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H. L. Bedford Memoir

 Collection
Identifier: MS-2176

  • Staff Only

H. L. Bedford's memoir provides a detailed account of the placement and use of Confederate artillery at Fort Donelson. The memoir is 20 handwritten pages and is addressed to the "Confederate Relief and Historical Association, Memphis, Tenn."

Bedford’s document contradicts reports by Union commanders published in formal reports. Bedford explains why Confederates chose Fort Donelson's location, names commanders, infantry regiments, and artillery batteries at Donelson, describes the placement of Confederate artillery, describes in detail how the upper and lower batteries effectively defended the fort, claims that Federals mistook the size of the Confederate force, and praises Confederate artillerists. Bedford also mentions the deployment of Union infantry and miscommunication and hesitancy among Confederate commanders while seeking to restore General Albert Sydney Johnston's reputation, praising Lt. Col. Milton Haynes, and lauding the work ethic and bravery of Confederates. The document also mentions Generals Floyd and Pillow.

Bedford's memoir also discusses the naval aspects of the Battle of Fort Donelson, describing the exploits of the Carondelet, the naval battle of February 14, and reporting on the Carondelet's damage. Finally, the document offers counterfactual outcomes of the battle.

This manuscript is accompanied by a note dated October 5, 1883 from the editor of The Century Magazine, indicating that the magazine cannot publish Bedford's memoir.

Dates

  • circa 1882-1883

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Conditions Governing Use

The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

H. L. Bedford's memoir provides a detailed account of the placement and use of Confederate artillery at Fort Donelson. The memoir contradicts Union reports included in the Official Records and rehabilitates the reputation of Confederate troops and commanders at the fort.

Biographical/Historical Note

Hugh Lawson Bedford was born June 11, 1836, to Benjamin and Martha Ann Whyte Bedford in Fayette County, Tennessee. He served as an adjutant in the Tennessee Corps of Artillery. At Fort Donelson, he served under Captain Reuben Ross, commander of the Maury County Artillery (Company 19). While there, he helped supervise the erection of Fort Donelson, and according to Lt. Col. Milton Haynes, Chief of the Tennessee Corps of Artillery, Bedford zealously and energetically performed his duties in a prompt and faithful manner. After being captured by Union forces at Fort Donelson, Bedford was a prisoner of war at Johnson's Island, located in Ohio, near the Sandusky Bay (Lake Erie). Bedford married Marie Louisa McLean (1845-1933). He died December 23, 1915, and is buried in Shelby County, Tennessee.

Arrangement

Collection consists of a single folder.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480