One of my current interests in Munfordville, and I have yet to decide if that will turn into a full length project or not. While gathering resources for such a possible endeavor, I remembered the wonderful diary kept by Captain John W. Tuttle of the 3rd Kentucky Infantry (US). In 1862, Tuttle was a lieutenant and provides some valuable insights into the aftermath of Munfordville from the point of view of a Union soldier not directly involved in the fight. He also gifts us several gems on the details of the long, hot march to Louisville. Just before entering Louisville, Tuttle remarks that the men had had enough of the lack of water, food, and rest so "free use was made of epithets 'traitor, tyrant, fool, and coward' with reference to Gen. Buell."
Saturday, September 13.
Was engaged in novel reading the principal part of the day, J. L. Hardin took his place as 2nd Lieut., Co. G.
Sunday, September 14.
After inspection Capts. Collier, Dunlap and myself went into the encampment of the 26th Ohio, where we spent most of the day with a set of jovial larks belonging to that regiment.
Monday, September 15.
Was engaged most of the day examining candidates for commission and attending their examination by the other members of the board. This evening received orders to be in immediate readiness to march with seven days' rations, leaving tents and baggage behind. Loaded four wagons of the regiment with provisions and ammunition but did not move.
Tuesday, September 16.
Yesterday's order with regard to being in readiness to march was renewed this morning. Sat on the board of examiners until 3 p. m. when we took up our line of march in the direction of Mumfordsville. Our division (Gen Wood‘s) Crittenden's and Rousseau‘s moved out seven miles in the direction mentioned and bivouacked on the Louisville and Bowling Green pike.
Wednesday, September 17.
Marched about eleven miles. Bivouacked in about four miles of Bell's Tavern. Bragg is reported to have his Head Quarters at that place. Some of our advance guard (Col. Woolford's cavalry) came in contact with a pretty strong body of the enemy‘s cavalry which they drove back.
Thursday, September 18.
Resumed our march this morning. Halted on a hill about two miles west of Cave City and formed in order of battle. A considerable force of cavalry was seen upon a mountain road about two miles distant moving to our rear which we supposed to be an enemy the woods being so dense we could only detect the form of men without being able to ascertain whose troops they were. We sent a regt. of cavalry out that way who ascertained they were our own scouts. Late in the evening we marched to Cave City and bivouacked in an open field on the side of the road opposite town. Some sharp skirmishing has been going on all day between our advance and the enemy's outposts. Our cavalry has brought in several little squads of the rebs.
Friday, September 19.
Lay all day upon the ground we occupied last night upon our arrival. Quite a mournful spectacle was presented to our view this morning. About forty one hundred of our soldiers under Col. Wilder who fought so gallantly on Sunday last at Mumfordville and repulsed a largely superior force of the enemy but who were overpowered and taken on Tuesday came into our camp. In consideration of their gallant defense of their post the enemy paroled them and permitted them to depart with flying colors to the tune of Yankee Doodle. Their meeting with us was truly affecting. Many wept when they beheld the heroic band pass in mournful recession through our lines and many were the feeling assurances we gave them that the time was very nigh at hand when we would have a sufficient number of the enemy in our hands to exchange for them. The Adjutant of our regt. H. A. Bullitt who was at Mumfordville (on his way from Louisville to join our regiment) was among the prisoners. He had only received his commission a few days before he was taken.
Saturday, September 20.
Remained in status quo all day. About one hundred and fifty rebel prisoners taken in our little skirmishes within the last two or three days were paroled this morning and marched out of our lines. Gen. Thomas arrived here with his division today direct from Nashville. I walked out about two miles to meet the 12th Ky. Saw several of my friends and acquaintances. [Eligible Name] came to my regiment with me and remained nearly all evening. Nearly all of Buell's army is now here and some besides. We all march at daylight in the morning towards the enemy. We take nothing with us but our ammunition and three days' rations which are to last us six. It is now 11 p. m. I am sitting in a wagon posting up this book. Am robbing the teamster of his sleeping apartment so must get out and seek my dewy pallet.
Sunday, September 21.
