The Civil War Diary of John Coffee Williamson

John Coffee Williamson was born in Forsythe County, GA, on April 4, 1833, and moved with his family to Murray County, GA, near the Tennssee line. He attended Benton Academy,taught school in Benton, and studied law under Judge J. Hoyle ofCleveland TN. He was admitted to the bar in Febuary ,1861 but practiced only a few months before enlisting for Confederate military service.

Williamson joined Company E, 5th Tennessee Cavalry, and served with it throughout the war, participating in the Kentucky campaign under General E. Kirby Smith , under General Forrest in the Battle of Chickamauga, with General Joe Wheeler in his raids through north Georgia, East and Middle Tennessee, and North Alabama, and under General Joseph E. Johnston from Dalton, Georgia to Atlanta. He finally surrendered with his command at Charlotte, North Carolina, and returned home on May 12, 1865.

After the war Williamson married his childhood sweetheart, Sue Bible of Benton, re-entered the practice of law and taught school to supplement his income. He served as Circuit Court Clerk in Benton County from 1871 to 1878, and was United States Commissioner for the Southeast District of Tennessee from 1895 until his death in 1898.

Williamson was a methodical man,and long before the war had developed the habit of keeping a diary. The only extant portion of his war diary is the portion printed here, dealing with a foray into Tennesssee in the summer and fall of 1864 for the purpose of cutting supply lines and harassing Union garrisons. As Commissary Sergeant, Williamson had the difficult task of providing food for the men and forage for the horses. While the nature of his duties sometimes kept him from the firing line, his diary gives an excellent insight into the problems of supplying a force which had cut itself from the main army and had to subsist on the countryside.

Williamson's account of the Tennessee raid is printed here exactly as it appears in the diary. Original spelling and punctuation are retained throughout, except a few cases where, to avoid confusion, correct spelling has been provided in brackets immediately following the misspelledword.

August 1864
11th. We left Covington and marched a very hard day's march---andcamped at night near a creek and a mill and I and Dr. Day slept in a goodwoman's house----nothing of interest took place more than many horses gave out and Kit got very tired.
12th. We started very early and did not march so fast as yesterday.We got to Brown's Bridge about 12 o'clock-----here Kit gave out and I swapt for Rosenante from an old citizen that had come to mill. I gaveJack Milburn a call and found him badly pesterd----The boys had taken two horses from him and left two rips in their place. Milburn looks well andhis family all look promising . Milburn and his wife and children came to the road to see the cavalry and the boys made remarks about his size.Here we struck one of the Federal roads and came on to Frog Town and camped. I got a good nap but nothing (for) Rosenant to eat.
13th. We started at about an hour by sun and crossed the Etowah at a private ford and came on into the Coosawatte Mountians and our scouts caught two deserters and killed one and hanged the other. During the day seven (7) were killed. It rained most of the day. The road was rough and my horse fell with me in Talking Rock Creek and I lost my saddlebags. I got very wet. We fed at noon on the banks of Long Swamp and camped at night on the banks of the Coosawattee.
14th. I started from camp very early and took breakfast at Abe Johnson's. I stopped at old Cape's and saw George Grady's wife. I came on into Murray County (Georgia) and found many people very glad to see us coming. The bushwackers are having everthing their own way, and are taking any kind of property that they want and dividing it among themselves. I visited father's and found things found all well. The Yanks had not mistreated him. Passed through Spring Place and found things in a very dilapidated condition. Came on to Conasauga River and fed Rosenant. He turned out to be a better horse then I had tought for.At 2 o'clock I heard firing. Dalton was invested and our march had beenso well planned that the Yanks knew not of our presence until theirpickets found us out on the edge of town. All of the public stores andYankee goods were Prowled. Here we got plenty of all sorts of rationsknown to soldiers. We tore up several miles of the R.R. and slept a little.
15th. Skirmishing commenced early this morning up near Mill Creek Gap. Four(4) Yankee regiments came from Chattanooga last night. 5thTennessee and 8th Texas fought them and had to give away. Our divison was cut off from Corp. Ben F. Greenlee was wounded and left on the field. Joe McClary was wounded and lost his gun. The Yanks drove our men completely out of town. Our division came on until within 5 miles ofCleveland and then we turned and came to Benton where we arrived just at daylight. The boys pressed many horses today. They got several horses in Benton. The people had not heard about us being about and had not hid out their horses.
