Episode 18: PVT John Milton Hubbard and the 7th Tennessee Cavalry at the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads
Apr 24, 2024
William Coghlan
At the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads, PVT John Milton Hubbard and the 7th Tennessee Cavalry, as part of MG Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Cavalry Corps, advanced against a numerically superior Union force on 10 June 1864.
Union Cavalry held the cross roads before the Confederates arrived and during that morning dismounted cavalry squared off against each other. Armed with Colt Navy Revolvers, PVT Hubbard and the 7th Tennessee Cavalry charged the lines of the 3rd and 4th Iowa Cavalry Regiments several times east of Brice’s Cross Roads.
Union Infantry eventually relieved the cavalry and PVT Hubbard and the 7th Tennessee now faced the 81st Illinois who had just forced marched about four miles into position. With cannon and bugles acting as the signal, the Confederates charged the physically exhausted Union Infantry at the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads.
Davis, George B. Perry, Leslie J. Kirkley, Joseph W. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Ser. 1, Vol. 39, Pt. 1: Reports. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1892. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077728297&view=1up&seq=3.
“John Milton Hubbard, Pioneer Teacher, Dies: Confederate Veteran and Author Was 91 Years of Age.” Commercial Appeal, April 3, 1923. Newspapers.com.
At the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads, PVT John Milton Hubbard and the 7th Tennessee Cavalry, as part of MG Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Cavalry Corps, advanced against a numerically superior Union force on 10 June 1864.
Union Cavalry held the cross roads before the Confederates arrived and during that morning dismounted cavalry squared off against each other. Armed with Colt Navy Revolvers, PVT Hubbard and the 7th Tennessee Cavalry charged the lines of the 3rd and 4th Iowa Cavalry Regiments several times east of Brice’s Cross Roads.
Union Infantry eventually relieved the cavalry and PVT Hubbard and the 7th Tennessee now faced the 81st Illinois who had just forced marched about four miles into position. With cannon and bugles acting as the signal, the Confederates charged the physically exhausted Union Infantry at the Battle of Brice’s Cross Roads.
Davis, George B. Perry, Leslie J. Kirkley, Joseph W. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Ser. 1, Vol. 39, Pt. 1: Reports. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1892. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077728297&view=1up&seq=3.
“John Milton Hubbard, Pioneer Teacher, Dies: Confederate Veteran and Author Was 91 Years of Age.” Commercial Appeal, April 3, 1923. Newspapers.com.
Hello. My name is bill Coughlin and welcome to first person civil war podcast, which retells the stories of the soldiers and officers. Uh, on the ground, in the battles of the civil war. Episode 18 is entitled. Private John Milton Hubbard. And the seventh Tennessee cavalry at the battle of Bryce's crossroads. And relies on the souvenir edition. Of his book. Notes of a private, which he published in 1911. John Milton Hubbard was born in Anson county, North Carolina. But by 1858, he was a teacher and lived in the town of Boulevard. In Hardeman county, Tennessee. He taught in the town until May, 1861. When a company of cavalry, which called themselves the heart, amend Avengers began forming in Boulevard. And John Hubbard decided to join them. 101 men left for Jackson, Mississippi to be mustered into the Confederate army. But was initially not assigned to a cavalry regiment. Now a private and the only rank he held throughout the war. John Hubbard departed with the Avengers for service in Missouri and Kentucky. In 1861. By 1862 private Hubbard's company participated in Armstrong's raid and re flagged as company E seventh, Tennessee cavalry. Which participated in the Holly Springs raid. By early 1864. The seventh Tennessee cavalry was assigned to the fourth brigade of major general Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry Corps. On one, June, 1864, a union force from Memphis, Tennessee commanded by Brigadier general, Samuel D Sturgis departed for Northern Mississippi to disrupt any planned raid that Forrest had upon the rail lines in Tennessee, that supplied major general Sherman's operations in Georgia. As part of this advance Brigadier general Sturgis wanted to destroy the mobile and Ohio railroad. In the north Eastern corner of Mississippi. Private Hubbard and the seventh Tennessee cavalry now road in Colonel Edmund, Rutgers brigade. And initially met preclude. Peter general Sturgis is men. At the town of Ripley, Mississippi. Colonel Rucker and his men. Attempted to attack the union. Right? Flank. But the fight did not amount to much. And the brigade then road east to Boonville, Mississippi. To link up with major general forest. On nine June. Major general forest. So not possessing all of his cavalry planned an attack on Brigadier general apprentices men at a place called Bryce's crossroads. At about 4:00 AM on the morning of 10, June, 1864. Private Hubbard and the seventh Tennessee cavalry. Along with other elements of forests, cavalry Corps. Departed from several locations