THE CIVIL WAR CAREER oF JOHN GIBSON PARKHURST Rxr Oy Jerry L. Bower TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page Ll > The surrender of Parkhurst showed that he had about 130 unwounded men who were marched off by Forrest as prisoners of ware Some seventy wunded were paroled at Murfreesboro, and twelve men of his command had been killed. 56 Shortly after the capitulation of the post in the city, Lester surrendered the Third Minnesota and its battery without a struggle. This left Forrest free to destroy Federal supplies whose value was estimated at 1,000,000, a7 This raid, along with others by Colonel Morgan, caused Buell a great deal of trouble and often forced him to alter plans in order to protect his supply lines. The engagement at Murfreesboro raised many questions as to who was responsible, causing the establishment of a board of inquiry to investigate the affair. The first reports of the destruction placed the onus upon the Ninth and upon T. T. Crittenden and Duffield, However, the investigation absolved Crittenden of any neglect on the ground that he had been assured by Lester that enemy troops were no closer than Chattanooga. The great surprise effected by Forrest resulted from Lester's regular practice of removing pickets at night from the roads leading to Murfreesboro, Because of his obvious 22 neglect in taking proper security precautions and for not coming to the aid of the beseiged men, Lester was dishonorably discharged from the service, 58 The findings of the board of inquiry absolved the Ninth and Parkhurst of any responsibility for the great loss of property at Murfreesboro. In fact General Crittenden in his report highly commended the Michigan volunteers and the Lt. Colonel for the stiff resistence in the face of great odds. 9 Parkhurst always felt, however, that his men were never totally cleared of the onus attached to their surrender, for as he wrote in 1866, "the Regiment has never received a proper degree of credit, having in a manner received the reproach which should have [been] attached solely to Col. Lester of the 3rd Minnesota, whose refusal to allow his regiment and Hewitt's battery to go into the fight was the sole cause of the Capture of Murfreesboro! © Forrest paroled all of his prisoners, except the officers, and the next eight days were spent in marching, or in riding southern railroads, to a Confederate prison at Madison, Georgia. While on the march General Forrest took Parkhurst's horse and gave his "poor" mount in return. In addition to this "exchange" Parkhurst discovered that most of his horse-riding equipment and other valuables were stolen by the rebels, Although this was most annoying, his greatest indigation was aroused when a Negro, to whom he gave $2.50 to £111 anteen, made off with both container and money. ol In the prison which was located in an old cotton will surrounded by a board fence, boredom was the biggest problem 23 for the men, and they whiled away the time reading, talking, and playing cards, At first the prisoners were often stirred with excitement as rumors of exchange were circulated; but hope of a short internment soon died, for this gossip proved false. Some of the Federals wrote an inscription upon the fence which greatly irritated the Confederate guards, and the officer in charge of the prison demanded the immediate removal of "Dixie the Land of Snakes, Scorpions and Traitors." Adding another insult the inmates hired a Negro to remove the offend- ing sign. Early in October there came a reliable report that an exchange had been arranged, and the prisoners prepared themselves for the trip north, 62 On October 7, 1862 the prisoners left Madison by rail for Virginia and parole. After a short stay in Libby Prison at Richmond the men were transferred to a steamer and taken to Washington, D.C. While in the capital Parkhurst called on President Lincoln and recorded this event in his diary with the exasperatingly cryptic notation that the Chief Executive "is quite ugly and inferior looking." 63 During Parkhurst's imprisonment the Army of the Ohio under Buell was encountering difficulties. The raids by Morgan and Forrest in June and July had raised havoc with its communica- tions, Bragg's move to Chattanooga put him in position to invade the North by several routes$ he could advance into middle or eastern Tennessee, or he could move through the mountains into Kentucky. In early September, Buell, faced with uncertainty, de- cided to concentrate his forces at Murfreesboro and await 2h Bragg's next move. He did not have to wait long. Bragg, taking advantage of certain developments in Eastern Tennessee and Kentucky, decided to march into Kentucky with hopes of driving north to the Ohio River, This movement touched off a race tor Louisville with the Union Army arriving first, on September 29, 1862, After considerable sparring the two armies met in the bloody battle of Perryville, on October 8, which re- sulted in a Confederate defeat, Bragg then retreated to Mur- freesboro, the former canp of the Union troops. This period is often viewed as the height of Confederate military success. General George B,. McClellan had been forced to abandon the Virginia peninsula; the Federal troops under General John Pope had been whipped at Second Bull Run, after which the Army of Northern Virginia prepared for its first invasion of the North, In the West, as already noted, Bragg had driven from Chattanooga northward into Kentucky. But both invading forces were defeated and turned back--Lee at Antietam, and Bragg at Perryville. The Confederate successes caused President Lincoln to re- move both commanders--McClellan in the East and Buell in the West. General William S. Rosecrans was placed in charge of the Army of the Cumberland (formerly the Army of the Ohio). His first action was to relieve the pressure on the garrison at Nashville, which enabled the entire army to move from Louisville to Nashville. Here the month of November and part of December was spent in organizing the troops for an offensive against Bragg at Murfreesboro. Lt. Colonel Parkhurst and the other Union officers who had been gent north by the secessionists were merely on parole. 25 Under the rules adopted for the exchanging of prisoners, these men could not return to active duty until the Union authorities had released an equal number of Confederate officers of corre- sponding ranks, If a soldier was recaptured before had beén officially exchanged, he faced death before a firing squad. When Parkhurst learned that he was not free to return to the front, he said, " [this is] Not very flattering news to us. Our Govt should have had us exchanged," Oh During his parole Parkhurst visited relatives in New York, old friends in Coldwater, Michigan, and enjoyed a happy re- unionwith his two children, Kittie and Maggie, whom he had not seen in over a year. The trip to Coldwater included a sad visit to the grave of his beloved Amelia, whom he often re- membered fondly in entries in his diary.. 