16th. Daylight found us near Benton, Tenn., feeding Cal Hood'scorn. I took breakfast with Sol Summey. Everybody has taken the oathand all seem to avoid the Rebels---very different from three years ago.At 10 o'clock we took up the line of march for the Savannah old farm. On the way I met General Gamble and he seemed glad to see me. The boys had prowled some horses from him and he thought that they were Yankees and had come out to get pay for them. I called on P. B. Mayfield but got poor comfort from him. He has taken the oath, and that accursed oath defiles all good society. A good woman gave me a pair of socks but told me not to tell it to anyone so as the Yanks would find it out. We came on to the Savannah (site of and old Indian town on Hiwassee River 7miles north of Benton) and camped and had plenty of feed. All of thehome guards have run off to the mountains and to Cleveland.
17th. I went with a detail out to Turley's Mills to get some flour but failed and came back, cooked and eat and in the evening John Hodge came in. Nute Coe and his brother have been captured. Carder has made a scout all around through Polk but he has failed to catch any of those rascals. My horse is nearly given out. Col McKenzie has taken 3 companies and gone on a scout to Meigs County. We have remained on the same ground. Humes has been very uneasy about Wheeler. He has not had any communication with him since near Cleveland. He fears that Wheeler has been entirely cut off, but Wheeler came up all right having marched slowly from Dalton the way Humes ought to have done. Humes is too easily excited and marches too far. One scout went to Athens and prowled the town.
18th. We are still in camp on the Savannah farm. Nothing of interesthas occured. Some details were sent out to get some commissaries. At 4o'clock we took up the line of March down by Columbus and on the Athens road. We camped about 10 o'clock. It had rained all the evening, heavy showers. I got wet and lay down and slept in my wet clothes. Nute Coe got away.
19th. Day light found us encamped in the Athens road near old Haley's. We took up the line of march soon and took the Riceville Road where we arrived about 10 o'clock, and then we commenced burning the railroad and destroyed about 7 miles of it and encamped in 4 miles of Athens. Soon after dark a very heavy rain fell---the hardest that I ever saw fall. Col. McKenzie came back today. The Yanks have caught 16 ofhis men and the Col. narrowly escaped. They acted very imprudently-----all scattered and went home. The Yanks had nothing to do but go around and catch them. Companies B, C, and I are scattered and cut off. At midnight the 1st and 5th Tennessee Regiments started to help the Col. out of his difficulty. I saw Andrew Robinson's wife. She is in a destitute condition. We got some watermelons.
20th. We left camp about 2 hours by the sun. The railroad was still being burnt. All of the cordwood below Athens was burnt. I got breakfast in Athens at Henry Parks and I stopt at Blizzard's. He was gone. His wife was very kind. Our boys have robbed Athens and have robbed some good Southern people. Joe Horton has gone north. The Yanks have fortified the court house. Harbison could have taken the place at the time. There were only 40 Yanks in the place. Leaving Athens we cameto Sweetwater. The R. R. is destroyed all the way. From Sweetwater we took the Morganton road and traveled until dark and then camped.
21st. We left camps soon. We heard from Col McKenzie. He surprisedthe Yanks and captured their camp and lost 2 men, one of the 3rd Ark,the other Serg. Hacker, Co. H, 5th Tenn. Cav. They captured 40 wagons and some mules, horses and Negroes. We came to Little Tennessee River and crossed at a ford a few miles below Morganton. The people of this neighborhood are very kind to the soldiers, more so than at anyplace we have been. I attribute the kindness shown us to the influence of those good Quakers, whose policy it is to treat both Union and Confederate kindly. The Quakers yesterday did not get to go to church---first Sunday that they have missed since the settlement was founded. Our Cavalry Column was passing between them and their churchhouse. In the evening we received orders to march. I hurried over to Friendlytown and got my provisions and followed the regiment. They passed through Louisville and camped about dark. I went one mile for water. About midnight I was waked up to go to the mill. I wandered about a long time in the dark---couldn't find the mill and I decided it wasn't necessary for me to go with the detail and I came back to camp and slept soundly.
