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The Exploits of Waul's Texas Legion Table of Contents.
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The exploits of Waul's Texas Legion
Steele's Command Texas Cavalry
Lt. Colonel Oliver Steele first joined( Nichol's ) 9th Regiment Texas Infantry [also called 5th Regiment] and was formed during the summer of 1861. Some of the men were from Galveston and La Grange. This was a six month command that served in the Department of Texas at Galveston. It was mustered out of service in March, 1862, but many of its members enlisted in Waul's Texas Legion. The field officers were Colonel E. B. Nichols, Lieutenant Colonel Josiah C. Massie, and Major Fred Tate.
Lt. Colonel Oliver Steele was with Waul's Texas Legion at Vicksburg. Lt. Colonel Steele is listed on parolees rolls of Vicksburg. After being exchanged and reorganized in Texas, Wauls Texas Legion was attached to the Trans-Mississippi Department and stationed at Galveston protecting the Texas coast in the region. With Waul's promotion to Brigadier General, Barnard Timmons was promoted to Colonel and assumed command of the legion, The Infantry Battalions were consolidated in 1864 to form Timmons Regiment Texas Infantry.
It is possible that Lt . Colonel Steele's Command Texas Cavalry was attached to Timmons Regiment Texas Infantry as a Cavalry detachment after surrender,parole and exchange of the confederates from Vicksburg. Confederate correspondence shows that Steele did operate in and around the Texas coastal areas during the time that Timmon's would have been there.In December, 1864, Timmons regiment had 14 officers and 204 men, and in April, 1865, totalled 315 effectives.
During May of 1865 it disbanded.
The field officers were Colonels Barnard Timmons and Thomas N. Waul; Lieutenant Colonels O. Steele and James Wrigley;
and Majors E. S. Bollong, Allen Cameron, and Otto Nathusius.Lt. Colonel Steele is listed on the rosters of Waul's Texas Legion as serving in Companies F& S as well as on the Timmons Regiment Texas Infantry roster as serving in Companies F & S and with the same companies on this roster of Steele's Command Texas Cavalry.
Correspondence concerning Major / Lt. Colonel Oliver Steele:
Reports of Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Lee,
C. S. Army, Commanding Second Brigade.
MAY 19-JULY 4,1863.--The Siege of Vicksburg, Miss. O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/2 [S# 37]" Col. T. N. Waul, commanding Texas Legion, by his dashing gallantry and coolness, inspired every one around him with confidence, and handled his Legion with skill."...
" The angle was finally assaulted and carried by a gallant band of Waul's Texas Legion, under the command of the intrepid Lieut. Col. E. W. Pettus, Twentieth Alabama Regiment. This brave officer, assisted by Major [O.] Steele and Captain [L. D.] Bradley, of the Legion, and the heroic Texans, captured the colors of the enemy and about 50 prisoners, including a lieutenant-colonel. A more daring feat has not been performed during the war, and too much praise cannot be awarded to every one engaged in it.
HEADQUARTERS THIRD SUB-DISTRICT,
Victoria, May 4, 1864.
Brigadier General J. E. SLAUGHTER,
Chief of Staff:
SIR: I have the honor to state that I have just returned after a week's absence at Lavaca and Indianola. The information I have collected leaves me to believe that all the white troops except 200 or 300 cavalry have been removed from Saluria and sent to Louisiana. I think it entirely reliable that Warren's brigade have left and that their place has been supplied by a regiment of colored troops. I am informed that the enemy have no confidence in their colored troops; that Warren thought it unsafe to leave them at Saluria without white troops; that the negroes mutinied on account of their pay, $7 per month; that 1 was shot by an officer; that 50 or 60 were court-martialed and sentenced to one, two, and three years on the Tortugas; that they absolutely refused to receive their pay, and that numbers of them would desert if they had a chance; that the enemy have sixteen forts at Saluria, three fronting Broad Bayoy, the remainder fronting the lower end of the island. the first three are mounted with six 24-pounders, one 12-pounder field pieces; that Captain Deitz, of the Engineer corps, who deserted from us, has plans of our works at Galveston and Velasco, and is now a member of General McClernand's staff. While at Broad Bayou I counted three large steamers, one tug, one schooner then in the harbor; two schooners went out over the bar, one steamer (blockader) lying outside. The best place to observe the enemy at Saluria is from Decrow's Point. I am told they seldom visit the point and that it would be very easy for a scout to secrete himself in the sand-hills and keep informed of all their movements. A man named William Moore, Company K, Hobby's regiment (at present detailed on the J. F. Carr), volunteers his services for this duty. I respectfully suggest that Captain Marmion, commanding the Marine District, be directed to employ Moore as a scout. The only point of observation on this side of the bay is below Alligator Head, near Broad Bayou, about 10 miles from Powder Horn.