65 This was a time for reflection, and the lawyer-turned-soldier contemplated what the future might hold in store for himself and his broken family. The notification of Parkhurst's official exchange was communicated to the military authorities in Detroit on Novem- ber 10, This news was relayed to Parkhurst, who was at Syra- cuse, New York; however, he did not receive orders to rejoin the Ninth until the nineteenth of December, 66 When he arrived in Nashville, Parkhurst found the bulk of the Army of the Cum- berland concentrated in that city. 67 The reunion with his regiment was a joyous occasion for the commander of the Ninth. He made a short speech which the men heartily cheered while throwing their hats into the air. 68 During his absence the Michigan volunteers had received a 26 post of honor, being assigned to the headquarters of General Thomas as Provost Guard, 69 Parkhurst described the station as "one of which any Regiment in the Service would feel a pride and that's the position of Select Guard for the Army Corps of Maj.-Genl Thomas--Similar to the Body-guard of a European officer," 70 When Parkhurst returned to Nashville he noted a great deal of activity that indicated a major battle would soon be fought. This assumption was correct, On December 26, 1862, Rosecrans ordered his men to move toward the rebels at Murfreesboro and four days later the Union army established their positions along Stone's River, However Rosecrans! lines were poorly located, Thus when the Confederates seiged the initiative on December 31, they threatened to overrun the entire Union army and to cut off its line of retreat toward Nashville. When the battle began the Ninth Michiganwas located at the rear of the lines near Thomas! headquarters, Shortly after the action commenced, Parkhurst noticed a large number of men rushing to the rear, He described the scene in his "Recollec- tions of Stone's River," And in advance of the running mules was one partic- ular Negro, who, though very black, had an absolute pallor upon his countenence, and about four inches of tongue protruding from his mouth, his eyes bulging nearly out of his head, It being a part of the writer's duty to prevent straggling and to Keep men with their respective Conmands, he Sent out details to pick up these terrified troops; ey but, the picking up soon became a pretty livety business ana he found it necessary to place the 9th Michigan in line of Battle across the Nashville Pike Extending its flanks to the utmost limit, and he was none too Soon in this Movement. Cavalry--Artillery--Infantry Quitters and Camp followers came rushing with the force of a cyclone, and the 9th Michigan was ordered to fix bayonets and charge upon this panic Stricken Mass of men. The Charge was Made andf Sault was gratifying--the Stampede was Checked and the fleeing Mass of troops were halted, put in line facing the enemy, until a force of some thousands of Infantry about 2,000 --Seven pieces of Artillery and several hundred Cavalry were placed in a favorable position, from which this recently terrorized force several times repulsed the Charges of the pursuing Enemy and finally after General Wilkes with his brigade including the lth Michigan Artillery came foreward from Stewarts Creek, We were Enabled to drive the Enemy back to his lines and relieve the right of Rosecrans! Army, 7 After the opening rush had turned back the extreme right of Rosecrans! lines, the entire rebel force began to pivot on Stone's River bringing it into action against the Union center and left. Rosecrans finally relocated his forces and turned back repeated attacks by the Confederates, who undoubt- edly sensed an opportunity to achieve a decisive victory. The Northerners held out until darkness finally brought an end to a day of hard, costly fighting. 28 During the night both armies were busy consolidating their position. Bragg believed that enemy lossed were so heavy that the Federals would retreat. Rosecrans, however, held a council of war with his chief officers and all decided that the Union position could be held. Thus when daylight broke on New Year's Day the Army of the Cumberland was still on the battlefield ready to receive an attack, It never came, for Bragg had not formed any definite plans. The Federals, unprepared to launch an offensive, were content to hold their position, repulsing the few probes that were made by the Confederates. The great- est activity occurred in the rear, where rebel cavalry har- assed Union communications, It was in that quarter that Park- hurst's regiment saw action. Well before dawn the Ninth received orders from Thomas to escort to Nashville a train of wagons which carried unneeded equipment and wounded men. Nine miles from their destination the column was hit by cavalry which had been harassing the rear of the Union lines, The attack threw the teamsters into a general stampede, which Parkhurst's regiment managed to check. The man were then lined up ready to repulse any subsequent on- Slaught by the enemy, but the Confederates made no further efforts to stop the train and it proceeded unmolested to Nashville. te Karly in the morning of January 3, the Ninth, under orders from Thomas, left Nashville to return to the battlefield with supply wagons and the troops who had fled the front. They reached Lavergne about noon and found Colonel William P. Innes and his First Michigan Engineers awaiting an attack from Con- federate cavalry. The Michigan volunteers and their column 29 joined the Engineers and after an uneventful two-hour wait, decided to proceed. The train reached the battlefield in the late afternoon after a hard march of twenty-seven miles. 13 Dawn of the following day found the Army of the Cumberland alone on the battlefield before Murfreesboro. Bragg had with- drawn his men during the night, leaving behind his dead and wounded. The decision to retreat was based upon a report by General Joseph C. Wheeler of the rebel cavalry that Rosecrans was receiving reinforcements. The Union troops spent the day in burying the dead and resting. The occupation of Murfreesboro was a happy event for the men of the Ninth Infantry as they were allowed to enter: the city at the head of the army. Thus the Michigan Volunteers returned to the scene of their earlier defeat at the hands of Forrest. 7h The conclusion of the great clash at Stone's River brought a time of reflection for the troops. Parkhurst, in looking back over the activities of his men, said that they had ful- filled their duties well. Reflecting on the two stampedes halted by his Ninth Michigan, he asserted: "I think I have saved our army from two sad disasters and disgraces if I never do anything More for My Country." 