Episode 26: CPL John R. McBride and the 33rd Indiana at the Battle of Thompson’s Station

At the Battle Thompson’s Station, 5 March 1863, CPL McBride and the 33rd Indiana, alongside their reinforced brigade meet MG Earl Van Dorn’s Cavalry while conducting a reconnaissance from Brentwood TN toward Spring Hill.

 Sources used for this episode:

 McBride, John W. History of the Thirty-Third Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry During the Four Years of Civil War From Sept. 16, 1861 to July 21, 1865. Indianapolis: WM. B. Burford, 1900. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.hx2nfa&seq=9. 

 Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. ser. 1, vol. 23, pt. 1: Reports. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1889. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924077699720&view=1up&seq=3.

Transcript

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Hello. My name is bill Caughlin and welcome to first person civil war podcast, which retells the stories of the soldiers and officers. On the ground and the battles of the civil war. Episode 26 is entitled. Corporal John R. McBride and the 33rd Indiana. At the battle of Thompson station. And relies on his book. History of the 33rd Indiana veteran volunteer infantry. During the four years of civil war. From September 16th, 1861 to July 21. 1865. Which he published in 1900. John R. McBride lived in Morgan county, Indiana. When the war began. And patriotic fervor was that at an all time high in August, 1861. When company K of the seventh, Indiana returned from its 90 day enlistment. An infantry company called the lion guards, which formed at this time. Received approval from Indianapolis to muster men for service in Morgan county on 25, August, 1861. And John R. McBride enlisted in the company on 16, September, 1861. The lion guards became company C 33rd, Indiana. And we're stationed in Kentucky. They fought at the battle of camp wild cat in 1861. And on 15, February, 1862. Private McBride was promoted to corporal in company C. Following the battle of stones river. Which was 31, December, 1862 to two, January, 1863. General Rosecrans commander of the army of the Cumberland. Made a call for reinforcements in the wake of that engagement. On 23, January, the department of Ohio received orders to send a force of 20 infantry regiments, which included the 33rd Indiana as well as four cavalry regiments, and four batteries of artillery. By boat from Louisville, Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee. 54 transports and six gunboats made the trip by way of the Ohio and Cumberland rivers. Down to Nashville. Now in Tennessee. Corporal McBride and the 33rd Indiana we're in the first brigade. Commanded by their regimental commander, Colonel John Coburn. And Brigadier general. Absalon Baird's third division. Of the army of Kentucky. Commanded by major general Gordon Granger. On to March the first brigade received orders to station at Brentwood along the road between Franklin and Nashville. The next day, Colonel Coburn received orders to March his brigade. Which consisted of the 33rd Indiana. 85th, Indiana. 19th, Michigan. And 22nd Wisconsin. With the addition of the 124th Ohio, approximately 600 cavalry and a battery from the 18th, Ohio artillery. To occupy spring hill. On what was planned to be a four day expedition of the area. Once at spring hill. Colonel Coburn was instructed to send direct an. Ordering parties to Columbia and Raleigh Springs along the Lewisburg pike. Where a cavalry force from Murfreesboro would link with it. On the morning of for March. Corporal McBride and the 33rd Indiana departed Brentwood, Tennessee. The forces were light and marching order. With the blankets rolled shot, pouch fashion, no knapsacks or tents. The shot pouch method. Was common during the war. And meant that corporal McBride placed items that would normally go in his knapsack. Or backpack. Into the blankets. Roll it up lengthwise secured with a rope or string and wear it over a shoulder. And he continues. All the men being in Jubaland spirits, supposing they were only going on a forging expedition. They thought the expedition would be a pleasant diversion from the restraints to which we were subjected while in camp. The weather was cool and favorable. And the road being turnpike, the movement was made with great facility. Unbeknownst to corporal McBride and the rest of Colonel Coburn's over strength brigade. Was that Confederate major general Earl van Dorn was on the same turnpike, conducting a reconnaissance in force. North toward Franklin, Tennessee with a portion of his core, which included Brigadier general, William H Jackson's cavalry division. And Nathan Bedford, Forrest cavalry. With one division of my command, I encountered a large body of enemy with a long baggage train. And after forcing him to deploy. By a show of force and a few shots from captain King's. Second Missouri battery. I withdrew my troops to a position this side of Thompson station. And they're awaited the approach of the enemy. Corporal McBride and the 33rd Indiana. Arrayed along the road to meet major general van Dorens cavalry. After advancing about four miles, they. Meaning the entire union force. We're confronted by a considerable force of the enemy with two artillery pieces. In the disposition of troops, the cavalry were deployed, had advanced to the right of the road. With the 33rd Indiana. And 22nd Wisconsin. With a section of battery also on the right. He details the rest of the brigade's position and then continues. While the exchange of shots was going on. The 33rd Indiana. 