TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 24 (Part II) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1889 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B e Title Page Page 1 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECOIRDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED, UNDER TIlE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WARD BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACTS OF CONGRESS. 1~ SERIES ~VOLUME XXIVIN THREE PARTS. PART IlREPORTS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1889 Page 2 /1~973~ ~~6~NELL UN W~RS~TY Page 3 CHAPTER XXXVI. OPERATIONS IN MJSSISSIPPL AND WEST TENNESSEES INCLUDING THOSE IN ARKANSAS AND LOUISIANA CONNECTED WITH THE SIEGE OF VICK~BURG. January 20August 10, 1863. PART II. REPORTSMay 16-August 10.~ STJMIMARY OE TIlE PRIiN CIPALL EVENTS. May 16, 1863.Battle of Champions Hill, or Bakers Creek, Miss. 17, 1863.Engagement at Big Black River Bridge, Miss. Skirmish near Bridgeport, Miss. Scout from La Grange, Tenn. 18, 1863.Capture of Haynes Bluff, Miss. Skirmish near Island ~To. 82, above Greenville, Miss. Skirmish on Horn Lake Creek, Tenn. 19, 1863.Scouts from La Grange, Tenu. 19July 4, 1863.Siec~ of Vicksburg, Mi~. 4 20, 1863.Skirmish at Salem, Teun. Skirmish at Collierville, Tenn. 2023, 1863.Expedition to Yazoo City, Miss., and skirmish (23d) at Liverpool Landing. 2126, 1863.Expedition from La Grange, Teun., to Senatobia, Miss., and skir- mish (23d). 23, 1863.Skirmish at Haynes Bluff, Miss. 2324, 1863.Expedition from Memphis, Tena., to Herna~do, Miss. 23 , 1863.Expedition from Helena to Napoleon, Ark., and skirmish near Island No. 65. (3) * For the General Rej~,orts embracing this period, see Part I. I Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary, no circumstantial reports are on file Page 4 4 MISSISSiPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXYY. May 24,1 863Skirmish at Mechanicsburg, Miss. Skirmish near Austin, Miss. Skirmish at Moirud Plantation, near Lake Providence, La. 2431, 1863.Expedition up the Yazoo and Big Sunflower Rivers, Miss. 26, 1863.Expedition from Memphis, Teun., toward Hernando, Miss. 2629, 1863.Expedition from Bolivar to Wesley Camp, Somerville, and Aw- tioch Church, Tenn., and skirmishes. 26-31, 1863.Expedition from Corinth, Miss., to Florence, Ala. 26June 1, l363Scout from Fort Heiman, Ky., into Tennessee. 26June 4, 1863.Expedition from Haynes Bluff to Mechanicshurc,, Miss., and skirmishes. 27, 1863.Engagement hetween U. S. S. Cincinnati and the Yicksburg batteries. Attack on Union gunhoats near Greenwood, Miss. Skirmish near Lake Providence, La. Scout from Memphis, Tenn., toward Hernando, Miss. 28, 1863.Skirmish near Austin, Miss. Scout from Memphis, Tenn., toward Hernando, Miss. June 2 8, 1863.Expedition from Ilaynes Bluff to Satartia and Mechanicshurg, Miss. 3,1863.Engagement near Simsport, La. 317, 1863.Transfer of Ninth Army Corps from Kentucky to vicinity of Vickshurg. 3-July 10, 1863.Operations in Northern Louisiana. 7, 1863.Expedition from Jackson, Teun., across Tennessee River. 5, 1863.Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, U. S. Army, resumes command of the Ninth Aruiy Corps. 8-. 9, 1863.Expedition from Pocahontas, Tenn., to Ripley, Miss. 9,1863.Skirmish at Macon Ford,Big Black River,Miss. 10, 1863.Skirmish at Edwards Station, Miss. 11, 1863.Skirmish at Smiths Bridge, near Corinth, Miss. Skirmish at Burnsville, Miss. 12-14, 1863.Expedition from Pocahontas, Teun., to New Albany and Ripley, Miss., and skirmishes. 1322, 1863.Operations in Northeastern Mississippi, including skirmishes (19th) at New Albany and (-20th) at Mud Creek. 15, 1863.Affair near Trenton, Teun. 1525, 1863.Operations in Northwestern Mississippi. 1~, 1863.Scout from Memphis to the Hatchie River, Tenn. 16-24, 1863.Expedition from La Grange, Tj~nn., to Panola, Miss. 1718, 1863.Operations on Mississippi River, near Memphis, Tenn., and attack on transports. 1722, 1~63.Expedition from Pocahontas, Ten n., toward Pontotoc, Miss. 18, 1863.Affair at Birdsong Ferry, Big Black River, Miss. 19, 1863.Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord supersedes Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand in command of the Thirteenth Army Corps. 22, 1863.Skirmish at Jones Plantation, near Birdsong Ferry, Miss. Action at Hills Plantation, near Bear Creek, Miss. Skirmish on Big Black River, Miss. ~ 23-26,1863.Union raid on Brookhaven, and skirmish at Rocky Creek, near Ellisville, Miss. 24, 1863.skirmishes at Mound Planbition and near Lake Providence, La. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Millikens Bend, La. See Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p. 349 Page 5 CHAP. XXXVI.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 5 June 25July 1, 1863.Expedition from Snyders Bluff to Greenville, Miss. 29, 1863.Skirmish near Lexington, Tenn.* 2930, 1863.Skirmishes at Messingers Ferry, Big Black River, Miss. July 1, 1863.Skirmish at Edwards Station, Miss. 3, 1863.Scouts from Memphis, Tenn. 4, 1863.Skirmish at Messingers Ferry, Big Black River, Miss. 525, 1863.The Jackson, Miss., Campaign. 7, 1863.Skirmish at Ripley, Miss. Action at luka, Miss. 8, 1863.Scout from Germantown, Tenn. 10, 1863.Skirmish at Bolivar, Tean. Capture of outpost at Union City, Tenn.t 1221, 1863.Expedition from Vicksburg to Yazoo City, Miss. 13, 1863.Skirmishes on Forked Deer River, and at Jackson, Tean. Occupation of Natchez, Miss., by Union troops. 14, 1863.Skirmish near Juka, Miss. 15, 1863.Skirmish on Forked Deer Creek, Teun. Skirmish near Jackson, Tenn. 16~20, 1863.Scout from Germantown, Teun. 18, 1863.Capture of Union pickets near Germantown, Tenn Skirmish near Memphis, Tean. 19, 1863.Scouts from Danville, Miss. 1929, 1863.Operations in the vicinity of Trenton, Tenn. 2021, 1863.Scouts from Memphis, Teun. 2227, 1863.Expedition from Clinton, Ky., in pursuit of Biffles, Forrests, and Newsoms cavalry4 23, 1863.Expedition from Memphis to Raleigh, Tean. 2630, 1863.Expedition from Natchez, Miss. 29, 1863. Skirmish near Fort Donelson, Teun. 1S 30, 1863.Skirmish at Grand Junction, Teun. 31, 1863.Skirmish at Saint Catharines Creek, near Natchez, Miss. Aug. 3, 1863.Scout from Fort Pillow, Teun., and skirmish near Denmark, Tenn. Skirmish at Ripley, Miss. 3 8, 1863.The Ninth Army Corps re-embarks at Haynes Bluff for Kentucky. 5, 1863.Skirmish at Mount Pleasant, Miss. 7, 1863.The Thirteenth Army Corps ordered to the Department of the Gulf. 8, 1863.Skirmish at Rienzi, Miss. 10, 1863.Skirmish at Bayou Tensas, La. 1023, 1863.Expeditions from Big Bla,k ~ive~, Miss., and La Grange, Tena., to Grenada, Miss. * See Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p. 628. See Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p. 822. See Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p. 827. ~ See Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p. 844 Page 6 3 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. LCHAP. XXXYL MAY 16, 1863.Battle of Champions Hill, or Bakers Creek, Miss. RIEPORTS.* No. 1.Return of Casualties in the Union forces. No. 2.Brig. Gen. P. Joseph Osterhaus, commanding Ninth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, including operations May 223. No. 3.Col. James Keigwin, Forty~ninth Indiana Infantry, First Brigade, includ- ing engagement at Big Black River Bridge. No 4.Lieut. Col. John Lucas, Seventh Kentucky Infantry, including engagement at Big Black River Bridge. No. 5.Col. Daniel W. Lindsey, Twenty-second Kentucky Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, including operations to May 23. No. 6.Capt. John L. Campbell, Third Illinois Cavalry. No. 7.Lient. Charles B. Kimball, First Wisconsin Battery, including engagement at Big Black River Bridge. No. 8.Brig. Gen. Stephen G. Burbridge, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Tenth Division, including operations April 13May 24. No. 9.Col. Frederick W. Moore, Eighty-third Ohio Infantry, including operations April 14May 22. No. 10.Col. Joshua J. Guppey, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry, including opera- tions to May 22. No. 11.Col. Friend S. Rutherford, Ninety-seventh Illinois Infantry, Second Brigade. No. 12.Brig. Gen. Alvin P. Hovey, U. S. Army, commanding Twelfth Division, in- cluding operations May 220. No. 13.Brig. Gen. George F. McGinnis, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 14.Col. William T. Spicely, Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry. No. 15.Col. James R. Slack, Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 16.Lient. Col. John A. McLaughlin, Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry. No. 17.Lient. Joseph G. Strong, adjutant Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry. No. 15.Brig. Gen. Isaac F. Quinby, U. S. Army, commanding Seventh Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, including operations April 20May 20. No. 19.Lient. Col. John E. Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, First Brigade, including operations April 23May 22. No. 20.Col. David B. Hillis, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, Second Brigade. No. 21.Col. Holden Putnam, Ninety-third Illinois Infartry, commanding Third Brigade, including operations May 922. No. 22.Maj. Samuel H. Lockett, C. S. Engineer Corps, Chief Engineer Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana~in~Auding operations April 30May 17. No. 23.Maj. Gen. William W. Loring, C. S. Army, commanding division. No. 24.Col. A. E. Reynolds, Twenty-sixth Mississippi Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 25.Brig. Gen. Abram Buford, C. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 26.Col. Edward Goodwin, Thirty-fifth Alabama Infantry. No. 27.Col. Thomas M. Scott, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry. No. 28.Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Featherston, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 29.Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson, C. S. Army, comn~anding division. * See also general reports of Grant, McClernand, and Pemberton; battle of Port Gibson, reports of Buehler, Logan, and McPherson; engagement at Raymond, reports of Campbell, Crocke~, Davis, Sanborn, John E. Smith, and John D. Stevenson; engage- ment at Jackson, reports of Alexander, Bouck, Deimling, Hillis, and Holmes (Part I.) Engagement at Big Black River Bridge, report of Lawler; and siege of Vicksburg, reports of Blair, Fisher, Fonda, Lucas, Sampson, and T. K. Smith Page 7 CHAP. XXXVI] BATTLE OF CHAMPION ~ HILL, MISS. No. 30.Brig. Gen. Seth M. Barton, C. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 31.Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 3~2.Brig. Gen. A. Cumming, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 33.--Col. A. W. Reynolds, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade. No. 34.Col. Francis M. Cockrell, Second Missouri Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Bowens division, including engagement at Big Black River Bridge. No. 35.Col. Thomas P. Dockery, Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry, Second Brigade. No. 36.Col. Elijah Gates, First Missouri Cavalry (Confederate). No. 37.Statements of Confederate staff officers. No. 1. Return of Casualties in the Union forces at the battle of Champions Hill, or Bakers Creek, Miss., .Aliay 16, 1863. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a a Command. S S S .~ a a ~ ~ .a Q ~ 0 0 hI 0 hI 0 hI -~ THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. Joint A. MCCLERtAND. Escort. 3d flhinois Cavalry, Company I * KIETH ~iYI5ION. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHACS. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. TosEoiuILus T. GARRARD. 138th flhinois 49th Indiana 69th Indiana - 7th Kentucky Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. DAMEL W. LINDSEY. 22d Kentucliy 16th Ohio 42d Ohio 114th Ohio Total Second Brigade Artillery. 6 2 8 2 2 3 13 11 1~5 42 1 6 5 12 5 20 20 23 68 2 1 1 1 - 1 14 15 1 1 3 5 5 22 13 40 1 1 6 2 40..... 13 61 Michigan Light, 7th Battery* , Wisconsin Light, 1st Battery * Cavalry. 3d Illinois, Companies A, E7 and K 1 Total Ninth Division 3 14 5 * No loss reported. 1 130 82 1 25 Page 8 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL Return of Ca.sualtie8 in the Union forces at the battle of Champions 11W, ~c. Contd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. a 0 a 0 a a ~i ~ a ~ a o u -. ~ ~ .~ ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 r~ ~ TENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. STEPHEN G. BURBRLDGE. 16th Indiana 67th Indiana . .. SOd Ohio 23d Wisconsin Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM 3. LANDEAM. 77th flhinois 97th Illinois 108th flhinois* 130th Illinois* 19th Kentucky* 48th Ohio* Total Second Brigade Artillery. Illinois Light, Chicago Mercantile Battery Ohio Light, 17th Battery Cavalry. 4th Indiana Cavalry, Company C * Total Tenth Division TWELFTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALVIN P. HOVEY. Escort. 1st Indiana Cavalry, Company C* First Brigade. Brig. Gen. GEORGE F. McGINNIS. 11th Indiana 24th Indiana 34th Indiana 46th Indiana 29th Wisconsin..... - Ohio Light, 2d Battery* Ohio Light, 16th Battery Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. JAMES R. SLACK. 47th Indiana 24th Iowa 28th Iowa 56th Ohio 1st Missouri Li~ht Artillery, Battery A 4 6 3 3 4 6 3 3 16 16 1 5 1 5 6 3 . 25 25 28 6 120 13 167 19 3 58 3 84 19 6 86 2 113 1 1::::::K:~. 2 3 100 28 479 26 616 1 31 4 87 17 140 3 32 4 116 34 189 2 19 1 6t 1 13 97 2 18 4 86 1 i7 118 2 K.... 2 13 ~ 2~ 91~ - 360 Total Second Brig~de Total Twelfih Division ... 11~ 200 41 831 2~ 117 1,202 * No loss reported. 6 Page 9 BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 9 Return of Casualties in the Union forces at the battle of Oharnrions Hill, 4c.--Contd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. S S n 3 0 .- 0 0 IC ~ ~ 5 ;~ .5 IC ~ FOURTEENTh DIVI5ION.* Brig. Gen. EUGENE A. CARR. 33d Illinois. Total Fourteenth Division UNATTACHED. 2d Illinois Cavalry (seven companies) I 6th Missouri Cavalry (seven companies) Pattersons company Kentucky Infantry I Total unattached. Total Thirteenth Army Corps. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. SECOND DIVISIoN4 Ma]. Gen. FRANK P. BLAIR. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Ma]. Gen. J~a~ws B. MCPHERSON. CAVALRY BATTALION. Capt. JOHN S. FOSTER. 2d Illinois, Companies A and El 4th Missouri, Company Ft Ohio, 4th Companyt THIRD DIVISION. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN. First Brigade. Bri~. Gen. JOHN E. SMITH. 20th Illinois 31st Illinois 45th Illinois 124th Illinois 236 Indiana Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. MORTIMER P. LEGGETT. 30th Illinois 2 20th Ohio . 68th Ohio 78th Ohio Total Second Brigade V I. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN I). STEvENsON. 8th Illinois 8lstlllinois 7th Missourit 32d Ohio 1 2 3 I 2 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 14 217 46 941 3 142 1,303 2 3 12 8 25 5 18 23 4 1 19 24 11 6 28 43 3 14 1 18 22 13 91 7 5 44 t ~ 8 5 47 17 16 173 2 1 6 3 3 ii......I is 2, 3~ 15. 9 135 55 30 62 69 210 12 29 20 Total Third Brigade 7 4 32 61 * Held mainly in reserve. t No loss reported. las support; DO loss reported. CHAP. XXXVI. Page 10 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Return of 6asualties in the Union forces at the battle of Champions Hill, 4~e.Contd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command, a a a a a a a ~ a a a a ~ a ~ a ,~ ;~ 0 0 ~ .~ ~ 2 ii f~ 0 ~ 0 Artillery. Maj. CHARLES J. STOLBUAND. 1st flhlnois Light Artillery, Battery D * 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery L * Michigan Light Artillery. 8th Battery Ohio Light Artillery, 3d Battery * Total Third Division SEVENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MARCELLUS M. CHOCKER. First Brigade. Col. JOHN B. SANHOEN. 48th Indiana 59th Indiana 4th Minnesota 18th Wisconsin Total First Brigade Secend Brigade. Col. SAMUEL A. HOLMES. 56th flhinoist 17th Iowa 10th Missouri . 24th Missonri, Company E 80th Ohio* 1 1 4 47 33 296 27 407 3 2 33 38 1 9 10 1 1 2 1 2 3 6 5 5 46. 56 5 3 6 3 11 6 48 32 1 81 6 107 3 72 6 125 3 66 I~ 370 2 1 3 4 1 10 I 11 10 I 1 Total Second Brigade 1 Third Brigade. 37 17 33 16 103 Col. GEORGE B. BOOMER. 93d Illinois 5thlowa I 2 10th Iowa .:::::: 26th Missouri I 2 Total Third Brigade Artillery. 1st Missouri Light, Battery M ~. . Ohio Li,..ht, 11th Battery*. Wisconsin Light, 6th Battery Wisconsin Light, 12th Battery ~. Total Seventh Division 1 9f 29 14 I 119j 499f l~ Total Seventeenth Army Corps 13 I 1661 62j 795 11 41 RECAPITULATION. * No loss reported. Detached. 