along the mobile and Ohio railroad. His regiment at approximately 18 miles to ride. While others further north. Had 25 miles. I'm brigade of union cavalry was the first to arrive at prices crossroads. A location where the Ponta talk, Ripley gun town and Baldwin roads met and occupied a position east along the Baldwin road. By the time private Hubbard and the seventh Tennessee cavalry arrived in the late morning. Fighting between this union brigade and a Confederate brigade. I was already underway. The federal cavalry advance moving rapidly, passing the point. Meaning Bryce's crossroads. And even went some distance beyond the direction of gun town. When the Confederate advanced came up, the enemy was ready to block their way on the road from Baldwin. And have the advantage of position. Johnson's Alabamians in advance fell upon them furiously while Rutgers brigade was coming to the rescue. This is bit of a strong word to use, but they form south of the road and supported them. Major general forest plan for the battle included, holding the crossroads at the beginning of the fight. But that plan had to change. Given the presence of union cavalry. The Confederates had a rare opportunity of engaging a numerically superior force of approximately two to one while it was not concentrated. By late morning. Confederate and union cavalry continued to engage each other. Which included private Hubbard. And the seventh Tennessee cavalry. Rutger was turned to the left and into the woods where his men were quickly dismounted and gotten ready for battle. At the word, they sprung over a fence and into a muddy cornfield. Will I ever forget it. The enemy posted in a dense wood and behind a heavy fence. Poured a calling fire into our ranks. It looked like death to go to the fence. But many of the men reached it. Four of company E were killed in this charge. Men could not stay there and live. The men holding the fence were from the dismounted fourth, Iowa cavalry. Commanded by major Abel R Pierce. The infantry were five or six miles in the rear. I was ordered to take the regiment to the front dismounted. I formed my line near Bryce has crossroads. He describes how the regimen formed at an angle in relation to the seventh Tennessee cavalry. And we're initially pushed back. And then continues. I then formed the regiment from the right parallel with the enemies front. As I heard the enemy advancing through the brush. I ordered the regiment to lie close to the ground. They charged us twice in this position. But we're driven back with heavy loss. We lay here about two hours within 60 yards of the enemy. The brush being so thick that we could not see them. Private Hubbard says of this second advance upon their cavalry pho. This time we went over the fence. Reinforcements were evidently at hand for the Federalists for on, they came like a resist this tide. It was death not to give back. Another readjustment of lines and we were at them again. I cannot say how many times this was repeated. For men in the very presence of death. Take no note of time. The roar of artillery and the fusillade of small arms we're deafening. Sheets of flame where along both lines. While dense clouds of smoke arose above the heavily wooded field. No language is adequate to paint the verities of the moment. The ground where the seventh Tennessee cavalry advanced. Was also occupied in part by the third Iowa cavalry. And it's commander. Lieutenant Colonel John W. Noble confirms the multiple advances upon them. By this movement. Meaning how he placed the regiment. My command was separated and the line interrupted until the gap was filled by a portion of the fourth Iowa cavalry. On the left of this brigade. Meaning where private Hubbard's regiment advanced. The enemy was driven back three different times. And several of his officers were killed. While urging their men forward. Two are known to have fallen on the field. This initial fight between dismounted cavalry forces. Was at least for the union's part to buy time for infantry to advance and occupy prices, crossroads. Once the infantry and artillery were in position. The union cavalry departed. The Confederates under major general Nathan Bedford, Forrest. Where themselves not idle as their foes strengthen their position. Private Hubbard and the seventh Tennessee cavalry prepared for another advance. In order to retire from the field would have brought no surprise, but forest and his brigade commanders were better informed. Mounted on his big sorrel horse, saber and hand sleeves rolled up. His coat lying on the pommel of his saddle. Looking the very God of war. The general road down our line, as far as we could see him. I remember his words, which I heard more than once. Get up men. I have ordered bell to charge on the left. Who was the brigade commander of another Confederate cavalry brigade. When you hear his guns and the bugle sounds, every man must charge and we will give them hell. The infantry that now occupied prices crossroads. And directly opposite the seventh Tennessee cavalry. Was the 81st Illinois. Commanded by Colonel Franklin Campbell. And they arrived on the field. Exhausted. I advanced about 10:00 AM. When I came within hearing of our advanced cavalry and artillery skirmishing with the enemy. The day had become intensely hot. About 10:00 AM orders came from the front. To