15 For their timely action the Michigan volunteers were commended by Thomas in his official report of the battle for rendering "most valuable service" to the army. 76 Parkhurst said, in commenting upon the rebel retreat, that his regiment had played a key role in causing that movement, In writing a report of Stone's River after the war he began 30 one portion with the statement, "I trust it will not be re- garded immodest in the Writer, at this remote period, to furn- ish the Companies of this Commandery--but the information must go no further (underline added) -- [imowledge ot] the occasion Which influenced General Bragg to abandon a claimed victory, and to withdraw his army from the front of what he proclaimed a defeated foe." There follows a brief description of the Ninth's return to Stone's River on January 3 with the ammuni- tion train and the stragglers collected in Nashville. The appearance of this column relieving the beseiged Innes and his Engineers at Lavergne had caused the rebel cavalry to hasten to Bragg with the report that Rosecrans was receiving fresh men, Parkhurst continued, "No other troops came to Rosecrans on the 3rd and the inference is fair that he [imeeier ] referred to the 9th Michigan, "Thus you can see comes the conclusion that not only was Innes saved by the opportune arrival of the 9th Michigan at Lavergne, but Wheeler was so impressed with its Extended Col- ums 8s to induce him to hasten a report to Bragg of its March to reinforce Rosecrans." 7 If Parkhurst's information is correct, he and his regi- ment were instrumental in securing an important victory for lhe Union--a matter which deserves deeper investigaion, Bragg reported that he withdrew because Wheeler had informed him by noon on January 3 that Rosecrans was being reinforced, 78 Van Horne said that Bragg's information was incorrect or else the Confederate leader had interpreted the arrival of General James G, Spears! brigade as giving a great preponderance to 79 to the Union army. A study of the official reports disclosed JA; that Spears arrived at 5 P. M. on January 2 while Wheeler and his men were operating in the rebel lines at Stone's River. 80 Thus Spears! unit did not prompt the retreat. It appears from this evidence that Parkhurst'!s assumption was correct and that it was the approach of his colum that was reported to Bragg. This is further borne out by Wheeler's report which teidls of being unable to attack a wagon train about noon on Jan- vary 3 because it was heavily guarded by infantry and cavalry. 81 In short, the evidence in the official records reveals that the Ninth had, quite by accident, caused the rebels to leave the battlefield at Stone's Hiver thus bringing a great victory to the Army of the Cumberland. The actions of the Michigan volunteers become even more significant when the results of the battle are viewed, The Federals had finally forced Bragg to make a stand. In the battle the Union troops suffered a near-disaster on the first day, but recovered from the shock, regained the ofrensive on January 2 and forced the rebels to abandon their strategic position at Murfreesboro on the Nashville-Chattanooga railroad, Of great importance, too, was the psychological impact of the victory upon the men-in-arms and the people of the North, for this was the first major success for the Federals in several months, Conversely Bragg's retreat caused considerable con- sternation in the South, It may very well be true that the Ninth Michigan has never received proper credit for their part in securing Murfreesboro for the Union, The Army of the Gumberland spent almost six months at Mur- freesboro without engaging in any important action against the rebel army, which established itself behind the Duck River 32 The Ninth, during the six month occupation of Murfreesboro, performed routine duties as Provost Guard for the headquarters of Thomas, while Parkhurst discharged his responsibilities as Provost Marshal for the Fourteenth Corps. The Michigan vol- unteers sometimes escorted foraging parties into the surround- ing countryside, but beyond this their activities were very limited. 82 During February, 1863, Lt. Colonel Parkhurst corresponded with the military authorities in Michigan concerning his pend- ing promotion to the rank of colonel. He requested that the commission be dated January 17, 1862, the day on which he assumed command of the regiment, 83 In support of his request the other officers of the Ninth wrote: "We believe that he has earned this by a faithful and satisfactory performance of his duties while in command of the Regiment. ..." The officers went on to say that Parkhurst's commission should be antedated so that he would no be out-ranked by some other colonel with less time in the service. On February 27 Park- hurst received confirmation of his promotion, which bore the date March 25, 1862, oh, Throughout this eventful period Parkhurst carried on a regular correspondence with his sisters in New York. His letters contain several interesting mmments and observations about the prosecution of the war, Parkhurst believed that the activities of certain elements in the North made the pro- secution of the war an unnecessarily difficult task. 85 On one occasion he declared that if "the whole North would turn out and give these rebels what they deserve and then go home 33 and pitch into the abolitionists [,] we could soon put our country into its old position];] but it is impossible to carry Tt 86 on both wars at the same time and succeed in either. . . The Colonel was disturbed that the Northern populace was not giving total support to the war and found it difficult to understand. "I don't know," he wrote, "why people suppose the rebellion is going to be put down when they don't furnish the Means to do it. It is My opinion that We Shall have a war on our hands for years to Come and that these rebels will resist the Government so long as there are any of them left to fight. They will never come into the Union willingly. . o «" ali In short, by the spring of 1863 Parkhurst realized that the South must be conquered; he suggested that the only way to do it was for, "the North to turn outEmMasse and give the South a Whipping." 88 Early in June some forty members of the Ninth Michigan be- came a mounted guard as a result of the efforts of Parkhurst. The Colonel felt that the presence of this group would add to the efficiency of the regiment in discharging its duties for General Thomas. 89 In late June Rosecrans finally decided to advance, It appeated that Vicksburg was so close to surrender tnat is was too late for Bragg to offer any effective aid to that army. The Union offensive was directed against Shelbyville and Tulla- homa, where Parkhurst was sure the enemy would form for "a big pattle." 7° Ordens to move were issued on the twenty-third, and the advance began the next day. In a last-minute letter Parkhurst saidg "We move foreward today--the whole army-- We go in the direction of Chahtanooga," 91 34, 1 august 7, 1861, Diary, MSU. e Ibid., August & and 12, 1861; Parkhurst to sister, Helen Starr, August 9, 1861, Papers, MHC. 3 Sister to Parkhurst, August 19, 1861, Papers, MHC. 4 Parkhurst to Sister, September 2, 1861, Papers, MHC. 5 Governor Blair to Parkhurst, September 1, 1461, Papers, MHC. © John Robertson, combiler, Michigan in the War, revised edition (Lansing, Michigan, 1882), pe 293. ? Crisfield Johnson, History of Branch County, Michigan (Philadelphia, 1879), p. 63. 