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| Title | Correspondence from Thomas Crutchfield, Jr. to James R. Hood, December 27, 1863 |
| Image Rights | Digital image © 2008, Tennessee State Library & Archives. All rights reserved. |
| Copyright | While TSLA houses an item, it does not necessarily hold the copyright on the item, nor may it be able to determine if the item is still protected under current copyright law. Users are solely responsible for determining the existence of such instances and for obtaining any other permissions and paying associated fees that may be necessary for the intended use. |
| Subjects - TGM |
Civil Wars War |
| Subjects - LCSH | Civil War in the West; Civil War society; United States - History - 1783-1865; United States - History - 1849-1877; United States History - Civil War, 1861-1865 |
| Transcript | [Page 1] “At Home Near Chattanooga Tenn 27th Dec 1863 James R. Hood Esq My Dear Sir. Having known you personally for some time prior to the breaking out of the present rebellion, and knowing your opinions relative thereto and knowing also that you know my opinions upon the issues leading to the rebellion, and believing from your conversation, in a short interview had with you a few days since, that there was, among some of the commanding officers of the Fedl. army here, a suspicion, at least, of my loyalty to the United States Govt. I have thought proper to address you this note giving you a plain statement of facts. Some of which transpired while you remained in Tennessee. Others after you left. In the Presidential contest of 1860, as you are aware, I was a supporter of the Bill & Senate ticket, and in conjunction with all other Union Men of Tennessee fought the secession element of the Democracy, after the election of Mr. Lincoln, was satisfied that an effort could be made upon the part of the secession Democracy to disrupt the union and hence began” [Page 2] “2 to shape my sails for the storm. The hotel which I owned and controled, at the depot in Chattanooga & which of itself was a fortune, was at once bought upon the Market and sold. Possession to be given 1st June 1861. hoping to get myself & family out of it, and in a more quiet place, before the political troubles, which I anticipate should fall upon us. After many of the Southern States had passed Ordinance of Secession, the issue was brought upon Tennessee, the day set, 8th Feby 1861 for her people to say whether or not she would cast her lot with others of the Southern States. Or remain as she was. You are personally aware of the interest taken by myself in that contest, using my utmost efforts with the masses, and casting my vote for Tennessee to remain as she was. Voting even against convention. The result of the election, showing a majority of 75,000 against Secession. While the Union majority given would seem to indicate, that there was not much probability of Tennessee being “precipitated” into the rebellion yet there were some of us, who felt that the powers that then ruled Tennessee, being aided & assisted with men and means from the Seceded States, would not leave a stone unturned or rest one moment until the destiny of Tennessee was cast with that of the other” [Page 3] “3 Seceded States. The legislature of Tennessee had been or was in session, resolutions had been passed, “That if an overt act, on the part of the United States Govt should be committed against the Seceded States, that Tennessee would resist it to a man” I believe that the Secession element would take advantage of the resolution expressed by the legislature. Not the will of the people, to precipitate Tenn into the rebellion. And I wrote for the Republican Banner at Nashville. The state organ for the Union Party urging the people not to be deceived in the event that Sumpter should be fired on and should reply. That then the cry of the Overt Act would be heralded to the world and Tenn would be called upon to make good her resolutions. Sumpter was fired upon and replied. – The cry did go forth, that the Overt Act had been committed, another election was called in Tenn for 9th June 1861 for Tennessee to say whether or not they should have Secession and representation in the Confederate Govt. (which was then a machine working) Secession and No representation or No Secession and no representation for the latter position I used my exertions & cast my vote. Upon suming up the vote cast it was declared that Tenn had voted Secession and representation by a Majority of Sixty Thousand” [Page 4] “4 We were then cast upon the sea of rebellion, without a rudder to guide us through the impending storm – Many of the best men whom we had looked upon as firm and unchangeable, in their devotion to the Union were swept along with the swelling current, into the whirlpool of rebellion & political ruin. Tennessee soil was overrun with armed soldiers, from Texas, Louisiana, Ark, Miss, Ala, & Geo. All of who had voted for the Union and advocated Union sentiments, had to cease public expression of their sentiments, or lay themselves liable to arbitrary arrest and imprisonment, and