rush the men forward. As an advantageous position had been gained. Which it was important to hold. I marched the men as rapidly as possible. Very soon orders came to double quick. The men. As moments where everything. It was under the circumstances orders upon orders that I hurried and urge the men forward a distance of four miles. Under a hot sun to the field of battle. I was forced to put the regiment in line in an open space of ground without a leaf of shade. When numbers of them fell down, exhausted from overexertion under the terrible heat. The cavalry had departed. The union force had occupied Bryce's crossroads still outnumbered the Confederates. Major general forest undaunted continued to press as attack. Private Hubbard and the seventh Tennessee cavalry. Joined in the dismounted assault. We heard bells, guns and the bugle. Advancing over the dead bodies of federals, hand Confederates and regaining the ground lost in the last repulse. Rutgers brigade in one grand last charge. I moved to the assault of the enemies position. Small bushes cutoff near the ground and falling in our front meant that the Federalists had been reinforced by veteran infantry and we're firing low. So close where we now to their line and the fighting. So nearly hand to hand that our Navy sixes were used to deadly effect. Most men. In major general forests command. Use this pistol. Colonel Campbell of the 81st Illinois set of this fight. The action almost immediately commenced. It was now between the hours of 12 and 1:00 PM. The fighting was terrific. The men under my command repulse charge after charge of the enemy. And maintain their position with, but little change until the enemy were driven back from our front. Though, initially repulsed, the Confederate assault was successful. The Federalist bravely with stood our onslaught for a time. But soon gave way in confusion and broke to the rear. Rutgers men greatly encouraged. Moved rapidly to the front and with no regard for formation. Came out into the open at the Bryce residence. The men of the various commands concentrating upon this point. Became intermingled as they charged up to where all could see the grand scamper of the federals running down towards Tisha Mingo Creek. Brigadier general Sturgis has men retreated up the road toward Ripley, Mississippi. And the seventh Tennessee cavalry personally led by major general forest. Pursued them early the next morning. It was only after a brief fight around the town of Ripley. Did the Confederates disengage. For private Hubbard, the battle of prices, crossroads. I became one of the most vivid memories of the war. 44 years have come and gone since the scenes of which I right past before the vision. But they were so indelibly impressed upon the tablet of the memory. That it is easy to recall them. The slightest incident often recalls the fiercest battle scene. And for the moment I live in the past. Private Hubbard remained in company E seventh, Tennessee cavalry. And participated in several more raids across the south. At Gainesville, Alabama on 11 May, 1865. He was paroled. Not only did John Milton Hubbard include the text of it in his book. He placed it immediately after the book's dedication. Private J M Hubbard of company E seven. Tennessee cavalry C S a. Residing in Hardeman county, Tennessee. Having been with the approval of the proper authorities paroled. Is permitted to return to his home. Not to be disturbed by the United States authorities. So long as he observes his parole and the laws in force where he may reside. By order of E R S can be major general United States army. Signed E S Dennis Brigadier general commanding for us. I certify on honor, that within named soldier is the rightful owner of one horse. Signed. Hardy Harris Lieutenant. Commanding company E seventh, Tennessee cavalry CSA. John Milton Hubbard returned to Boulevard, Tennessee. With his horse old snip in 1865. Where he continued teaching for a total of 44 years. Pre-war time included and raised a family. In 1911, John Milton Hubbard following the success of his first edition. Published the souvenir edition of his book. Notes of a private which was the source for this episode. Thank you for listening to the 18th episode. The link to private Hubbard's book is now available on the podcast website. First person, civil war, podcast.com. On the top, right. Of each webpage are links to the podcasts, Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn accounts. Please give them a follow. On those platforms this week. You will find pictures of John Milton Hubbard in 1909. And an unidentified Confederate soldier holding two weapons. One of which being a Colt Navy revolver. The same type of pistol used by Confederate cavalry men at the battle of Bryce's crossroads. If you do not have any of these Accounts. you can still see the pictures of the veterans already discussed on the homepage of the podcast website. If you've enjoyed the content of first person, civil war podcast. Please consider supporting it. That link is also located on the top of each webpage. Your generosity is most appreciated. Second Lieutenant John Gregory, Bishop Adams. Of company I 19th, Massachusetts. Provides next week's first person accounts. At the battle. Of Fredericksburg. My name is bill Conklin. And thank you for listening to first person civil war podcast.
