Mr Jacobson - Robert Charles Tyler. Tyler, was formerly Colonel of the 15th/37th TVI and was commanding Bate's Brigade at Missionary Ridge where/when he was wounded. Tyler was promoted to Brig Gen later in Feb of the following year and the brigade (Bate's) took Tyler's name a carried it thru the remainder of the war. However, Tyler's wound required amputation of a leg and he was unfitted for duty in the regular army. He later surfaces in LaGrange and then commanding post at West Point, Ga.
The story goes and it is generally accepted that he subsequently never rejoined the regular army, never saw or corresponded with his brigade again.
However, I now find this letter (written to newspaperman, W.J. Slatter - text below) that conflicts with those beliefs that comes from the period between Nashville and the surrender in North Carolina.
Surely this had to be some sort of temporary assignment for Tyler is found back in West Point in April, '65 where he was KIA on the 16th. But, what was Tyler doing in Carolina? Where was Bate?
Where could one find supporting documentation of his (Tyler's) presence or function here? He claims command of a division which certainly should be verifiable in some fashion but there is absolutely no on-hand info I can find yet to support or explain.
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In bivouac near Augusta, February, 1865
My dear Slatter:
Seated by a bivouac fire in the piney woods of South Carolina, the black smoke from a thousand lightwood fires ascending, the cold, bleak winds blowing heavily from the northwest, the division (which I am now commanding, Bates) being inspected by Brigade inspection commanders are my surroundings. The Army of Tennessee extends between here and Charleston, and en route to this and other points there has been some skirmishing at several points recently; results indefinite generally.
Wheeler fought the Twentieth Yankee Corps and some cavalry on Saturday and Sunday, repulsing them handsomely on both days. The fight was some fifteen miles from Augusta. I do not have any idea how long this (Cheatham’s) corps will be held here. The health of the troops is good; they need rest very much; discipline lax; reorganization wanted. System required a new vigor instilled, which nothing but rest and discipline can impart.
Yet the old Army of Tennessee is a grand organization; am proud to be a member of it, humble as it may be. It is composed primarily of veteran troops, battle-scarred heroes, bronze visaged, sturdy sinewed, iron willed, brave and self-sacrificing. They are a noble band. It will be glory enough when peace shall once again smile upon us with all her blessing for me to tell my friends that I was one of that army.
You have doubtless heard of certain brigades and divisions, of the part performed by them in the recent campaign into Tennessee, of the bravery of this and the bad conduct of that. Many reflections have been cast on (unnamed) Division, but from all accounts I am constrained to the belief that his division did as well as could reasonably be expected under the circumstances. In my own brigade, the Tennessee Consolidated Regiment, numbering about three hundred and fifty men, one hundred and eighty-five were captured while in line of battle (in front of Nashville) before they could retreat.
The propriety of taking the Negro as soldiers is being discussed more or less by the army; have not heard as yet sufficiently to form an opinions as to whether it be popular with the army, but am sure some prominent officers who were bitterly opposed to it eighteen months since are now advocates for the plan. One thing is certain: our army must be increased, the skulkers and deserters must be returned, and every exertion made by those who cannot come to send them forward.
My health continues good. Am suffering considerably from my limb, but am in hopes will be able to endure. How are all of the good people of Troup? My heart warms when I think of the many kindnesses received at their hands, and hope the day is not far distant when I may be permitted to visit them once again. My kindest wishes to all. Tender to your good lady my salutations, and believe me very truly.
Robert C. Tyler
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Any assistance / input / opinion / guidance or referral would be sincerely appreciated! - Thanks.
Joe Keith