23rd. The Brigade got some little the start of me this morning. I had to mind Humes train while he issued some oats to the command. The advance guard was fired on by bushwhackers and our boys set fire to a house, but the good woman put it out. We marched around Knoxville within 9 or 10 miles. At 2 o'clock we came in sight with the French Broad River, and then we marched up the river for some miles and camped for the night. I slept soundly and was waked up at 2 o'clock and I went to the mill and got two days rations of flour. The boys helped themselves with meat by killing sheep and hogs. We had an inspection of arms. Capt. Mimms and Mullindore went on a scout of their homes. Col.McKenzie came from his scout home.
24th. I arose soon and went to mill and issued two days rations. Wemarched at daylight and crossed the French Broad at the 7 Island Ford,water deep and swift. We then marched on the Strawberry Plains Road and crossed the Holston River one mile below Strawberry Plains. water deep and swift. Our advance captured the pickets at the ford on the Holston, 10 in number. After we crossed the Yanks chased a scout into our lines.The 9th Battallion and 2nd Tenn. Cavalry made a charge to the crest of a hill. They were somewhat scattered by having to cross a fence, but their banner went forward in noble style. We had a squally time for about 5 minutes. Wheeler threw a few shells into Strawberry Plains.Later in the evening our brigade marched to within three miles of Blair's (or Blains) Cross Roads and camped for the night. I slept at Hain's barn. I got some bread baked.
25th. We left camp soon and took the old Emory Road and crossed Clinch River at Black's Ford 10 miles from Clinton. A scout of Texas went to Clinton and prowled the town of boots and hats. The citizens all ran away. We forded the river after dark and camped on Cross's farm. I have felt unwell today. I notice some of the boys have whiskey. The upper East Tennessee companies in the 2nd and 8th have all gone home on a scout. I notice some pretty girls today. We came down Beaverdam Creek and crossed Bull Run.
26th. We were on the march as soon as brigade headguarters got breakfast. I am told that Col. Jonas Wheeler eat like he thought that this was his last meal he would get this side of middle Tennessee. We came on through Robertsville amd kept on the Emory Road and camped near Emory River which we crossed after dark. I was sent ahead with a detail to get some rations but I failed completely. However I stopped on the bank of the Emory where Nancy Losehubit(?) lived and got her to fix me up something to eat, and bake some bread. The brigade crossed the river after night. Our teams are much worn and our boys had a hard time getting their wagons out of the river. About 12 o'clock at night rained a very hard rain, with much thunder. I crossed after the rain and slept in an old schoolhouse by the road.
27th. I arose soon and overtook the command. Col. Montgomery was prowled of one pocket of his saddle bags and a sack of good apples, that I had got up yesterday while prowling. We marched on soon and I went ahead to forage. Stopped at Bill Buchannan's and Bill Brown gave me a clean shirt. Came on to Wheeler's headquarters and learned that our division would take the Crab Orchard road. We will go different roads over the mountian all to meet at Sparta. It is a tight time about rations. We are living on roasting ears. We passed up the mountain and on to Crab Orchard where we fed and then marched 21/2 miles futher and then encamped for the night. I saw Mary Walker at Crab Orchard . I have been very unwell all day. Very cool tonight.
28th. We started soon and passed through Crossville. Fed all the corn along the road. I got a little milk and bread to eat today. We passedseveral houses that the Yanks have burnt. Camp Ferguson has operated in this vicinty.All are Southern but opposed Champ. We killed 3 beeves and one hog today . The boys have plenty of meat but no bread. I have been sick all day, and at night I took a dose of pills which made me very sick all night. Today I saw a citizen that told me the Yankees news was that Sherman had fallen back and that Sheridan had been defeated----Mobile is not yet taken.
29th. We left camp at the Blue Springs and marched over on the Calfkiller which is a little mountian stream, and on to Sparta. The women were very glad to see us. Most of them cheered us in the true lady style. Most of Sparta had been burn by the Yanks. From Sparta we took the Smithville Road and crossed the Caney Fork of Cumberland River. We got to Smithvill just at night and then marched 2 miles on the Lebanon Road and we got no corn to feed. I have been very sick all day, and at night I was perfectly worn out. We got up no rations . I took a dose of morphine and slept soundly. The Chicago Convention meets today. This is to be a great day in this war's history. Met some fellows from Nashville.
