Chapter II

The Nashville Campaign

       Since the next 19 letters from Hart to his wife were all addressed from Tenn. and most of them from Nashville, this chapter was entitled accordingly. Up till now, we have read about the first six months of active duty from Capt. Hart. A six week period elapsed before we once again hear from him on Sept. 13, 1862 in a letter written in Nashville. This chapter will cover a time period of almost an entire year.

       Hart begins his letter of Sept. 13, 1862 by stating he had arrived in Nashville the night before last, after a march of one hundred and eighty miles through enemy country. The 10th Regiment was obliged to skirmish and fight guerrilas all the way. Yet as astonishing as it may have appeared, they lost in killed only two men and two or three wounded. The entire regiment, including infantry, cavalry, batteries, baggage wagons and supply wagons occupied a space between six and seven miles in length. Hart felt it was most remarkable therefore that the casualties were held down to such a small figure. The regiment made from 25 to 28 miles a day.

       Apparently the mail had not gotten thru for a long period of time. Hart said the enigma of not receiving any mail was solved. He hadn’t received a letter from Aug. 2nd, 1862 to Sept 13, 1862. About the time the 10th Regiment had been assigned to General Buel’s Division their mail was stopped at Cairo, Ill. and forwarded to Nashville, Hart found 15 letters waiting for him at Nashville. Hart exclaimed to his wife, "Oh how happy your letters make me. I could not refrain the tears from coursing my cheeks during their perusal. And last night I had as an exquisite and perfect embrace in a dream as we ever had in the world. How soon we shall have a real one, God only knows."

       Hart went on to say that this was a dark hour for the beloved Union of our fathers. His predictions were being proven from day to day. From day to day, he went on, the country once taken and occupied was being evacuated. The 10th Regiment was hemmed in and all mail and supply communication were cut off. The 10th Regiment’s orders were to take possession of the city and act as Provost Guard for the time being.

       This letter, as were most of Hart’s, was written on his knee for the want of a better place. He explained that when they were ordered to commence the march the prior month, they were ordered to leave tents, mess chests and almost everything else behind. During the 12 day march they slept on the ground and were up at 3 a.m. every day.

       Hart wrote that he had intended to send a servant to his wife, but after leaving Tuscambia, Ala. and thinking the whole matter over he came to the conclusion that he had seen all of the Niggers he wanted to.

       His reference to the word "Nigger" should not be taken out of context. Anyone having studied American literature and understanding the state of the art during the Civil War years would not be shocked by this reference. It was commonly used and accepted at that time. Nowadays, however, we all know the insult it evokes.

       Hart made arrangements with Stephen Cumings, a discharged soldier, to get a horse back to his wife. Hart felt his wife would think the world of the horse if it ever got thru to her.

       Hart finished his letter by indicating that there were no more females in the Regiment except for wenches and there were only two of them. A Mrs. Dunphy was taken sick and finally left for home. She had been mentioned earlier by Hart as the wife of an officer who had been with the Regiment as a nurse.

       On Oct. 3, 1862, Hart again wrote from Nashville. Communications with the North had been closed down and consequently mail and supplies had not caught up with the 10th Regiment from Michigan. Hart said that as soon as navigation or any route to the Ohio River opened up his troops would have anything they needed and it would be cheap too. His only anxiety at this time was how he was to supply the inner man. Potatoes were one dollar per peck and scarce at that. He would send his servant with a 5.00 bill and he would only be able to get eatables enough to last two or three days and there would be no change. The mail on hand to go back to the north would load seven or eight large Army wagons. Hart was also anxious to receive mail and especially newspapers. There was no information regarding the world on the outside.

       Hart explained further that most of the l0th’s time was spent on Guard duty, watching for the approach of the enemy. As such the troops were required to maintain the most perfect silence, not allowed to build even a fire day or night, they had nothing to do but listen and think. Fortifications had nearly been completed around Nashville and a small force would be able to hold the city against an immense army. Besides Guard duty, most of the time was spent in foraging. They were obliged to forage for both man and beast. Hart felt that from the thrashing the enemy recently received, communications would be opening in a few days. Hart commented that it seemed the 10th was doomed never to have a fight. About a week prior to this letter the 10th started for a place called Lavergn to reinforce troops there, but before they reached Lavergn a messenger informed them the battle was over; a 100 of the enemy had been killed and 1400 prisoners taken. The 10th then had to march back in the cold and rain still waiting for their baptism of fire.

