Tennessee Raids

The Fifth Alabama Cavalry remained in the Tennessee River Valley during the summer of 1863. With the withdrawal of General Bragg's Army of Tennessee back across the Tennessee River at Chattanooga, the northern counties of Alabama above the Tennessee River, were unprotected from Union troops. Brig. Gen. Roddey in command of the District of Northern Alabama had insufficient troops to patrol and defend such a vast area. Roddey's cavalry units operated mainly on the south side of the river.

The organization of the Cavalry of the Army of Tennessee, August 15, 1863, list:

Wheeler's Cavalry Corps, Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler.
Roddey' Brigade, Brig. Gen. P.D. Roddey.
Roddey's Regiment, Lt. Col. (William A.) Johnson.
Patterson's (Fifth Alabama) Regiment, Col. (Josiah) Patterson.
Hannon's (Fifty-third Alabama) Regiment, Col. (M.W.) Hannon.
Alabama Battalion, (not organized), Capt. Wm. R. Julian.
Georgia Battery, Capt. (C.B.) Ferrell.

On August 23, 1863, Lt. Col. J. Morrill, (Union) commanding at Glendale, Mississippi, reports:

A scout has just come in, and says Roddey, with a portion of his command, was at Town Creek, and on the 21st considerable fighting was heard in that direction, supposed to be an attack from some of the Rosecrans forces.

On August 24, 1863, from Headquarters, Wheeler's Cavalry Corps, Gadsden, Ala., Special Orders No. 65 were issued, reading in part:

IV. General P.D. Roddey, commanding cavalry brigade, will extend his picket-line as far up the Tennessee River as, and to include the ferry at Whitesburg, Ala.

On August 30, 1863, Maj. Gen. G. Granger (Union) reports he has received a report that Forrest is at Courtland and Roddey is at Tuscumbia.

On September 4, 1863, Maj. Gen. W.H.T. Walker is directed to take post at Rome, Georgia, and is advised as soon as General Roddey arrives with his cavalry, Maj. Gen. Walker is directed to have Roddey cover his front and give Maj. Gen. Walker constant information on the position of the enemy.

It is apparent that Brig. Gen. Roddey left a detachment of cavalry in the Tennessee Valley upon his transfer to Northwest Georgia with Wheeler's Corps. On September 12, 1863, Union Brig. Gen. E.A. Carr reports, from Corinth, he has sent out a strong cavalry party to drive Roddey pickets beyond Bear Creek, as they have been troublesome lately.

Col. Morrill (Union) reports from Glendale, Mississippi, on September 13, 1863;

A citizen just in says Roddey left the valley yesterday morning, taking his whole force except Moreland's battalion. He leaves in the direction of Decatur.

On September 15, 1863, Maj. Gen. S.A. Hurlbut (Union) confirms the movement of Roddey's force, he reports:

From a counterband refugee woman who left Tuscumbia Sunday I learn that there were several thousand of (General Joseph) Johnson's infantry there, marching to Decatur (Ga.). Roddey has left for Decatur (Ga.), leaving 500 men under Major Moreland, to guard the Tennessee Valley.

The Union commanders were confused about the whereabouts of Brig. Gen. Roddey's force. They report on September 17, 1863, that his headquarters is at Moulton, Alabama. On September 15, 1863, Maj. Gen. Wheeler, at Summerville, is directed:

You will cause Roddey to make his demonstration up the valley and follow the enemy should he move north; otherwise he will threaten him and prevent him from moving forward to Rome. General Roddey will leave a small force to keep the enemy in observation, and give early information.

On September 24, 1863, Brig. Gen. Spencer (Union) reports:

Colonel Forrest with his regiment and six companies at the main ford of Bear Creek. Roddey with the remainder of force at Courtland and Somerville.

On September 27, 1863, Col. R.F. Smith, (Union) commanding post at Bridgeport, Alabama reports in part:

**** One intelligent deserter by the name of H.H. Smith, syas he left Gadsden, Cherokee County, Ala. last Monday, came up Big Mills Creek, through De Kalb County, to this point. Saw no rebel forces, except small scouting parties, this side of Lookout Mountain, says he saw Roddey's cavalry last Monday and Tuesday going in direction of Rome, Ga., across Lookout Mountain. Roddey's men report the Yankees coming this way from Tuscumbia ****.

On September 28, 1863, General Braxton Bragg's Assistant Adjutant-General advises Maj. Gen. Wheeler:

GENERAL: The general commanding directs me to inform you that General Roddey, just arrived from Alabama, has been ordered to cross the Tennessee near Bridgeport and move up Sequatchie Valley, reporting to you near Jasper (Tenn.) or at such point as a junction may be effected.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
George Wm. Brent.

On September 30, 1863, Brig. Gen. R.S. Granger (Union), reports:

Commanding officers a Dechard (Tenn.) and Tullahome (Tenn.) report Roddey at New Market yesterday at 2 p.m. with 4,000 men.

General J.E. Johnson, commanding in Mississippi and Maj. Gen. S.D. Lee, commanding cavalry in Mississippi, were making plans for a cavalry raid into middle Tennessee and requested the assistance of Brig. Gen. Roddey on October 2, 1863. General Bragg advised October 3:

Rodey has moved around to our left flank and is operating against the enemy's rear and flank. The force he left in North Alabama will join General Lee.