8 September 23-27 and October 11-1, 1661, Diary, MSU. 9 Tbid., October 15, 1861. 10 parkhurst to Sister, October 15, 1861, Papers, MHC. 11 Parkhurst to Sister, October 22, 1861, Parkhurst Papers, Museum of Michigan State University, Hereafter cited as Papers, MSU. 12 October 25-27, 1861, Diary, MSU. 13 The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I (Wash- ington D. C., 1880), Vil, 66. Hereafter cited as OR. and from series I unless otherwise indicated, Ly Accounts of Kentucky's early position with regard to the war can be found in William H. Townsend, Lincoln and the Bluegrass; Slavery and Civil War in Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky, 1955), pp. o70-255; Thomas D, Clark, A History of Kentucky (New York, 1937), pp. 46-50. 15 Pankhurst to Sister, October 28, 1861, Papers, MIC, 16 thia,, October 28 and 30, 1861. 17 "inth Michigan Infantry," Records of the Michigan Military Establishment, record group 59-1], Michigan Historical Commission Archives, Lansing, Duffield to Robertson, Novem- ber 7, 1861, Hereafter cited as RG 59-1), MICA. 18 Ibid., December h, 1861. 19 og., VII, 62. 20 Parkhurst to Sister, December 5, 1461, Papers, MHC.; November 13, 1061, Diary, MSU. 35 el Parkhurst to Sister, January 11, 1862, Papers, MHC.3 January 3-7, 1862, Diary, MSU. 22 February, 1862, passim, Diary, MSU. 3 Ibid., January 17 and 23, 1862, 2) Parkhurst to Sister, January 2), 1662, Papers, MHC. 25 parktitirst,to Robertson, January 27, 1862, RG. 59-1), MHCA. 26 January, 1862, passim, Diary, MSU. 2? february 13, 1862, Papers, MSU. 28 warch 19-April 1, 1862, Diary, MSU. 2? Prederick H. Byer, A Compendium of the War of the Re- bellion, 3 vols. (New York, 1956), Ill, 1205, 39 april 11, 1862, Diary, MSU. 31 thid., April 3-30, 1862, passim. 3¢ Parkhurst to Sister, April 12, 1862, Papers, MICs; April 11, 1862, Diary, MSU. 33 parknurst to Sister, April 1, 1862, Pepers, MHC. 34, Parkhurst to Sister, April 20, 1862, Papers, MHC. 3$ april 23-2, 1862, Diary, MSU. 3° Parkhurst to Sister, April 26, 1862, Papers, NEC. 37 toid., May 11, 1862. 38 tpid.; May 3-h, 1862, Diary, MSU. 39 May L-7, 1862, Diary, MSU.3 OR., X, part I, 885-886; Parkhurst to Robertson, May 10, 1862, RG. 59-1, MHCA. 1.0 Charles W. Bennett, Historical Sketches of the Ninth Michigan Infantry (Coldwater, Michigan, L913), pp. 9-10; May 10-13, 1662, Diary, MSU. 41 Parkhurst to Sister, June 1, 1862, Papers, MHC. 42 tune 2-7, 1862, Diary, MSU. 43 Ibid., June 9-13, 1862, uh Parkhurst to Sister, July 9, 1662, Papers, MHC. 45 Parkhurst to Robertson, May 10, 1862, RG. 59-1), MHCA, 36 46 Sune 20-21, 1862, Diary, NSU. Me Ibid., June 26, 1862, 48 tpia., June 29, 1862. 49 tphid., July 11-12, 1662. 50 thid., July 13, 1862; OR., XVI, part I, 801-802, 51 on., XVI, part I, 603-807; John A. Wyeth, That Devil Forrest (New York, 1959), pp. 73-The 52 thid. 53 on., XVI, part I, 803-807, 5 : = ; . : 13 . + . Dl C.C. Andrews, editor, Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars, 1861-1865 vols, (St. Paul, 1890), I, 153. 3 23 ’ 55 op., XVI, part I, 803-807; July 13, 1862, Diary, MSU.; Wyeth, That Devil Forrest, p. 75; Ralph S. Henry, Forrest (New York, 190L), p. 87. 56 Parkhurst to Sister, July 15, 1862, Papers, MHC. 57 Hanry M. Cist, The Army of the Cumberland (New York, 1852), pp. 43-5. 7 OR., part I, 796-798.. 29 thid., pe 795. 60 Parkhurst to Robertson, December 29, 1866, RG 59-1, MHCA, 61 Suly ljy22, 1862, Diary, MSU. 62 63 Ibid., July 23-October 3, 1862, passim. Ibid., October 7-16, 1862, t Tbids,r0atobén: 2, 18625, 5, 65 Ibid,, October 16-November 1, 1862, 66 OR., Series II, V, 46; November 13, 1862, Diary, MSU. ©7 December 19-23, 1862, Diary, MSU. 68 Ibid., December 2):-25, 1862, ©9 Dyer, Compendieum, III, 1285. 70 Parkhurst to Sister, December 26, 1862, Papers, MHC. 71 Recollections of Stone's River," Papers, MSU. This is a report of the battle written by Parkhurst for his comrades of EBe Ninth after the war, . - 37 72 gsanuary 1, 1863, Diary, MSU.; OR., XX, part I, 652-65), 03 OR., XX, part I, 652-654; January 3, 1863, Diary, MSU. 7h January 5, 1863. Diary, MSU.; Bennett, Historical Sketches of the Ninth, p. 30. berland (Cincinnati, 1885), 3 vols., I, 251. 75 Papkhurst to Sister, January 2, 1863, Papers, MHC. 76 on., XX, part I, 37k 7? "Recollections of Stone's River," Papers, MSU. 76 OR.» JX, part I, 653. 1? Thomas B. Van Horne, History of the Army of the Cum- eee es 80 on., XX¥ part I, 16, 959. 81 82 83 Ibid. ; 959, January 3-June 23, 1863, passim, Diary, MSU. Parkhurst to Robertson, “ebruary 9, 1863, RG 59-1, MHCA, Bh Ibid., Officers of Ninth to Robertson, February, 1863; February 2/7, 1863, Diary, MSU. June 85 Parkhurst to Sister, February 15, 1863, Papers, MHC. 86 Ibid., February 25, 1863. 87 Parkhurst to Sister, May 20, 1863, Papers, MHC. 88 inia., March 23, 1863; May 29, 1863. 69 June 9-11, 1863, Diary, MSU.; Parkhurst to Sister, 14, 1863, Papers, MSU. 99 Parkhurst to Sister, June 1, 1863, Papers, MSU. 91 thid., June 2h, 1863. Chapter III CHICKAMAUGA = ATLANTA - NASHVILLE At this point the nature of Parkhurst's Civil War ex- periences changed, After the Battle of Stone's River he was less directly engaged in the military events, primarily be- cause his duties as Provost Marshal for General Thomas were taking up more and more time. As a result the military as- pects of the war from mid-January, 1863 to the close of the conflict will be discussed as briefly as possible while con- tinuing’to describe Parkhurst's reactions and comments. The movement toward Chattanooga was designed to flank the forces of Bragg which were located at Manchester, Tennessee. The goal of the Army of the Cumberland was to position ibself between the Rebels and Chattanooga. However heavy rains pre- vented this movement and the Colonel of the Ninth Michigan viewed the failure with disgust. 1 The Confederates now fell back slowly toward Chattanooga while Rosecrans continued his attempt to trap them. Unfortu- nately the heavy rains had caused rivers to flood making any rapid advance impossible. Ib even became necessary for the men to live on one-half rations for several days. 2 The duties of the Provost Marshal of the Fourteenth Corps were constantly increasing. In addition to processing pris- oners and returning stragglers, Parkhurst became responsible for all Negroes who were picked up along the way. Most of these refuggees were sent north to keep them from hampering the activities of the army. His regiment was also ordered to make reports upon the condition of citizens in the Decherd 38 39 area who had been stripped of supplies by the retreating rebels. 3 John C. Love of the Ninth said, in commenting about his com- mander, ". . « our Colonel is Provost martial General for the lth Army Corps, it is a good position, but he has a good deal of business to doe. But he is a verry business man and it does not trouble him to doe what there is to be done." 4 Early in August Colonel Parkhurst was granted a leave of absence from the army. After putting his affairs in order he proceeded to Murfreesboro to attend to a pleasurable personal matter. 