10 57 45 i 103 162 94 167 87 510 2 671 1, 078 Thirteenth Army Corps 14 217 46 941 3 142 1,363 Seventeenth Army Corps 13 166 62 795 1 41 1, 078 Grand total 27 383 108 1, 736 4 183 2, 44 Page 11 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 11 OFFICERS KILLED. ILLINOIS. Capt. James R. Wilson, 30th Infantry. Capt. Alexander W. Geddes, 118th In- Capt. James Burnet, 30th Infantry. fantry. Capt. David Lloyde, 93d Infantry. Lient. Thomas B. White, 118th Infantry. INDIANA. Capt. Felix G. Welman, 24th Infantry. Licut. James F. Perry, 47th Infantry. Lient. Joel Ferris, 46th Infantry. IOWA. Lient. Samuel B. Lindsay, 5th Infantry. Capt. Silas ID. Johnson, 24th Infantry. Lient. Jerome Darling, 5th Infantry. Capt. William Carbee, 24th Infantry. Capt. Stephen W. Poage, 10th Infantry. Lieut. Chauncey Lawrence, 24th Infantry. Lient. James H. Terry, 10th Infantry. Lient. Benjamin F. Kirby, 28th Infantry. Lient. Isaac H. Brown, 10th Infantry. Lient. John J. Legan, 28th Infantry. KENTUCKY. Capt. Thomas Wilson, 7th Infantry. MISSOURI. Lient. Col. Leonidas Homey, 10th In- 1 Maj. Charles F. Brown, 26th Infantry. fantry. Capt. John Welker, 26th Infantry. OHIO. Capt. James A. Mitchell, 16th Battery. Lient. Augustus S. Chute, 56th Infantry. Lient. Presley MeCafferty, 20th Infantry. Lieut. Col. John S. Snook, 68th Infantry. Lient. George W. Manring, 56th Infantry. DIED OF WOUNDS. ILLINOIS. Lient. George E: Meily, 30th Infantry. INDIANA. Lient. James H. Baldwin, 24th Infantry. Lient. Col. William Swain, 34th Infantry. Lient. Jesse L. Cain, 24th Infantry. Lient. William A. Andrew, 46th Infantry. Asst. Snrg. T. W. C. Williamson, 24th In- Lient. George W. Cole, 47th Infantry. fantry. IOWA. Lient. John Bnehanan, 28th Infantry. MISSOURI. Lient. Thomas M. Lee, 26th Infantry. OHIO. Capt. John Cook, 56th Infantry~ Lient. James T. CaldwelI, 78th Infantry Page 12 12 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, commanding Ninth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, including operations May 223. HEADQUARTERS NINTH DIVISION, Big Black Hirer railroad Bridge, Mississippi, May 26, 1863. PART 1.The day after this battle [Port Gibson, May tj the Ninth Division, together with the Tenth, Twelfth, and Fourteenth Divisions, of the Thirteenth Army Corps, marched to Port Gibson, waiting there for the construction of a bridge across Bayou Pierre. On May 3, the line of march was taken up again for Willow Springs, and the corps went into camp at the forks of the roads to Jackson, Vicksbnrg, and Grand Gulf On the morning of the 5th, my command was ordered to proceed on the Jackson road. Being in the front, the Second Illinois Cavalry was attached temporarily to it. We had passe(l Rocky Springs and Big Sandy Creek when my advance was halted by a fire from a rebel picket. I ordered the Secon(l Illinois Cavalry to attack, which they did boldly, Lieutenant Stickel dashing on the enemy, who proved to be in number superior to his company; but his attack was so energetic and quick that the rebels could not find time to form. The lieutenant and his men were among them with drawn sabers and drove them for 5 miles, kill. ing and wounding 12 and taking some 30 prisoners. This is without doubt one of the most brilliant cavalry engagements of the war, and Lieutenant Stickel deserves the highest praise for skill and bravery shown. My division encamped on both sides of the Big Sandy Creek, cov- ering all the roads leading to the Big Black River ferries amid to the enemys line in front and flank. The whole army corps came up during the next few days, and after having had the honor of a review by Generals Grant an(1 MeClernand on May 9, we again moved forward on the 10th toward~ the enetn-y s lines. The whole Thirteenth Army Corps marched on the Jackson road, amid when on Five-Mile Creek was ordered into bivouac, the Forty- ninth and Sixty-ninth Indiana being thrown forward as advance guard beyomid Auburn (old) to the fork of the roads to Edwards Station and Raymond. My scouts brought information of the enemys cavalry ap. pealing near Fourteen-Mile Creek, and we consequently marched for that point on May 12, General iloveys div~ion leading. This generals approach compelled the rebel force to yield their position to us. They fell back on the Edwards Station road, while our corps received the generals order for the next morning to march toward Raymond, but, if l)OSSible, on a road hiding this movemnent of the corps from the ob- servation of the enemy. Such a road was found and made practicable by the corps of pioneers attached to the army corps. Soon after mid- night my division was at Raymond, where I received orders to garrison the place. I took such measures as secured it against any surprise of the enemy. All the other United States forces cencentrated here ad- vanced farther on the Jackson road. I had to remain at the post of Raymond only umitil 4 a. in., May iS, when the general commanding the army corps ordered my division, except two regimentsthe Fifty-fourth Indiana and the One hundred and twentieth Ohio Inflintry, which were o be left as garrisonto march toward Bolton Station, on the Jackson and Yicksburg 1~ailroad Page 13 CHAP. XXXYI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 13 At 8 oclock Captain Campbell, of the Third illinois Cavalry, captured that place, (Iestroying the bridges on the railroad and on the public roads leading to it, and took some prisoners. All reports and information obtained here confirmed the fact that large bodies of rebel forces were within a few miles of us and l)rel)ared to give us battle. They were formed east of Edwards Station, defend- ing all the roads converging at that important railroad station. In order to take up the position assigned to me in the order of battle by the general commanding the army ~orps, I left Bolton, marching back on the Raymond road about 3 miles, where I took a road branching off there for Edwards Station, and bivouacked on the same ground which the enemys cavalry had just left. Cavalry vedettes and patrols thrown forward developed the enemy in immediate vicinity. His pickets fell back, but a large body of mounted infantry appeared soon after and pressed into the line of my infantry pickets. The regiment in reserve, Forty-second Ohio, advanced at once to support these pickets, and after a lively engagement the enemys forces retired and left us without further annoyance for that evening. The plan of attack for the next morning placed me in the center of our line; General Ilovey, Twelfth Division, on my right, on the direct Bolton and Edwards Station road; General Smith, Tenth Division, on my left, on the iRaymond and Edwards Station road; and General Carr, Fourteenth Division, following me as reserve on the same road I was marching on. I left camp on the morning of May 16, precisely at 6 oclock, with all those safeguards in front and flank which the enemys vicinity rendered indispensable. Captain Campbell, who had the advance, pushed vig- orously forward. By 7.30 oclock the report of cannon on my left was heard, and cavalry l)atrols which I had sent out in that direction re- ported that General Smith had engaged the enemy on the Raymond road. In order to co-operate with him, I advanced rapidly to a point where the road leaves the open fields and enters a very broken section of timbered land, behind which the enemy was formed, apparently in very strong numbers. PART 11.The casualties on May 1 and the garrisoning of Raymond reduced my division as follows: First Brigade, General T. T. Garrard commanding.The Seventh Ken- tricky Infantry, Li~utenant-Colonel Lucas commanding; Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry, Col. James Keigwiu commanding; Sixty-ninth In- diana Infantry, Col. Thomas W. Bennett commanding; One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry, Col. J. G. l4rnda commanding. & cond Brigade, Cot. D. W. Lindsey commanding.The Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, Captain Botsford commanding; Forty-second Ohio Infantry, Major Williams commanding; One hundred and fourteenth Ohio In- fantry, Colonel Cradlebaugh commanding; Twenty-second Kentucky Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Monroe commanding. ArtiUery.The First Wisconsin Battery, six 20-pounder Parrotts . Seventh Michigan Battery, six 10-pounder Rodman. Cavalry.Companies A, E, and K, Third Illinois Volunteers, Captain Campbell commanding. Infantry, 2,386; artillery, 218; cavalry, 100. Total, 2,704. With this force of 2,704 men, I entered upon one of the most difficult terrains (grounds) for the passage of troops which can be imagined~ A chaos of ravines and narrow hills, sloping very abruptly into sink- hole-like valleys, diverge in all directions. All is covered densely b Page 14 14 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. trees and brush, except the public road, which winds its track in bizarre curves, and follows the hills and valleys, without J)ermitting at any point an open view of more than 50 or 100 yards. This very broken terrain has, on the south side of the road, a general tendency to slope off; being about 1 mile wide. It terminates at a narrow little creek. Passing over this stream, the land becomes smoother again, and opens on large fields, which extend all across from the creek to the road direct from Raymond to Edwards Station, on which General Smiths division was marching. The space between the road occupied by me and the Bolton and Edwards Station road, on my right, ,on which General iloveys division was advancing, is, from its described nature, utterly impracticable for any military movements, except in a dispersed and loosely connected line of skirmishers. From General Hoveys division I was about 1 mile off, while General Smiths column was at least 4 miles separated from me to my left and to the rear. His progress was checked more vehemently than that of General iloveys and my own. To the First Brigade, General Garrard commanding, I gave the order to advance. Only one section of Lanpheres battery I took along with the brigade, as there was hardly any prospect for artillery to be used on the ground before us. To prepare against any attack by the enemy on my flank, or his break- ing out from any point which in this very difficult terrain might have escal)cd my notice, I deployed the Second Brigade, with two sections of the Seventh Michigan Battery and the First Wisconsin Battery, on an open and commanding ridge in thefield which the advancing First Brigade was leaving behind. The Third Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Captain Campbell, led the way carefully, and, supported by the skirmishers of the Seventh Ken- tucky, we advanced into the timber and against the enemy, who had again selected one of his favorite positions in the brush to give us bat- tle. The ground now became so rough that I had to withdraw the cav- alry (Third Illinois), and afterward employed it in finding my connec- tions with General Smith on my left, and in watching the enemys movements toward that flank of my position. I have derived a great deal of good from the captains zeal. The Seventh Kentucky, with the Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry and one section of Laupheres battery, formed the advance, and, driving the enemys skirmishers from one ravine to another, they advanced slowly against his main position, about 1 mile beyond the l)OsitiOn occupied by the Second Brigade in the field. I foimd~a comparatively good range for the section of artillery, and concluded to place it in battery there, supported by two companies of infantry, and keeping them in readiness for any emergency, the pieces loaded with cai~ister,in order to secure a rallying point in case my advancing infantry had to fall back. The Seventh Kentucky on the right and the Forty-ninth Indiana on the left of the road advanced about 1 mile beyond this section of artillery, when the fire and resistance of the enemy became very fierce. I (hiS- patched immediately the Sixty-ninth Indiana an~ One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry to deploy on the left of the road to re-enforce these regiments. Gallantly the line so strengthened advanced, forcing several of the enemys positions b~ their fin down the~ hills. l)etuous charges up and By this time G~neral ilovey was also engaged, and apparently the main forces of the enemy were concentrated against his and my posi- tions. The artillery played heavily on us, but without any injnry to th Page 15 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 15 troops, the very broken ground and thick timber exposing theN only to very short range of infantry. We advanced until we came to a clearing again in the timber. Here the road on which General Hovey was advancing inns into the road I was fighting on, and here the enemy made a most desperate attempt to l)revent the junction of the divisions. We could see his columns advancing in great nunibers, and I considered it prudent to strengthen my line by adding the Forty-second Ohio Infantry to the First Brigade, and the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio Infantry (both of the Second Brigade) to support the artillery (one section) in lieu of two companies of the Forty-ninth Indiana, which I ordered to join their regiment in front. Fearing the enemy might try to benefit by the open ground. on my left flank, described above, and the backward position of General Smith, I made a reconnaissance in that direction, and found large numbers of them (infantry and artillery) massed on a commanding elevation, ap- parently in expectation of General Smiths attack. Occasionally the enemy threw shell in the direction of their march. In order to secure my flank, and co-operate with General Smith, I ordered Colonel Lindsey, with the two remaining regiments of his bri- gade (Sixteenth Ohio and Twenty-second Kentucky Infantry), to take a position in the edge of the timber and open fire against the enemys position. These two regiments were by no means adequate to repel or resist the numerous force of the enemy, and I therefore applied to Major-General McClernand for re enforcements from General Carrs division, which was in my i-ear, and on the ground occupied until lately by the Second Brigade. A regiment was ordered to the support of Colonel Lindsey, and this excellent officer deployed his line and at- tacked the enemy vigorously. Debouching from the timber, he charged the retreating infantry to the very muzzle of the battery covering them. The promised support was not yet on hand to follow up this attack; therefore the colonel ordered his regiments to fall back into the timber again and await re-enforcements. I refer to the colonels report, and take great pleasure to commend the action of that meritorious officer. The direction of the enemys retreat on that flank was such that he fell (rather unexpectedly to both parties) on the left of the First Brigade, which was advancing and fighting on the main road under General Garrard. Though I had ad- vised this officer of the operations on the left, the information could not be communicated in time to the troops @n ~ left, therefore the ap- pearance of the enemy on their flank stopped for some time the ad- vance of our troops. General MeClernand, who saw the effect of this l)resumed flank at- tack, immediately strengthened General Garrards position by two regi- ments of General Carrs division. At the same time General Lawlers brigade (also of General Carrs division) was ordered to support Colonel Lindsey. The enemy, becoming convinced of the small force under the colonel, had opened a raking artillery fire on him. 4 few rounds from General Lawlers artillery were enough to silence his ~uns and compel him to remove them to safer quarters. Thus strengthened on all sides, the whole line advanced, and after a short but very brisk fire the en- emy, already nearly broken by the severe assaults made hy my troops, yielded his l)osition. The main army of the enemy made for Big Black liver Railroad Bridge, but a large body of his right wing tried to make good its retrea Page 16 16 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. in another direction. They were perseveringly followed by Colonel Lindsey and General Smith, whose division fefl in with Colonel Lind- seys brigade during the pursuit. Thousands of the enemy were found scattered everywhere, and fell into our hands as prisoners of war. In one instance, Colonel Lindsey, with the Sixteenth Ohio and Twenty- second Kentucky Infantry alone, took more prisoners than the whole number of his brigade combined; also a number of cannon and small- arms became ours. We pressed the enemy to Edwards Station, where our army corps bivouacked for~the night. At 4 oclock next morning (May 17) the line of march was taken up again, General Carrs division leading. Our onward march was not in- terfered with until the head of the column debouched from a J)iece of timber land, about 2 miles east of the Big Black River Railroad Bridge. General Carrs division at once deployed on the right of the road, while I executed the order to deploy my division on the left of the road, con- necting with General Carr. I ordered Colonel Lindsey (Second Bri- gade) forward, and he deployed into line as soon as the terrain per- mitted this maneuver to be executed, while the First Brigade (General Garrards), deployed by battalion in mass, formed the second line. Ad. vices from the left informed me that large numbers of the enemy were on that flank, and I accordingly had the First Brigade change front to the left, so that it formed an obtuse angle to the line of the Second Bri- gade. Skirmishers thrown out in front and flank engaged the enemy at once. We advanced over the open ground to within 500 yards of the enemys works protecting the Big Black River Railroad Bridge. Before attempting a farther advance against the fortifications, which appeared to be very extensive and very strongly garrisoned, I ordered the First (Fosters) Wisconsin Battery forward. My first intention was to I)lant it at the salient point formed by the lines of the Second and First Brigades, but a closer survey of the grounds and the enemys works caused me to bring this heavy battery to I~e right of the Second Bi-igade, and, near the railroad, where it had a direct fire on the strongest part of the enemys works, and on that point where the great- est masses of the enemy appeared to concentrate. My movements must have attracted the attention of the enemy. ile o1)ened a heavy fire on us before we had the pieces in battery, and ~vhile I was directing Captain Foster where to plant his first piece, the first shell exploded in our midst, disabling Captain Foster and myself and exploding the limber-box of the piece. I was now able to remain on the field but a short time, during which the gallant men of Foster suc- ceeded in bringing their pieces in positios~, while the enemy played on them most terribly. I was compelled to yield the command of the Ninth Division to General A. L. Lee, and it is to his report I refer for the part taken by the command in the storming and taking of the Big Black River fortifications, with all their cannon, ammunition, and sev- eral thousand prisoners. For the number of killed and wounded for these two days (16th and 17th) I refer to the nominal list accompanying this report.~ PART 111.Elated by these glorious victories, the men hastily threw a bridge over the Big Black River in the evening~nd night of the 17th, and early in the morning the Ninth Division crossed the river and fol- lowed the enemy, who had gained more than twelve hours time over us by burning the railroad bridge, and thus causing our delay until a new one could b& built. Every step forward showed the utter confa * Embodied in revised statements, pp. 7, 128 Page 17 CUAr. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 17 sion of his retreat; the road was literally strewn with the d~bris of the dissolved army. The Thirteenth Army Corps left at Mount Alban the main Jackson and Yicksburg road, turning south, and, marching over several planta- tion roads, reached the road leading from Halls Ferry to Yicksburg. On this avenue we approached the city, and at nightfall we came within sight of its extensive fortifications. Numerous flags floating over the works proved that the persisting leaders of the enemy would try a last attempt to rally their men to fight again, and to save, if possible, the stronghold of rebeldom on the Mississippi River. We bivouacked on a very narrow little creek, about 2 miles from the line of fortifications. Orders received on May 19 placed the Thirteenth Army Corps on the left wing of the army, which prepared to invest the city. My division was to form the extreme left, and General Smiths the right of our first line, while General Carr, deploying his division in the center of us, took the second line. Such were our instructions. Notwithstanding I was hardly able to move about on horseback, I considered the circumstances imperative for me to take command of the division again. Assigning to General Lee, who had reported to me for permanent duty, the command of the First Brigade, lately under General Garrard, which officer was ordered to a command at Helena, Ark., I at once proceeded to make, as far as possible, a reconnaissance of the grounds which were to be the field of operations for the Ninth Division. At the little creek we had bivouacked on, the ground on the left of the road rises gradually, and, forming a plateau sloping from west to east, is converted into fields planted with corn. At the west end of the plateau it abruptly sinks into a deep valley again. At the margin of this valley the plateau reaches its highest elevation, and runs almost parallel and on the same lead with that ridge in front (west) which the enemy had covered with his fortifications. The distance between the plateau and the fortifications does not exceed 1,500 yards, but the in- terval is very broken indeed. The main figures of this intermediate ground are two ridges running almost parallel with the fortified line and with the west side of the plateau, but hardly on any point high enough to mask these from each other. The ridges are very steep, creating three narrow valleys, in each one of which is a small running stream. These hills and valleys are by no means regular, but, on the contrary, variously intersected by cross valleys and gorges, making a passage over them very difficult. To go ~tra~ight forward over them with artillery is out of the question, except by pulling them up and down by hand; though on the south end of that section of terrain where the described three valleys converge, the slopes appeared to offer some practicability for military movements, and I was informed that I could find there a plantation road which connected the Halls Ferry and the Warrenton and Yicksburg roads. The main Baldwins Ferry road, on whichthc Thirteenth Army Corps was approaching, turns on the highest ridge of the plateau to the right, and, following the undulations of the ground, enters tl~ line of the en- emys fortifications in front of the position assigned to General Smiths division. Preparatory to further movements, I ordered my division to advance in the following order: The First Brigade, nuder General Lee, deployed into line of battle to the edge of the valley (west end of the plateau), with one section of 20- pounder Parrotts (Captain Fosters battery) on the right, and two sec- tions of the same on the left. The Second Brigade, under Col. ID. W. 2 a UVOL XXIV, PT I Page 18 18 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [GUAP. XXXVI Lindsey, deployed into line, by battalions in mass, in the rcar of the First Brigade. Being placed on the extreme left, I ordered a strong line of pickets thrown out on that flank, supported by the left battalion of the Second Brigade, in order to prevent any surprise from that side. Lanpheres battery was kept in reserve, supported by the cavalry. The right section of Fosters battery was opened by 10 oclock on a battery in front of General Smith, where we could see a party of the rebels at work. The distance was at least 2,500 yards, but the projectiles from these superior guns reached the object and dispersed the working party. All the forts in my front were fully manned, and a number of guns were in view, but they did not fire even when Fosters battery, on the left of General Lees brigade, to find their range, threw several shells among them. Their guns remained silent. I ordered General Lee to advance his line into the valley, leaving only a support to the batteries, and, as far as he found no resistance with skirmishers, feeling the way carefully. The general descended into the valley and marched up the next ridge, passed the next valley, and was debouching from a small strip of timber in order to ascend the second line of hills. Here his troops came in view of the enemy, who then opened with shot and shell, though without doing any injury. The general halted under the shelter of the many ravines. Colonel Lindseys brigade followed this forward movement, under orders to support and strengthen any part of General Lees line if necessary. Shortly before this, I received orders from corps headquarters to pre- pare everything for a general assault at 2 p. m. After having advised my brigade commanders of this order, Captain Lanpheres battery was brought forward to support the assault, and unlimbered on an eminence on the left of Fosters battery (four guns). Both batteries were to open fire on the enemys works and wherever he should show himself. The forward movement of the infantry had left the batteries without an ef- fective support in case of a flank attack, and I therefore ordered Cap- tain Campbells cavalry to proceed on the plantation road mentioned above, leading to Warrenton and Halls Ferry, scour all the country south, and apprise me of anything that might transpire in that direction. At 2 oclock all the batteries fired three volleys, and the infantry began the advance. They climbed the steep hills before them in most brilliant style, and marched over the brow of the ridge through a most raking fire The extremely irregular ground and the situation of the objects of attack made the direction of the advanc~ of the First Brigade bear to the left, and, of course, it created a gap in the line of attack between mine and General Smiths command, on my right. Under my orders and instructions, Colonel Lindsey, commanding the Second Brigade, at once inserted his brigade in this opening, and the whole division now advanced steadily and gallantly against a most fearful fire from the enemys rifle-pits and batteries, which commanded (mostly by cross-fire) every hill, every ravine, gully, and gorge leading to the fortifications. Many a brave man sank down under the hail-storm of iron and lead, and among them that most gallant officer, Genei~i A. L. Lee, who, so shortly connected with the division, had shown so many military vir- tues, was wounded; but the victors at Port Gibson, Champions Hill, and Big Black River marched forward and held the ground gained. They came withiii 300 or 350 yards of the enemys works, and, availing themselves of every swell and nook of the ground, opened now on their part a murderous fire, compelling the rebel gunners very soon to leave their guns Page 19 ChAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 19 By the wounding of General Lee the command of the First Brigade devolved on Col. James Keigwin, Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry. The artillery, from its position described above, supported movements of the infantry with a well-directed fire; but in order to bring the bat- teries to a more effective range, I selected a hill at least 500 yards nearer the rebel works for a battery, and at once ordered one section of Lanpheres battery to be brought forward. The pieces had to be drawn up the very steep hill by hand, and as soon as one piece was in position it was opened on the enemy. The feasibility of establishing a battery on the steep hill being thus demonstrated, I ordered a breastwork to be built during the night on the same spot for two sections of Lanpheres battery. I laid the faces of this work out so that we could rake every battery in our front. After nightfall a strong force of sharpshooters and reserves were detailed to occupy and hold the ground gained by our first attack on Yicksburg. The other troops were withdrawn and bivouacked in the valleys and along the little streams of water in them, carefully hiding their camp-fires. On next morning, May 20, I had the pleasure to witness the opening of the battery which, by the energy of Captain Lauphere and the zeal of his men and the pioneers, wa~ completed during the night. It was the first battery constructed, and the farthest in advance. The brilliant practice of the gunners kept all the enemys guns silent. During the night one section of Captain Fosters battery was ordered to take position in General Smiths line by Major-General MeClernand. In the early part of the morning the infantry had formed again in their respective places they occupied yesterday, but behind the line of sharpshooters, who kept up a very lively fire with the enemy in the rifle-pits. It appeared very desirable, after the successful construction of the battery last night, to have also the 20-pounder Parrott guns of the First Wisconsin Battery brought forward. In my efforts to find a suitable site for this battery, I was assisted by Colonel Keigwin, and on his suggestion I ordered it placed on a high ridge to the left, and a little in advance of the Lauphere battery. A pioneer detail prepared the necessary earthwork. Notwithstanding the rebel sharpshooters main- tamed a fire of great precision on the spot all day, the four h,uns opened from this second battery before night in masterly style. On May 21, the fire was kept up by both batteries at intervals and by the skirmishers, the masses of infantry being kept out of the enemys range and view. While we were at work to advance our lines, the enemy did not lose any chance to strengthen and enlarge his works and repair damages. Guns either disabled or withdrawn from the forts one day reappeared on the next morning, either on their old or new fortifications. They opened them ordinarily at early morning, when the prompt and precise fire from our guns soon forced them to their usual quiet and silence again. Our skirmishers advanced over this dimcult ground slowly but steadily, so that on the evening of May 21 they were at no place more than 300 yards from the enemys works, and at some points within 200 yards of them. This variation in intervals was exclusively owing to the ground, which, after passing the valley separating us from the for- tifications, became more rough and rugged than before. The slope which was immediately before my men was almost perpendicular, and promiscuously cut up by ravines and water-drains, some of which were not more than 6 or 7 feet wide and 10 or 15 deep. All timber was cu Page 20 20 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. down and converted into the most intricate abatis and extending almost all along my immediate front. Besides these natural and artificial im- pediments, the enemys rifle-pits and forts were so skillfully arranged that their fires defended every approach, exposing an assaulting party to a front and flank fire at murderous ranges. By 0 p. m. (May 21) an order from headquarters of the army corps ad- vised me officially of a general assault, to be made on the next morning (May 22) at 10 oclock by the whole line. In obedience td this order, 1 immediately met my brigade commanders, to come to a thorough un- derstanding as to the anticipated attack. After snbjecting all the ground to a very minute survey, iu order to ascertain and agree upon the best point of attack (this very puzzling choice, according to the order, having been left to every division commander), I selected the very steep acclivity directly in front of Captain Laupheres battery as the point of my attack for sundry reasons, viz: There was a well-cov- ered approach to it, where the storming columns could form, and the obstructions appeared less than at any other point on my front; further. more the point selected was in supporting distance of General Carr, who had relieved General Smith, on my right. Another prominent and I)rincipal feature seemed to be that the slope was here divided by spurs, running out and dividing the terrain into three sections, and thus afford- ing some shelter to the troops while they made the escalade. I ordered columns of divisions at half distance to be formed for the attack, in order to have the necessary pressure and connections on the l)oint of attack, without the danger of the lines being broken, which (leployed lines in this terrain could not have avoided. The intervals and fronts of the columns were to be well covered by sharpshooters. The columns were formed as follows: First. Right -Gotumn.----The Twenty-second Kentucky Infantry and the Forty-second Ohio Infantry. Second. Center Column.The One hundred and fourteenth Ohio In- t~ntry and Forty-ninth and Sixty-ninth Indiana Infantry. Third. Left Column.The Seventh Kentucky Infantry and One hun- dred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry. The Sixteenth Ohio Infantry was deployed as skirmishers. The One hundred and tweutieth Ohio Infantry was retained as the extreme left, with orders to deploy, at the hour of attack, a very strong line of skirmishers on that wing, and open a heavy fire, and makp all such demonstrations which could divert the enemy~s attention from the point of our main attack. The artillewy kept up a heavy fire on the enemys works since early daybreak, preparatory to the assault. Precisely at 10 a. m. the column moved forward, breaking over all obstructions at the foot and in the slope of the hills, and against a ter- rific fire from all the rifle-pits and forts. The Seventh Kentucky, lead- ing the left column, advanced to the top of the hill, and marched over- the naked brow of it through murderous fire from the great redoubt on the left. They suffered heavily. All the columns reached the top of the hill, and came within so short a distance fr~m the works that all orders and commands given on the enemys side could be distinctly un- derstood by our men. The officers and men acted most courageously, but, finding that new obstacles not seen before would impede their far- ther advance, the column halted to rest, availing themselves of the irregularities of The ground for shelter. The sharpshooters and leading divisions of the columns maintained a very well-directed fire against the enemy, causing their gunners to leave their guns, and preventing their infantry from showing themselves, except for moments Page 21 ~A~PTtI~ OF ChAMPIONS hILL, MISS. CHAP. xXk~t] 21 Under the most scorching sun, our meu kept their dangerous position all day. Several attempts made to push farther on, and, if possible, reach the enemys line, only developed more and more the exceedingly difficult task before us. By the result being the same all along the whole line, it was demonstrated that the feasibility of taking the forts by assault was more than doubtful. The troops of my division held the gronnd gained, and when night came on were withdrawn, leaving, though, strong pickets and a line of sharpshooters on the most advanced points. Colonel Cradlebaugh, One hundred and fonrteenth Ohio Infantry; Major Finley, Sixty-ninth Indiana; Captain Barber, Forty-second Ohio Jnfantry, and many other officers and men were wounded or killed on this eventful day. I refer to the list of casualties annexed for the details of losses.~ They are heavy. With May 22, my operations before Yicksburg came to a close, as I received orders on the next day to proceed with a part of my com- mand and some cavalry, temporarily attached, to Big Black River Rail- road Bridge, as the enemy were making some efforts to collect a new army, under General Johnston, with the spoken-out intention to raise the siege of Yicksburg. In recapitulation of the narrative of three weeks workfrom May 2 to May 23I state that the Ninth Division, most all the time in front and within feeling distance of the enemy, mimarched over 125 miles, took a prominent part in the great battles of Champions Hill and Big Black River, and since then was, without being relieved an hour, in the front line of the army investing Vicksburg, and on all these memorable occa- sions never flinched from their severe duty, but were always ready to strike. To enumerate those who distinguished themselves is impossible, when evei-y man showed himself willing to die for our cause. In mentioning the names of General Lee and Colonels Lindsey and Keigwin, my bri- gade commanders, and those of Colonels Bennett, Sixty-ninth Indiana; Fonda, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois; Spiegel, One hundred and twentieth Ohio Cradlebaugh, One hundred and fourteenth Ohio, and Lieutenant-Colonels Pardee, Forty-second Ohio; Monroe, Twenty-second Kentucky; Lucas, Seventh Kentucky, and Major Hawhe, Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry, the regimental commanders; Captain Lanphere, Sev- enth Michigan Battery; Lieutenants Nutting and Hackett, of the First Wisconsin Battery, and Captain Campbell, Third Illinois Cavalry, I en- deavor to express the greatest obligations I feel to them for their great zeal, promptness, and courage exhibited in e~ecrtting orders. The hearty and brave assistance of these and all secured us victory. The wounded sufferers were, under the circumstances, promptly and kindly cared for. The arrangements for field hospitals and the arnbu- lance corps, under Lieutenant [Joseph D.] Moody, were perfect, and it is again my duty and pleasure to thank Dr. [Joel] Pomerene and the surgeons of the division most sincerely. In conclusion, I am compelled to state that almost all the artillery rifled ammunition was very inferior. At moments of ~he highest immi- portance the batteries would have to cease firing, for our deficient mis- siles were more dangerous to our own men than to the enemy; also in- fantry ammunition can bear improvement. I annex some sketches prepared by the topographical engineer, F. Tunica, attached to the Ninth Division: No. 1, showing the whole route made by command since leaving Carthage, La., to our position in the See revised statement, p. 161 Page 22 22 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. rear of Vicksburg, Miss * No. 2, topography of the battle-field of Big Black River Bridge, May 17.* I hope to be able to procure also topographical sketches of the battle- field of Champions Hill and the scene of the operations of the Ninth Division in the rear of Yicksbnrg, Miss. Submitting all this to you, 1 am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS. Brigadier- General, Gommanding. Lient. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, A. A. G., Thirteenth Army Corps. No. 3. Report of Col. James Keigwin, Forty-ninth indiana Ljantry, First Brigade, including engagement at Big Black River Bridge. iN THE FIELD, May 18, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following as a report of the l)art taken by the Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry in the engagements with the enemy on the 16th instant at Champions hill an(l at Big Black Bridge on the 17th instant: On the morning of the 16th, we were ordered from our bivouac, and formed a part of the advance guard of the division. After a march of about 4 miles, we caine npon the enemy~s line of skirmishers, and were ordered to form on the left of the Seventh Kentucky. Our skirmishers advanced and were soon hotly engaged. I advanced the regiment a short distance, and soon met the enemy in our front, when I opened fire on him, and drove him back a short distance. The ground being very rough, I halted for a short time to reconnoiter the ground in my front. While at this point, I received an order from General Osterhaus to I)u511 forward; that he wanted to gain another position. I moved on, andsoon found that I was getting so far in advance of the brigade that I might be cut oIL I halted, and found that the regiments to my right and left were about 500 yards to my rear. I did not remain here but a short time, when I was ordered back to the battery, to my position in the bri- gade. As I fell back, the enemy followed a short distance and halted. We remained here a short time, when the brigade, with the Forty-second Ohio, ~was moved forward to the attack. We moved forward until we caine in sight of the open field and got our line formed, when we dis- covered the enemy approaching across The field. They soon drove our skirmishers in, and commenced the attack. The Forty-second Ohio, on my right, from some cause, gave way, which left my left flank exposed, when the enemy came down on it and charged into the flank, and some of them got to my rear. My men stood up bravely, and, after passing a few blows with the butts of their pieces, were forced to retire. I halted them on a small elevation and fired a few rounds, when the enemy broke and went back faster than they had approached. This ended the fighting for the day. We then moved on tQ Edwards Station and bivouacked for the night. My men during the day fought bravely, and I cannot speak in too high terms of the gallant bearing of both officers and men. I only had seven companies engaged in the fight, and they were small, numbering only 260 men. The other three were detailed in the morning to sup- * Not foun4 Page 23 Cw~r. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 23 port one section of Captain Lanpheres battery. Major llawhe and Adjutant Riddle deserve great credit for their cool and efficient aid ren- dered me during the day. And my line officers were ever in their places, urging their men to do their duty. The following is a list of casualties during the day: Killed, 6; wounded, 14; missing, 1. On the morning of the 17th instant, we left our bivouac and marched in the rear of our division on the road toward Big Black Bridge. We had only marched abont 2 miles when the firing commenced in front. We followed on to a point where the Ninth Division turned off the road to the left. At this point III was ordered by General MeClernand to move with my regiment on the right of the road, and formalineinthe rear of General Lawlers brigade, which was hotly engaged. I remained at this point, when General Carr ordered me to support his division, which was [engaged] with the enemy in his works at the bridge. I re- mained at this point for some time, when General Lawler ordered me lip to support a charge he was preparing to make on the enemys works. II had not my line in position when the right regiment of his brigade charged across the open field toward the enemy. The general rode up to me and ordered me to charge at the same time, which I did, and I dont think it was anything but the daring bravery of the officers and men which ended the contest so quickly, for we had within 100 yards of the works a bayou to cross, with a heavy abatis, when the enemy coin- menced putting cotton on their ramrods and showing a willingness to surrender. My men charged into the bayou, and my regiment was second in the works, although they had farther to charge and deeper water to wade through than three others that started in advance of us. Captain McConahay, of Company A, was the only man I had wounded in this engagement, which was the poorest fight I ever saw the rebels make. After Captain McConahay fell, Sergt. [William] Wesley Ken- dall, who is one of the bravest of the brave, and always proved himself such in every engagement, led the company in the fight, and was one of the first in the works. I would recommend him to the commanding general for promotion for the gallant conduct he has displayed in every skirmish and battle the regiment has been engaged in since its organi- zation, JAMES KEIGWIN, Colonel, Commanding. NV. A. JORIAN, Acting Assistan-t Adjutant-General. No. 4. Report of Licut. Col. John Lucas, ASeventh Kentucky Infantry, including engagement a~ Big Black River Bridge. , 1863. On the morning of the 16th of May, 1863, being in command of the Seventh Regiment Kentucky Yolunteer Infantry, I was ordered to move forward with said regiment to the front of the Firs1~Brigade, which was then on the road leading from Raymond, Miss., to Edwards Depot, on the Yicksburg and Jackson Railroad, about miles from Raymond. In obedience to said order, I advanced with my regiment as prescribed, preceded by one company of the Third Illinois Cavalry, and throwing forward a few vedettes and Companies A and F, of my regiment, as skir- mishers, a(l\~anced about 2 miles where the cavalry finding the enemy Page 24 24 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVT. pickets, we halted, and after a short reconnaissance resumed the advance, and proceeded about l~ miles farther on said road, where we found the enemy in force. My regiment took position on the right of said road, first throwing Companies A, F, and D forward as skirmishers, and after- ward the remainder of the regiment moved forward, and, driving the enemys skirmishers from their position, the regiment was ordered by General Garrard to fall back and resume its original position in line of battle. Sending forward Company G as picket, remained in position until oclock, when I was ordered with my regiment to advance with the brigade, and engaged the enemy, and after a short and very severe engagement, was ordered to fall back a short distance, and were not en- gaged any more during the day, as the enemy commenced a precipitate retreat to Black River Bridge. On the evening of the 16th, we proceeded to Edwards Depot, where we halted for the night (having followed in rear of General Bentons brigade). Before leaving Champions Hill for Edwards Depot, I was ordered not to get my regiment into line, from the fact that General Garrard had received orders to follow in the rear of General Bentons brigade. I heard the order delivered to General Garrard, and think it was by one of General MeClernands aides. On the morning of the 17th May, 1863, we resnmed the pursuit to near Black River Bridge; took position on the left of the brigade. I then sent Companies A and B forward as skirmishers, and advanced npon the enemys right, where they were strongly intrenched. My regiment was on the extreme left of the First Brigade, and advanced over an extensive open plain for nearly imile. Thisplainis intercepted by aslough;which is about 500 or 600 yards from the enemys works. My regiment entered the intrenchments about 150 yards to the left of the enemys artillery, without opposition. The intrenchments are located below and near Black River Bridge, running nearly north and south. The loss of my regiment in the actions of Champions Hill and Black River Bridge is as follows: CHAMPIONS HILL. Killed: Commissioned officers - -. 1 Enlisted men 2 Wounded: Enlisted men 14 Missing: Enlisted men 5 Total loss Died since of wonnds 2 No loss at Black River Bridge whateyer~ JOHN LUCAS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Seventh Kentucky Infantry. Brig. Gen T. T. GARRARD. No.5. Report of Col. Daniel W. Lindsey, Twenty-second Kentucky Infantry, commanding Second Brigade, including operat~ns to ]Jfay 23. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Kay 24, 1863. CAPTAIN: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 124, Paragraph II, from division head.qnarters, I have the honor to submit, through you, to the general commanding the following report: On the morning of the 16th instant, in accordance with orders Page 25 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 25 marched in the rear of First Brigade, in the following order: One hun- dred and fourteenth Ohio, Twenty-second Kentucky, First Wisconsin Battery, Sixteenth and Forty-second Ohio. After moving some 3 or 4 miles on the road leading from Mrs. Jones to Edwards Station, I was notified that the enemy was in our front. I was then ordered by the general commanding division to send four companiestwo deployed as skirmishers, and the other two as their supportinto the woods on the right, to press the enemy, and, if possible, ascertain their position and strength. The execution of this order was assigned to Major Lynch, of the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio, with four companies from his regiment. I was then ordered to place the remainder of the brigade, with the First Wisconsin and two sections of the Seventh Michigan Battery, in position to repel an attack, my front and flanks to be well protected by skirmishers. Having executed this order, we soon heard the skirmishers of the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio, and the First Brigade opened upon the enemy, who apparently gave way. In this position we remained something like one and a half hours, when I wa~ ordered to advance two regiments, leave one in column on the road a point where a plantation road turns off to the left, and with the other to turn off upon the last-mentioned road, and advance until the regi- ment in column should reach the opposite edge of the woods, immedi- ately in front of my first position, and from there throw skirmishers to the front. The One hundred and fourteenth Ohio was left at the point above mentioned in the road, the four companies under Major Lynch having been previously ordered in, and the Twenty-second Kentucky was advanced in the woods. Judging from the little I could observe of our line on my right that I would soon receive the order to advance the Twenty-second Kentucky, I asked to be allowed to strengthen it by either the Forty-second or One hundred and fourteenth Ohio. Lien- tenant [Jacob] Swigert, one of my aides-de-camp, returned with the information that both of the regiments sent for had been ordered by General Osterhaus into action on the right, but that the Sixteenth Ohio would report to me in front immediately, and that a brigade from Gen- eral Carrs division would advance with me. As soon as the Sixteenth could move to the front, the two small regi- ments there under my command, numbering men, companies from each having been left with the artillery, were formed in line, awaiting the advance of the brigade on our right, which had formed some dis- tance to our right and rear, and also the order for me to move forward. Thelattersooncame,totheeffectthatlshouldmoveforwardandtake the woods to our right and front, which had the appearance of being a point at which the enemy were rallying and reforming such of his broken columns as had been driven back on the right. At command the line moved forward in very good order, until it came to a very large drain, running through the open field over which we were moving. Here they became somewhat broken; but the fire of the enemy was so severe that I did not deem it prudent to halt sufficiently long to reform entirely, but, as soon as the. bulk of the men were over, ordered them to advance. From this point to the woods we moved very rapidly, the Sixteenth Ohio moving, however, too far t~ the left to reach the woods in time for the Twenty-second. The latter regiment went into the skirt of the woods, but was very soon driven back a little over the brow of the hill. Here they were halted by Lieutenant-Colonel Mon- roe, commanding, and the Sixteenth coming up, both regiments again charged intQ the woods. This position, which we held for about half an hour, we were co Page 26 26 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI pelled to retire from, the enemy having brought up a battery to rake the woods, with a much stronger inhintry force than my own to support it. I regarded my advance as an important one, and regret exceedingly my inability to maintain it. Immediately on returning to the position from which we had made the charge, the regiments were reformed, and the line, both upon the right and left, advancing, we moved forward also. The enemy rapidly retired, our skirmishers only getting an occa~ sional shot. After advancing some 2 miles, the greater I)ortion of the distance through a dense woods, and capturing more prisoners than we had men, our skirmishers were fired upon by a battery upon our left. Knowing that we had forces upon our left, 1 sent a staff officer to coin- municate with them, and at the same time changed my front a little to the left and advanced my skirmishers. On the approach of the latter the enemy retired his battery, leaving a wagon-load of ammunition on the ground. At this point Lieutenant-Colonel Pardee brought me an order from General MeClernand to move with my command to Edwards Station. Waiting a short time for the return of my aide-dc-camp (Lieutenant iRis- (Ion), who had gone to communicate with Generals Blair and Smith on the left, I ordered the ammunition destroyed (in the execution of which order Captain Thomas, of the Twenty-second Kentucky, a most gallant and efficient officer, was severely burned by the explosion), marched to Edwards Station, and bivouacked at 12 oclock at night. The action of the Forty-second and One hundred and fourteenth Ohio, from the time they were taken from my immediate command, I suppose will appear from the reports of other officers. The casualties were as follows: H H Command. a 16th Ohio 1 5 22d Kentucky 15 424 Ohio 2 12 7 Total 3 32 7 On the morning of the 17th, just at daylight, having together again four regiments of my brigade, took up line of march to Black River, immediately in rear ofGeneral Carrs division. Came in sight of tile enemy, posted behind strong works om ~me southeast side of the river, about 8.30 a. m. According to orders, deployed the brigade into line on the left of the railroad, forming a junction with General Carr on the right. Having been ordered to advance, we moved forward with a strong line of skirmishers to the front some 300 yards, under a severe fire of grape and canister, when we were ordered to halt, lie dow n,and await the advance of the line on the right. While in this position, re- ceived an order from General Osterhaus that he w s wounded, and that General Lee would assume command of th~division. Seeing the enemy moving in their works toward our left, sent two companies, under command of Captain Hutchins, of the Forty-second Ohio, as skirmishers. well advanced to the front, to protect our left. About 10 oclock.. the whole line advanced, and the enemys left giving way, we had no trouble in possessing the works in our immediate front, embracing five batterie~, four of which contained two gups each and the fifth three Page 27 Cia. ZflVLJ BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILLS MISS. 27 In this advance the skirmishers nder Captain Hutchins, in conjunc- tion with those of the Seventh Kentucky, to my left, compelled the sur render of a regiment of the enemy, the colors of which in some way were taken possession of by two mounted officers from General Smiths command. The casualties were as follows: Ge-a. dii lOthOhIo 2 ~ 4iulObio 2 ll4thOhio 2 1 Total 10 14 1 i)uring the night, with heavy details from each of the regiments, threw a bridge across the river, and about 8 oclock on the morning of the 18th marched over; bivouacked for the night some 3 miles from our present position. On the morning of the 19th, marched, reaching the corn-field in our rear about 11 oclock; formed the brigade in line, contiguous columns of divisions, at deploying intervals. At 1 oclock received orders to form line of battle in ravine in the front. At 2 oclock was ordered to advance, which was done (the enemy showing complete range with his artillery of every ravine and hilltop) in most excellent order for the pound over which we were moving; reached a position commanding the enemys guns immediately in our front, and which were very soon silenced. Night coming o~, a strong line of skirmishers was left on the ground, and the brigade taken back to bivouac where we had formed to move forward at 2 oclock. In the advance of this day, Lient. 