30th. I got in the ambulance soon. We have traveled turnpikes all day. Some of them are in bad repair. We passed some small towns. I saw 15 home guards that had been captured at Liberty. The ladys were remarkably glad to see us. They were collected along the road in crowds,all anxious to here from their friends. We camped about 30 miles from Nashville on the Lebanon Road. I am yet very unwell.
31st. We struck the R R today at Smyrna station and the road burns finely. The Yanks have run into their little forts which proved after trial to be bomb proof. Many shots were fired with no effect only to draw a reply of the small arms which shot wild. The Yanks shot too high. One artilleryman was wounded in the thigh. The boys burned a Negro's house. The darkeys were glad to be allowed to go home. Tom came up and got me a quart of good whiskey and I got so drunk that I went to sleep and knew nothing of that night's travel

September, 1864

1st. I awoke about 5 o'clock this morning and heard the steam whistles in Nashville. Upon inquiry I learned that we were within 12 miles of Nashville. The Yanks charged the pickets of the 11th Texas and drove them to their base. The Texans formed and charged in turn capturing 20 men and 40 horses .Brownlow's regiment is newly equipped and lost their flag this morning. I got out of the ambulance and on to my mule and we marched over on the R R and tore up and destroyed until the Yanks drove us away. Then we marched on to Nolensville and from there in a western directon and camped after dark awhile. I am very near given out.
2nd. We struck the Nashville and Decatur R R 3 miles from Franklin. Soon after the boys had commenced tearing the R R it was reported the Yanks were coming. All were soon mounted. I saw the Yanks take possession of a very strong position. Gen. Kelley went up on them and got killed. They shelled our men and our guns shelled the Yanks most furiously. Rumor has it that Col. Brownlow has both of his thighs broken. We flanked around and camped 10 miles north west of Columbia. Iwas very unwell. We traveled behind the train which is very much worn down. Col. [illegible] of 3 Ark was wounded.
3rd. Today we have been flanking Columbia. We have marched over all sorts of roads and we have been from 10 to 6 mile of Columbia all day.We passed through the farm of Gen. Polk and near Pillow's Farm. This is the hottest day since we started. We camped near Bigbyville. I had some dreams in which I had good luck.
4th. We struck the R R below Columbia and gave it a good burning.Col. Wheeler tried to take a stockade but failed. It was bomb proof.We passed on to Linn Station where we met a large body of Yanks and fell back to a good position in the woods. Our brigade skirmished with the enemy but could not get them up to the scratch. After dark all the Cavalry was moved off as if to Pulaski, and the Yanks, we will flank them on the right. One artillerman got wounded up at the Stockade. We marched all night. The men were very sleepy.
5th. Daylight found us in the saddle. When we stopped to feed theYanks run in our pickets. Wheeler pushed on to Campbellton where he found the Yanks in force. We marched through the town at a doublequick. Our boys marched steady. A brisk skirmish was going on. Some ladies run out of the fight at double-quick and hollowed something about the Yanks. It was a very interesting scene. I saw one Yankee line of battle. It was Calvary. I saw one of our men pass his wife and daughters amidst the skirmish and shelling. He waved his hat and his wife and daughters wrung their hands and shouted. He passed on but Ithink he went back. We came over into the woods and dismounted but Wheeler got his wagons around the town and he then withdrew his forces. We are evidently on our way from here to Tennessee River. We got to Lawrenceville (or Lawrenceburg) after dark awhile, and encamped for the night without food for either man or horse. Rousseau is said to be after us with 4000 cavalry. Wheeler is watching Rosecran[Rosecrans] with great care. Roddy is at the Tennessee River and has possession of the ford.
6th. We mounted at daylight and marched. The Yanks attacked our rear under Col. Hearst. They broke his line twice but he charged them and put them back and they were no more trouble during the day although they were in our rear and on out flanks all day. We marched through a very poor country. We came through the town of Lexington and struck the oldmilitary road and encamped two miles from the Tennessee River on the BlueCreek. We will cross the river where Jackson crossed his army in the time of the Indian wars. All the boys are wearing out. All is now safe. We have done much mischief to the Yanks and are now all safe, the most successful raid that I ever knew. I saw two men that had been wounded by bushwhackers. These woods are said to be full of deserters and robbers.