The road to this place is dangerous and difficult on account of the boggy land, and a thorough knowledge of the country is necessary to enable the scout to make his escape in case the enemy's gun-boats should come up the bay. I deemed it important to place a good man at this point and one who is familiar with shipping, an therefore temporarily detailed Private Thomas Maine, Captain Woodward's company, Waller's battalion, Green's brigade, to act as my scout at this point and one who is familiar with shipping, and therefore temporarily detailed Private Thomas Maine, Captain Woodward's company, Waller's battalion, Green's brigade, to act as my scout at this point, and I respectfully request that application may be made for his permanent detail for this duty. The double-barrel guns sent me from Houston have arrived. These guns were sent in answer to my request to be supplied with fifty of the most suitable arms for cavalry service. The enemy had long-range guns; they can select their distance on the prairie and disable our men before we can get up to the range where the shotgun is effective. On the road to Powder Horn from this place there is scarcely a point for an ambush or an object that will afford the least protection to the men.
The country is an open prairie, and with all deference to the opinion of my superiors I beg leave to say that, in my opinion, for service on these prairies our cavalry ought to be provided with the longest range arms we can procure. If these shotguns can be exchanged for rifles I would be glad to do so; if not, we must do the best we can with such arms as we can get. I think it necessary that other troops should be ordered to this point. Having sent a portion of my force to Texana, I have but about 100 men in this immediate neighborhood. Captain Webb's company, ordered to me on April 6, have not reported. Captain Cloud's company ran away to report to Colonel Ford. I am in hopes Captain Denman's company of the reserve corps may yet be ordered here. I am in hopes also that Lieutenant-Colonel Mann's battalion can be spared for service at this point. Should the enemy land 500 cavalry they could advance to this point and destroy this town with perfect impunity.
I am satisfied that the enemy are fully informed as to our strength here. Parties of negroes and deserters are continually going down of saluria, and it will require all my present force to prevent force to prevent this in the future. I therefore respectfully request that I may be re-enforced by Lieutenant-Colonel Mann's battalion, if possible. The man Prounty mentioned in my communication from Lavaca as accused of giving information to the enemy was arrested near this place by my orders and placed under guard. Last night the guard was overpowered by some unknown parties and Prouty was taken out and hung. There is not the slightest doubt of Prouty's guilt, but I sincerely regret that the citizens should have taken this course for his punishment. I inclose papers* found on his person after his death. Judge Allen, of Indianola, has escaped from Saluria. I expect to get much valuable information from him, which I will forward as soon as received.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
O. STEELE,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.
5TH.
P. S. - I inclose report of Captain Upton. There are contradictory reports in town of the landing of the enemy's boats at Indianola. I deem it improbable, as I have heard nothing from my scouts to-day.
[Inclosure.]
NEAR LAMAR, REFUGIO COUNTY, TEX., May 1, 1864.
Colonel O. STEELE,
Commanding 3rd Sub-Dist., Forces of the West, Victoria, Tex.:
COLONEL: Late yesterday evening my pickets at Cape Carlos brought to me 2 men and a boy, escaped from the enemy at Saluria. They were taken prisoners in December last, in the bay. The had passes (one of which i inclose+) to go to Arkansas (Mustang) and Brazos Santiago. Instead of going thither, they made their escape from Saint Joseph across the reef and dug out to the mainland at Cape Carlos, and surrendered themselves to my pickets. They being known here as loyal citizens, I passed them to their homes at Flower Bluffs. They inform me of the force of the enemy, &c., as follows: At Saluria there are about 4,000 negro troops, and 600 or 800 whites. In the last week two regiments of whites have left for New Orleans; also that troops have left Brownsville for the same point to re-enforce Banks (they acknowledge a small defeat in Louisiana). When the prisoners left Saluria the enemy were planning an attack on Matagorda and the gun-boats Carr and Dale, to be made in a dark, still night. I hope this may reach you in time to warn the commander there, should you deem the information sufficient to warrant a special courier. I have no doubt myself of the relievity of the escaped prisoners. They say the expedition was planned by one Gray, formerly of Lavaca, a good pilot, &c.; also that one Jones, formerly of Matagorda, is engaged in it, both renegades, as I understand from these men.