A report of Brig. Gen. Philip D. Roddey, C.S. Army, commanding Cavalry Brigade from his Headquarters at Rodgersville, Ala., dated October 21, 1863 follows:

GENERAL: Your of 17th instant, through General Wheeler, calling for a report of my movements, is received.

I failed to cross the river at Hess' Ford, because I found it so strongly guarded by the enemy that I deemed it impossible, and did not try. I ascertained that my move to that place was the current talk among the citizens at least twenty-four hours previous to my arrival in the vicinity, and had every reason to believe the enemy were advised of it. Therefore under your orders received at that place allowing me to select the crossing after procuring rations for the brigade, move to Bellefonte, but found the river impassable on account of swollen condition, and was forced lower down to get boats.

I crossed on the 7th and 8th at or near Larkin's Landing and Guntersville, and with part of my command passed up through mountains to the tunnel, and, after driving the enemy off, and filling the tunnel through the shafts with every available stick and stone, destroyed his camp equipage, including 25 tents, and passed down to Salem with the balance of my brigade, which crossed over at Guntersville. Passed up through Vienna, Maysville, and New Market, and, connected the two columns at Salem on the night of the 10th, with the view of attacking the garrison at Elk River Bridge, and trying to destroy it.

At Salem I received enclosed communications* from General Lee both at once. At the same point I met several wounded men and stragglers from General Wheelers corps, and one gentleman who had recently parted with Col. Russell. All agreed with the statement that Wheeler had been severely repulsed at Farmington; that he had a valuable wagon train, and was trying to save it by sending it across the river below Decatur; that he was hard pressed, and a fight would likely occur near that place. In view of all these circumstances and reasons, I determined to countermarch, and, if possible, connect with General Wheeler, or take part of the fight off his hands.

I started back at daylight, 11th (12?), and about 4 p.m. met the enemy 4 miles toward Huntsville from New Market, and engaged the advance of his column, and with my entire brigade at hand, drove him back on his own column until dark. I had by this time ascertained reliably from a prisoner and my own scouts that General Mitchell was in front of me with a full division at hand.

I withdrew at 10 p.m. to New Market; thence to Madison Cross-Roads; thence to Athens, Ala., near which place I learned that General Wheeler had crossed the river, &c., as his enclosed communication* shows. Learning the enemy had all passed beyond Huntsville, I marched to Mooresville, Ala. and encamped in in the midst of an abundance of foliage, and sent you dispatches.

I remained at Mooresville three days. Sent out three parties or detachments to operate on the railroad between Winchester and Tullahoma. Learning they would be compelled to return on the west side of the Elk River, I moved to this point and sent another detachment of 60 men with 6 commissioned officers, via Elkton and Fayetteville. These detachments are under command of energetic, ingenious officers, and made up of the best material in my command, and I shall move with my full force on any weak point I can hear of until further orders. I have constantly reported to both Generals Wheeler and Lee since starting back from Winchester and Salem.

I went to see General Wheeler last night and proposed if he would give me one Kentucky regiment or battalion I should undertake to so destroy the enemy's communications that if I were to lose my brigade I will have sold out at a good price. He declined. If, however, you will trust me thus far, I will undertake it at short warning, and feel confident will damage him greatly, thereby assist in compelling him to fall back from Chattanooga.

Hoping I have answered your communication satisfactorily, I remain, as ever, yours, truly,

P.D. RODDEY
Brigadier-General.

General Bragg.

On October 13, 1863, Maj. Gen. Wheeler writes to Maj. Gen. Lee:

General: I learn positively that General Roddey crossed the Tennessee last Friday near Guntersville; I have not learned what route he took. I think it very possible if you crossed the river you might be able to form a junction with him. I fear General Roddey's position may be critical. I would give anything if I could cross the river immediately. I have not yet heard from General Bragg. I expect to hear tonight.

Brig. Gen. Roddey reports from Athens, Alabama, to Maj. Gen. Wheeler, on October 14, 1863 as follows:

GENERAL: I am here with my brigade 4 miles west for the purpose of feeding. Have scouts toward Huntsville and Fayetteville. Met the enemy at New Market Monday evening, skirmished with him until dark, then moved around by Madison Cross-Roads, to which place they followed. We skirmished with him until night. He shows very small force and declined a fight. I move to this vicinity last night; if not pursued will move toward Mooresville as soon as fact is ascertained, to connect with my commissary train now at Whitesburg. My men very tired and hungry, with broken-down and bare-foot horses, but will be in trim again as soon as possible.

I made this move under the impression General J. Wheeler and S.D. Lee were both on this side of the river, and that my position would be fatal to the enemy's left flank.

I very anxious to hear from you as to your future moves. I think I can keep the railroads so crippled that it will be of very little use to the enemy--have such plans as will cut track every day. I have sent you a number of couriers and have heard nothing. I hope you will write by this one.

Brig. Gen. P.D. Roddey, with his brigade remained north of the river, while Generals Lee and Wheeler attempted to learn from General Bragg, his plans for their movement into Tennessee.

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