Episode 25: PVT William E. Bevens and the 1st Arkansas at the Battle of Ringgold Gap
Jun 19, 2024
William Coghlan
At the Battle of Ringgold Gap, PVT William E. Bevens and the 1st Arkansas are ordered to the top of White Oak Mountain, just north of the gap, to repel advancing Union Regiments and give the retreating Army of Tennessee time to reach Dalton Georgia.
Sources used for this episode:
Bevens, William E. Reminiscences of a Private Company “G” First Arkansas Regiment Infantry May, 1861 to 1865. 1912. https://www.loc.gov/item/81180866/.
At the Battle of Ringgold Gap, PVT William E. Bevens and the 1st Arkansas are ordered to the top of White Oak Mountain, just north of the gap, to repel advancing Union Regiments and give the retreating Army of Tennessee time to reach Dalton Georgia.
Sources used for this episode:
Bevens, William E. Reminiscences of a Private Company “G” First Arkansas Regiment Infantry May, 1861 to 1865. 1912. https://www.loc.gov/item/81180866/.
Hello. My name is bill Coughlin. And welcome to first person civil war podcast. Which retails the stories of the soldiers and officers. On the ground in the battles of the civil war. Episode 25 is entitled. Private William E Bevins and the first Arkansas at the battle of Ringgold gap. And relies on his book, reminiscences of a private company, G first Arkansas regiment infantry. May, 1861. To 1865. Which he published in 1913. William MI Bevin's grew up in Jackson, port Arkansas, where the white and black rivers meet. Jackson port was the county seat as well as an important riverboat stop before the war began. And there were also several large plantations marked by slaves in the surrounding area. This meant that the town of Jackson port had a degree of wealth before the war. An infantry company called the Jackson city guards formed at Jackson port and consisted of 120 men from across the county. By five May, 1861. The company completed its formation and departed by steamer for Memphis. Once there, they were assigned to the first Arkansas. Which completed its organization on 10 may, 1861. The company voted William E Bevins as a corporal. And he served in that capacity. Through the battle of first bull run. Until 17 March, 1862. When the first Arkansas reorganized its companies. The Jackson city guards were renamed company G but William me Bevins was not voted in a leadership position. And for the rest of the time in the army, he held the rank of private. The first Arkansas was transferred back to the west after the battle of first bull run. And was present at battles such as Shiloh Perry, Ville, stones, river, and Chickamauga. Following the success of the battle of Chickamauga, the Confederate army of Tennessee besieged, the army of the Cumberland in the nearby town of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Which was at that time. Uh, critical logistics hub. Situated along the Tennessee river. It was also a railroad hub. That now became the center of union and Confederate efforts in the west. As a result of the defeat at Chickamauga major general, Ulysses S grant was given command of all union forces in the Western theater. And he sent troops to Chattanooga to lift the siege. Once C J operations commenced. The army of Tennessee concentrated on missionary Ridge and lookout mountain. The first Arkansas being on the Northern end of missionary Ridge on tunnel hill. At some point during the siege, private Bevins and the first Arkansas witnessed a rarity during the civil war. When two brothers from the opposing armies met each other on the battlefield. In our company was a Kentucky lad named Barnett who had a brother in the union army. They got permission to spend the day together. When the day was over, they separated. Each going back to his command. That was war. Brother against brother, father against son. Arrayed in deadly combat. Even with such little information. Private Bevins. His story is plausible. There was a private Richard Barnett in the first Arkansas. And there were also several Kentucky regiments in the union army at Chattanooga. Uh, such as the eighth Kentucky. Which had a John Barnett and its ranks. 1850 census records show a Barnett household with a John age, age nine. And Richard P age five. That lived in Fiat county, Kentucky. By 1863. John would be about 22. And Richard. Would it be about 18? And both brothers enlisted in 1862. Another fact that supports this as a plausible match. Is that John H. Barnett enlisted in company B eighth, Kentucky. Which formed in his home county of Fiat. The first Arkansas and eighth Kentucky, at least a Chattanooga did not face each other on the battlefield. During the Chattanooga campaign. Private Bevins and the first Arkansas. We're assigned to Brigadier general Lucius E pulks brigade. And major general Patrick Claiborne's division. Of major general, John C Breckinridge is core. Of the army of Tennessee. Commanded by Braxton Bragg. They can veteran attempt to besiege Chattanooga in late 1863, ultimately failed. And on 24 November at lookout mountain. And 25 November at missionary Ridge grants combined force, which included the army of the Tennessee and the army of the Cumberland. Routed the Confederate army of Tennessee. The army of Tennessee retreated into Georgia. With Grant's forces in pursuit. Around the town of Ringgold, Georgia, approximately 15 miles south of missionary Ridge. The army of Tennessee was slowed in their retreat toward Dalton where the Western and Atlantic railroad. And a parallel road. Followed the south Chickamauga Creek through a small gap between Taylor's Ridge and wide Oak mountain. To allow the rest of the army and his trains to pass. Claiborne's division was ordered to hold the pass against the elements of the 12th and 15th cores. Under major general Joseph hooker. As private Bevins and the first Arkansas