       Six weeks go by until we once again hear from Capt. Hart on Nov. 16, 1862. He was still camped 10 miles east of Nashville, Tenn. He started this letter off by stating that the isolation from all the world beyond was at last removed by the opening of mail service to Louisville, Ky. He felt that because his wife had not received any of his letters for several weeks was evidence that the letters he tried to get through in private hands had fallen into enemy hands. This could very well be explanatory of the six week lapse between this letter and the one before it.

       Hart was still concerned about what was happening elsewhere. He wasn’t getting any newspapers and knew nothing of the outside world, not even the State and County nominations in Michigan. He stated that his camp was within two miles of a place called the Hermitage. As yet it had been impossible for him to visit the place, which of all others was the one he most desired to see. Hart had alluded to the Hermitage on 4-28-62 in which he mentioned this was the place [President Andrew] Jackson was buried.

       Capt. Hart concluded this letter by advising his wife that the 10th Regiment had been detached from the Army of the Mississippi to the Dept. of the Cumberland, under the leadership of Major General Rosecrans. He did not know when he would have another opportunity to write home again.

       Capt Hart’s next letter was from a camp near Grand Junction, Tenn. dated Nov. 25th, 1862. He made a solemn vow to directly answer his wife’s good letter, knowing that was the only way to keep her from waiting for weeks for a line from the land of cotton. Hart no sooner had started the letter when at once the impudent Bugler sounded his favorite call "to Horse." Capt. Hart then went on to describe the war under the command of his brave leader, Colonel Lee. Wasn’t it rather ironic that his commanding officer had the same last name as the leader of the entire rebel army?

       The 10th Regiment from Michigan was involved in the famous raids of Holly Springs and Ripley. The 10th took a very large number of prisoners without a loss. Hart complained that according to the Michigan papers, other regiments got credit for what the 10th had done. Col. Lee was chief of the entire Cavalry in the Division of the Army of West Tennessee. Lee employed the 10th Regiment more than any other and had very good opinions of the Michigan boys, since he selected the 10th always for the most daring affairs.

       Hart mentioned that for the last three weeks he had been constantly in the saddle almost sleeping on horseback. Apparently he suffered from rheumatism because he was surprised he could undergo all the hardships of a Cavalry soldier. He indicated that with the exception of some morning pain when reveille sounded, the rheumatism had almost left him. Hart was not a young man when he volunteered. He was 48 years old, so it is little wonder that in view of the hardships, he wasn’t afflicted with any number of health problems. Hart told his wife that he was well, for he was happy to possess an iron constitution.

       Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 16, 1862 were the time and place from which Hart next wrote home to his wife. He said that since his last letter he had not had a moment’s time to write, night or day. In addition to guard duty, foraging, etc, the 10th had moved camp twice and the last time landed back at their old camping ground where they were to remain for the rest of the winter unless something extraordinary happened. Hart indicated that the 10th Regiment was to be the Provost Guard. It was said that General Rosecrans selected the 10th for this duty from the fact that the 10th was well drilled and better disciplined than any other regiment and could be depended upon to execute their duty under all circumstances. If this were true, Hart went on to write, it was a very great compliment.

       Hart fulfilled a long awaited dream which he described in this letter. As mentioned before on two separate occasions Hart wrote about his desire to visit the Hermitage, which is the burial place of Andrew Jackson. While out foraging near Stone River the road led the 10th within 80 rods of the Hermitage. Hart requested and got permission from the Colonel to visit the place. Hart’s company was in the rear acting as guard. On their arrival at the road to the place it was almost dark. Nevertheless Hart ordered his company to file left and after passing through the gate and entering the passage to the mansion, lined and covered with real cedars, he marched the company at trail arms up to the mansion and then filed off into the gardens to the tomb. He then ordered the men to encircle the tomb in one rank then fronted inward and presented arms, then shoulder arms. The ceremony was simple but very impressive; the hour too, just between daylight and dark, rendered everything more solemn than beautiful. During the whole ceremony everything was as silent as the grave; not a word was spoken. Hart discovered that a Mr. Jackson had been a witness to everything. Could this Mr. Jackson have been a descendant of Andrew Jackson? At any rate Mr. Jackson requested Capt. Hart to return in the morning and perform the ceremony again. Hart promised he would if possible but obviously didn’t think he would return because as he and Jackson parted, Hart mentioned that their hand shake would probably be their final on earth. Hart concluded this letter by stating that the impressions upon his men, then and there made, would go with them through life.