22nd, Wisconsin and 19th, Michigan advanced. When the enemy fell back and for a time wholly disappeared from sight. All three infantry regiments retreated to their original position. While the union cavalry scouted, the surrounding area. They gathered that the overall Confederate force outnumbered the union brigade along the turnpike. Colonel Coburn sent word back to his division commander at Franklin. And advanced a further two miles down the road. During the night major general van Dorn sent Scouts to ascertain the strength of the union force in front of him. Once he knew that he outnumbered them. He decided to fight. On the morning of five March, he selected the ground and awaited the arrival of Colonel Coburn's brigade. Gade. Given the Confederates response after this skirmishing of the day before. Corporal McBride and others were eager to meet the enemy again. The troops were underarms at 4:00 AM. And in excellent spirits, he talks about getting a marching order and then continues. The brigade was inspired with the idea that they were equal to the emergency. Confident of success. They felt as though the enemy would run. The same as the day previous. Thompson station was a railroad stop along the Nashville and Decatur railroad. And situated in a small valley with several Hills to its north and south. On the morning of five March major general Vandorn placed his cavalry and artillery. On the Hills, south of the station. And awaited the arrival of Coburn's brigade. Which marched along the Columbia turnpike and into position on the Hills, north of the station by 10 30. Corporal McBride and the 33rd Indiana, we're a part of the right wing. Which also consisted of the 85th Indiana and two pieces of artillery. And posted on the Western side of the turnpike. As both wings prepared for battle Confederate and union artillery began to duel. The right wing was also within range of Confederate sharpshooters. Who were in the buildings around Thompson station. And Colonel Coburn ordered that wing to push them from this position. Corporal McBride and the 33rd Indiana. Advanced with the 85th Indiana. Towards Thompson station with further orders to engage the artillery beyond. The movement was made with the utmost precision and confidence. Until they were met by a galling and disastrous fire from behind the Stonewall. Uh, by two brigades of dismounted cavalry. They were compelled to seek shelter and protection behind the railroad and bank mint without firing a shot. According to major general van Dorn, this brigade Colonel Whitfield's Texans of Jackson's division. Pursued the 33rd and 85th Indiana regimens as they retreated uphill. But corporal McBride and his fellow Hoosiers didn't run for long. The enemy at once took advantage of their exposed position and opened on them with musketry and two pieces of artillery Jackson's division following in hot pursuit. The regiments, however, reached the crest of the hill in time to enable them to form in line of battle. When they repulsed the enemies charged with these. The enemy prepared for a second attack and moved forward with a parent confidence. He talks about artillery, engaging the Texans and then continues. But just at that Supreme moment. The men were informed that it had just left the field. Captain Charles C all Shire, commander of the 18th, Ohio battery. Justifies the withdrawal of his five artillery pieces. As by this point, they were almost completely out of ammunition. Even before the right wing, advanced captain, all Shire reported to Colonel Coburn of this predicament. He was also in contact with Colonel Thomas Jefferson, Jordan. Commander of the ninth, Pennsylvania cavalry, who is in their immediate rare. Kernel Jordan then came to me and ordered me to withdraw my guns from the left. Corporal McBride's wing. That they being charged by infantry and cavalry. Which I did immediately. He returned to the guns on the right. And he continues. Colonel Jordan then ordered me to withdraw these guns also and fall back to the hill where we fought the first day. And cover the retreat. And he would send his cavalry to support me. He fearing that we would be flanked by cavalry. Major general Vandorn. Notice the 18th Ohio battery depart. An ordered all of Jackson's division to attack up the turnpike. While Brigadier general Forrest's cavalry got behind Coburn's brigade by a flank movement. Corporal McBride still in mind with the 33rd Indiana. Continued to fight. The enemy advanced in an irregular line. Through the woods from tree to tree. Our troops sought like protection. And in many instances, conflict