prepared for the upcoming battle on 26 November. He saw major general Claiborne. We went to Dalton marching all night, as we crossed the river, it seemed the coldest night our thinly cloud man had ever experienced. Our core hunter Hardy. Was the rear guard. General Claiborne's division was immediately in the rare. And he continues. About two o'clock. We passed general Claiborne. Mounted. Looking and thinking. Something is going to happen. I said to the boys. Why. Look at general Claiborne. Don't you see Warren, his eyes. General Claiborne, arrayed as men along the Ridge to the north and within the gap. And on the morning of 27, November, 1863. The battle of Ringgold gap began. Major general Joseph hooker advanced upon the gap and the Ridge line. Which included the 76th Ohio. Commanded by major Willard Warner. I moved steadily up the mountain, which was high and steep. With a strong line of skirmishers well to the front. Meeting a little opposition until near the summit. When a heavy fire was opened on us. We pressed steadily forward. Driving the enemy before us and gain the summit of the Ridge. So as to see the enemy going down the opposite slope. Brigadier general Lucius Polk, a brigade commander at the battle saw the initial success of the union advance. And ordered the first Arkansas, one of his regiments to the summit. I went in person to the top of Taylor's Ridge to see the commanding officer of the seventh Texas regiment. Before arriving there. I met a straggler who told me the enemy was crossing Taylor's Ridge to the right of general Claiborne's position. During the battle major general Claiborne was in the gap. And has also assumed that the initial resistance, the 76, the Ohio meant was the extended skirmish line of the seventh, Texas. And he continues. I immediately ordered up the first Arkansas regiment and arriving in column at the top of the Ridge, found the skirmishers of the enemy within 20 steps of the top of the Ringgold side of the Ridge. Private Bevins and the first Arkansas. Initially held in reserve or ordered to the top of the Ridge. The regiment formed and met the 76th Ohio. We had crossed Ringgold mountain. And by this, he means wide Oak mountain. But we were sent back to take the horses from the Canon, but men in their places and pulled it quickly to the top of the mountain. So to the summit over rocks and between trees. Two pieces were carried. Our regiment was sent to the top with them. Two minutes more would have been too late. Not 50 yards away on the other side of the hill. We're Yankees climbing for the same goal. Private Bevins. And the first Arkansas met the 76th Ohio at the top of the hill and began pushing the Ohioans back down the Ridge. Then the firing began. We had the advantage in having a tree to use as breast works. And in being able to see them. Whenever one stepped aside from his tree to shoot. Our men got him. Captain shoe and John Baird. Rolled rocks down the hill. And when a Yankee dodged the other boys shot him. We picked off dozens. When the Canon was got ready and began shelling the woods, breaking the trees, tearing a Brocks and showering them on the lines below. They had to break and retreat in haste down the hill. After successfully pushing the 76th Ohio down the Ridge more regimens on both sides, arrived on the field and the first Arkansas marched to a position further north, along the Ridge, and continue to engage advancing union regiments. But it seems private Bevins did not accompany his regiment to this new position. According to private Bevins. The first Arkansas at the battle of Ringgold gap had two pieces of artillery in its possession. Which he was either a part of the gun crew or replaced a man while on the Ridge. For the remainder of the battle. Private Bevin's his account is within Ringgold gap. General Claiborne took us next to Ringgold gap. He made a talk to the boys. Telling us that we were there to save the army. Which was five miles away and could not possibly get help to us. Our task would require nerve and we'll have, which we knew we had plenty. Private Bevins then man, the Canon as the latest union formation assaulted the gap. They came on us seven columns, deep to our two. We watched them advance and seconds seemed ours. We felt they would be on us before Claiborne even gave the signal. Would he ever give it? At last, when the time was ripe. He who knew the art of war so well, gave the signal to fire and such deadly work. Did we perform as was not surpassed in the whole four years of war? We let loose on them. Four pieces of cannon. The command to stop firing was not given until the number of dead in our front was greater than our brigade. They'll private Bevins is account a seems to be one grand assault upon the gap. It was actually too. The 13th, Illinois on the extreme right of its brigade. Advanced upon the Confederates in the gap. Rather than up the Ridge. The second formation that attacked private Bevins and the Confederates in Ringgold gap. Was Colonel David Ireland. And his five New York regiments who made their assault at approximately 11:00 AM. In this account Taylor's gap is Ringgold gap. And Katusa Creek is south Chickamauga Creek. I received orders to move the brigade up. Taylor's gap. And they're relieved some regimens of general Auster houses division. Which we're being pressed very hard by the enemy. This division included the 76th Ohio and the 13th Illinois. And he continues. While I was receiving the orders, the regimens we were ordered to relieve we're coming back in confusion and running. I immediately ordered the brigade forward on the double quick to their support. To arrive at the position we had to pass over an open space about half a mile in extent. And under a murderous fire of musketry and artillery from the enemy. But nothing could exceed the manner in which the