probably summary punishment, or to vacate the country. – I chose to remain quit and act prudently, governing myself according to circumstances around me. While others, knowing as I did, that they had the right to express their Sentiments and believing that they could do so with impunity soon found themselves, incarcerated within filthy prisons from which many of them never emerged alive – Others of them after having been retained in prison at – Tuscaloosa & Mobile from 8 to 10 months, were liberated through the influence of their more prudent friends who were still at home. And their taking the Oath of Allegiance to the Confed Govt. as I am advised all prisoners had to do. It was in the fall of 1861 I believe when most of these arrests were made, my brother” [Page 5] “5 among the number, was arrested at the hour of Midnight and placed under guard by Confederate soldiers then at Chattanooga, Through my influence and the influence of other friends, he was released from imprisonment, upon giving heavy bond to the Confederate Govt. I believe of Twenty Thousand dollars, Upon which myself and my brother-in-law John King are his security, No charges were pressed against him, only that he was a boisterous Union Man. Others who were arrested at same time, were sent to Mobile and Tuscaloosa prisons. Among them Esqr’s A. A. Pearson, John Anderson, John D. Blackford, Washington Evans, Archibald McDaniel, & others. Citizens of Hamilton County, who after being detained in prison over eight months, were released upon giving bonds of $1000. each. I was surety upon most of these bonds and was instrumental in causing the bonds to be gotten up and their release upon them. I could not do it personally as Wm. M. Chruchwell was Provost Marshall for East Tenn, and it was accomplished through a secession relative of Churchwell, without his knowledge of our motive in the movement. After they had been released and were on this way home the battle of Murfreesboro or Stones River was fought and as prisoners were being taken South, They, the political prisoners were stopped and not allowed to come this side” [Page 6] “6th of Atlanta. I am advised that a liberal fee to the Hon Saml A. Smith, by other friends, started them on home again. I would respectfully refer to the gents mentioned for proof of the facts stated. In the Spring of 1861. I think, April or May, while troops were passing through Chattanooga, from Texas, Ark, Louis, Ala, & Miss. to Virginia, Tennessee not yet having passed an Ordinance of Secession, and the Confederate Govt not having any arrangements for feeding their troops, on transition they had to be fed by the Country. The hotel which I owned & kept, was so situated at the Depot, that the troops at once flocked to it, and before I could vacate the House, 1st June 1861, I was forced to feed them to my cost at least Ten Thousand Dollars. On one occasion an Arkansas Regt. Loaded guns & fixed bayonets and marched in front of the house to mob me. Calling me out and telling me that they had been told that I was a Lincolnite and had said that I would not feed Jeff Davis or any of his Troops, and gave me only five minutes to explain. I told them that they had been miss informed. That I had known Jeff Davis personally for several years, that we were personal friends but different politically and also that they were rather hasty, that Tenn was yet a member of the United States and until she passed such an ordinance they were rather” [Page 7] “7 hasty in forcing her citizens to acquiesce in their measures. They returned to the depot, but not satisfied. I was however not annoyed by them any more as they were soon moved forward. The Telegraph Office was located in when Donelson fell, and with it Nashville, a military Govern was appointed, whose message was published in the Nashville papers. Only one of which was ever known to come through the lines to Chattanooga. I managed to get the use of that, one night, and copied in manuscript the entire message, which manuscript copy was read by the Union friends here, and then mailed by myself to David Cleuge Esq. Cashr of the Planters Bank of Athens. To whom the leader of the Union party of his county (McMinn) would come for information and consultation, a short time afterward. I noticed that the Athens Post, a secession paper, printed at Athens stated that “Some of Abrahams faithful had a manuscript copy of Johnsons message sending it to the faithful, that they had best lookout the eye of Jeff was upon them”. The time of the enlistment of the volunteer force of the Confederate States, being about to expire, and the Rebel Govt. left without an army in the field the congress of 1861 & 2 passed a conscript bill, conscribing all” [Page 8] “9 able bodied male citizens between ages of 18 & 35. East Tenn for the time was exempted from the enforcement of the conscript law, because, as I believed and said that they were fearful to enforce the law, for fear the whole population would stampede to Ky and the Federal lines. Bragg moved with his army from Tupelo to Chattanooga, preparatory to his march into