There is but one general officer left at Saluria, General Roberts, a man well advanced in years. There is great disaffection among the negro troops. The free negroes of the North and the escaped slaves do not harmonize, and if there was the least chance of deliverance, the slaves would undoubtedly embrace the opportunity to return to their masters. My pickets, at their different posts, report all quiet within my line of duty. Should the enemy on Mustang remain quiet, as I think they will for the present, I shall visit Victoria in a short time, in the hope of a personal interview with the commander of the Third Sub-District. Will you inform me, colonel, by the return of my courier, when I may be likely to find you at your headquarters?
I have the honor to be, colonel, yours, respectfully,
E. P. UPTON,
Commanding Local Defense Company for Refugio County.
SPECIAL ORDERS,
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF TEXAS, &C., No. 127. Houston, May 6, 1864.
* * * * * * *
VIII. Brigadier General T. F. Drayton, having reported at these headquarters in obedience to orders from department headquarters, is hereby assigned to the command of the districts commanded by Colonel J. Bates and Lieutenant Colonel O. Steele. He will establish his headquarters at Columbus, Tex.
* * * * * * *
By command of Major-General Magruder:
E. P. TURNER,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS,
Columbus, June 9, 1864-4 p. m.
Captain E. P. TURNER,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Houston:
CAPTAIN: The instructions from district headquarters of the 6th instant, directing the movement upon Matagorda, reached me yesterday at 2 p. m., between Hallettsville and Victoria. I immediately retraced my steps, and will leave this in a few hours to overtake the artillery and cavalry now route for Matagorda via Elliott's Ferry.
These troops are under the command of Major Nolan, and the effective number as follows:
Pyron's regiment cavalry.......................269
Bradford's battalion cavalry...................271
Jones' light battery............................72
Nichols' light battery..........................62
Total..........................................674
Captain Poole's unattached cavalry, 54 effective, will leave tomorrow morning. Major Nolan has received orders to communicate with Commodore Smith, commanding flotilla, or in the event of the absence of this, with Captain Marion, to co-operate with the commanding officer of the marine department, furnish protection to the flotilla if needed, and to make the best arrangements as his disposal for the defense of Matagorda and repulse of the enemy should he venture to land. When at Hallettsville on Tuesday, 7th instant, a gentleman just from Saluria stated that large fires had been seen at Saluria on Sunday, 5th instant, supposed to be the Yankees evacuating that post. I have received a communication
from Lieutenant-Colonel Steele, of the 5th instant, who had just reached Victoria from Indianola, where he had been on a scout, and he made no mention of any movement of the enemy, nor of any appearance of steamers within sight of Saluria or Indianola.I have established a line of couriers between Columbus and Victoria. The line between Victoria and Colonel Ford's headquarters will necessarily be delayed in consequence of the present movements. I have never received any orders directing the whole of Colonel Mann's command to report to me. I have, nevertheless, ordered him and his troops to this point for arms, preparatory to following the rest of the forces to Matagorda. I need transportation very much, and hope that Colonel Bankhead will be released from the court-martial at the earliest moment and ordered to join his command on the coast.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. F. DRAYTON,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY FORCES,
Ringgold Barracks, July 2, 1864.