7th. I got up and helped to cook and I eat a hearty meal and then I lay down under a big oak tree and slept till 12 o'ckock when the alarm was raised that the Yanks were coming to attack us. All hands saddled up and away we went until we crossed Shoal Creek and then away in the night we got over to Huffs and camped. A flag of truce came in today. It was in answer to a flag that Wheeler had sent into Nashville threatening to retaliate if certain men were hung that were under sentence. The Yanks said that they were not soldiers but robbers and bushwhackers. The Yanks also said by the flag of truce that Atlanta surrendered on the 4th of September, 1864.
8th. I awoke soon and fed and I took a detail to go out and hunt up rations. The Brigade moved up to Ball's factory and camped. I went up to the Cowpen Mills and got one day rations of flour. The Yanks have burnt both of these factories. Dodge burnt them. The men lay in camp and rested. I hear the rumor that Sherman is falling back.
9th. I went to the Cowpen Mills and a courier came up and informed us that the brigade was moving. Some could hear cannon. We mounted our horses and put out after the command and overtook it 1 mile from Ball's factory on the Florence Road. The Yanks had attacked our pickets in force and were marching on us with the intention of driving us across the river. I marched with Red Floyd of the 4th Ga. We got to the river about midnight and marched across. I swam 4 times. Some of the boys went to low and could not get back. They cried very piteously for help. I was out but the Lord only knows what became of the others. I got out all wet and could not find the road out. I tried up and dried.It was dark as I came over. The moon had gone down and it was very dark, the water swift and deep as my mule swam past the shoal. The poor fellows that had been swept over by the current and could not get back uttered the most piteous cries for help. Others were praying. I thought, taking everything into consideration, that it was the most solemn moment that I ever saw. I had a stout mule and I went through the swift water most nobly. It is said that 6 Georgians got drowned. We missed the ford. We had no guides. There was a good ford near the place but we did not find it. The fault must have been with Gen. Wheeler. He had made arrangements at the river.
10th I found myself on the banks of the Tennessee River. I was wet. I hunted around and found where the men had marched up through the thickets. I found our regiment and met some of our men going back to their guns and so we marched 3 miles and encamped. Got some rations and rested all day. We are in need of salt. Rumor has it that Hood has evacuated Atlanta.
11th We lay and rested. I went out to get some some salt and found that all the Negros had been taken off the farms and the people are very poor and needy. All the land is vacant; that is idle. The Lord has cursed this valley with a grievous curse. I got some salt after dark. Ezell got it from Goodloe.
12th. I bought a beef and drove it up and I killed it, weighed 300 pounds. At 12 o'clock we moved up to Oats Farm and camped. I here some talk about peace propositions. Capt. Lillard is for peace on the basis of reconstruction provided the north guarantee to the south all of her rights. I fear that the peace party of the north will offer us such terms as may divide.
13 th I arose soon. A fog lay over the valley. We are 14 miles fromTuscumbia. We are short of breadstuff and no mill nearer than 12 miles.No grain to grind. Some of the boys are grating corn. I was much vexed about getting meat for the regiment. Col. McKenzie sent for me and his Nibs gave a lecture. I went to the Widow Haley's and got 2 beeves.
14 th I left camps at sunrise with a detail in company with the details of the other regiments of our brigade. Ezell in command. Our division moved in the direction of Courtland and the other divisions marched by way of Russellville. We came on through Tuscumbia. I findthat the town is not near as large as it was 15 years ago. I came over my old stammping ground. The RR is all burnt. We came on to Dr. Jones and then went over Forster's Mill. Ration are very scarce. Most of the lands are idle. The Lord has sent a great curse upon the people of this valley, for their meanness in former days. All are poor, too poor to sell a piece of bread.
15th After sleeping all night in one of Forster's lots we got up and eat our bread and bacon. We set out to hunt something to eat. We got 3 beeves and then went to Good's horse mill and ground 1 day rations of mealfor the brigade. The command has stopped down about Florence. There is some misunderstanding. The command should have gone up to Town Creek. I set up and ground my meal after night.