troops swept over that field. They were in the most perfect order ranks well closed and men ardent and confident. Not withstanding. They met large numbers of our troops running to the rear and disorder. As Colonel Ireland advanced with his brigade. He only noticed one artillery piece and due to the heavy Confederate fire, ordered his men to take shelter in the Creek bed. While a few, continue to engage the Confederates. Colonel Randall selected a few good sharp shooters. And instructed them to shelter themselves and watch the artillery men and the sharp shooters of the enemy. And on no account to waste their ammunition or expose themselves. They obeyed him well, for, in a few moments they killed or wounded every man near the gun. They're being only four shots fired from it after his men were in the barn. Colonel Ireland estimated they were in this position until noon. When union artillery started engaging the Confederates in the gap. After they retreated. He reported capturing one Confederate flag. Which was the stars and bars. And a battery guide on. The time was approximately noon. And major general Claiborne received word that the army of Tennessee had reached Dalton and that he could leave his position and rejoined the army. The battle of Ringgold gap was a Confederate victory. And represented the end of the Chattanooga campaign. But there is an unanswered question that concerns private Bevins at this battle. And the reports after the battle of Ringgold gap. Major general Claiborne. Colonel Daniel C Govin the brigade commander of the Arkansas regiments and the battery commander in the gap. Lieutenant Richard Wait only mentioned two artillery pieces. Goldthwaite also stated that his men brought both pieces with them when the Confederate army departed. Compared to private Bevins has mentioned a four artillery pieces in the gap. There seems to be a discrepancy. If Colonel Ireland's brigade captured artillery at the battle of Ringgold gap. He would have stated it in his report. Just like he did after the battle of missionary Ridge, where they captured two brass cannons. But there is. no mention in his report after the battle. If there were four artillery pieces instead of two, then why is private Bevins the only one to speak of it? While on the Ridge line, was he Manning in artillery piece or a rifle? And was he truly in the gap, Manning a gun? There is no doubt that private Bevins was with the first Arkansas on the Ridge line. But official Confederate and union reports. I have no mention of artillery at that location. Concerning the gap he may have heard an account of. the fighting at that location from a fellow Arkansan at a later date. While in winter quarters at Dalton, Georgia. The army of Tennessee consolidated several regiments due to high casualties. At this time, the first Arkansas and 15th Arkansas combined to form the first 15th Arkansas. This meant that private Bevins was now in the same regiment with men who had fought in the gap. Against Colonel Ireland's brigade. And other formations. Could private Bevin somehow taken a story from the 15th Arkansas and claimed it as a zone. While he was now in close contact with men who were in Ringgold gap raises this obvious question. Private Bevins. His personal account does not provide any mention of the further fighting of the first Arkansas on the Ridge line. After private Bevins and the first Arkansas repelled, the 76th Ohio. The regiment occupied a new position further north along the Ridge line, and continue to engage with union regiments as they attacked uphill. They disengaged and marched toward Dalton, along with the rest of major general Claiborne's division. Once the fighting ended. When compared to official reports on both sides of the battle, private Bevins is account of the fighting in the gap does not seem plausible. For the first Arkansas to haul two artillery pieces without horses, upper Ridge and time to repulse a union advance, then haul them down to the gap. Is outlandish. As one Napoleon. A common Canon during the war weighed 1,220 pounds. Not to mention the ammunition. This historian concludes that private Bevins summarize all the fighting on the Ridge line. Which included the first Arkansas subsequent movement to its second fighting position. Before his supposed movement into the gap. He then summarize the fighting in Ringgold gap from. his fictitious point of view. The soldier or officer's book still remains the primary source for each episode. But it is critical for those stories to match with the official reports. And the source, the war of the rebellion, a compilation of the official records of the union and Confederate armies. Which is a repository of reports. Collected from various unit commanders after each battle. Provides an invaluable source to historians of the civil war. And in this case, drew the line where a fact met private Bevins is fiction. There is no doubt that the Confederates repulsed union attacks in Ringgold gap. But they did it with two cannons, not four, and most likely without private Bevins. assistance. For the most part, a soldier or officer's personal account nests with his regimental or brigade commanders report. But in this case, it is not every time. Thank you for listening to the 25th episode. The link to private Bevins, his book. Reminiscences of a private company G first Arkansas regiment. Infantry. May, 1861 to 1865. Is now available on the podcast website. First person, civil war, podcast.com. On Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn this week. You will find a picture of William me Bevins in 1861. And in 1912. Corporal John R. McBride of company, C 33rd, Indiana. Provides next week's first person account. At the battle. Of Thompson's station. My name is bill Coughlin. And thank you for listening to first person. civil war podcast.