       As an example of the real compassion Hart had for the south he recounted an incident in this letter. It seems as though Hart had hocked a watch at one of the local hock shops owned by a man named Mr. Morton. Hart went back one afternoon to redeem his dear old watch. Morton absolutely refused to take a cent for it and cordially invited him to his house as often as Hart could get away. Hart’s comments were, "Is it not hard to fight such a people? But all a soldier has to do is obey orders." The reason he had to hock the watch was that months would go by without the paymaster catching up with the troops. Several times in his letters Hart also mentioned sending money home to his wife. I don’t think he wanted to keep much cash on his person for obvious reasons.

       The next letter from Hart is dated Feb. 6, 1863 from Nashville, Tenn. He mentioned getting a letter from Sarah acknowledging receipt of some photographs Hart had sent her. How interesting it would be to know the subject matter of these photos and what they looked like. We can only presume they were photos of Hart himself. Whoever Sarah was, Hart was told in her letter that had he sent her ten thousand dollars she would not have thought as much of it as she did the photographs.

       Hart mentioned that it had been one year ago that the 10th was mustered into the U. S. service.

       Hart seemed to make friends with almost everyone in the south. He told how in this letter that he got to know Mr. Coleman, who was one of the oldest and most respectable butchers in Nashville, Tenn. Hart was able to depend upon a nice steak, roast, sausage or whatever else he wanted and could pay for it whenever he got the money.

       In this letter Capt. Hart made one of his rare comments on the political and social issues that the Civil War was allegedly fought over. It seems that the wife of one of the Colonels had been staying with the 10th in Nashville and that her presence seemed to totally dominate and monopolize her husband’s time. Capt. Hart disliked her right off the bat. He felt this woman was attempting to take over the husbands place in the family as leader and head. At any rate the Colonel, in the presence of his wife, asked Capt. Hart if Hart’s wife expected to come to the camp and stay. Hart responded that an officer could not divide his time between his government and his wife. Hart’s intent was obviously to rile the woman. He went on to say that she was a red hot Abolitionist and told her, face to face, that it was just such preaching and practicing as hers that had involved them in the terrible war that was going on. Hart felt that if there had been no slavery agitators in the North there would have been no war. The ambitious disunionists of the South were perfectly powerless in the South until the abolitionists of the North furnished them with arguments and poison to destroy their own people.

       Historians themselves would probably agree that the responsibility for the war rested with the North as well as with the South. This letter was concluded with some tentative plans for Mrs. Hart to make some plans on at least traveling to Nashville and staying for a short period at camp.

       Hart’s next letter was written only 2 days later on Feb. 8, 1863. He mentioned a Lieut. Jenks who had resigned his commission. Jenks had been furloughed back to Michigan due to illness. He had chronic diarrhea and rheumatism and returned to the front in January, thinking he was better. However he had a relapse immediately into his old condition and was therefore obliged to resign.

       The problems of sickness and poor health must have been immense. Hart said he had buried one soldier since he last wrote (2 days ago). It was Edward Morgan of Almont, Michigan. Morgan too returned North in May of 1862 and returned for only a few days to the war zone. He died from inflammation of the lung. Hart felt that those who were returned North due to sickness should have remained home. If they did return to active duty, they were good for nothing. Those that stayed active had become acclimated and none were sick. They could stand anything.

       As far as the war itself was concerned, Hart said that his unit was preparing to give Bruggan extermination. Bruggan must have been a high ranking officer on the rebel’s side. About twenty thousand reinforcements had arrived in 40 boats, making Hart’s army about 50,000 stronger than when they had fought at Murfreesboro.

       The Michigan Cavalry had also just arrived in Nashville from Kentucky. They had participated in Col. Carter’s party that went over the mountains into eastern Tennessee and cut the railway at Knoxville at the time of the Murfreesboro battle.

       Hart finished this letter by saying that he had visited Col. A. Cambell from Pt. Huron and a Dr. Brownwell from Utica, Mich. He said to his wife, "You don’t know how much good it does us old friends to meet now and then."

       The letter of March 4th, 1863 was short and only referred to Capt. Hart’s disappointment in not having his wife able to come down to Nashville for a visit. Four days later the next letter was written and it also was from Camp Lum, Nashville, Tenn. Hart said that the 10th Regiment was still engaged in picket duty, the rest of the brigade having gone to Franklin, Tenn. 18 miles away, to take part in a fight going on there with Van Dorn. Was Van Dorn a confederate general or leader? We can only presume so.

