Ron Skellie
Bridgeport, Al.
Tue May 1 08:26:33 2001
Interested in corresponding with someone who is knowledgeable of the Bridgeport area and its role in the Army of Tennesse's withdrawal from Tennessee after Tullahoma campaign.
Here are some excerpts from diaries, capsule history and OR relating to the 7th Miss. Can someone give me more detail or refer me to sources more familiar with the Camps and activities of July and August 1863.
July 2nd Deckard Station, Tenn.jfrdiary (Dechard-rjs)
Pvt. Roberts boarded the cars to cross the Cumberland Mountains. The Army marched over the Mountains while Pvt Roberts beat them through the mountains to Bridgeport, Al.
July 3rd Bridgeport, Al.jfrdiary
All sick, barefooted and crippled were sent by car to a camp near Chattanooga. "we fared very bad. Nothing but beef and it so tuff it had too hids on it." -Pvt. Roberts
July 7th jfrdiary
Pvt. Roberts returned to brigade Camp in time for orders to relieve Jackson's Brigade on Picket at Bridgeport, Al.
July 13th jfrdiary
Started to Chattanooga and boarded cars for ride to bridgeport. "We are in alambama now"- Pvt. Roberts
July 13 to August 23 went in camp near Chattanooga at the Tennessee River near Bridgeport, AL. on picket duty; withdrawn as Rosecrans advanced.
July 15, 1863. Official record.
Taylor's Store, one Mile from Bridgeport., HDQRS. ANDERSON'S BRIGADE, WITHERS' DIVISION,POLK'S CORPS, ARMY OF TENNESSEE,
Letter from Brig. Gen'l Patton Anderson to: Maj. THOMAS M. JACK, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Polk's Corps, Army of Tennessee:
MAJOR: I have to report that my command relieved that of Brigadier-General Jackson, in this vicinity, on the evening of the 13th instant, except two exterior pickets, which were relieved on yesterday, the 14th. The main body of my command is encamped about half a mile from the railroad bridge-- one regiment (Forty-first Mississippi) at Shellmound. I guard the river from the latter point to the mouth of Island Creek, about 5 miles below Bridgeport.
Very interested in the "Island" and of the gun battle between men of the 7th Miss and the 9th batt'n Sharpshooters on the steamer Paint on the Tennessee River while on an iron loading detail.
Thanks,
Ron Skellie