In late November 1862, "The 32nd Mississippi was detailed to
guard [railroad] bridges south of Murfreesboro. Co. A. was stationed at Wartrace
from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27 and had a fine time there, plenty to eat and
that pleased the boys. On Christmas Eve night I went out with one of
our lieutenants on a scout and while passing through a woodland we heard
an awful noise. I never heard such a screaming of women! Thinking
somebody was being killed, we rushed to the scene and ascertained the
cause to be a conscript officer had caught a young man and his sisters
were crying at the height of their voices. We left our camp Dec. 27
for Murfreesboro. The ground was covered with snow. Here was fought a
great battle Dec. 31, 1862 and Jan. 1, '63. Gen'l Bragg moved his army
to Tullohoma; the 32nd left Murfreesboro about dark [as part of Wood's Brigade]; it rained all night
but we kept moving; the next day we reached Manchester where we drew
rashions [sic]: corn meal and beef; it was about dark when we got there.
We made our meal up on an oil cloth." [Pvt. Jesse T. Cheeves, Co. A, 32nd Mississippi]
Hopefully, a letter or diary entry will eventually be located that clarifies the 32nd Mississippi's role or level of involvement during the Battle of Murfreesboro. Sharing of any additional source references to the 32nd Mississippi's participation at Murfreesboro will be appreciated.
Rob Swinson
32nd & 45th Mississippi (Consolidated) Historian