0. (3. Risdon, Forty-second Ohio, acting aide-de-camp, was so severely wounded in the left arm as to compel his leaving the field. The casualtieswere as follows: KilledSixteenth Ohio,1. Wounded Sixteenth Ohio, 8; Twenty-second Kentucky, 2; Forty-second Ohio, 12, and One hundred and fourteenth Ohio, 10. Total, 1 killed and 32 wounded. horning of 20th, moved the brigade forward to position occupied the evening before, immediately behind the lineof skirmishers, and at night returned again to bivouac. The casualtieswere as follows: Sixteenth Ohio,lkihled and iwonded; Forty-second Ohio, 3 wounded, and One hundred and fourteenth Ohio, 1 killed. Total, 2 killed and4 wounded. May 21, a repetition of the day previous. The casualties were as follows: WoundedSixteenth Ohio, 8, and Twenty-second Kentucky, 1. Total, 4. On the morning of the 22d, was ordered to shift my line of skirmish- ers to the right, and prepare to advance up the ravine, immediately in front of the Seventh Michigan Battery, at 10 a. in., at which hour en- eral assault was to be made upon the entire line of the ~emy~s works. In conjunction with the First Brigade, formed three columns of attack. The Twenty-second Kentucky and Forty-second Ohio~ forming the right column, were ordered to move up the ravine to the nght of the abatis, the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio and Forty-ninthlndiant% with the Sixty-ninth Indiana as support; the center were to go up the left r Page 28 28 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETtX [~HAI?. XXXATt vine, and the remaining regiments of the First Brigade to form the left column, and to move over the ridge upon the left. The Sixteenth Ohio was deployed as skirmishers to cover the front of the three columns. At the appointed hour the advance was made; we crossed the abatis on the right, under fire from the right, left, and front. Here finding shelter, I ordered a halt to rest the men. On examining the ground, I found it utterly impossible to reach the enemys works at the point I was ordered to, and so reported to the general. We maintained this position, frequently relieving the lines of skirmishers, who were actively engaged in keeping the enemys artillery silent, until night, when we were ordered to retire, holding the advance made by a strong picket. The casualties were as follows: KilledSixteenth Ohio, 4; Twenty- second Kentucky, 3; Forty-second Ohio, 1, and One hundred and four- teenth Ohio, 6. Total, 14. WoundedSixteenth Ohio, 5; Twenty- second Kentucky, 14; Forty-second Ohio, 21, and One hundred and fourteenth Ohio, 23. Total, 63. May 23.Before daylight, advanced the brigade to position occu- pied the evening previous; skirmishers engaged rather actively on the right of my line; retired to bivouac after dark to avoid drawing the enemys fire. The casualties were as follows: WoundedSixteenth Ohio, 3; Twenty- second Kentucky, 2; Forty-second Ohio 1 an teenth Ohio, 6. Total, 12. d One hundred and four- My entire command, both officers and men, have exhibited an alacrity and promptness in the execution of all duties assigned them truly grati- fying to me. Although worn down and but scantily fed during the period embraced by this report, each and every one of them has my sincere thanks. I cannot close this report without stating my obligations to my staff Capt. 0-. W. Stein, acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieuts. 0. C. ltisdon and Jacob Swigert, aides-de-camp, for their untiring zeal at all times in carrying out my instructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. W. LINDSEY, Capt. ~. ~. THOMPSON, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade. Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Division. No. 6. - Report of Capt. John 13. Campbell, Third Illinois Cavalry. CAMP, DETACHMENT THIRD ILLINOIS CAVALRY, NiNTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 26, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor of reporting that at 9 a. m. on the 16th instant my little command, consisting of Companies A, E, and K, Third Il4ois Cavalry, the former commanded by Lieutenant Bierce; Company Eby Lieut. Thomas B. Vaughn, and Company K by Lieutenant Zim. merman, comprising some 90 men, met the enemys vedettes and drove them back to their. skirmishers, where I dismounted a portion of my command and skirmished with them, driving them over 1 mile along the back brow of Champions Hill. The road was enfiladed by deep canons, heavily timbered. The enemy yielded their ground with great reluc Page 29 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF ChAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 29 tance, contesting every inch of it. Company E had the advance on this occasion, and, of course, had to bear the brunt of the enemys fire. While waiting for the infantry to press the enemy, orders came for the cavalry to charge them, which was promptly executed. Company E was led by Lieutenant Vaughn, supported by Lieutenant Hargrave. Companies A and K were gallantly ]ed by their company commanders in support of Company E. The head of the column passed through the enemys skirmishers and reached a point within 75 yards of the enemy, drawn up in three lines of battle on each side of the road, with a battery in the road directly in our front. They poured into us a galling enfilading fire from their small-arms and a plunging fire from their battery. As no cavalry could long live in this fire, a retreat was ordered and promptly executed. Lient. W. B. llargrave, of Company E, was wounded in the right arm slightly; 3 horses were killed and 4 wounded in the charge. I am happy to be able to say that the entire command did their duty. \Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN L. CAMPBELL, Captain, Commanding Detachment Third Illinois Cavalry. Brig. Gen. PETER J. CSTERIIAIJS, Comdg. Ninth Div., Thirteenth A. C., Dcpt. of the Tennessee. No. 7. Report of Lient. Charles B. Kimball, First Wisconsin Battery, including engagement at Big Black River Bridge. HEADQUARTERS FIRST WISCONSIN BATTERY, lIfay 30, 1563. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the part taken in the two engagements of May 16 and 17 by the First Wisconsin Battery, under my command: May 16, coming upon the enemy strongly posted in thick timber of Champions Hill, I placed my battery in line of battle, which was formed in the following order: One section I caused to be placed in battery to the front, covering also a deep ravine in front and to the right of our line. The remaining two sections of the battery I placed in position covering the front, and also a de~ep ravine on the left of our line, the whole being supported by three regiments of infantry of the Second Brigade. In this position, with but slight change, I remained until 3 p. m. without firing a single round, when I was ordered to move forward and join the First Brigade at Edwards Depot, where it had halted for the night, after pursuing the enemy until a late hour. I did so, arriving at 11 p. in., where I also encamped for the remaining hours of the night. May 17, moved forward at 4 a. in., coming upon the enemy at 9 a. in., strongly intrenched near Big Black. Captain Fost~ being present, or- dered the center section, under Lieutenant Hackett, into position on the west side of the railroad, where it soon opened fire upon the enemy, but was shortly after relieved by the right section, on account of one of its pieces being partially disabled by the explosion of the limber- chest. The left section I placed in l)OSitiOIl on the right of the line, in which l)osition it did some execution; 1)ut, as the enemy soon after retreated, but a few rounds were fired Page 30 80 MISSiSSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Univ. XXXVL At 2p. in., having been victorious, I got my command together near the enemys works, where I remained until 8 p. in., when I received orders to encamp for the night. During the engagement the piece of which William McKeith is gunner, and had had its limber-chest blown up by one of the enemys shells bursting in it early in the engagement, was successful in dismounting one 24-pounder gun for the enemy. List of casualties during the day was as fbllows: One limber-chest and coixtsnts, including 45 rends of 20-pounder ammunition, completely destroyed by being blown up by one of the enemys shells bursting in it; Capt Jacob T. Foster, wounded in the left shoulder; Chnnoneer Charles Withee seriously wounded by being burned anti bruised by explosion of limber-chest; and Drivers Dedrick and J Castles slightly wounded by being thrown from their horses and afterward run over. Hoping this may be satisfactory t~o you, I remain, captain, your obedient servant, 01W. B. KIMBALL FirstLientenan; Commanding First Wisconsin Bahery. Capt 3. W. THorsoN AcM.., Assistant Adjutant-GeneraL No. & Report of Brig. Ge... Stephen 0. Burbridge, U. S. Army, commanding First Erigad; Tenth Division, including operations April 13-May 2t HDQRB. FIRST BRIG., TENTH Dir, TmRTxNTH A. C., Camp, Rear of Yicksbnrg, Miss., May 24, 1863. In compliance with an order from division headquarters, I herewith submit the foflowiug report of the proceedings of my brigade since leaving Millikens Bend La.: On April 13,1 receive4 orders to hare my brigade prepare two days cooked rations and be ready to march at a moments notice. On the morning of the 14th, received orders to march, and by 4p.m. was ready for the road, and marched to Oak Grove plantation, where we encamped until next morning. On the 15th, resumed our line of march, and proceeded as far as Holmes plantation, about 15 miles from last camp. Hero we remained until Friday evening, April 24, when we indred to Smiths plantation, distant about 7 miles, arriving there about 11p in., and remained there until about 2p. in. on Sunday, the 26th, when we embarked on board transports in Roundaway Bayou, the course of which we followed until we finally entered the Mississippi River opposite Carthage; thence pro- ceeded don the river to Perkins plantation, arriving there about 9 p. in., during a very severe storm. On Tuesday, April 28, I received orders to embark four of my regi- ments and the Seventeenth Ohio Battery on transpgrts and barges, to proceed to a point as near Grand Gulf as practicable, to act under Brigadier-General Osterhaus, commanding Ninth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, and as a reserve to his division. 1 accordingly took with me the Sixteenth and Sixty-seventh Indiana, Eighty-third Ohio, and Twenty-third Wisconsin Regiments, and embarked upon barges and transports, leaving transportation of every description, even my own and fleld officers horses, and proceeded to Hard Times Landing, opp Page 31 CHAP. X~(XVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPION S hILL, MISS. 31 site and above G rand Gulf and remained during the unsuccessful at- tempt of the gunboats to reduce Grand Gulf on Wednesday, April 29. Being personally on the gunboat General Price, which had in tow a transport containing two of my regiments, we stood out in the stream in constant readiness to avail ourselves of any advantage which might be gained by the gunboats. The attempt to reduce the principal batteries proving a failure, we disembarked and marched across the Bend, to a point below Grand Gulf, where we encamped for the night. On the 30th, we re-embarked (the gunboats and transports having run the blockade during the night) and proceeded to Bruinsburg, where we drew six days (two-thirds) rations, and about 11 p. m. took up our line of march for Port Gibson, Miss. Marched steadily all night, and about sunrise heard heavy and rapid cannonading in front, and shortly after- ward learned that our advance was warmly engaged with the enemy. Pressing vigorously on, we reached the scene of the en~agement about 7 oclock, when I immediately formed in line of battle in rear of Gen- eral iloveys division, our division constituting the reserve. The part taken by my brigade in the battle of that day, while it did not lead to much loss, was very exhausting from the necessity of rapidly shifting ground with a part or the whole of the brigade, as the weak points of our lines successively presented themselves. I continued thus supporting the line until ordered with my brigade farther to the left, to relieve the Second Brigade, under Colonel Lan- dram, who had fought desperately through the day, when we advanced farther to the front than any other troops, driving the enemy from the hill. Night putting an end to that days fight, our men sank exhausted 111)011 the ground. They had marched all night and fought all day under a burning sun, and without having had a mouthful to eat since the pre- vions evening. Next morning, May 2, by order of General McClernand, I took the advance with my brigade, and proceeded cautiously into Port Gibson, ~x-here I had the pleasure of raising the Stars and Stripes to their wonted l)lace of honor. The rear guard of the enemy were retreating out of town, having fired the bridge over South Fork of Little Bayou Pierre. I had the Seventeenth Ohio Battery to open upon them, but they succeeded in making good their retreat, as we had no means of pursuit. We remained at Port Gibson until the morning of the 3d instant, when I was ordered to take my brigade to the hills back of the town, as there were symptoms of the enemy cou~ing in on our rear. Remain- ing in that position until I was satisfied th~re was no enemy near, I took up my line of march toward Willow Springs. Late in the after- noon we crossed Big Bayou Pierre and went into camp at this place until the morning of the 7th instant, when we marched to a point half a mile beyond Caynga, where we remained until the morning of the 12th instant, when we counterm arched to Caynga; thence bearing left in a westerly direction for about 10 miles, where we encamped for the uiight iii line of battle near Fourteen-Mile Creek, 6 miles from Edwards Station. Next morning (13th) we marched back to the Jackson road, a dis- tance of about 6 miles. Here we remained until the 15th, when, following General ~ (livision, we marched to Raymond, about 15 miles, getting into camp at 9 p. m. At daylight on the 16th, we marched out on the Yicksburg road to- ward Edwards Station, my brigade being in the advance. About Page 32 32 MJSSISSIPPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. miles out from 1~aymond we came upon the enemys pickets, when our line of battle was quickly formed, with heavy skirmishing parties in front. The batteries were thrown into position and shelled the enemys forces very successfully. We skirmished along gradually, driving the enemy before us, while our main force followed along the road until we reached a water-course, across which the bridge had been broken down by the retreating enemy. Finding the enemy was in retreat but a short distance ahead, rnd apprehending they might avail themselves of some l)rominent hills, from which they could sweep the plain we were in, I pushed my brigade rapidly ahead until the skirmishers began to find it a hot contest, and as we rose to the crest of the hill had abundant reason to congratulate myself upon my speed, as the enemy had rallied and I)lanted their battery on the second hill, not having had time to form on the first. They poured in a most terrific fire of shot, shell, grape, and canister, but my men were well protected by the crest of the hill, and my sharpshooters kept the enemy so much annoyed they had to abandon some of their guns. After repeated application to General Smith for re-enforcements, both of infantry and artillery, I finally suc- ceeded in obtaining the Nineteenth Kentucky and Seventy-seventh Illinois, of Colonel Landrams brigade, who were ready and impatiently awaiting orders to move forward. I also obtained four guns of the Seventeenth Ohio Battery, which had been preceded by part of the Chicago Mercantile Battery, both of which did admirable execution. Receiving orders from General Smith through one of his staff to halt, I did so, holding the position I had gained. It was my conviction at the time, confirmed by all I have learned since, that, properly sup- ported by General Blairs division, we could have captured the whole rebel force opposed to us, and reached Edwards Station before sunset. From prisoners taken next day, we learned that after the loss of Gen- eral [L.] Tilghman, who was killed by a shot from our batteries, they had attempted to run off their artillery; but failing to do so, abandoned it, since which time we have obtained the guns, twelve pieces. Also the whole rebel force retreated in great disorder,it being itnpossible for the officers to again form their men into line. The night after the battle the men lay upon their arms, hourly ex- pecting an attack. The night passed quietly, however, and at daylight we moved on in line of battle, but soon had abundant evidence that the rebels had skedaddled most hurriedly, leaving arms, ammunition, & c., strewn by the roadside. Forming again in column, we moved on through Edwards Station without further interrjiption. As we approached Big Black River, heavy firing became very audi. ble, and I received orders from General Smith to move rapidly forward and take position on the left of General Osterhaus division. This done, we were ordered forward in line of battle. Arriving at the edge of the forest through which we had advanced, I found we could not advance across the open field without changing front, as the enemy would have an enfilading fire upon my line. 1 rapidly changed front, so that my left would cover the enemy~s works on the left of the cotton-gin. I then ordered a charge across the field, which was~gallantly executed. When my skirmishers arrived within 200 yards of the enemy, a white handkerchief was displayed on their intrenchments, upon which Lieu- tenant Conover, my acting assistant adjutant-general, and Captain Keigwin, acting aide, who were in advance of the skirmishers, rode for- ~vard and received the surrender of the forces and colors of the Sixtieth Tennessee Regiment (rebel), under command of Lieutenant-Colonel [N.J Gregg, and reported them to me. About the same time our forces too Page 33 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 33 possession of the whole line of the enemys works, they retreating across the Big Black River and setting fire to the bridge. As it now became necessary to build a bridge before we could cross, we remained encamped in the enemys works until the next day, Monday, May 18, when we moved forward at about 11 a. in., my brigade again taking the advance. We proceeded very cautiously, apprehending an attack every moment, never dreaming the enemy could have abandoned, without another effort, the exceedingly advantageous position and fortification afibrded by the natural conformation of the ground. ~XTe soon learned from negroes there was no enemy between us and Mount Alban, a small place about half-way between Black River and Vicksburg, which information we found correct. About half a mile beyond Mount Alban we found a bridge so burned and broken as to be impassable. Examination showed it would cause considerable delay to repair it so that artillery could pass over in safety. We therefore made a considerable detour to the left, taking a route through the country which in the course of a couple of miles struck the Bald Wins Ferry road, which was the route we were seeking. Proceeding slowly and cautiously, we encamped that night about 2~ miles from the enemys works in rear of Yicksburg. Tuesday morning, May 19, we again moved toward the fortifications, until, when within 1~ miles, their skirmishers began to appear. Ii im- mediately formed my four regiments in line of battle on the right of the Yicksburg road, the Sixteenth Indiana and Eighty-third Ohio in front, supported by the Sixty-seventh Indiana and Twenty-third Wisconsin, and, covered by the crest of the hill, the Seventeenth Ohio Battery. I threw out a heavy force of skirmishers under command of Major Red- field, Sixteenth Indiana, who gradually drove back the enemys skir- mishers until finally I advanced my brigade to a ravine running at