Brigadier General J. E. SLAUGHTER,
Chief of Staff, Houston, Tex.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to forward duplicate copies of reports of communications of June 3, 15, and 20. I presume the two first did not reach district headquarters, inasmuch as I have no acknowledgment of receipt nor any instructions concerning matters reported and only great importance. I have reported fully and frequently, and have reasons to believe my communications have not reached district headquarters, having been informed by Captain Samuel that Brigadier-General Slaughter had called upon Lieutenant Elliott for a report of my operations. I think I have just cause to complain of improper treatment should the information be correct. Lieutenant Elliott was not instructed with many matters connected with the expedition. He knew little of the scouts, reports of spies, &c. But presuming he had known all, to call upon him to report my operations was tantamount to a denial of the truth of what I have written to headquarters, and in imputation unjust and injurious to me as an officer and a gentleman. I would again urge upon the major-general commanding the propriety of sending cotton to my quartermaster to purchase supplies in the field. The arms furnished by Colonel Stockton are of a very inferior quality. The ammunition was bad, and was condemned by a board. I understand there are good arms in Houston; if so, I would respectfully request that at least 1,000 stand be forwarded to this command, and a sufficient supply of ammunition. I learn that several companies at the San Fernando have refused to consolidate and gone home. They are reported to have stolen many horses from citizens. Captain Richardson reports the evacuation of Mustang Island by the enemy. I would respectfully inquire by what authority Colonel Benavides addresses an order to the commanding officer at Ringgold Barracks; also why it is that Captain Christmas is allowed to go east after having been ordered west by me; also why I am deprived of the two pieces under Lieutenant Gardiner at a time I need them badly? I was promised the co-operation of Major Dickinson and was deprived of his services. Captain Shive was ordered to Houston to settle his accounts at a time to cripple me greatly. Major Nolan was ordered to rejoin his regiment, when his services were of the utmost importance. Lieutenant-Colonel Steele interfered with me, and afterward one of my companies was ordered to report to him for duty. The means intended to purchase supplies are under the control of an officer of the command, and he replies evasively when called upon to furnish anything. Yet I am held responsible and am expected to march upon 4,000 men and dislodge them from their fortifications with these inadequate means and these drawbacks upon me. Since I assumed command the enemy have been driven from the Nueces, from Laredo, and are now confined to Brownsville,a nd their outposts on the other side of the Arroyo Colorado. Confidence has been restored, our people are returning to their homes, and commerce is being re-established, and last, though not least, our relations with the Mexican authorities are of the most friendly character.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
JOHN S. FORD,
Colonel, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS EXPEDITIONARY FORCES,
Ringgold Barracks, July 9, 1864.
Brigadier General J. E. SLAUGHTER,
Chief of Staff, Houston, Tex.:
I have the honor to forward for information the inclosed copy of communication* from Lieutenant Stafford, of Captain McFadden's company. I do not know why Captain McFadden's company has been ordered to report to General Drayton. The company was raised by my order, with the approval of the major general commanding. It has been filled by recruiting since the expiration of the three months' term and was marching to my headquarters in obedience to orders. I respectfully suggest that it would interfere materially with the organization of my command to detach form it Captain McFadden's company. I must be permitted to say, without any intention toe be disrespectful, that such an act would be one of injustice to me. I have the honor to respectfully request that the major-general commanding direct Captain McFadden to proceed with his company to these headquarters. I may labor under erroneous impressions, but I am led to believe that had Lieutenant-Colonel Steele offered an opposition as persistent and determined to a Federal officer's intentions and plans as he has to mine he would have done the country good service. His reported intemeddlings reach me almost daily. If these reports be true, and I think many of them are, I have an undoubted right to request the major- general commanding to again protect me from officious interference. I have the honor to forward for information copies of extracts from communications* of a confidential agent in Matamoras. I have made dispositions to capture the cow- thieves. I was prevented from making a dash at the horses from the absence of grass and her want of forage. I shall trouble them soon.
I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant,
JOHN S. FORD,
Colonel, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS ROSS' BRIGADE CAVALRY,
Deasonville, Miss., February 20, 1865
Lieutenant-General SMITH,
Commanding Trans-Mississippi Department:
GENERAL; Authority has been obtained to furlough one-half of my command and send officers and men to Texas, to recruit and fill their depleted ranks by compelling the return of absentees and deserters from the brigade. I therefore respectfully solicit your authority for my officers to recruit their regiments and an order compelling the deserters from my command to return. I have evidence establishing the fact that Lieutenant Colonel O. Steele, commanding a cavalry battalion in Texas, and many other officers of similar grade, are harboring deserters from my brigade and holding them to duty with their commands. Such conduct will eventually break up the organizations of troops from the Trans-Mississippi Department, and I respectfully invite your attention to this matter, knowing that you recognize the necessity of keeping these men on this side of the Mississippi River. No power on this side can keep them faithful when they feel certain that they can go home and serve with other commands and elude punishment by taking shelter under the authority of some regimental commander near their families, where they incur no danger and endure no hardships.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
L. S. ROSS,
Brigadier-General.
Steele's Command Texas Cavalry Roster
Names are gleaned from the soldiers and sailors civil war system of the national parks service.
