Freedom by the Sword - US Army Center Of Military History

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Freedom by the Sword: The U.S. Colored Troops, 1862–1867
Railroad bridge over Elk River, between Nashville and Chattanooga, where the 12th U.S.
Colored Infantry stood guard in September 1863
have alarms every night and the greatest vigilance is necessary on our part of prevent
our men being picked off by rebels who prowl around our lines after dark and seem
to have a great animosity towards the colored soldier.” Despite the lack of opportunity
for drill and instruction, the men seemed to be adapting to military life and “do
their duty well.” 11
By late November, the 13th USCI had moved its camp to Section 49, “the most
advanced post” on the Nashville and Northwestern, Col. John A. Hottenstein reported.
The end-of-track stood nineteen miles west of where it had been on 19 October.
Construction gangs had managed to lay only half a mile of track a day for thirtyeight
days, even though the 13th USCI finally had enough men to help in the work.
On 27 November, Hottenstein asked for the last one hundred recruits needed to fill
the regiment, explaining, “I have to work the men very hard. . . . It is impossible to
recruit here and the country is full of the enemy.” Local whites were likely to kill
any potential recruits who tried to reach the regiment’s camp on their own. Despite
the colonel’s complaints, the regimental adjutant was optimistic, even cheerful, nine
days later when he reported, “Everything ‘goes bravely on’ [one half of the regiment]
is detailed to work on R.R. for the ensuing week, the other does guard, foraging and
other duties. No enemy of any consequence in the vicinity.” 12
Harassment from Confederates was not the only impediment that track crews
faced. Early in January 1864, Col. Charles R. Thompson of the 12th USCI reported
that about one hundred of his men lacked shoes. “If there is any prospect of our get-
11 Lt Col T. Trauernicht to Capt R. D. Mussey, 23 Oct 1863 (misfiled with 2d USCI), Entry 57C,
Regimental Papers, RG 94, NA.
12 Col J. A. Hottenstein to Maj G. L. Stearns, 27 Nov 1863 (“the most”), Entry 1149, pt. 1, RG 393, NA;
1st Lt J. D. Reilly to Capt R. D. Mussey, 6 Dec 1863 (“Everything”), 13th USCI, Entry 57C, RG 94, NA.