Among the Enemy: A Michigan Soldier’s Civil War Journal

7. Fortress Rosecrans: March 20–June 28, 1863

7 + Fortress Rosecrans March 20–June 28, 1863 Murfreesboro was a strategic point for control of Middle Tennessee and had been fought over for more than a year. Rosecrans was determined that it would remain safely in Union hands and serve as a major supply point for further movement southward.Upon completion in late June, the defenses at Murfreesboro were the largest earthen fortification constructed during the entire war.They were eventually designated Fortress Rosecrans in the commander’s honor.The Michigan Engineers worked regularly on the fortifications for three months, beginning in mid-March 1863. Most of the outer lines were nearly complete before the arrival of Kimball and his Michigan comrades, but much remained to be done in the construction of inner lines, bombproof magazines, and supply buildings designed to hold 5 million rations. The construction work was dangerous and several of Kimball’s comrades in Company H were injured in accidents. Others took sick and were hospitalized. Kimball notes sadly the sudden death of Henry House and blames the surgeon. One of the highlights of their stay in Murfreesboro was the arrival of much-needed gear and supplies. Most received new tents and uniforms . Perhaps most important, their twenty-year-old rifled muskets were replaced with the prized Enfield and Springfield rifles. Kimball also references the arrival of new recruits and an expansion of the regiment with the addition of Company L. Originally structured like an infantry regiment, with ten companies of approximately 100 88 chapter 7 men, the Michigan Engineers was enlarged following the passage of legislation in 1862 that determined volunteer engineer regiments would have twelve companies with approximately 150 men each. It was not until the fall of 1864 that the regiment reached this authorized size of about 1,800 men.Company L joined the regiment at Murfreesboro,and Company M arrived several months later; the original ten companies grew as recruiting continued through the war. During their work at Fortress Rosecrans, the men and their officers also were caught up in a growing competition between their regiment and the Pioneer Brigade.The latter unit had been formed by Rosecrans, drawing upon skilled craftsmen and artisans in his army’s infantry regiments .The Pioneer Brigade was commanded by Regular Army engineer James St.Clair Morton,who also held a commission as brigadier general in the volunteers.Morton sought in vain to have the Michigan Engineers merged into his command, and he and Innes thought very little of each other. Kimball makes several references to this competition and dispute, both while at Murfreesboro and later during the summer of 1863. By the middle of June, the work was nearing completion and Rosecrans was preparing his army to move forward against Bragg’s Confederates .The main army left Murfreesboro beginning on June 24, and the Michigan Engineers wrapped up their work on Fortress Rosecrans. Before departing, they received several high-level visitors and were inspected by governors Austin Blair of Michigan and Andrew Johnson of Tennessee. Mar. 20. Worked all day cleaning up our grounds for the camp. Mar. 21. We were reviewed by Gen Rosecrans and staff at 2 p.m. with our knapsacks and accoutrements on. Marched in common and quick time, which then the Gen addressed us thus. Young men you have worked well. In one instance I know you fought well and you march well. Now do as well in the future as you have in the past and when you return your home state will be proud to place your flag in the State House with your names inscribed thereon. Signed the pay roll. Cos A & C were paid. Mar. 22. We were paid to Jan. 1st. I rec’d $56.65 besides sutler bill. I bought me a watch for $16.00. Col Innes went home on furlough. We were paid mostly in one and two dollar bills. fortress rosecrans 89 Mar. 23. Sent $20.00 home by Capt Fox. Drew seven bell tents. Mic and I got together in No. 4. Mar. 25. Mic Chamberlain put his watch up for $25.00 in a lottery and his chance in and won it himself. I put mine in at $19.00 and a chance in but it was won by George Green. Mar. 26. We began getting out timber for a warehouse. Mar. 29. The wind blew very cold.Wrote three letters, sending $50.00 home this pay day...