Nov. 4, 1861

Nov. 4, 1861: Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, commander of the Dept. of the Cumberland (Kentucky Theatre), offered this assessment of the situation in the West:

"HEADQUARTERS THE DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Louisville, Kentucky, November 4, 1861

"General L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.

"Sir: In compliance with the telegraphic orders of General McClellan, received late last night, I submit this report of the forces in Kentucky, and of their condition.

"The tabular statement shows the position of the several regiments. . . . These regiments are composed of good materials, but devoid of company officers of experience, and have been put under thorough drill since being in camp. They are generally well clad, and provided for. Beyond Green River, the enemy has masked his forces, and it is very difficult to ascertain even the approximate numbers. No pains have been spared to ascertain them, but without success, and it is well known that they far outnumber us. . . . There are four regiments forming in the neighborhood of Owensboro, near the mouth of Green River, who are doing good service, also in the neighborhood of Campbellsville, but it is unsafe to rely on troops so suddenly armed and equipped. They are not yet clothed or uniformed. I know well you will think our force too widely distributed, but we are forced to it by the attitude of our enemies, whose force and numbers the country never has and probably never will comprehend.

"I am told that my estimate of troops needed for this line, viz., two hundred thousand, has been construed to my prejudice, and therefore leave it for the future. This is the great centre on which our enemies can concentrate whatever force is not employed elsewhere. Detailed statement of present force inclosed with this.

"With great respect, your obedient servant,

"W. T. SHERMAN, Brigadier-General commanding."

This assessment, thought to be extreme, leads many in the Army to fear for Sherman’s sanity. He is soon relieved of command.

--Also on this date—Private Newton Wallace, of Co. I in the 27^th Massachusetts Volunteer Inf. Regiment, notes in his diary as his regiment travels south to Washington, DC:

"[November] 4th had Refreshments provided by Citizens Ladies of Philadelphia at Soldier’s Refreshment salon. got on Board cars at 3 1/2 AM and started for Baltimore arrived at Perryville & ferried across at 12 1/2 o clocks Got into Baltimore at 5 oclocks got a supper of Bread Cheese & Tea, & started for Annapolis at 8 1/4 oclock Arrived at Annapolis at 11 oclock and were quartered in the Hall’s of the Naval Academy Buildings. & slept soundly the rest of the night."

--Mary Boykin Chestnut notes in her journal: "Had a letter from mother. She wants to get rid of her negroes. Scared by the Witherspoon tragedy."