5 In April, 1862, Colonel Parkhurst had made the ac- quaintance of Miss Josephine Reeves and throughout thefollowing months he called upon her whenever an opportunity presented itself. 2 Their friendship grew into love and the couple became engaged in July, 1862. Now nelne momentarily free from military affairs, the Colonel married Josephine on August 10, 1663, 7 * § The newlyweds travelled to Coldwater, Michigan, where Parkhurst presented his bride to friends and showed herhis home. The couple then went to New York to join Parkhurst's children at Oneida Castle. 7 Here they reaffirmed their vows in a church in accordance with the wishes of Mrs. Parkhurst since the marriage ceremony in Tennessee had been performed LO by an army chaplin,. On August 26 Parkhurst bade farewell to his wife and children and two days laterreturned to the Ninth, then encamped at Bolivar, 1 Upon his return to the front, Parkhurst found that the military situation had not changed significantly during his absence, After several months of preparation Rosecrans felt that he had enough men and supplies to renew the advance LO toward Chattanooga. Thomas notified his men to be ready to move on the first day of September, while the Ninth was ordered to collect and send all tents, excess supplies and baggage back to Nashville. 12 The men then moved forward to seek out General Bragg and his army. General Thomas encountered Bragg's entire army at Stevens Gap on September 12 and was forced to hold off the rebels until the rest of the Union troops arrived, This encounter set the stage for the Battle of Chitkamauga during which the Ninth Michigan again stopped a stampede of dispirited soldiers away from the battlefield, While the battle raged Parkhurst and his men performed the unglamorous task of escorting a hospital train to Chatta- nooga. They had just returned to the front, arriving at about noon, when Crittenden's and MceCook's corps gave way and rushed to the rear, The Michigan men fixed bayonets, as at Stonds River, and taking position across the road they halted the mad rush to the rear, 13 Parkhurst's men served as a rallying point for the rapidly retreating soldiers, who were reorganized into a semblance of fighting order. General Crittenden passed by but refused to take command of the men gathered by the Ninth. Ewidently he believed the entire army was lost. 1 Presently General John 8S. Negley seappeared and took command of the force collected by Park- hurst. 15 The timely actions of the Ninth were commended by both Generals Rosecrans and Thomas in their official reports of the battle. Thomas said, "Col. J. G. Parkhurst, ... at the head of his regiment did most valuable service on the 20th, in arresting stragglers and reorganizing the troops which had been driven from the field, Wa The Union forces retreated to Chattanooga with Bragg in close pursuit. The Confederate commander then attempted to starve out the Federals by cutting their supply lines. During the seige Rosecrans was removed and General Thomas was placed in charge of the Army of the Cumberland. On the day that this change took place Parkhurst dropped in at the headquarters of Thomas. Thomas called Parkhurst into his room and told him of the change in command. The General regretted the change as he felt it was wrong to remove Rosecrans simply because he had lost a battle. Parkhurst and his regiment were requested to continue as the provost guard for Thomas' headquarters. The Colonel noted that Thomas felt the weight of his new duties but was sure that the "Rock of Chickamauga" was equal to the task. +7 “ Parkhurst was very busy during the month that followed the Battle of Chickamauga. He spent many days processing prisoners and, on Novemberg6, Thomas gave him the additional 18 duty of commanding the Post of Chattanooga. In this capac- ity the Colonel was responsible for governing the city and for directing police activities. Within a few days the Fifteenth Kentucky was placed under Parkhurst's command to aid in fulfilling these duties. 19 Thomas! first objective was to break Bragg's seige of Chattanooga. This was done late in November with the aid of reinforcements from Grant's army. The Confederates were driven from Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, forcing them to retreat southward, The extent of the Union victory was revealed in the fact that after the battle Parkhurst 2 sent over ||,000 prisoners north in one day. 20 Since winter was setting in the Colonel of the Ninth did not expect much action until the following spring, but then he anticipated a strong offensive would be mounted against the enemy to "get him confined to so narrow a limit he will be Compelled to Sub- mit." 22 During most of December Parkhurst was busy preparing his regiment for leave and re-enlisting 27, of his men who decided to return as veterans. The other men were released as they had served their two year enlistment. Thomas informed Park- hurst, on December 2, that he would be promoted to Provost Marshal General of the entire Army of the Cumberland upon his return. Four days later the Michigan volunteers boarded a train and headed for Michigan and a much needed rest, ae During January, 186), Parkhurst and his wife visited in Coldwater and travelled to see his family in New York. In February the couple journeyed south to Murfreesboro, where the Colonel left his wife and reported for duty in Chattanooga. As expected Thomas ordered Parkhurst to assume the post of Provost Marsnal General of the Army of the Cumberland, 3 The responsibilities of the new office included processing all prisoners captured by Thomas! troops, commanding the military railroad police and granting passes to military personnel for travel on the railroads, 2h Parkhurst began his new duties on February 11, fully aware that he now had "a very important position" which would require "a vast amount of hard labor and constant attention." 