right angles with the railroad, and in the rear of the hill on which is the cot- ton-gin. As the enemy were driven farther in, we advanced until within about 400 yards of the forts. On the 20th, received orders to be in readiness to charge the enemy~5 works at 2 p. in. At the given signal the brigade, with tremendous cheering, rushed over the crest of the hill in front of them, and, taking a moments breathing time, commenced the ascent of the next hill. Finding it unadvisable to advance in line of battle, on account of the greater exposure, I ordered the regiment forward by companies as skir- n~ishers,in which way we succeeded in finally driving the greater part of the enemys sharpshooters withiu the. intrenchments, my men lying immediately under the works, and effectually silencing the enemys ar- tillery. We maintained that position, keeping up a coust ut fire at every head that showed itself; until 10 oclock at night, when we were relieved by General Bentons brigade. It was fully 2 a. m. on the 21st before I succeeded in withdrawing all my men. During all that day (21st) my men rested, occupying themselves in putting their arms in thorough order. On the morning of the 22d, I received orders to prepare for an assault on the enemys works at 10 a. in., to support General Bentons brigade. At the hour designated I had my four regiments arranged in order, the Sixty-seventh Indiana occupying the road passing down the hill to the right of the burnt chimneys; the Twenty-third Wisconsin immediately in its rear; the Sixteenth Indiana on the hillside of the ravine to the right, and in front of said road, supported by the Eighty-third Ohio. I advanced the regiments, with a yell and a rush over the hill into the last ravine, and immediately commenced advancing up the hill, upon 3 R HVOL XXIV) PT I Page 34 34 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL which is the fort we were attacking, three regiments of my command, the Sixteenth Indiana, Eighty-third Ohio, and Sixty-seventh Indiana on the right of General Bentons brigade, my left resting on the road, and the right extending along the crest of the hill and in front of the fort, and not more than 20 steps from it. By 10.30 a. m. we had silenced their batteries to a great extent, and the regiments had their colors flying against the walls of the fort. There being some symptoms of an attempt to turn our flanks, I sent four com- panies of the Twenty-third Wisconsin to support the Sixty-seventh In- diana on the right, aud the remaining six companies to the left, in sup- port of the Sixteenth Indiana. While this was being done I received orders from General Smith to send two regiments of my command to support General Bentons left; but as this wonld reduce my force one-half, and leave my front terribly exposed, 1 immediately sent to General Smith representing these facts. His answer was, It is an order from General Carr, and must be obeyed. I again sent an aide to urge the state of the case, and received permission from General Smith to retain my position, bat shortly re- ceived an inquiry from General Carr why the regiments were not forth- coming. I then went myself to see General MeClernand, and repre- sented to him that it would be the destruction not only of my regiments, but of the whole front. General McClernand, while assenting to my statements, referred me to General Carr, who commanded the advance. Notwithstanding my representations, General Carr renewed his order concerning the regiments, and telling him I obeyed his order under pro- test, 1 returned to my command, and with a heavy and foreboding heart gave the reqnisite orders for the Twenty-third Wisconsin and Sixty- seventh Indiana to withdraw from the ground which had been gained with so much labor and maintained with so much valor, thins leaving my two remaining regiments, Sixteenth Indiana and Eighty-third Ohio, unsul)ported. As I had anticipated and feared, the rebels, finding the fire slack- ened and the line weakened in their front, opened a most destructive fire. On consultation with General Benton, 1 determined to take the responsibility of replacing my regiments without delay, but the work was now most difficult, as the rebels had the advantage and seemed determined to keep it. Just as I had ordered my regiments back, a message came from General (Jarr, telling me to use my discretion about withdrawing my regiments. Such a message ten minutes before, or such consent when I pleaded for it, would have saved a hundred lives. After repeated applications, I succeeded in getting l)ermission to carry a piece of artillery to my front line. Accordingly, a gun fr6m the Mercantile Battery was taken by a squad of the Twenty-third Wis- consin close up to the point held by the Sixteenth Indiana, and sup- ported by the latter regiment not more than 25 or 30 feet from the fort, against which it did admirable work. By this time the guns of my command had become so foul by constant firing that I was compelled to use caliber .54 in place of .58, the caliber of the arms. A brigade was sent us from General Quinbys division, but owing to their incau- tious manner of approaching, drew from the enemy a most galling fire of musketry and artillery, followed by an attempt of the enemy to charge, probably with the view of capturing the gun we were using so effectively. The brigade re-enforcing us broke and retired in great disorder. My brigade, now greatly reduced in strength, umanfully held its ground, and the Sixteenth Indiana prepared with fixed bayonets to receive the threatened charge, which, however, did not come. It wa Page 35 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 35 now night, and hostilities for the most part ceased. We drew off our men, after having maintained the ground for nearly ten ~ contin- uous fighting. I am of the opinion that, had we been re-enforced at 12 in., or the demonstration kept up along the line to our right, thus preventing the enemy from massing directly in our front, we could have gained a lodg- ment in the enemys works. Since that time to the present date (May 24), nothing has transpired, the men quietly resting on the days succeeding the fight. The Seventeenth Ohio Battery, attached to my brigade, in the actions of the 20th and 22d was almost entirely detached from my infantry, and hence they have not been hitherto mentioned as frequently, perhaps, as was their due, and I take this opportunity to bear willing testimony to the brilliancy of their work. Being frequently at the batteries with them, I repeatedly observed the unwavering assiduity with which the officers watched for a chance to injure the enemy and the promptitude and enthusiasm with which the men responded to every call made upon them. 1 cannot close without commending with highest praise the gallantry of my staff officersLieutenant Conover, acting assistant adjutant. general; Captain Keigwin and Lieutenant [Thomas J.] Elliott, aides- dc-camp, and Lieutenant [George W.] Richardson, acting inspector- generalwho, through this long series of actions, have rendered effi- cient aid and service in the fatiguing duties of the field, or the more exciting but more dangerous scenes of the battle. Lieutenant [Joshua W.] Tolford, acting ordnance officer, with untiring energy kept not only my brigade but the whole division fully supplied with ammunition, and has since received merited promotion. Lieutenant [George W.J Friedley filled the double capacity of acting quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence with entire satisfaction, even in those places where it was difficult, almost impossible, to obtain supplies. Where every officer and man acted with such bravery, it is difficult to particularize, and I can only mention some instances of individual gallantry which came under my personal observation. Colonel Lucas, Sixteenth Indiana, showed distinguished courage in all the fights, more particularly on the 22d, when, notwithstanding he was wounded three times, he continued to cheer on his men with unabated vigor. For cool, resolute courage, Major Redfield, of the Sixteenth Indiana, has stood conspicuous throughout the campaign. Colonel Guppey, Twenty-third Wisconsin, worked with the skill of a thorough soldier and the bravery of a man who does not know fear. LieikteI~ant-Colonel Buehler, Sixty- seventh Indiana, remained with his men in the hottest of the fierce carnage of the 22d, and, iii fact, the officers of all the regiments he- roically did their duty. I am largely indebted to Major Montgomery and Captain De Gress, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, the latter of whom was wounded while carrying messages for me during the assault of the 22d; also Lieutenant Ken sler, Sixteenth Indiana, wounded while act- ing aide-dc-camp on the same day. I have had the honor heretofore to forward a report of the killed and wounded of my brigade, a copy of which is appemMed as part of this report ;* also a report of the prisoners captured during this campaign.t I am, sir, your obedient servant ~. G. B~URBRIDGE, B.i-ig. Gen., ?Jomdg. First Brig., Tenth Div., Thirteenth A. C. Capt. J. ilouGH, Assistant Adjutant- General, Tenth Division. * Not found; but see revised statement, p. 161 I Omitted Page 36 36 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, FTC. [CHAP. XXXYL No. 9. Report of Cot. Frederick W. Moore, Eighty-third Ohio Infantry, includ ing operations April 14May 22. IIDQRS. EIGHTY-THIRD REGT. OHIo VOL. JNFA)NTRY Camp before Yicksburg, Miss., May 25, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit, according to instructions of this date, a condensed statement of the movements of my command since its last departure from Millikens Beud, La. On April 14, the Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with the re- mainder of the First Brigade, marched from Millikens Bend to Oak Grove plantation. On the 15th, marched through Richmond, La., to Holmes plantation, and went into camp at that point on the 16th. On the 22d, this regiment proceeded, under special orders, to Smiths plantation (5 miles farther south), and reported to Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand, commanding Thirteenth Army Corps. Was there employed on provost and police duty until April 27, when it rejoined the First Brigade, and was transported to Perkins plantation, 5 miles below New Carthage, La. On the 28th, re-embarked, and moved down the Mississippi River within sight of Grand Gulf, bivouacking on the Louisiana shore. On the 29th. marched by land below Grand Gulf, after the failure of the gunboats to silence the batteries at that point. On the 30th, were transported by gunboat to the Mississippi shore, below Bayou Pierre, and shortly after midni~ht marched toward Port Gibson without halting. Took post for action to support the right wing of the Thirteenth Army Corps. May 1, maneuvered all day without getting under fire until near 2 p. in., when Companies A and F, as skirmishers, supported by the re- mainder of the regiment in line, drove the Fifth Missouri (rebel) Regi- ment from a wooded hill in our front, and made a demonstration on a heavy howitzer battery, which turned its fire upon them for about two hours without inflicting any damage. For want of support on the right, the regiment (and the brigade at the same time) afterward fell back, having sustained no greater loss than 3 men very slightly wounded, and having taken 10 or 12 prisoners, who were immediately seiit to the rear. On the 2d, at daybreak, I advanced skirmishers, the regiment follow- ing in line on the left of the Sixteenth Indiana, and entered the town of Port Gibson without resistance. On the 3d, advanced to the bridge over Bayou Pierre, near Willow Springs, on the Vicksburg road. On the 7th, advanced beyond Rocky Springs. On the 9th, advanced to Big Sandy Creek. On the 10th, advanced beyond Caynga, Miss. On the 12th, made a detour to the left, and drove in the enemys pickets on Fourteen-Mile Creek, about 6 miles from Edwar~s Depot. On the 13th, moved again to the right, and bivouacked on Burrows l)lantation, about 8 miles from Utica. On the 15th, marched toward Raymond, and maneuvered in the direc- tion of Edwards Depot until about 9 a. m. of May 16, when the enemy apl)eared in force al Midway Hill. My regiment immediately formed line on the left of the Sixteenth In- diana, on a commanding eminence, supporting Blounts (Seventeent Page 37 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 37 Ohio) battery, before which the enemy fell back. My command ad- vanced with the brigade slowly, but securing ground as it went, until checked by artillery commanding the road directly in front, strongly supported by infantry. A rapid and heavy fire, principally directed upon my regiment by reason of its position, was kept up for several hours, though my skirmishers, by their spirited and effective fire, pre- vented any movement of the enemys infantry upon my front. Avail- ing myself of the crest of a ridge, I was able to protect my men so suc- cessfully as to lose but 3 men in the course of several hours nuder grape, canister, and shell, at short range. Among these, however, I regret to name Sergeant [Ernest] Warden, of Company F, a brave, intelligent, and faithful soldier, whose skull was crushed by a fragment of shell, and whose loss is much to be deplored. The enemy, though superior in numbers, fell back during the night, and we advanced on the morning of the 17th at the best speed of which the men were capable, passing through Edwards Depot, and reaching Black River in season to charge the left of the enemy~5 intrenchments at the time they were being most heavily driven on the right, and par- ticipating in the capture of the Sixteenth [Sixtieth] East Tennessee (rebel) Regiment and some 100 stragglers besides, who fell into the hands of the First Brigade. With renewed satisfaction I am able to say that this success was bloodless, not costing us a man. Sleeping that night in the intrenchments, we crossed Black River about 9 a. m. of May 18, and moved directly upon Mount Alban, the Tenth Division in advance. Finding that point unoccupied, we moved by a circuitous route to the left,and bivouacked that night (18th) about 2 miles from the main forts covering the Vicksburg and Jackson Rail- road. Advancing on the morning of the 19th, the line of battle was formed within half-musket shot of the rebel pickets, in an orchard on the left of the Jackson Railroad, and by steady advances gained nearly a mile to the front with severe skirmishing, in which my regiment had to sus- tain a loss of 20 in killed and wounded, part of which was by artillery from the forts. On the 20th, the fighting was confined to the pickets, and but one or two slight casualties occurred, General Bentons brigade taking the front to relieve our tired men. In the evening of that day [21st?] it was offi- cially announced to me that a general assault was ordered for 10 oclock the next morning, May 22, in which the Tenth Division, being in re- serve, would merely support General Carr, and I was ordered to hold the men in readiness accordingly. At the appointed time I detached the several companies of my command from each other as much as pos- sible, to avoid drawing the enemys fire while passing over the ridge between me and General Benton, two companies moving around it by the right flank. Having closed on the new line without loss, my regi- ment occupied the center of the brigade, the Twenty-third Wisconsin in support. Almost immediately upon the advance of General Benton to the assault, several staff officers came to demand re.~nforcements, and within a very few minutes my regiment, being ordered to advance, had closed upon the enemys works nuder a destructive fire, planted their colors on the glacis of the fort nearest them, and maintained the same line with the Eighteenth Indiana, the foremost of Bentons bri- gade, and immediately on their left. By a vigorous fire they for a time prevented any serious reply from the enemy in front, but five companies being moved to the right to watch the rifle-pits on that side, were soo Page 38 38 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (OTIAP. XXXVL exposed to an enfilading artillery fire front the forts, both to the right aiid left, and suffered from it to a considerable extent, though not so much as some other regiments whicli seemed less expert in taking ad- vantage of the ground for cover. This position was maintainedindeed, there could be noretreatuntildark,when Iwasordered to retire to the ravine occupied by me in the morning, which was accomplished in safety, bringing off my colors and such of my wounded as had not pre- viously been removed. Most of my dead were also brought off, though in a few cases this was impossible. My loss in this affair was 24 killed and wounded. All which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, F. W. MOORE, Colonel Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Lieut. R. CONOVER, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, First Brigade. No. 10. Report of Col. Joshua J. Guppey, Tuentythird Wisconsin Infantry, including operations to May 22. JIDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT WISCONSIN VoLs., lA7ear Vicksburg, Miss., May 25, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the battles that have taken place since the army landed in the State of Mississippi: On May 1 last, the regiment, after marching the entire night preced- ing, was formed as a part of the reserve in the battle of Port Gibson. in the forenoon, by order of General Barbridge, it supported Fosters Wisconsin battery and Sheldons brigade, General Osterhans division, in several advances. In the afternoon it rejoined the brigade and took the advance on the right of the line. Later in the day it was deployed as skirmishers, drove the enemy from the woods toward Port Gibson, took 20 prisoners, and destroyed a large quantity of small-arms. On the morning of May 2, the regirnen~ was in line of battle ai~ 2 a. in., and at daylight took the advance toward Port Gibson, having the honor of being the first regiment which entered the city, and which gave the first cheer for our national flag, raised over it by General l3ur- bridge. During the day the regiment did duty as I)rovost guard. On May 16, the regiment was engaged in the battle of Midway Hill. In the evening five companies were deployed as skirmishers, and after- ward two companies were added to them. They did most efficient serv- ice in driving the enemy~s skirmishers and gaini~ klowledbe of his position. Captains Greene and Bull, who each commanded parties, dis- played excellent conduct and judgment, and are entitled to great credit for their skill ajid bravery. Two companies of the enemys skir- mishers were literally cut to pieces, if the account of prisoners after- ward taken may be believed. In the afternoon the regiment was placed in reserve and did little, except make an advance under a heavy fire from the enemys artillery Page 39 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 39 to support the Eighty-third Ohio and Sixty-seventh In~iiana. I believe the advance was made in a manner which met the approval of the gen- eral commanding. On May 17, the regiment took part in the battle of Black River Bridge, and constituted the reserve, when the Sixtieth Tennessee Regiment sur- rendered to the brigade; three hundred and sixty stand of arms cap- tured, the destruction of which was assigned to this regiment, and they were accordingly destroyed under my supervision. I have little to say of the affairs which took place under the walls of the forts near this city on the 20th and 22d instant. Whatever name may be given to them, they were, in reality, nothing more than recon- naissances in force, and should be so regarded. On the 20th, my whole regiment was deployed as skirmishers, and did their duty most gallantly. Lieut. A. J. MeFarlane was wounded se~ verely while leading his men against the enemy, who were concealed in the fallen timber in front of one of their forts. Later in the day Lieu- tenant Bull was wounded. On the 22d, the brigade aided in shutting up a large number of the enemy in one of their forts so closely that they could neither discharge their cannon nor their small-arms. Here Lieutenant Starks was wounded, and Sergeants [Judson A.1 Lewis, Company C, and [Danielj Eder, Corn- ~~any D, were killed. Our gallant soldiers seemed determined to get inside the fort by some means. Not being able to scale its walls, they tried to dig them down, and not succeeding in this, they hailed with cheers the cannon which had been ordered up, and two of the companies of my regiment (B and E) dragged it np the hill to the walls of the fort, where it was most vigorously served. It was too late in the day, how- ever, to accomplish the desired result. Heavy re-enforcements poured in to aid the enemy, and all that we could do was, with the aid of a covering brigade, to retire in good order. The fire of musketry was the hottest that I have ever seen, and the bravery of our soldiers under it is beyond all praise. All of my officers behaved with distinguished gallantry. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Vilas and Major Hill proved themselves to be brave and skillful leaders, and handled the men intrusted to their charge with much skill. Being in command of the reserve, my work principally consisted in guarding against attempts of the enemy to turn our right flank, several of which were made, and all of which failed. Our total killed, wounded, and missin,g in these engagements were: a a H Engagements. ~ At Port Gibson, May 1 At Midway Hill, May 16 At Black River Bridgo, May 17 1 At Vicksburg, May 20 3 14 ..~- - - At Vicksburg, May 22 -- - 2 28 2 Total ~ ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. J. GUPPEY, Golonet, Commanding. Lient. H. CoNoYER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General Page 40 40 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, P1i~. [tHAP. XXKVI. No. 11. Report of Cot. Friend S. Rutherford, Ninety-seventh Illinois Infantry, Second Brigade. HDQRS. NINETY-SEVENTH REGT. ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, Champions Hill, near Edwards Depot, Miss., May 17, 1863. DEAR SIn: I have the honor to submit the following report of thc part my command took in the battle commonly known as Champions Hill: During the early part of the day little was done save to change posi- tion, in pursuance of orders, as emergency seemed to demand, part of the time in front and part of the time in reserve. Near 3 p. in., when the advance was ordered, my command was directed to support the Chicago Mercantile Battery. My regiment was placed in the rear of the bat- tery, on a sloping hill, exposed to the enemys battery, which fired rico- chet shot. The battery was ordered to change its position; but no orders were communicated to me to withdraw, and my command was for threequarters of an hour exposed to the enemys fire without being able to do the enemy any harm. When our position was made known to General Smith, we were ordered to withdraw and take a less dan- gerous position. Oar loss on this occasion was 4 wounded. Permit me to say, on behalf of my men, that I look upon their con- duct under this hail of cannon-shot as a severe test of their bravery. Not a man left the ranks, save the wounded, until by my orders. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, F. S. RUTHERFORD, Colonel, Comdg. Ninety-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteers. Col. W. J. LANDRAM Comdg. Second Brigade, Tenth Div., Thirteenth Army corps. No. 12. Reports of Brig. Gen. Alvin P. flovey, U. S. Army, commanding Twelfth Division, including operations May 220. IIDQRS. TWELFTH DIVISION THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Vicksb~irg, Miss., May 25, 1863. COLONEL: In compliance with an order from Major-General MeCler- naud, I herewith send you a report of the action of my division from the battle of Port Gibson, on the 1st instant, to the date of my arrival at the works before Vicksburg, on the 20th instant. The night after the battle of Port Gibson we slept upon the field~ arrived in the town and bivouacked on the second day, and assisted in building a bridge over Bayou Pierre. We marched for Willow Springs on the 3d, arriving there the same evening. On the 6th, encamped at Rocky Springs. On th~ 7th instant at Big Saudy, where we remained until the 10th, on which day we marched to and encamped upon Five-Mile Creek. On the 12th, we marched for Fourteen-Mile Creek on Station road. fler~ my division, being in front, the Edwards encountered the enemys pickets, who were encamped at Edwards Station in considerable force. We had marched from 4 oclock in the morning over a rugged country Page 41 CHAP. XXXVI.] 41 BATTLI~ OF CHAMPION~ S HILL, MISS. with little or no water, and our only hope was to force the enemy back beyond Fourteen-Mile Creek. A sharp skirmish ensued, and we drove the enemy back and encamped on both sides of the creek for the night. Our men enjoyed both the skirmish and the water. On the 13th, I received orders to cover the flank and rear of the Thir- teenth Army Corps in its march on Jackson. The enemy lay in strong force near the line of our march, and there was danger of an attack, as we marched by the flank a short distance from their encampment. The Ninth, Tenth, and Fourteenth Divisions, of the Thirteenth Army Corps, had jnst passed, and when in the act of moving my division my pickets were again attacked by what seemed to be a strong picket guard. I ordered Colonel Slack, commanding Second Brig de, to bring back the Forty-seventh Indiana, Twenty-eighth Iowa, and Fifty-sixth Ohio, and force the enemy back. Another brisk skirmish ensued, the enemy flee- ing before the Twenty-eighth Iowa, the Fifty-sixth and Forty-seventh being held in reserve, faced to the flanks of the Twenty-eighth, to meet any emergency. In the mean time I had ordered my division forward, so as not to have my column delayed in its march on Jackson. Our losses in these skirmishes were 4 slightly wounded. On the same night we encamped beyond Fourteen-Mile Creek, at Dillons Cross-Roads, on the field of a conflict a few days previous by forces under the command of iViajor-General Sherman. On the 14th, we marched through Raymond in a severe storm, the roads in places having to be drained by the labor of my pioneers be- fore our wagons could pass, and encamped near a creek about 4 miles distant from Clinton. Learning at Raymond that Jackson had fallen and was in possession of onr forces, our direction was again changed toward Yicksburg, and on the 15th we marched to a point near Bolton Station, and encamped for the night. On the 16th, my division moved in the direction of Midway, or Champions Hill, on the extreme right of the corps, Generals Oster- haus, Carrs, and Smiths divisions moving in the same direction, on other roads still farther to the south and left. My ronte lay on the Clin- ton and Ficksburg road, nearest to and on the south of the railroad. During the morning I had thrown forward a part of my escort, under First Lieut. James L. Carey, First lndiana Cavalry, to make recon- naissances in front of the advance guard and skirmishers of General McGinnis brigade. On arriving near Champions Hill, about 10 a. in., he discovered the enemy posted on the crest of the hill, with aiattery of four guns iu the woods near the road, arid on the highest point for many miles around. At the time I was marching between the First and Second Brigades, so as to be ready for an attack on either flank. I immediately rode for- ward and ordered General McGinnis to form his brigade in two lines, three regiments being in the advance and two in the reserve. Before my arrival, General McGinnis had formed his three advanced regiments in line of battle, and had thrown out skirmishers in the front and flank of his command. The Second Brigade, Col. James R. Slack commanding, was imme- diately formed on the left of the First Brigade, two regiments in ad- vance and two in reserve. Skirmishers were at once sent forward, cov- ering my entire front, and had advanced to within sight of the enemys battery. They were directed not to bring on the action until we were entirely ready. At this point I attempted to communicate witli Brigadier-Genera Page 42 42 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVJ. Osterhaus, but my messengers, not knowing the country nor his exact locality, were unable to find his division. In the mean time Major- General Grant had arrived, and with him Major-General McPherson, with his command. Before proceeding further, it is necessary that the topography of the field should be described. Midway, or Champions Hill, is equidistant from Jackson and Vicks- burg, and is near the Midway Station, on the Yicksburg and Jackson iRailroad. It is a high promontory, some 60 or 70 feet above the com- mon level of the country, and covered with woods, the Yicksburg and Clinton road leading over the crest. To the right and northeast of the hill are undulating fields, and on the left a woody tangled ravine, through which troops might pass with great difficulty. (See map ac- companying this report.*) About half a mile from the point of the hill, General McPherson formed his line of battle in the open field, facing toward the side of the hill, a distance from the hill of about 400 yards, his front and the main front of my division being nearly at right angles. As my division ascended the hill, its line conformed to the shape and became crescent-like, with the concave toward the hill. As soon as General McPhersons line was ready to take part in the contest, about 10.30 a. in., I ordered General McGinnis and Colonel Slack to press their skirmishers forward up the hill, and follow them firmly with their respective brigades. In a few minutes the fire opened briskly along the whole line, from my extreme left to the right of the forces engaged nuder Major-General McPherson, and at 11 oclock the battle opened hotly all along the line. The contest here continued for an hour by my forces. For over 600 yards up the hill my division gallantly drove the enemy before them, capturing 11 guns and over 300 prisoners, nuder fire. The Eleventh Indiana, Colonel Macauley, and Twenty-ninth Wis- consin, Colonel Gill, captured the four guns on the brow of the hill, at the point of the bayonet. Colonel Bringhurst, with the Forty-sixth Indiana, gallantly drove the enemy from two guns on the right of the road, and Colonel Byam, with his brave and eager Twenty-fourth Iowa, charged a battery of five guns on the left of the road, driving the enemy away, killing gunners and horses, and capturing several prisoners. At this time General McGinnis requested me to permit him to take one section of the Sixteenth Ohio Battery, commanded by Captain Mitchell, up the hill. The section was taken up, and after fighting gallantly and firing 16 rounds was withdrawn, the danger of capture being imminent. Captain Mitchell, who fell during this attempt, will prove a great loss to his friends and c~oum~try. First Lieutenant Mur- dock acted very gallantly during this affair, and deserves much praise for his coolness and bravery. In the mean time the enemy, being rallied under cover of the woods, poured down the road in great numbers upon the position occupied by my forces. Seeing from the character of the ground that my division was likely to be severely pressed, as the enemy would not dare advance on the open ground before General McPherson, who had handled them roughly on the right, I ordered our captured guns to be sent down the hill. A short time afterward I received a reques~to send support to General McGinnis, on the right. At this time my whole division, in- cluding reserves, had for more than one hour been actively engaged, and my only hope of support was from other commands. Brigadier-General Quinbys division, -uommanded by General Crocker, was near at hand, and had not yet been under fire. I sent to them for support, but being unknown to the officers of that command, considerable delay (not less * On opposite page Page 43 MAP OF CHAMPIONS HILL A1~D VICINITY. Geul A. P. HOVEYS 1st positions at the battle of the 16th of M ay. j4T~ o 7 0 0 0 H H Page 44 44 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX VI. than half an hour) ensued, and I was compelled to resort to Major- General Grant to procure the order for their aid. Colonel Boomer, commanding Third Brigade, of Quinbys division on receiving the command from General Grant, came gallantly up the hill; Colonel Holmes, with two small regiments, Tenth Missouri and Seventeenth Iowa, soon followed. The entire force sent amonnted to about 2,000 men. My division in the mean time had been compelled to yield ground before overwhelming numbers. Slowly and stubbornly they fell back, contesting with death every inch of the field they had won. Colonel Boomer and Colonel Holmes gallantly and heroically rushed with their commands into the conflict, but the enemy had massed his forces, and slowly pressed our whole line with reenforcements backward to a point near the brow of the hill. Here a stubborn stand was made. The irreg- ularity of our line of battle had previously prevented me from using artillery in enfilading the enemy~s line, but as our forces were compelled to fall slowly back, the lines became marked and distinct, and about 9 ~.30 p. m. 1 could easily perceive, by the sound of fire-arms through the woods, the position of the respective armies. I at once ordered the First Missouri Battery, commanded by Captain Schofield, and the Six- teenth Ohio Battery, under First Lieutenant Murdock, to take position in an open field, beyond a slight mound on my right, in advance of, and with parallel ranges of their guns with, my lines. About the same time Captain Dillons Wisconsin battery was put in position; two sec- tions of the Sixteenth Ohio Battery on the left, the Wisconsin battery in the center, and Captain Schofields battery on the right. Through the rebel ranks these batteries hurled an incessant shower of shot and shell, entirely enfilading the rebel columns. The fire was terrific for several minutes, and the cheers from our men on the brow of the hill told of the success. The enemy gave back, and our forces, under General McGinnis, Colonel Slack, CoJonel Boomer, and Colonel Holmes, drove them again over the ground which had been hotly contested for the third time during the day, five more of the eleven guns not taken down the hill falling a second time into our pos. session. I cannot think of this bloody hill without sadness and pride. Sadness for the great loss of my true and gallant men; pride for the heroic bravery they displayed. No prouder division ever met as vastly supe- nor foe and fought with more unflinching firmness and stubborn valor. It was, after the conflict, literally the hill of death; men, horses, cannon, and the d6bris of an army lay scattere& in~wild confusion. Hundreds of the gallant Twelfth Division were cold in death or writhing in pain, and, with large numbers of Quinbys gallant boys, lay dead, dying, or wounded, intermixed with our fallen foe. Thus ended the battle of Champions Hill at about 3 p. in., and our heroes slept upon the field with the dead and dying around them. I never saw fighting like this. The loss of my division, on this field alone, was nearly one-third of my forces engaged. Of the Twenty- ninth Wisconsin, Twenty-fourth and Tweuty-eigh~h Iowa, in what words of praise shall I speak I Not more than six months in the serv- ice, their record will compare with the oldest and best tried regiments in the field. All honor is due to their gallant officers and men; and Colonels Gill, Byam, and Connell have my thanks for the skill with which they handled~ their respective commands, and for the fortitude, endurance, and bravery displayed by their gallant men. It is useless to speak in praise of the Eleventh, Twenty-fourth Page 45 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPION S HILL, MISS. 45 Thirty-fourth, Forty-sixth, and Forty-seventh Indiana and Fifty-sixth Ohio. They have won laurels on many fields, and not only their coun- try will praise, but posterity be proud to claim kindred with the pri- vates in their ranks. They have a history that Colonel Macauley, Colonel Spicely, Colonel Cameron, Colonel Bringhurst, Lieutenant- Colonel McLaughlin, and Colonel Baynor, and their childrens children will be proud to read. My brigades could not have been managed with more consummate skill than they were by Brigadier-General McGinnis and Col. James R. Slack. Their services deserve the highest reward that a soldier can claim. My staff, as nsual, did their whole duty. Capt. John E. Phillips, as- sistant adjutant-general, and First Lieuts. J. T. MeQuiddy and J. P. Pope, my aides, were untiring during the whole day, and by their cool- ness, promptitude, and energy aided me in every trying emergency. I am also much indebted to First Lieuts. George Sheeks, acting assistant quartermaster, and W. II. Sherfy, and Second Lieut. T. C. Withers, of the signal corps, for valuable services throughout the day. It is no easy task to specify individual gallantry, where the field is filled with deeds of fame, but I cannot forbear giving the full meed to those who have suffered. The division lost, in killed and wounded, 54 officers29 in the First Brigade and 25 in the Second. Col. W. T. Spicely, of the Twenty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volun- teers, conspicuous for his daring gallantry throughout the day, was wounded, but remained upon the field until the victory was ours. Col. Daniel Macauley, Eleventh Indiana, was wounded through the thighs near the close of the fight, while leading his noble regiment through the hottest part of the field. Lieutenant-Colonel Barter, Twenty-fourth Indiana, while bearing the colors of his regiment for- ward, was severely wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Swain, Thirty-fourth Indiana, was severely wounded while cheering his men and encouraging them in the performance of their duty. Maj. Bradford Hancock, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, was severely wounded while nobly discharg- ing bis duty. The true and trusted Majs. L. II. Goodwin, Forty-sev- enth Indiana, and Edward Wright, Twenty-fourth Iowa, were severely wounded, in the thickest of the fight. Among the dead of the Second Brigade are the honored names of Capt. Silas D. Johnson, Twenty-fourth Iowa; Capt. William Carbee, Twenty-fourth Iowa First Lieutenant [Chauncey] Lawrence, Twenty- fourth Iowa; First Lient. James F. Perry, Forty-seventh Indiana; Second Lieut. George W. Manring, Fifty-sixth Ohio; Second Lieut. A. S. Chute, Fifty-sixth Ohio; Second Lieut. J. J. Legan, and First Lient. Benjamin F. Kirby, Twenty-eighth Iowa. Of the First Brigade, Capt. Felix G. Welman fell on the outer edge of the field while being pressed with overwhelming numbers. He rose from the ranks, was gallant and good, and beloved by all who knew him. Second Lieut. Jesse L. Cain, of the same regiment, feli, mortally wounded, at the same time, and died in a few hours afterward. A better man sleeps not upon that bloody field. First Licut. J. Ferris, Forty-sixth Indiana, died like a true soldier, with hf~ f~ce to the foe. A complete list of the killed and wounded accompanies this report.