became hand to hand. Coburn's brigade held the position firmly and with determination. And a second time repulse, the. To me with great slaughter. Despite Brigadier general forests, successful flanking movement. Uh, Colonel Coburn's brigade continued to fight. The brigade was formed in line banned nets. Fixed had all things made, ready for a charge under a galling fire, which cost us some of our best men. The men would willingly have made the desperate venture without a shot in their cartridge boxes. Nothing remained, but to give the word to charge. I was convinced that a massacre would ensue to little purpose. That a few might escape, but that many would fall in a vein struggle for life. With unequal weapons. I ordered a surrender. I believe it was justified by the circumstances. Corporal McBride estimated his brigade fought on until 4:00 PM. When the flag of truce ended the battle of Thompson station. The men silently laid down their arms on loaded and useless. And took off their empty cartridge boxes. Standing in orderly ranks while the enemy approached. Thus ended suddenly the struggle. Remaining in place. The commanding officers stood to their posts. While the FOA advanced taking up their arms. Generals van Dorn and forest came forward. And greeted Colonel Coburn. The formal words of surrender took place and in a very few minutes. The gallon remainder of the brigade. 1,221 in number. We're marched off from the field. Leaving the dead and wounded there. The number captured, represented approximately half of Coburn's brigade. The brigade wagon trains, the 124th Ohio that guarded them. The 18th Ohio battery. And the attached cavalry managed to evade capture. While the officers of all captured commands were sent to a separate prison camp. Corporal McBride and the enlisted men of Coburn's brigade began a long journey to Libby prison. In Richmond, Virginia. And arrived there on 21, March, 1863. Not having any change of clothing and denied water for cleansing purposes. They had become so vermin infested that it was almost impossible to get any rest and only when nature would become totally exhausted. And he continues. All had the opportunity to write letters, to friends and loved ones at home. But none of the letters, wherever forwarded. The guards as a rule, we're insolent the stifling air, the contaminated rations of food and water. It was no wonder that many of them died. The wonder is that any of them lived. In early April, 1863, the men captured at Thompson station received paroles and returned to north. Many of the men were admitted into hospitals for treatment. But once a parolee was able to travel, he was sent back to Indiana and received a 10 day furlough. Following the furlough, the men traveled to Indianapolis where the captured companies reconstituted. By 18, June, 1863 at Franklin Tennessee, the reconstituted companies, rejoined company B and the regimental band of the 33rd Indiana. Which we're not at the battle of Thompson station. Corporal McBride remained in the 33rd Indiana. And received a promotion to first Lieutenant on eight October, 1864. The regiments participated in the Atlanta campaign. Sherman's March to the sea. And the Carolina's campaign. After which it returned to Indiana and mustered out of service. John R. McBride. Though, not officially stated. Was appointed by the men of the regiment to right. History of the 33rd Indiana veteran volunteer inventory during the four years of civil war from September 16th, 1861. To July 21st, 1865. But this was not an easy task. The war department retained all official records of the 33rd Indiana. And it is presumed of most regiments, north and south. As it was in the process of publishing the war of the rebellion series. John McBride also had divide with others on what sources that were available. Harassed on every hand by obstacles of varying degrees often checkmated at the very moment, some important data we're about to be grasped. And failure to receive the Hardy cooperation of many who were equally interested. Our incidents and the collection of material for this regimental history that have at times, well, nine jeopardize the completion of the work. And worn out the patients of the writer. John McBride was still determined to complete this work and relied on diaries and oral histories from the men of the regiment to fill in the gaps when he could not obtain official records. Thank you for listening to the 26th episode. The link to corporal McBride's book 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 John R. McBride. Sometime around 1900. For next week's episode. I've decided to make it a special episode to coincide with events 161 years in the past. third Lieutenant J Rohan Rogers of company I 47th, North Carolina on one July face. corporal William W. Strong of company E 121st, Pennsylvania. On seminary Ridge. And on three July face. first Lieutenant William P Seville. Adjutant of the first Delaware. At the Stonewall. On cemetery Ridge. At the battle. Of Gettysburg. My name is bill Coughlin. And thank you for listening. To first person, civil war podcast.