2 In March, 18611, the events of the war took a momentous turn and General Grant was called east to become the general- 13 in-chief of all tre Union armies. In the west Sherman was promoted to the position vacated by Grant. The North then revised its strategy. Grant was to engage General Lee and Sherman was to pursue General Bragg until the Confederates either surrendered or were destroyed. Sherman's tactics dur- ing the Atlanta Campaign were to trap the Confederates ina position where his superior numbers could be used with de- cisive effect, During the first days of the campaign Parkhurst remained in Chattanooga as the commander of tne post while the Ninth Michigan moved forward as Provost Guard of Thomas! headquarters. On May 16 Parkhurst received orders to join his men. Thomas was glad to see him and requested that he remain at the front where he was needed, 26 Thomas a sees were evidently quite friendly with one another as the General often revealed his thoughts to the Colonel. In one of tnese conversations Thomas said that he felt Sherman was not "operating as well as he might." ev Unfortunately Parkhurst did not say, if he knew, on what grounds Thomas criticized his commander, During the month of June, as Sherman's army was attempt- ing to dislodge the rebels from their lines around Marietta, Colonel Parkhurst and his regiment were executing their duties for Thomas, A steady stream of prisoners kept the Provost Marshal General very busy. However these forts were not without reward for on June 25 Parkhurst was brevetted a Brigadier General, an honorary appointment which carried neither an increase in pay nor the authority accorded to a brigadier-general, 2b Nevertheless, Parkhurst could be justly by proud of this recognition. Late in June the Colonel, whose duties as Provost Marshal General were extremely demanding, was relieved of direct command of the Ninth Michigan. eg In viewing the progress of the Union armies in the West, Colonel Parkhurst observed that their goal had not been ob- tained, It appears that Parkhurst misunderstood Sherman's true objective because he emphasized the fact that the enemy would make great efforts to keep the city of Atlanta, 30 The fact is that Sherman's primary goal was not Atlanta but the destruction or severe crippling of Johnston's army. The Colonel realized that they still faced the hardest fighting of the campaign but he believed "that a Divine Providence will give us the victory and sooner terminate this unhappy war," 31 “ Atlanta finally fell to Sherman's army on September 2, 1861, Shortly thereafter General John B. Hood, who had re- placed Bragg, was forced to retreat into Alabama, The Union troops could now rest and review the events of the campaign, As Parkhurst reflected upon the campaign to Atlanta he noted that their efforts had been crowned with success, but at the cost of thousands of lives on both sides. Here Parkhurst corrected his earlier error concerning the goal of Sherman's army as he pointed out that "the rebel army is still Strong and the war is yet to continue and possibly the same ground over which we have fought for four months may again be a theater of contest. An army of 50,000 men is a great machine, a Monster that cannot be destroyed in a day, a month nor in years and never will it be destroyed nor the 4S rebellion crushed till the people of the North unite as one man and push with their whole Strength upon the Enemy." 32 In answer to the requests of his sisters that he resign the service Parkhurst said, "I feel that My Service is of value to the Government now that I am familiar with My duties and I cannot make up my mind to withdraw from a field of duty so important and so necessary." 33 Parkhurst continued saying that he would never quit until the end of the rebellion was in sight and until he had done everything within his power to insure the honor and stability of the nation, 3h On the last day of October Parkhurst moved from Atlanta to Chattanooga in accordance with orders from Thomas, who had gone to Nashville several weeks wrlier, 25 The war was now in its last phase and the Army of the Cumberland was destined to fight the great Battle of Nashville as Hood's army made its last great effort to save the rebellion for the Confederacy. Hood's army could have caused great difficulty for the Army of the Cumberland if it had acted quickly. General Thomas was outnumbered by about 10,000 men throughout November, 186), But new recruits and reinforcements poured into Nash- ville so that when the Confederates struck they were outman- ned 55,000 to 23,000. On December 15 Thomas initiated his attack and quickly broke through the rebel lines throwing them into a wild retreat back into Alabama. The significance of this battle cannot be overestimated as it removed any serious rebel threat in the West. RPmikhurst considered this victory as the most decisive of the war, agree- ing with the opinions of other: observers. He said the rebels 6 were "Whipt badly." 36 The Colonel had nothing but praise for General Thomas, whom he described as, ". . » our beloved Hero--the Noble Thomas. No purer--braver--or better Man Ever drew a Sabre and thank God that on this occasion no one can take from him his laurels so proudly won," 37 During the Battle of Nashville Parkhurst's command was small. Most of the Ninth Michigan was on duty in Chattanooga. 38 The Colonel's official report showed that in December he had handled 8,30 prisoners, a good indication of the extent of the Union sucess at Nashville. 3? With the defeat of Hood's army, fighting in the West subsided. During January, 1865, Parkhurst completed the pro- cessing of Confederate prisoners taken in Tennessee before he returned to his command at Chattanooga, 0 Karly in Feb- ruary he was ordered to contact all "prominent and influential" citizens in the area under his control, Suspected rebel sympathizers were requested to show reason woy they should not be sent through the Union lines and into Confederate territory.. Parkhurst was directed to discover "where their sympathies are fixed and where their friends are to be found." 41 this step was taken to remove those people who might stir up trouble for the Federals. On February 17, Parkhurst received orders from Thomas to meet General Forrest in Mississippi to arrange an exchange of prisoners. le He proceeded under a flag of truce to Rienzi, wiere rebel pickets telegraphed forrest that Parkhurst had arrived, The conferees met and Forrest accepted the Union proposals for the exchange, but final approval of the plan 47 had to be given by General Kichard Taylor. The Confederate's decision, delayed several days because a storm damaged the telegraph wire, was to execute the exchange at Iuka, Mississippi, in early March. 43 Parkhurst returned at once to East Port, reported to Thomas, and recommended that a guard accompany the rebels to Iuka and then proceed to St. Louis with the exchanged Federals yh to prevent them from deserting. In accordance with Park- hurst!s request, the Forty-Fourth Wisconsin was assigned to carry out this duty. Kb The Colonel spent the first half of March travelling between Nashville and Fast Port trying to make final arrangements for the exchange, On March 15, Forrest informed Parkhurst that the exchange would have to take place at Nashville since floods prevented the rebels from reaching Tuka.. ho The Provost Marshal General reported this development to Thomas, who approved the plan and released the Colonel from this assignment, ordering him to bring the Ninth from Chattanooga to Nashville. 47 Parkhurst's sisters had been concerned about his safety aGuring the negotiation. He dispelled their concern by say- ing, "I came out with dispatches from Genl Thomas to Genl Forrest and came under a Flag of Truce so you need not appre- hend any danger as I have a Sufficient Escort to defend My- self against Guerillas and the Enemy are to (sic) high toned to fire on a flag of truce," AS The Colonel described the many flooded areas which he passed through, saying that the Tennessee River had never reached a higher level, The floods 48 destroyed much property in northern Mississippi woich increased the hardships created when Hood's retreating army stripped the countryside of all supplies. 