       This letter once again demonstrates how Hart tried to keep his wife informed of his activity in the war, without dwelling on the actual fighting and loss of life and hardships. He related to her two incidents involving his duties while performing picket duty, which he said involved many very agreeable and some very disagreeable things. He went on to explain that the area he was on guard duty was on the Nolansville Pike, 1 1/2 miles from Nashville. The Pike ran through lovely country, and on either side there were many beautiful residences. Many business men of the city resided out on the Pike. The wives and daughters had to go into the city every day and in order to get in they had to pass through the picket lines and exhibit a pass that was renewed every few days. The pass had to be examined and any merchandise brought back from the city had to have a bill of sale attached. They were trying to eliminate all the contraband of war with this method. Needless to say the men on guard duty became very well acquainted with the women who they saw twice a trip into the city. The ladies liked to stop and chat and even invited some of the troops out to their homes to take tea. Capt. Hart’s response was that he would as soon as the war was over.

       One day a lady brought a bottle of wine and an extra tumbler and asked him to take a glass of wine with her. Hart went on to say that this bewitching angel then tried to get through the lines without a proper pass. Hart declined to let her through saying the wine was between her and him but the pass was a matter between her and his Government.

       There was also the incident in which two beautiful young sisters, who went in and out of the city every day, were discovered to have been carrying secret maps and drawings. The diagrams etc. were found wrapped around their beautiful legs, with their stockings pulled up over them. Hart said, "Whoever supposed a fellow would think of looking as low as a ladies stocking." The two young sisters were probably sent North to remain during the war. Hart concluded by stating that he had given a few specimens, enough to enable his wife to take a peep into the vast and complicated institution called war. This was obviously written with tongue in cheek. The letter closed at nearly 5 a.m., with Hart saying he had a real good visit by chatting with his wife (via the letter) for almost two whole hours.

       Incidentally the diagrams found on the two sisters consisted of perfect placement of the forts and fortifications and plans of the defenses neatly executed. There were also many letters to rebels and Secesh.

       One week later Hart wrote again from Camp Lum, just outside of Nashville. In this letter he described the duties involved in being the officer of the day. The duties were not as light and agreeable as some of the other chores he had. The officer of the day had to ride the picket line, some six miles in length, three times during the day and once after midnight. He was to see that all the guards on picket duty were alert and on watch. Hart explained that the round after midnight was particularly agreeable. Each sentinel halted him and after hearing the correct password, the officer would dismount, advance and give the countersign. This required walking about 1/2 the entire picket line and it took from just after midnight till 14 a.m. to complete the round.

       Capt. Hart said that he occasionally found time to spend an agreeable hour, for instance, a Mrs. Hagan, who resided a half mile east of the picket line, had invited Hart on many occasions to come dine with her and take tea. Mrs. Hagan had passed thru the picket lines several times, so Hart decided to take her up on the invitation. He said that he had a delightful time while at dinner. He told Mrs. Hagan he had two reasons for accepting the invitation. First, because he had been invited so often and so kindly. Second, because he had become quite a roamer and his dear wife had always charged him that when he was to make the acquaintance of cultivated ladies, nothing in the world so maintained his gentlemanly refinement as their society. Mrs. Hagan declared that to have been the most acceptable compliment she had ever received. The Harts must have had a good relationship to have been so openly honest about such things as mentioned. Perhaps they both approached them as a fact of life while trying to conduct a war. I doubt seriously that any wives of the 1980’s would approve of their husbands refinement being improved in the society of cultured ladies; but then again I’m not sure of the exact mentality of the folks of the last century either.

       It seems that a Lt. Co. Eldridge had accused Hart of spreading a rumor of his lack of bravery and courage. Hart’s letter of March 19, 1863 was therefore addressed not to his wife but to Eldridge and denied having ever started such a rumor. On the contrary this letter went on to expound on how Eldridge was considered by all who knew him as courageous an officer as there was in the army. It was quite a lengthy letter but the most important message in this letter was one which is applicable to all people in every profession. Hart told Eldridge that the consiousness of having done your duty as well as one could was sufficient reward. I feel that if everyone could approach life knowing that whatever mission they attempt, as long as they entered into it with committment and gave 100% effort, they would have no need for praise from their peers. I believe this was the message Hart was trying to convey to Eldridge. This letter concludes with the news that most of Hart’s brigade had gone to Franklin, south of Nashville, to engage in battle. However the 10th Regiment had been left in Nashville to continue picket duty. Hart was convinced that the bloody battles of the war were to be fought in Tennessee and Kentucky. He said that if the sacrifice for the restoration of the Union of our fathers was his life, it would be most cheerfully given. Thank God that ultimate sacrifice was never called for. Had it been, I would not be here, because after the war Hart had another son in 1868, who was my paternal grandfather.