The name origins on the lists are from the general Index cards kept by the national archives and records administration.Reference number ] Soldiers name ( Last - First ) Company designation , Rank entering service - Rank leaving service
1 ] Allbright, A Private Private
2 ] Andrews, D Private Private
3 ] Ashley, B Private Private
4 ] Badger, - D Private Private
5 ] Balcun, - A Private Private
6 ] Barnes, - D Private Private
7 ] Bates, - B Private Private
8 ] Beard, - A Private Private
9 ] Beaton, - A Private Private
10 ] Benson, - A - -
11 ] Blair, - D Private Private
12 ] Boykin, - D Private Private
13 ] Boykin, - D Private Private
14 ] Bufford, - D Private Private
15 ] Caldwell, - B - -
16 ] Clark, - A - -
17 ] Courtney, - A - -
18 ] Crothers, - A Private Private
19 ] Darby, J. L. B Private Private
20 ] DeWitt, - D
21 ] DeWitt, C. B Private Private
22 ] DeWitt, L. W. B Private Private
23 ] Dempsey, W. B Private Private
24 ] Denman, - D Private Private
25 ] Dew, - B Private Private
26 ] Dodd, - D Private Private
27 ] Dodds, - A Private Private
28 ] Dromgool, L. D Private Private
29 ] Dumont, - D Private Private
30 ] Forbes, D - -
31 ] Goff, B Private Private
32 ] Gregory, - A Private Private
33 ] Gregory, - A Private Private
34 ] Grundy, J. P. D Second Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
35 ] Hampton, D Private Private
36 ] Hargrave, B Private Private
37 ] Hargraves, H.A. B Private Private
38 ] Hart, Henry B First Lieutenant First Lieutenant
39 ] Hensley, A - -
40 ] Hersh, John G. D Private Private
41 ] Hershberg, D Private Private
42 ] Hervey, B Private Private
43 ] Hill, J.P. A Private Private
44 ] Hitchcock, A Private Private
45 ] Hudson, - A Private Private
46 ] Hughes, - A Private Private
47 ] Jenkins, - A Private Private
48 ] Jones, C. H. C First Lieutenant First Lieutenant
49 ] Jones, J. B Private Private
50 ] Key, - D Private Private
51 ] Killough, - A - -
52 ] King, - B - -
53 ] King, - I - -
54 ] Kuykendall, - A Private Private
55 ] Leckley, - A Private Private
56 ] Leeper, - A Private Private
57 ] Leese, - A Private Private
58 ] Lewis, - B Private Private
59 ] Littleton, - A Private Private
60 ] Loughly, - A Private Private
61 ] Lowe, - A Private Private
62 ] McCoy, - D Private Private
63 ] McElroy, W. H. B Second Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
64 ] McFarlin, - A - -
65 ] McKernan, - D - -
66 ] McKown, - A Private Private
67 ] McLarin, - A - -
68 ] Miller, - A - -
69 ] Mixon, - B Private Private
70 ] Moore, - A Private Private
71 ] Morris, - A Private Private
72 ] Munn, - D Private Private
73 ] Newsom, W. L. C Second Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
74 ] Osborn, - B Private Private
75 ] Persons, Amos A First Lieutenant First Lieutenant
76 ] Peterson, N. C. D Private Private
77 ] Pollard, - D Private Private
78 ] Powers, - D Private Private
79 ] Rhodes, - B Private Private
80 ] Ridgwray, - A - -
81 ] Riggs, - A Private Private
82 ] Rowland, - A Captain Captain
83 ] Russell, M. B Second Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
84 ] Sanders, - D - -
85 ] Scarbough, - D Private Private
86 ] Sellers, - D Private Private
87 ] Sessums, G. D Private Private
88 ] Shelton, - D - -
89 ] Shelton, H. B Private Private
90 ] Shugart, - D Private Private
91 ] Sisson, - A Private Private
92 ] Smith, - B - -
93 ] Smith, William B - -
94 ] Snodgrass, - B - -
95 ] Steele, O. FS Lieutenant Colonel Lieutenant Colonel
96 ] Stodtler, C. L. C Private Private
97 ] Thompson, D. D. A Second Lieutenant Second Lieutenant
98 ] Townsend, John D Private Private
99 ] Townsend, W. W. B Captain Captain
100 ] Turner, - D Private Private
101 ] Twyman, - B Private Private
102 ] Wallin, - A Private Private
103 ] West, - D - -
104 ] White, - A Private Private
105 ] White, T. J. D Private Private
106 ] Woodward, - A Private Private
107 ] Wooley, - A Private Private
108 ] Wright, - B Private Private
109 ] Wyatt, - D - -
110 ] Wyeret, - D Private Private
111 ] Zumalt, - D Private Private
Benjamin L. Bowen's :
The Exploits of Waul's Texas Legion Table of Contents.
Sources:
List of confederate soldiers paroled from Vicksburg.
Civil war soldiers & sailors database.
Muster rolls NARA records microfilm roll M323-13
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The Exploits of Waul's Texas Legion
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