49 To alleviate the svuffer- ing of the citizens, Parkhurst arranged for Forrest to trans- port supplies from southern Mississippi.. 50 Momentous events occurred during the month of April, 1865. Richmond fell into Union hands on the 3rd after Grant cracked the rebel lines at Petersburg. Lee attempted to escape the pursuing Federals but was forced surrender at Appomattox Court House on the 9th. General Johnston turned his forces over to Sherman Late that month. and the Western Departments of the Confederacy formally surrendered: during May.. The news of the great victory in Virginia caused spontan- eous celebrations in Nashville. seat Parkhurst sent Thomas a bottle of "good whiskey" after learning of the fall of Richmond. a1 Lee's surrender brought another jubilee to the happy troops and a formal celebration wags planned for April 15. But the news of Lincoln's assassination turned Nashville from a happy city into one which was draped with black, pe On the 19th Parkhurst "attended the funeral obsequies of President Abraham Lincoln, as true a man as the Gountry had in its history." 23 In summing up Parkhurst said, "this Month has been frequented with the Most important Events of the Whole War and under ordinary times the occasions of this month would have turned the nation crazy but we have become accustomed to all sorts of life and familiar with death so that we be- come Shocked at nothing," Ph The closing of the war caused Parkhurst to begin think- ing about the future, Since Parkhurst expected that his duties as Provost Marshal General would hold him in Nashville until winter, he decided to send for his wife and children, 55 De- spite the cessation of hostilities, the Colonel was still oc- cupied with preparing the rebel prisoners for parole. The entries in his Diary for several months merely show the nota- tion "very busy in office all day." 56 In May Colonel Parkhurst's earlier promotion to Brevet Brigadier-General by Thomas was made official. The commission stated that the promotion was granted for "gallant and meritor- fous service." 27 In mid-September the Ninth Michigm Infantry was mustered out of the service, but Parkhurst remained in Nashville as Provost Marshal Génerals Thomas requested President Andrew Johnson for permission to retain the Colonel on his staff hroughout the winter, Parkhurst believed that ", . . as the policy now is to Muster out of Service all officers and all white troops Except the regulars I think it is very doubtful whether they will allow him to keep me." 58 On October hl he received orders relieving him of his duties and his official release came on October 10, 1865, 59 50 1 sune 28-30, 1863, Diary, MSU. 2 Parkhurst to Sister, July 12, 1863, Papers, MIC. 3 July 16-30, 1863, Diary, MSU. 4 Love to Parents, July 13, 1863, John C. Love Papers, Michigan Historical Collections of the University of Michigan, 5 August 6, 1863, Diary, MSU. 6 Ibid., April 13, 1862-August 10, 1863, passim. 7 Ibid., August 10, 1863. 8 marital difficulties soon arose for the Parkhursts. Mrs, Parkhurst's impulsive and indiscreet xtions caused her husband much worry. Josephine visited a male acquaintance in Buffalo, New York, while Parkhurst was on duty in Tennesseee She constantly requested sums of money from her husband, and when it did not arrive, tried to obtain the money from Parkhurst!s business manager in Coldwater. In November, 186l,, Josephine lost a baby through miscarriage. John attributed the tragedy to imprudence on the part of his wife because she had travelled from Murfreesboro to Louisville, Kentucky, with- out his consent or knowledge. These personal problems diverted the Colonel's attention from his military concerns and pre- vented him from giving full attention to his duties. J August 11-25, 1863, Diary, MSU. LO 4 Newspaper Clipping without hame or date, Papers, MSU. il August 26-28, 1863, Diary, MSU. 12 thid., September 1, 1863. 13 parkhurat to Sister, September 29, 1863, Papers MHC. 1h on., XXX, part I, 263-265, 612. 15 tpid., 331. 16 thid., 85, 256. 17 october 19, 1863, Diary, MSU. 16 OR., XXXI, part III, 66. 19 November 7-9, 1863, Diary, MSU. 20 Parkhurst to Sister, November 28, 1863, Papers, MHC. et Ibid., December 6, 1863. 22 23 December 24-28, 1863, Diary, MSU. February 9, 186, Diary, MSU.; OR., XXXII, part II, 370. 51 au “Hi Stery,of O£fjcers--Ninth Michigan Infantry," statement by Parkhurst, February 23, 187, RG 59-1), MHCA. 25 Parkhurst to Sister, February 11, 166), Papers, MHC. 26 May 18, 186), Wiary, MSU. 27 Ibid., May 30, 186). 28 on., XLIX, part II, 103k. 29 parkhurst to Sister, June 28, 186, Papers, MHC. 20 Ibid., June 16, 186), aa Ibid., June 28, 186). 32 Ibid., October 2, 186). 33 Ibid. 3h Ibid. 35 october 31, 1864, Diary, MSU. 36 Parkhurst to Sister, December 18 and 21, 186), Papers, MHC. 251-252, 354. 37 Ibid., December 21, 186h. 38 December 18, 186), Diary, MSU.; OR., XLV, part II, 39 on., XLV, part II, 05. 4.0 January 1-31, 1865, passim, Diary, MSU. 41 on., XLIX, part I, 628-629. h2 toid., 735-736; Bebruary 17, 1665, Diary, MSU. HF on, , sertel-ti, VEEE, 3260327 43 Bebruary 19-27, 1865, Diary, MSU. Wh on., Serial II, VIII, 326-327. 45 Toid., 367. osiiaren 1-9, 1865, Diary, MSU.; OR., Serial II, VIII, 05. 47 thid., March 22, 1665. 48 parkhurst to Sister, February 26, 1865, Papers, MHC, 52 49 Ibid., March 7 and 18, 1865. 20 Ipid., March 2, 1865. OL Sree, es., April 3, 1865, Diary, MSU. 52 thid., April 15, 1865. 53 tpid., April 19, 1865. 54 Parkhurst to Sister, April 28, 1865, Papers, MHG.. 55 tpia., May 8 and June 18, 1865, 36 June-August, 1865, passim, Diary, MSU. at General George H. Brown, Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, 1861-65, 6 vols. (Kalamazoo, Michigan, n. d.), IX, 1103; "Military Record of Hohn G, Parkhurst," Papers, MSU. 28 Parkhurst to Sister, September 19, 1865, Papers, MHC. 59 october 4, 1865, Diary, MSU.; "Military Record of John G. Parkhurst," Papers, MSU. tO Chapter IV CONCLUSION After his release from the army, Parkhurst returned to civilian life. in November, 1865, he opened a law office in Nashville; however he soon found that the pressures upon a Northerner attempting to live in the South were more than he could bear, He returned to Coldwater in July, 1666, and resumed his law practice in that community. . Parkhurst also reactivated his activities in the Demo- cratic Party in Michigan. He ran unsucessfully for several state offices on the Democratic ticket in the ten years im- mediately following the Civil War, iit 1872, when his party backed a Liberal ticket, Parkhurst accepted the nomination as a candidate for representative from the Third Congressional District. Again the voters rejected him, but he was not very disappointed as he had not expected to win. 2 Commenting on Parkhurst's political activities, the Reverend Henry P. Cohlin said: "In politics General Parkhurst