       A period of almost three months went by before Hart again wrote home on June 16th, 1863. Apparently Hart’s wife had been able to go to Nashville all summer. A General Granger had command of the Post and a General Morgan the Division. The military duties were still the same, consisting mostly of picket and guard duty. This letter ended by enclosing two photographs of Hart along with the negatives. How I wish the negatives were still available. They would be a priceless memento of the 1860’s.

       June 22, 1863 was the date on Hart’s next letter. It was one of the shortest he wrote and expressed his gratitude that Mrs. Hart had arrived safely back home. Hart indicated he had received an invitation to celebrate the 4th of July from the 16th Illinois Regiment. I would imagine that the 4th must have had a significant meaning to the soldiers who were fighting to keep the Union together.

       Hart also enclosed a note from a soldier named Samuel Rains who had died at Camp Big Springs. No rank nor cause of death was given. The note involved an amount of money; the amount was not mentioned either. Hart had paid the note for Rains with the understanding he would pay it back the next payday. The poor fellow however did not live to see the next payday. Rains appears to have been a victim of disease rather than the Rebs.

       We next hear from Hart on July 2nd, 1863, again from Nashville, Tenn. He stated they were giving the Rebs fits at the front. The 2nd Brigade had gone to Murphreesboro to garrison that place. He declared that Bragg had been driven out of Tennessee. With the 2nd Brigade gone,a double duty developed upon the two remaining brigades. Hart was again left without any commissioned officers to assist him. A soldier named McDonnell had been detailed as mustering officer of all detachments from the Army of the Cumberland.

       Hart indicated that his anticipated celebration of the 4th was cancelled because he was assigned to be on Grand Guard. His words were, "How provoking, but such is a soldier’s fate." Hart apparently while on guard duty did get to see the festivities. He went on to say the 4th passed off gloriously. There were orations, speeches, dinners, music, guns, barn dances and all sorts of festivities, except for those on duty.

       Hart said that raids in Kentucky had deprived him of mail for approximately eleven days, but communications were being reestablished. Hart went on to relate an incident which he described as the most sad and anxious since he had been in the Army.

       The troops had been paid and one evening about 10:30 p.m. he returned to his room and opened the doors for the purpose of letting it cool off. He undressed and laid down, leaving the candles burning, not intending to go to sleep before locking up. But he fell asleep and woke up about 1 a.m.; got up and locked the doors, blew out the lights and went back to bed, missing nothing at the time. At 4 a.m., at the beat of the drums, he reached for his pants but they were gone. He looked around and discovered his shirt and hat were also gone. On looking at the wall he missed his overcoat and dress coat. The wallet contained 310.00 and it had been in his pants pocket. The wallet had every cent Hart had in it. There were two one hundred dollar bills and one fifty. He was going to send that money back home. He had also gotten six 10’s that he was going to keep for himself. Hart went on to say he was in a pretty fix; no clothes and no money. A couple of days later his dress coat and hat were found near the camp somewhat damaged but yet pretty good. Hart was able to track down the thief and had the pleasure of seeing him deposited in prison. They only found 40.00. The thief gave a friend of his the 50 dollar bill but it was surrendered to the police. The thief turned out to be a scout from Powell’s 10th Illinois Regiment. As it turned out Hart recovered all of his clothes except the pants and ninety of the 310.00 dollars. He swore eternal vengeance on the thief.

       Hart mentioned that the Rebs had been driven over the Cumberland Mountains and out of Tenn. He learned that night the people were fleeing from Chattanooga, trying to get out of the way of General Rosecrans. The 10th Regiment was still doing nothing but Grand Guard duty.

