Murfreesboro' N.C. Feby. 25^th. 1862

 

Hon. Wm. N. H. Smith

                                   

Dear Sir:

                 Enclosed I send you a copy of my orders when I was placed in command of the 5^th Brigade Huger's Division by which you will see that a very large and important tract of country is committed to my charge. Two Generals and 10,000 men would find ample employment in executing the duty which it is expected that I will perform with a little over 1,000. I greatly need cavalry and both heavy and light artillery. When I was at Garysburg, last week, I had three fine companies of Dragoons of Wise's Legion, but they have been ordered ordered to Manassas and have left me with the exception of one company which I was compelled to return in defiance of orders. With 500 good disciplined, orderly cavalry I could do very important service and I beg that you will call on the Secretary of War and urge him to countermand the order removing the Wise Legion Cavalry. Col. J. Lucius Davis and his whole command are very anxious to serve with us. They were with me in Western Virginia and are the very men for service here, in conjunction with a small native mounted force, well acquainted with the country. Request the Secty to send all of the Wise Leg. Cavalry down to me.

 

            We greatly need generals. It is a hard service for a Col. It impairs the "morale" and effectiveness of his Reg't. and imposes on him great labor responsibility and expense, and as N.C. is entitled to several appointments of that grade our delegation should insist that they be promptly made. This is the third time that I have served in that capacity under appointments of Genls. Floyd appointed by Gen'l Lee, of Gen'l Huger and lastly of Gen'l Randolph and if they thought me worthy I do not see why I should be superseded by mere politicians. But I am not an applicant for the office, and shall be content if a man better qualified be placed in the position. If merit decides / I am content. I intended writing of other things but have been interrupted very often thus far and now two officers are waiting at my table. I expect to be able to preserve Murfreesboro, and if it should be attacked while I am here you may look out for a right brisk fight.

 

            I shall be happy to hear from you at all times and to receive suggestions as to the best mode of defending my Department. No recent news of the enemy.

                                                                       

Very respectfully

Your obedient servant

Wm. J. Clarke Col. Comg

5^th Brigade Hugers Division

 

 

 

 

Murfreesboro Feby 23^d 1862

            Col. W^m J Clark of the 24^th N^o C^a Vols will assume command of the forces between the Roanoke & Chowan River and will for the present post himself at Murfreesboro. He will observe the Chowan & Roanoke as low down as possible by means of videtts, and should the enemy ascend either river, he will protect the Rail Road bridges at Weldon, at the Meherrin and the Nottoway. The bridge at Black Water is in charge of Col. Armstead of the 57^th Reg^t of Virginia Vols. He will concert with Col. Armstead measures for the protection of the bridges at the Nottoway & Black Water, & agree upon a plan of joint operations in the event of those bridges being threatened. In the absence of such agreement he will oppose the ascent of the enemy, if he reaches the river before them, and will block up the river below them, and resist their return if they succeed in passing up before his arrival at the river.

 

He will concert operations with the officer in command at Weldon and act in like manner in the absence of an understanding with him. He may dispose of the troops under his command, so as best to effect these objects, but he will bear in mind that a concentration of troops at Suffolk to resist an advance upon Norfolk being of the first importance, he will not keep his forces further from the Seaboard & Roanoke Rail Road than is indispensable necessary. Application has been made to the President of that Road for an engine and train of cars to be kept at Boykin Depot and should Col. Clark hear of an advance upon Suffolk he must bring his forces to that point as rapidly as possible by the way of Boykin's Depot & the Seaboard & Roanoke Road. He may use the said transportation to succor Weldon if he deem it advisable. 

 

So soon as he is joined by any other cavalry force he will send the Nansemond Dragoons to Col. Armstead. He will keep a line of couriers between his Head Quarters and Boykin's Depot and advise the Brigade commander at Suffolk with all possible dispatch of the movements of the enemy

 

He will inspect the obstruction of the Meherrin and increase them if necessary and will obstruct the Roanoke if the officer in command at Weldon has not already done so. He will be careful however not to interfere with the plans and arrangements of Genl. Gatlin for the defense of Weldon, but on the contrary will second them with his utmost energy and for the purpose of cooperating efficiently with the General, he will send him a copy of these instructions and request to be informed in what way he can assist him.

 

Col. Clarke's force will consist of his own Regiment Lieut Col. Williams battalion of N.C. Vols, Nichols battery and the cavalry of the Wise Legion within the limits of his command

 

The territory between the Chowan & Roanoke constitutes the 5^th Brigade of the Department temporarily assigned to Briga^r Gen^l Randolph, and this command of which Brigade is committed to Col. Clarke for the present

 

By order of

Brig. Genl. Geo. W. Randolph

N. S. Walker A.D.C.

SOURCES