projects.
Bob and Donna Werner – Without a doubt. A world-class Civil War museum would tie all your efforts together. In addition, is there another in the midwest or midwest-south that can compare to what you already have? We have been to Gettysburg and we were not near as “touched” by descriptions and presentation as we were at Frankin. There is too much passion there to not try. If passion can be weighed in pounds, two persons we met, Eric Jacobson and David Fraley, have a ton each. Use it, spend it – it is priceless. We are small players in this. We can contribute little, but with two great-grandfathers footprints on the fields that make up the grounds of Battle of Franklin, we can and will do what we can – even if it is only enjoying your efforts as time moves on. Good luck!!!!
Charlie Townsley – Franklin definitely needs amuseum to promote the battle and the aftermath. Living in Maryland I spend a good deal of time on the eastern battlefields and only lately have branched out to the western theatre. After taking a tour of Franklin and Spring Hill through the Civil War Education Association led by Dave Heinze and Thomas Cartwright I developed a new appreciation for the Battle of Franklin. With all the press that Pickett’s Charge has received over the years is nothing compared to the hell of Franklin. Franklin is certainly overlooked and any efforts to memorialize the men that fought and died there is way overdue.
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