Alan J. Pitts
Official Records
Fri Feb 16 12:10:09 2001


Bushrod Johnson led a division attached to Longstreet's command in east Tennessee as the senior brigadier in S. B. Buckner's command. Johnson's Brigade broke camp at Rossville Ga on Nov. 22, 1863, to join Longstreet below Knoxville. Reynolds' Brigade was supposed to go as well, but was recalled when Bragg realized he was about to be attacked. Gracie's and Johnson's were the only two permanent members of this command; at one time Law's Brigade of Hood's old division was assigned as the third brigade of this division. Nov. 22nd marks the end of Johnson's association with the Army of Tennessee.

I find no suggestion in the OR that Johnson's Brigade be returned. As for Gracie's, it never really belonged to the Army of Tennessee and wouldn't have been a subject for recall when Johnston assumed command of the army. Correspondence written by Buckner on April 21, 1864, acknowledges Longstreet's return to Virginia and mentions disposition of troops within his area of command. There's no hint here that he expects Gracie or Johnson to be transferred to another army.

Here's what the OR tells us about the transfers of Gracie and Johnson. By the way, Johnson was assigned to command of Ransom's Division in May 1864, and Gracie's Brigade not assigned to Johnson's until about June 10, 1864. The two operated seperately during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign.

Ser. 1, vol XXXIII, OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA.
January 1-April 30, 1864.

[APRIL 7, 1864. - For Cooper to Longstreet, ordering latter to rejoin Army of Northern Virginia, with his troops, see Vol. XXXII, Part III, p. 576.]

p. 1325
SPECIAL ORDERS,
ADJT. AND INSP. GENERAL'S OFFICE, No. 99. Richmond, April 28, 1864.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
VI. Brigadier General A. Gracie, jr., with his brigade, will proceed by railroad to Richmond, Va., and report to Major General R. Ransom, jr., commanding, &c.
pp. 1331-32

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
April 30, 1864.
His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President Confederate States:
….Everything indicates a concentrated attack on this front, which renders me the more anxious to get back the troops belonging to this army, and causes me to suggest, if possible, that others be moved from points at the south, where they can be spared, to Richmond. There will no doubt be a strong demonstration made north of south of the James River, which Beauregard will be able successfully to resist….

R. E. LEE, General.
pp. 1329

APRIL 30, 1864.
General S. COOPER,
Adjutant and Inspector General:
GENERAL: A dispatch from General Lee to the President, just received, reports Burnside certainly moving rapidly to join Meade, and General L. urges the movement of all assistance practicable to his front….Order B. R. Johnston's brigade from Bristol here…. These orders should be sent to-night if possible.

BRAXTON BRAGG, General
p. 1330

RICHMOND, VA., April 30, 1864.
Major General S. B. BUCKNER,
Abingdon, Va.:

Send Johnson's brigade without delay to this place.

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General.

Hope this helps you.