NOTE: The following is "NOT" meant as a history of the 5th Tennessee Regiment, but only as a quick reference for the reader to be able to keep track of the 5th's movements and who was in command at each time period. Especially take note of the names of the commanding officers as their reports will reflect the activities of the 5th Tennessee Regiment. Additional reports attached to each battles page are placed their for the readers understanding of that actually happened at each battle as well as that of the 5th Tennessee. As a rule, "ONLY ABOUT ONE THIRD" of the battle reports, at best, will mention the 5th Tennessee.
The regiment was organized at Paris, Henry County, Tennessee, in the Provisional Army of Tennessee, and moved to Camp Brown, Union City, Obion County, Tennessee.
At this point in time and at Camp Brown, Union City, Tennessee, Colonel William E. Travis commanded the 5th Tennessee Regiment Infantry. From Camp Brown, the 5th under Colonel Travis was moved to Columbus, Kentucky on August 9, 1861 and placed under the command of Brigadier General Benjamin F. Cheatham's Brigade.
On January 1, 1862, the 5th then moved to New Madrid, Missouri. The 5th, under Colonel Travis, was reported on October 24, 1861 as being placed under the command of Brigadier General Gideon J. Pillow's Division.
Major General John P. McCown arrived at New Madrid in February 26th and took command of all operations at New Madrid. Under McCown, Colonel Travis and the 5th was garrisoned at the work being constructed at the mouth of the bayou, consisting of Colonel Walker's Fortieth Regiment, and Colonel Baker's First Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi Regiment, and Capt. Smith P. Bankhead's field battery, all under the command of Colonel Travis.
On March 1, 1862, Colonel Travis commanded the garrison at Fort Bankhead, Madrid Bend, comprising of the 5th and 40th (Walker's) Tennessee Infantry Regiments, the 1st Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee Infantry Regiment, and Bankhead's Tennessee Battery.
At 11:00 p.m. on March 17th, 1862 and under orders, Major General John P. McCown left for Fort Pillow. McGown took eight regiments with him which included Colonel Travis' 5th Tennessee Regiment. McCown's small force arrived at Fort Pillow on March 18th. The next day, March 19th, McCown was ordered to return to Madrid Bend, arriving below Tiptonville on March 20th and reestablished his headquarters at Madrid Bend on March 21st.
Major General John P. McCown on March 31st, turned the command of New Madrid over to Brig. Gen. W. W. Mackall.
On April 3, 1861, the 5th Tennessee Regiment was reported as being under the direct command of Lieutenant-Colonel Calvin D. Venable at Cornith, Mississippi and was placed in the Second Brigade of Brigadier-General Clark. This Brigade, comprising of the 4th, 5th and 33rd Tennessee, 13th Arkansas and light battery of six pieces. At first dark on the night of April 3rd, Brigadier-General Clark's Second Brigade left Corinth for Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee.
For a very brief period of time, during the battle, Colonel Alexander W. Campbell directed the movements of the 5th Tennessee. Although the 5th Tennessee was still referred to as Travis' Tennessee Regiment by Brig. Gen. Stewart, it is unclear wether Colonel Travis was still with the 5th as no other mention or report was submitted by Colonel Travis following this battle. The report of the 5th was submitted by Lieutenant-Colonel Venable who did not mention Colonel Travis at all in his report.
NOTE: As I am able to add additional transcriptions of movements and battles of the 5th, I will update this "Quick Reference." |