       The most striking element of Hart’s next letter written on July 14, 1863 was the fact that the time of day was also on the heading. Hart wrote this letter at 1 a.m. He began by saying this is a world of sadness and sorrow. About an hour before, Hart was awakened by a tap on his door. A messenger told Hart he was wanted at the Adjutant’s office immediately. When he got there Hart was informed that one of his men had been shot dead near Broad St. in Nashville. After detailing Lt. Fletcher to investigate, it was determined that one of his best and faithful soldiers, Corporal R. R. Boyle, was the victim. Hart could not give any of the circumstances attending this sad event. I guess all we can do is speculate as to the cause of Boyle’s death.

       Hart wanted his wife to contact Mrs. Boyle and give her the sad and heart rendering information. He wanted to assure the widow that she had his condolences. He wanted her to know that he had lost one of his best and truest soldiers. His loss was nothing compared to hers he said. Her loss was irreparable. She lost an affectionate and devoted husband; her bosom companion — the partner of her joys and sorrows. Hart continued, "Can and will Mrs. Boyle be able to say, ‘0 Lord thy will be done, not mine.’" He told his wife to impart the sad news as gently as possible. This final request concluded this letter.

       The next letter the following day was equally full of sad news. Hart had met with W. M. McConnell of Pontiac, Mich. who was in Nashville on a very sad mission. He had arrived the day before with the remains of his son, who had been wounded in the battle of Murfreesboro and lived for two days after his father’s arrival. He belonged to the U. S. 15th Regulars. One wonders how many of the wounded could have been saved had there been sufficient medical attention during the Civil War. Serious wounded were a precursor of death in that terrible war.

       Hart went on to say that the weather had turned-cold. He wanted to go further south, perhaps Mobile. His weight had gone up from 145 lbs. to 170. He felt capable of marching thirty miles a day without fatigue. He couldn’t understand why he was receiving no letters from his wife. He didn’t even know if his letters ever got to his wife. He kept writing all the time. As far as a speedy termination of the war, everything became more and more discouraging day to day.

       Hart went on to relate a conversation he had with a Secesh in the city. Hart was asked why didn’t he go home and put down the rebellion there. Didn’t he see that the same party that drove the South out of the Union had now stopped the wheels of government in the North? This was a reference to the Republicans of Indiana who left the Senate without a quorum, refusing to allow the Democrats to elect a U. S. Senator unless they could do it on their own terms. The Secesh went on to tell Hart that all the South had to do was to hold on and very soon the troops would have to go home and fight a rebellion in the North. Hart commented that if the North only knew how such ridiculous performances helped the rebel cause, they would desist. His final sentence was to the affect that he personally would never give up the ship as long as there was a single plank left.

       In the letter of July 18, 1863, Capt. Hart again commented on the political ramifications of the war. He felt the war would last two more years and be transferred from the South to the North. It would be a political war between the real friends of the Union and the Constitution and the pseudo friends of America. As history developed, he was right on the duration of the war but I’m not so sure as far as the political elements.

       Hart indicated that fighting in the South was nearly over. General Rosecrans reviewed the troops and they were put through many intricate evolutions. The generals often had to get their troops to the battle scene in one formation and after arriving, they had to disburse them from a vertical line into a horizontal one. This of course would require close communication and immediate subservience by literally thousands of men and tons of equipment. At any rate Gen. Rosecrans expressed himself exceedingly proud of the 10th Regiment from Michigan, so much so that he ordered them to Murfreesboro to garrison at that place. The unit being the most efficient in his army. Rosecrans felt that Murfreesboro was the key to his operations.

       Hart also mentioned that two others who participated in the robbery of his clothes and money had been arrested. The rest of the 10th proposed to make him chief detective of the Brigade. He also told his wife how charming and balmy the climate was. He even went so far as to say he never wanted to go North again to live.

       His wife apparently had asked Hart to resign. His answer was, "Never without just cause." He never asked any favors of any one and the little popularity he possessed was earned. He said he did not propose to throw it away by resigning.

       At this point in the war Capt. Hart had to leave the Nashville, Tenn. area. His letter of July 23, 1863 explained his move from Nashville to Murfreesboro. The regiment marched out but he remained for two days for the purpose of picking up stragglers, bringing in prisoners, and closing up matters generally. He arrived in Murfreesboro and found his regiment encamped on a most delightful and pleas— and location imaginable, with excellent water. Hart did not anticipate being in Murfreesboro as long as he was in Nashville. He felt he would soon be assigned to Tullahoma, Tenn. or Huntsville, Ala.

Hart Family History

Introduction

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Civil War Links

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