Ky, arriving at Chattanooga in July, 1862 I think, Many of his army over 35 years of age, whose term of service had expired were mustered out of service, in compliance with the terms of the conscript law. I believed, and so stated, that as soon as Bragg crossed the River and got his army between the Federal lines and East Tenn. That the conscript law would be enforced in East Tenn, being thus forewarned I was ready and as soon as the law was enforced, which was done by officers being sent back, from Cumberland Mountain. I place in the Rebel army, a substitute, myself being liable to the call, being under 35 years of age. Afterwards, a bill was passed by the Rebel Congress, exempting all persons controling, whether as owner or overseer, Twenty hands or more, which exempted me afterward from conscript. The conscript call was afterwards extended up to 45. It may be asked why my brother, who was about 40, was not forced to procure a substitute also, this is easily explained” [Page 9] “10 We had an Uncle, Ed Crutchfield, from Ky. Who held a position in the Rebel army. Doc Yandall, Genl Hardie’s chief surgeon was his intimate friend. I advised brother to get Uncle Ed to have Yandall examine him for a disease of the Antrum, before the call for conscripts up to 40 or 45. Which I knew would come, - In accordance with my suggestion brother had Doc Yandall examine him, and received from him a certificate of disability from military duty – when the call to 40 was made, I went with brother to the examining surgeon for the district, and having the certificate of Hardie’s Chief Surgeon, it was not a difficult matter to have it approved and coincided with by the examining surgeon. Then upon that certificate the enroling officer was bound to give him Certificate of exemption from military service in the Confederate army. But after all this, upon a subsequent call and reexamination of papers, brother was compelled to go to Cleveland and have his papers reexamined, and there, the certificate of Yandall alone saved him from conscription. These facts, brother will substantiate, and further, that my prudence and coolness has, beyond doubt, saved his life while the country was under Rebel rule. Just before the evacuation of Chattanooga by Bragg brother was ordered out of Chattanooga. I planned a scheme for him to get through the pickets and across the River” [Page 10] “11 And the day before he crossed, posted him fully as to the strength and position of Braggs army and as to his reinforcements from Miss. The reinforcements of Longstreet we knew nothing of. On Monday 7th Sept 1863 my brother came to the bank of the River opposite my house (He being in the Fed lines) and had a conversation with a member of my family. Sent message to his wife, and was advised that I would cross the River on next night, Tuesday. And bring letter from his wife, and telegrams, direct from the office, no pickets were at that time on our farm, but a squadron of Cavalry, under command of Col Ellison of Middle Tenn, were on duty on the farm just above me, and heard the conversation of the evening before, but did not understand it. On Sunday 6th Sept, Wm Wood and Sam Elmore, two of my tenants & myself reconnoitered the River, and found that there were no pickets. While we were at the mouth of the creek talking with the pickets of the Fedl Army, on opposite bank of the river, endeavoring to find out if brother was there to post him. Two men walked up from the bank of the river on opposite side of the creek and asked us if we were pickets. I told them we were. They wanted to know to what command we belonged. I told them Forrests. They then returned to their posts, as we did not know whether they were pickets” [Page 11] “12 or deserters, as it was important for us to know, I told Mr. Elinore, as he had cultivated the lands on that side of the creek, that he had best cross over and go to the River. Ostensibly to see if his corn had been much destroyed while Wood & I make still further reconnoisance on the River, south of the creek. Wood & I had just returned to the house, when Mr. Elmores little boy came to my house and informed me that the pickets had arrested his father for “talking across the River and telling the Yanks that Bragg was retreating” and desired that I should come to his assistance. I changed my clothing so that they would not know me and started immediately, but before I got to Headquarters Col W W Anderson, a personal friend of Mr Elmores had succeeded in getting him released, simply upon the ground that he had done nothing more than the pickets had done “talked across the river” it was the next day, Monday, that brother had an interview, with a member of my family, the sound of which the same pickets heard, so, on Tuesday about10. Oc. A.M. There was thrown upon my farm about 250. of the command of cavalry, the greater portion of which lay concealed behind a hill, while about a dozen filled the picket post where brother had been communicating with us. I was fearful every moment of being arrested and taken to the rear. Kept my room closely and had” [Page 12] “13 