was an uncompromising Democrat, and were it not for the fact that his party [was] in the minority in Michigan he would have at various times been honored by election in high political station," 3 Parkhurst was called to an interview in New York City in September, 1888, by John Dickenson, President Cleveland's Postmaster General. Dickinson offered him the embassy at St. Petersburg, Russia, but he was obliged to decline because the salary would have provided only one-half the anount needed 53 54 to operate the embassy. Subsequently he was tendered an ap- pointment as minister to Belgium wich was accepted after consultation with friends in Coldwater. Parkhurst served in Belgiwm until May 31, 1889, when he was recalled by President Benjamin Harrison. - The last public office ned Mrarkhurst was Postmaster of Coldwater. He was appointed in 1893, during President Cleveland's second term. His resignation in 1897 marked his retirement from active participation in politics. > On April 17, 1906, John Parkhurst happily celebrated his eighty-second birthday with his daughter, Kittie, his brother, William, and several friends, While Parkhurst described the festivities in his diary, he struck an ominous note by writing that he was weaker on tnat day then.at any of his past birth- days. 6 Almost every entry thereafter contained some comment upon his health and it appears that Parkhurst was aware that his life was drawing to a close; he wrote, "If I keep getting weak I will soon nave to travel on the Hiver and leave this beautiful world." ! Six days later, he wrote "I think I grow weaker Every day and get short of breath." Here the writing stops for the life of John Gibson Parkhurst came to an end 8 as he sat at his desk, peneil in hand, writing in his diary.. ‘ v ale ¢ ale “s It is now appropriate to attempt to evaluate the career of John Gibson Parkhurst. The amount of material that has already been written about the American Civil War is almost beyond imagination. However as the viewpoint of the historian 55 is molded by an ever-changing society, the study of the Civil War goes through a constant re-evaluation. It was with this realization in mind that the study of Parkhurst'!s war exper- ilences was undertaken. The greatest reward that one receives from the study of aman's diary and letters is insight into his ideas and beliefs. Parkhurst's letters were particularly valuable in disclosing his political beliefs, his reasons for fighting in the war, his observations on the prosecution of the war, and his opin- lions of the generals whom he served. On the other hand, Park- hurst's diary was somewhat disappointing as he seldom recorded his inner thoughts about the events he witnessed. As a result the diary served mainly to trace Parkhurst's movements through- out the various campaigns that qen8 © part of his Civil War career, Parkhurst's account of the Battle of Stone's River re- vealed new and interesting insights into that great clash be- tween Northern and Southern armies. In these papers Parkhurst stated that he felt his regiment had played an important role in the Union victory--a role which had never been recognized by the histories of the period, This contention was explored and it may be concluded that, within limits, Parkhurst's views were correct. The evidence indicated that the actions of the Ninth Michigan did help convince General Bragg that the Union forces were receiving reinforcements which caused him to re- treat, Upon Parkhurst's death The Detroit News stated that he should be recognized as "a soldier, a lawyer, a diplomat, a 56 politician and always an honored citizen." 9 Parkhurst'!s career as a soldier was the major concern of this study, al- though his service in other capacities was recognized. It cannot be said that he proved to be an outstanding soldier. But he did serve effectively as Colonel of the Ninth Michigam Infantry, especially while it acted as Provost Guard for Gen- eral Thomas. His promotion to Provost Marshal General of the Army of the Cumberland indicated that he was regarded as an efficient and trusted administrator. Throughout the war he showed his concern for a successful prosecution of the war by the North, for he felt that a Northern victory was essential to the continuance of the United States as a strong, unified nation. It must be concluded that Parkhurst executed his service during the Civil War very well. As the Detroit Free Press said, "His death marks also the passing of another of that group of Michigan men who rose to distinction and high rank in the Civil War," 10 1 Parkhurst to Sister, October 1 and November 1, 1865, Papers, MHC.; August 1, 1865, Diary, MSU. @ august 29, September 23-October 30, 1872, passim, Diary, MSU. Collin, Biographical Sketches of Branch County, p. 32. Sepbember 10-13, 18868 and May 31, 1889, Diary, MSU. Collin, Biographical Sketches of Branch County, p. 342. April,17, 1906, Diary, MSU. Ibid., April 30, 1906, Ibid., May 6, 1906; The Detroit News, May 7, 1906, pe 9. Ihe Detroit News, May 7, 1906, p. 9. Detroit Free Press, May 8, 1906, p. 11. BIBLIOGRAPHY Manuscripts John C. Love Papers. Michigan Historical Collections of the University of Michigan "Ninth Michigan Infantry." Records of the Michigan Military Hstablishment. Record Group 59-1. Michigan Hist- orical Commission Archives, Lansing, Michigan. John G. Parkhurst Diary. Museum of Michigan State University. John G. Parkhurst Papers. Museum of Michigan State University. John G. Parkhurst Papers. Michigan Historical Collections of the University of Michigan. Printed Public Documents The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records | of the Union and Confererate Armies. Serial I - 53 vols., Serial Il - 8 vols., Serial Ill - 5 vols., Washington, 1880-1901. Newspapers Detroit Free Press. January-June, 1860; May 8, 1906. The Detroit News. January-June, 1860; May 7, 1906. Michigan Studies Bennett, Charles w. Historical Sketches of the Ninth Michigan Infantry. Coldwater, Michigan, 1913. Brown, Brigadier General George H. Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, 1861-1865. [6 vols., Kelamazoo, Michigan, n. d. Collin, Rev, Henry P. A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Branch County Michigan. Chicago, 1906. Johnson, Crisfield. History of Branch County, Michigan, Philadelphia, 1879. Robertson, John, Adjutant General, Compiler. Michigan in the War, rev. ed., Lansing, Michigan, 1882. 58 59 General. Sources Andrews, C. C., ed. Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars. 3 vols., St Paul, 1890, aA Cist, Henry M. The Army of the Cumberland. New York, 1562, Clark, Thomas D. A History of Kentucky. New York, 1937. byer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion. 3 vols., New York, 1959. Henry, Ralph Selph. Forrest. New York, 19. Townsend, William H. Lincoln and the Bluegrass; Slavery and Civil War in Kentucky. Lexington, Kentucky, 1955, Van Horne, Thomas B. History of the Army of the Cumber- land. 3 vols., Cincinnati, 1885, Wyeth, John Allan. That Devil Forrest. New York, 1959.