Left Cave City this morning about sunrise and moved in the direction of the enemy in order of battle cautiously feeling our way with skirmishers. Proceeded in this manner about four miles which occupied about half the day. News then reached us that the enemy had evacuated Mnmfordville and that Maj. Foster of the 3rd Ohio cavalry was in possession of the place. Upon receipt of the intelligence we abandoned our cautious devices and formal manner of advance and pressed forward with all possible rapidity. when near the fortifications at Woodsonville (where Wilder's forces were taken last Tuesday) our advance (3rd Ohio cavalry who had returned to us from Munfordville) came in contact with the enemy‘s rear guard a considerable force of cavalry and engaged them until our division formed in order of battle and advanced upon them. We arrived almost within range of the enemy when one of their companies made a charge upon our cavalry probably with a view of ascertaining their strength, position, etc., and whether or not they were supported by infantry. The result of their investigation was doubtless satisfactory as they not only met with a warm reception at the hands of our cavalry but had also the pleasure of witnessing quite an interesting military display gotten up by our infantry for their special entertainment. They turned and went back to their reserve about as fast as they came with such an account of our numbers as induced them to beat a precipitate retreat. Our cavalry pursued killing wounding and capturing about fifty. The infantry continued to move forward the 3rd Ky. in the advance until within about 200 yds. of the Woodsonville fortifications when we halted to ascertain whether or not they were occupied. Just at that time a battery stationed on the Munfordville side of the river began shelling us. A battery attached to our brigade (8th Ind.) came up and stationing a section upon each end of our regiment opened fire upon the rebel battery. The artillery duel lasted about forty minutes during which time our regiment which had been ordered to support the 8th Ind. battery occupied a horizontal position protected by a slight rise. No casualties occurred in our regiment worth mentioning except one man in my company who was wounded in the head by a piece of shell. When the cannonading ceased we crossed the river and bivouacked.
Monday, September 22.
Marched this morning at about 9 a. m. Arrived at Bacon Greek about 2 p. m. and bivouacked upon the ground occupied by troops last winter while advancing upon Bowling Green. Remained an hour or so when we were ordered to march six miles farther on. Bivouacked about 8 p. m. near Upton‘s Station. Used an enormous quantity of fencing for fuel. Marched twenty miles today. It is now 11 p. m. will lie down. Nothing to eat since daybreak.
Tuesday, September 23.
Had reveille this morning at 5, and marched at 4. Reached Elizabethtown about two p. m. and as we had traveled twenty miles we drew up in order of encampment expecting to draw provisions and remain over until morning but were pushed on between ten and eleven miles farther without either provisions or rest. Bivouacked about 11 p. m. Except a limited quantity of crackers at breakfast none of us have eaten anything today.
Wednesday, September 24.
Reveille about daybreak. My mess had nothing for breakfast but I was so fortunate as to discover that Captain Collier had something to eat and invited myself to share his breakfast with him and did ample justice to the repast as may be readily supposed considering the duration of my fast. Passed through Bloomington about 8 a. m. Arrived at West Point at the mouth of Salt River about 2 1/2 p.m.. Here we drew a little beef bought a few pies and remained until about sunset when we marched about three miles up the Ohio River and bivouacked.
Thursday, September 25.
Reveille about daybreak but as two divisions preceded us on the march we did not get on the road until about 9 a. m. Marched°to within eight miles of Louisville and filed to the left out to and up the Ohio River for the purpose (as we were informed) of obtaining water. We bivouacked about sunset on the banks of the Ohio. Remained here about two hours when we were ordered to proceed to Louisville until 2 a. m. Friday, September 25. During the latter part of this march free use was made of epithets "traitor, tyrant, fool, and coward“ with reference to Gen. Buell. Entered the city on 18th and Main.
Friday, September 26.
Arrived at Louisville this morning at about 2 a. m. After stacking arms the men tore down a number of outhouses , fences, etc., for fuel. Capt Taylor and I went up Main in quest of something to eat. Found some cheese crackers sardines and sausage and whisky, upon which we gorged ourselves and returned to the place occupied by our regiment about daylight. After breakfast, Lt. Hardin and I went up into the·city and purchased a suit of clothes each and numerous other articles necessary for our comfort in our present situation. Returned to our regiment about 4 p. m. We had taken a bath gone through the barber‘s hands put on our new clothes and looked as we thought extremely well but we were mortified as we passed along the streets by being called "new troops" "band box soldiers" "never seen hardship" etc. until we wished we had southern soil an inch thick all over us.
Sources:
Diary of Captain John W. Tuttle, 1860-1867 found at https://exploreuk.uky.edu/catalog/xt7g7940t98k_1#page/1/mode/1up/search/munfordville
Derrick Lindow is an author, historian, teacher, and creator of the WTCW site. His first book, published by Savas Beatie, was released in 2024. Go HERE to read more posts by Derrick and click HERE to visit his personal page. Follow Derrick on different social media platforms (Instagram and Twitter) to get more Western Theater and Kentucky Civil War Content.
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