my family doing picket duty to advise me of the approach of any Confed Cavalry. I was not aware of any being on my farm until my mother told me the back yard was full of Rebel Cavalry. I at once left the house on double quick, and took up my position in the woods, under a friendly Oak, having given orders to my servants to take my mules (20) to the swamp and keep them hid out until the Rebel Cavalry left. I remained under the Oak until next morning, Wednesday, when my servant brought me my horse. I started for my brother-in-law, John King, north of Chickamauga creek. I had an old passport in my pocket from Capt Peden, Provost Marshall, which enabled me to pass the pickets at the bridge. I arrived at Kings quite feeble, having been chilling, and during that day Col Wildens Brigade crossed the River at Sirely’s Ford, and in a very short time thereafter, Capt Carter, whom I knew and other Federal Officers were at kings. I then came home bringing Carter with me, had my mules brought in, and on next day, Thursday turned 12 of them over to Col Wilder. Gen Rosecrans Army advanced at once to the front leaving Brig. Genl Wagner in command of the Post at Chattanooga, to who I furnished about 1000 bushels” [Page 13] “14 of corn, 50,000 pounds of hay & 10,000 binds of Oats. The battle of Chickamauga was fought, Genl Rosecrans repulsed, and on Monday 21st Sept as I was coming out of town, I was called upon by Genl Vancleve, to show him the roads leading to the different gaps on Mission Ridge, & the bridge and ford over Chickamauga creek which I did. On Tuesday 22nd his force was driven from the ridge and their position at the Creek. Some of them retreating through my farm, they were followed up rapidly by Rebel Cavalry scouting for straglers, A captain and eight men, of Genr. Vancleves command hid in the thickets upon my farm, until the Rebel Cavalry quit scouting for them. They then came to the house for water, and I directed them how to cross the river and get to their command. I also gave to the Capt his sword, which he had left in the thicket, and which I had picked up. He and his men crossed the river that night, and the man is now in Chattanooga who brought the boat over after them. While all this was going on in my yard, there was these Rebel ladies & one man in my house, who had taken refuge there from the shells and small arms near the ridge, and they were watching every movement & suspected me & reported me, causing others to suspect me, and I was troubled greatly to control it.” [Page 14] “15 Hundreds crossed the river at my farm as Genl Rosecrans retreated, I did not do so. Although I had the consent of my family and my clothes packed. I believe I could remain an engineer through it. I met many personal friends of the Rebel Army, who told me that they had heard, that I had received and accepted the appointment of a Brigadier Genlship in the Fed army and that I was now acting in that capacity. To which I replied “that I was not supprised at any thing I heard these days”. After all our work to keep out of the Rebel army there was still a chance for Isham G. Harris to get us into State Service, and then turn us over to the Confederacy. I enclose his Adpt. Genls. Letter, (which please preserve). Jeff Davis had called for Gov. troops from Tennessee, and every body had to come forward, exempts, & all. I was sick at home and brother came out to see me. After consultation, it was agreed to raise a company composed exclusive of Union men and to be slow about organizing, hoping that Genl Rosecrans would advance and save us any further trouble. If he did not advance then we were to make it a cavalry company and do picket duty and Ride over. It was thought more prudent to make brother Captain, but some thought it more prudent for me to take the position, so hand bills were issued as I understand, never having seen one of them, but before” [Page 15] “16 the organization Genl Rosecrans relieved us. After the retreat of Genl Rosecrans, and the investment of Chattanooga by Bragg, Col Ellison, my same cavalry officer had command of the right wing of Braggs army. And his men did duty on my farm. I was reported to him as a Union man. As having met the Fedl officers and taken them to my house &c&c, Col Ellison sent his men at the hour of midnight, and searched my house, but found nothing. I relieved myself from suspicion, at least with him, by getting him to furnish me four of his men, who caught the parties that informed on me stealing corn from my field at midnight. I was at the Headquarters of Genl Bragg several times, while he was invisting [?] Chattanooga, and while, by a portion of the officers of the army, I was suspected. Yet I stood fair with the Rebel authorities. Many of the officers were old guests of my house, (the Hotel) and old personal friends. I have had many of the officers of the Rebel army partake of my hospitality, and could get from them as many favors as almost any one else. I do not know what it takes to constitute a loyal man now. I have never voted for Secession or willingly aided it. I have contributed, probably as