16th We started to hunt the command. I helped to drive 4 beeves. I soon met stragglers who told me that the command was encamped at Turner's Mill. I arrived in camp about 3 o'clock and found (everthing) alright.The boys had gotten hold of plenty of ration and all were in a splendid humor. I lay down and rested. I learned today that Atlanta has gone up sure enough. Hood fought them a master battle but failed to drive them and hence they got the city. Hood was badly out generaled. Some say that Forest is comming up with all his forces and that we will move into middle Tennessee in a few days.
17th I got up from a pleasant night's sleep, eat beef and bread. Tooka detail and went up to the field, shelled corn and took it to the mill and ground it. I went in and bathed in the Tennessee River. I saw a man that told me that he had learned that Gen. Dick Taylor had gone upto see Gen. Wheeler. Camps are full of rumors. The officers are doingthings as if there was something on hand that they did want kept secret.
18th, 19th, 20th. We lay in camps at Turner's Mill 7 miles from Tuscumbia, Ala. All that we did was to get up our rations, eat them and try to get our stock shod up. We received some horse shoes from Corinth. Forest is moving up and it is thought we will soon move into middle Tennessee. Ezell issued the old bull on the 19th. This is the anniversary of the battle of Chickamauga.
21th. We lay in camp at Turner's Mills. Forest crossed the river today.
22th. We recieved orders to move up to Courtland. It became evident that we were not going on raid with Froster but were ordered back to GA. We marched through Courtland after dark and camped on the widow Sheard's farm about 9 o'clock at night and no one knew when to get feed. All scattered about and found corn wherever we could.
23th. We remained in camps and cooked rations and issued some salt, clothing and horse shoes. I got a pair of pants. Roddy crossed the river yesterday. The 9th Bat, and 1st Tenn. Regiment got permission to report to Forest in order to recruit. I went over to Charlie Swoops and killed 250 pounds of pork and issued it. I saw a Mrs. Woods that had charge of affairs that I considered a very fine lady. There is some satisfaction among the cavalry on the account of their not getting to go over with Forest. A few of our regiment ran away.
24th. We had marching orders soon and we took the road to Danville which place we arrived at before sundown and camped. Some of the boys had whiskey. Cannon can be distinctly heard. Forest is waking the Yanks up over the river. We had a little rain last night and this morn. Tonight is very cool and will come near a frost. Roads are muddy and bad.
25th. Morning cool, some say they saw frost. I took a detail andwent ahead to look up some rations. Ground on a horse mill. Cannon can be heard plainly in the direction of Athens, Ala. We camped in Gandy Cove. The night was cool.
26th. We lay in camps until near 12 o'clock and then started acrossthe Sand mountain. I went ahead with a detail to get some rations but we did not go the road that the command did and our labors were in vain. I camped at Karn's Mill. The boys have plenty of Brandy. Stainback is drunk. The people on the mountain have no meat aand have lived the most of this year on bread and vegetables. I got a supper of bread and molasses.
27th. I arose soon and fed Dapple. I then went out to get my breakfast. I got a little to eat. I passed Harrison's Brigade near Summit. Our Brigade is some distance behind. I waited until the division all got up. About the middle of the day Roberts said that he had to go ahead to a mill. I went with him but the Texans, Georgians and Alabamans had all got in before him. He has some Brandy. He says that Gen. Humes sent him on the Red Hill Road. In the evening I learnedthat our division was going to go the Gadsden Road and would camp at Walnuts Grove. I left Brown's Valley and followed until night.
28th. Last night we camped at Capt. Hamilton's and were well treated. Bill Webb is with me. We slept in the kitchen. While eatingsupper one of the 4th Alabama tried to steal our mules. Webb's mule got loose in the night. We are 15 miles behind the Brigade. We started soon and marched all day and camped 3 miles from Gadsden. I overtook Joe Mc.(McClary) and he told me much news about Forest's taking Memphis andHood's loseing Atlanta. He says there are plenty of provisions in Miss.We cross the Black Warrior and Wills Creek and came through Wills Valley. The people are hard run for provisions, whiskey and brandy plentiful.

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Per: "Bibles, Burns, Rogers, Fergusons, Fannah Families" by Rev. John C. Williamson; privately published in 1970