much as any other” [Page 16] “17 man in East Tenn, having lost my crop since the rebellion commenced aside from the losses at the Hotel, before the rebellion I was independant, pecuniarily. I have lost by the rebellion not less than One hundred Thousand Dollars. My farm is now a perfect barren waste, farming implements all destroyed, not a rail left, the farm cut up with rifle pits. The hospitals established on the farm, (one in and immediately at my house) on 25th Nov & moved on 24th Dec 1863, about 1000 wounded in all. This distruction was not done by the Rebels, but by the 15th Fedl Army Corps. Not content with the destruction of every thing on the Farm, but they plundered all the houses, save the one my family was in. The Union people of East Tenn have prayed for the advent of the Fedl army, to relieve them from Rebel oppression. The Fedl army came but the Union people did not receive the protection they had a right to expect. All has been destroyed. I have voted only once since the Secession of the state and there only for Hon Jno C Gaut for Judge of the judicial circuit. I have given you a plain statement of facts and although much has been omitted, yet I find this letter is already too long. The facts stated can all be substantiated. No Secession flag had ever floated from my house. Nor have I ever joined in the home guard parties, hunting down Union men but have warned others against it and have” [Page 17] “18 always been the friend of the Union man. As they will all testify to a man. I dislike to rest under suspicion, and if at any time it may become necessary for me to make further proof of my devotion to the Union I will be able to do so by the best men in the country. Hoping that you will not become wearied in reading this hastily written letter, and that you may find in it something of interest, in the imperfect sketch of a portion of the history of your humble Svt. During the past three years. I am Very Truly &c Your Obt Svt Tom Crutchfield SB. You are aware of the consequences to myself & others mentioned in this letter, should its contents ever become known in Rebeldom, and we should fall within their hands. In view of this, you will be careful, what disposition you make of it.” [Page 19] “Return this And the enclosed to Mr Jn M. Gault 161 N. Cherry St Nashville Tenn” |
| Description | Letter from Thomas Crutchfield Jr. to James R. Hood. Crutchfield makes an effort to prove his loyalty to the Union by recounting his opposition to secession, his informing the Federals of troop movements, his supplying of the Union army with mules, corn, hay, and oats, and the decimation of his property. At the same time, he has also been busy springing his brother from a Confederate prison, avoiding conscription into the Confederate Army, and using his connections to Confederate officers to gain favors. |
| Place | Chattanooga (Tenn.) |
| Date | 1863 December 27 |
| Creator | Crutchfield, Thomas Jr., 1830-1886 |
| Collection name | Crutchfield Family Papers, 1828-1886 |
| Historical note | Crutchfield sold his popular Chattanooga hotel, the Crutchfield House, in 1861 to remove himself from the center of the conflict, but even so his loyalty was questioned throughout the war. He side-stepped conscription by obtaining a substitute. He states that he "chose to remain quiet and act prudently" and expresses faith in his ability to "engineer through it." Crutchfield is using Hood, a volunteer aide to several Federal military leaders, as a go-between to convey his sympathies to the authorities. |
| Accession number | 408 |
| Owning Institution | Tennessee State Library & Archives |
| ID# | 34115 |
| Ordering Information | To order a digital reproduction of this item, please send our order form at http://www.tn.gov/tsla/dwg/ImageOrderForm.pdf to Public Services, Tennessee State Library & Archives, 403 7th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37243-0312, or email to photoorders.tsla@tn.gov. Further ordering information can be found at the bottom of the page at the following location under Imaging Services Forms: http://www.tn.gov/tsla/forms.htm#imaging. |
| Digital type | TEXT |
| Digital format | TIFF |
| Collection finding aid | http://state.tn.us/tsla/history/manuscripts/findingaids/408.pdf |
Description
| Title | 34115_1 |
| Image Rights | Digital image © 2008, Tennessee State Library & Archives. All rights reserved. |
| Copyright | While TSLA houses an item, it does not necessarily hold the copyright on the item, nor may it be able to determine if the item is still protected under current copyright law. Users are solely responsible for determining the existence of such instances and for obtaining any other permissions and paying associated fees that may be necessary for the intended use. |
| Ordering Information | To order a digital reproduction of this item, please send our order form at http://state.tn.us/tsla/preservation/photo_order.pdf to Preservation Services, Tennessee State Library & Archives, 403 7th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37243-0312, or email to photoorders.tsla@state.tn.us. |