* The effective force of my division, at the commencement, was as fol- lows: First Brigade, 2,371; Second Brigade, 1,809, making a total of 4,180. Of this numb~r our casualties were 211 killed, 872 wounded, and See revised statement, p. 5 Page 46 46 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. 119 missing; total, 1,202. When it is considered that this loss, being more than 28.7 per cent., took place in less than four hours, it is be- lieved that few parallels can be found in the history of the present war. The greatest loss per cent. took place in the Twenty-fourth Indiana, being over 40 per cent., 201 being their casualties out of less than 500 engaged in the action. My division captured in the field over 300 prisoners, under fire, and 400 after the conflict ceased, ma king a total of 700; besides this, Gen- eral McGinnis paroled sick and wounded prisoners and nurses amount- ing to 569, and buried 221 rebel dead. Colonel Slack also paroled 189 wounded rebels and nurses, ma king a grand total as follows Prisoners taken by division 700 Wounded paroled by General McGinnis . - - 455 Nurses (rebel) paroled by General McGinnis 114 Rebels buried by General McGinnis 221 Rebels paroled by Colonel Slack. - - - 189 Total . . . 1,679 Eleven guns were captured before we received support from Quinbys division, and two of them brought off the field. The second capture of the remaining five guns was the joint labor of my division and the re-enforcements sent to me from General Quinbys division. Colonel Macauley has the battle flag of Fowlers battery. By the aid of Dr. Robert B. Jessup, medical director of my division, and the untiring labor of Capt. George W. Jackson, with his famous pioneers, comfortable bowers were made, and the wounded well provided with every necessary and luxury that could be found within their reach. The medical corps of my division have again distinguished them- selves, and deserve special mention. Dr. T. W. C. Williamson, Twenty- fourth Indiana, was severely wounded while fearlessly attending to his duties on the field. Dr. J. W. II. Vest, Twenty-eighth Iowa, rendered most efficient service in rallying the men in his command at a critical moment. Chaplain Simmons, Twenty-eighth Iowa, and Chaplain Robb, Forty- sixth Indiana, were found where good men should beamong the wounded and dying, rendering all the consolation and aid in their power. On the 17th, my Second Brigade marched to Edwards Station, the First, under General 1~IcGinnis, remaining to care for the dead, wounded, and prisoners. On the 19th, the First Brigade arrived at Edwards Station, and, with the division, marched to Black River Bridge. On the 20th, the First Brigade m~rcUed to the Vicksburg fortifica- tions, the Second Brigade remaining at Black River to guard the bridge. 1 have the honor to be, your obedient servant, ALVIN P. HOVEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Asst. Adjt. Gen. on Major- General ~ Staff A DDENDA. IIDQRS. TWELFTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, June 5, t863. COLONEL: Inelosed I send you an extiact from what purports to be an official report of the battle of Bakers Creek. or Champions Hill. If this be official, or even semi-official, I respectfully request that it b Page 47 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 47 at once corrected. I was not succeeded by Boomers and Holmes bri- gades, or by any other brigade or command, but remained upon the field and helped fight the battle to victory. Those commands were re- enforcements sent to my support. If there be the shadow of a doubt upon this point, let a conrt of inquiry be at once convened. The truth is, that the final repulse given to the enemy on the brow of th& hill is to be attributed almost entirely to the enfilading fire of sixteen pieces of artillery, described in my report. I herewith send you copies of my report and the reports of General McGinnis and Colonel Slack, with the parts marked which bear upon the qnestion.* I feel confident that neither Major-General Grant nor Major-General MeClernand would intentionally do me the injustice that this dispatch contains. Trusting and believing that justice will be done to all, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, ALVIN P. HOVEY, Brigadier- General, Gommanding Twe~fth Division. Lient. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure.] Official report of the battles of Bakers Creek and Black River Bridge. WASHINGTON, May 24. The following official details of the battle of the Black River Bridge have been received: IN THE REAR OF VICKSBURG, May 20a. m. B. M. STANTON, AS1ecretary of War: Grant won a great and momentous victory over the rebels, under Pemberton, on the Jackson and Vicksbarg Railroad, at Bakers Creek, on the 16th instant. Pemberton had a most formidable position on the crest of a wooded hill, over which the road passed longitudinally. He had about 25,000 men. The battle began about 11 a. in., and was gained at 4 p. rn. The brunt was borne by Hoveys division, of MeClernands corps, and Logans and Crockers divisions, of McPhersons corps. Hovey attacked the hill, and held the greater part of it until 2 p. in., when, having lost 1,600 men, he was succeed~d by Boomers and Holmes brigades, of Grockers division, by which the conflict was ended in that part of the field. Boomer lost 500 men. Logan operated on the right and cut off the enemys direct retreat, so that he was compelled to escape by his right flank through the woods. Logan lost 400 killed and wounded. We took about 2,000 prisoners. On the 17th, advancing to the Big Black ,we fought Pemberton again at the bridge, and captured 3,000 more prisoners. He fought in rifle- pits, protected by a difficult bayou full of abatis. Ijawlers brigade, of MeClernands corps, charged the rifle-pits magnificently, and took more Prisoners than their own number. He lost 500 killed and wounded. McPherson, who holds the center, lost but little, as did MeClernand, who holds the left. * Nothing marked on either of these reports on file Page 48 48 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. The gunboats kept the enemy alert during the night, and the town will probably be carried to-day. There are from 15,000 to 20,000 of Pembertons army in it. [C. A. DANA.] [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Battle-field, near Vieksburg, June 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding: GENERAL: The inaccuracy of the accompanying newspaper slip leads me to believe it is not official; yet, as it purports to be, I have deemed it proper to refer it, together with the accompanying letter from General Hovey and the reports of his brigade commanders, to you, as affording reliable means for all needful correction in the premises. That General iloveys division, of my corps, bore the brunt at Cham- pions Hill; that both it and the re-enforcement from General McPher- sons corps were temporarily forced back; and that General Iloveys artillery, which had been massed for that purpose, aided by Captain Dillons Wisconsin battery, of General McPhersons corps, retrieved and secured the fortuue of the day in that part of the field, is suscepti- ble of the clearest and most conclusive proof. After the above, I hardly need say that I am not the author of the newspaper slip referred to. I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MUCLEItNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps. No. 13. Reports of Brig. Gen. George F. life Ginnis, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., TWELFTH DIV., THIRTEENTH A. C., Champions Hill, Miss., May 19, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade in the battle of Champions Hill, Miss., on the 16th instant: -~ - We left our encampment, near Bolton, at 7 a. m. on the 16th instant, and moved toward Edwards Depot, at which loiut the enemy were supposed to be in force. Receiving an order from Brigadier-General Hovey to advance rapidly and cantionsly (a portion of Company C, First Indiana Cavalry, being ordered to the front by General Hovey, with instructions to scour the country and report any appearance of an enemy), I ordered forward three companies of the Twenty-fourth In- diana Infantry as an advance guard, and deployed two companies of the Forty-sixth Indiana Infantry as flankers on eieher side of the road. Atter advancing about 5 miles and arriving near the foot of Champions Hill, I was informed by the cavalry advance that they had discovered one of the enemys batteries in position on the road, and about 800 yards in front of ifs. My command was immediately halted and formed in line of battle, skirmishers thrown out in front and on both flanks Page 49 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 49 and a messenger dispatched to ibform General ilovey of the position of affairs. After halting some time and seeing no signs of the enemy, and fear- ing that there might be some mistake in regard to the battery, I deter- mined to satisfy myself by personal observation, and under direction of Sergt. David Wilsey, of Company C, First Indiana Cavalry, who had been in the advance, moved np the road some 600 yards, to a point from which could be distinctly seen one section of artillery. Several of the cavalry occupied a position in the neighborhood, and informed me that they had fired several shots at the battery without exciting a reply. Being satisfied, I returned to my command. In a short time our cav- alry began to fall back slowly, and in the course of an hour I received orders from General ilovey to advance my line and feel the enemy. The order to advance was given, and almost immediately sharp and rapid firing was commenced between the skirmishers. When the order to advance was given, the Thirty-fourth Indiana was in reserve. The whole line having advanced about 500 yards, the rebel battery opened upon us with volley after volley of grape and canister. The men were ordered to lie down until we had time to inform ourselves more accurately in regard to the enemys position and the nature of the ground over which we had to move. The positions occupied by the different regiments of my command were as follows: Eleventh Indiana on the left of the road, the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin on the right of the road, and the Twenty-fourth Indiana on the right of the Twenty- ninth Wisconsin. The Forty-sixth Indiana, which had commenced the movement in line of battle with the balance of the command, owing to the unevenness of the ground over which we moved, had been crowded clear out of its position and in rear of the line. I directed Colonel Bringhurst to hold his right in reserve, to support the Eleventh and Twenty-ninth. The Thirty-fourth Indiana was yet in reserve, support- ing the right wing. The rebel battery was immediately in front of the right of the Eleventh Indiana and the left of the Twenty-ninth Wis- consin. After a short halt, another advance was ordered. The whole line moved forward, with bayonets fixed, slowly, cautionsly, and in excel- lent order, and when within about 75 yards ofthe battery every gun was opened upon us and every man went to the ground. As soon as the volley of grape and canister had passed over us, the order was given to charge, when the whole line moved forward as one man, and so sud- denly and apparently so unexpected to the rebels was the movement, that, after a desperate conflict of five minutes, in which bayonets and butts of muskets were freely used, the battery of four guns was in our pos- session, and a whole brigade in support was fleeing before us, and a large number of them taken prisoners. The Forty-sixth Indiana was immediately ordered upon the left; they moved up in gallant style, double-quick, and, almost before they knew it, had driven the rebels from a three-gun battery in their immediate front. The rebels were driven about 600 yards, when, being strongly re- enforced, they turned upon us and made a most detei~mined stand. At this point occurred one of the most obstinate and murderous conflicts of the war. For half an hour each side took their turn in driving and being driven. Seeing that we were largely outnumbered, having every confidence in the valor of the First Brigade, and yet fearing they would 1e overwhelmed, I started messengers to General ilovey, informing him of the state of affairs and asking for assistance. I at the same time 4 R RYOI~ XXIV, PT I Page 50 50 MISSISSIPPi, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. ordered the captured artillery to be hauled off by hand. Two pieces were thus hauled off, and others spiked, so as to render them useless to the enemy in case they should recapture them. With the consent of General Hovey, I had ordered up one sectiou of the Sixteenth Ohio Battery, under Capt. J. A. Mitchell, who asked, as an especial favor, that he might be permitted to put it into position. He advanced well to the front and after pouring a few effective shots into the enemy, he saw that his pieces were in danger of being captured should he remain longer in that position, when he gave the command, limber to the rear, which was his last order, as at that moment he received a mortal wound, from the effects of which he died in a few hours. He fell at his post, nobly and gallantly performing his duty. In the mean time the contest went on. In reply to my third message for assistance, 1 was informed that a brigade would be sent to us soon; it was fifteen minutes behind time, but was being urged forward as rapidly as i)ossible. Frequent messengers had been sent for the Thirty-fourth Indiana, but it could not be found, having been ordered, without my knowledge, to occupy and hold a certain position, and had been constantly engaged from the beginning of the general engagement doing most gallant serv- ice. Having driven the enemy before us, and fought over the same ground three different times, after having been engaged in a continual conflict for nearly three hours, our ammunition being nearly exhausted, many of the men being entirely out, having fired 80 rounds, and rely- ing upon what they could get from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and being overwhelmed by numbers, the First Brigade began to fall back, not in disorder and confusion, but in good order, step by step, con- testing every inch of ground. As we neared the ground upon which the batteries had been captured, and from which the enemy had been driven in the morning, just as it appeared to every one that the guns would again fall into the hands of the rebels, we were greeted by the shouts of the long-promised re-enforcements, and one brigade, under command of Colonel Boomer, came looming over the hill, immediately followed by another, under command of Colonel Holmes, of the Tenth Missouri. They passed down the, line to the front and went gallantly into action. The rebel advance was momentarily checked, but they came down upon us in such immense numbers that in a short time the whole line, re-enforcements and all, were compelled to give ground. Soon, how- ever, our artillery stationed on the right opened an enfilading fire upon the rebel masses, which effectually chec-ke4 their progress, and in a short time they gave way and fled in much confusion, leaving our gallant troops in peaceable possession of the battle-ground. The artillery that was captured in the morning was all left in our possession, and the victory was complete. Were I to attempt to do justice to the daring, endurance, and gal- lant conduct of the officers and men of the First Brigade, I should fail. Their actions speak for them; in proof of which let facts be sub- mitted. The Twenty-fourth Indiana, although not engaged in an immediate charge upon a battery, was heavily engaged for over three hours against immense odds. Forty per cent. of the command were either killed or wounded, Among the wounded are Col. W. T. Spicely and Lieut. Col. H. F. Barter, wh6, while gallantly bearing the colors of his regiment, was severely wounded. Nine officers were wonnded, and 1 (Captain Welman) was killed. The regiment went into the battle with an aggre- gate of 500 men. Their loss was 201 Page 51 CHAF. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 51 The Thirty-fourth Indiana was detached from the brigade in the early part of the engagement, and appear to have fought on their own ac- count during the day. They fought with, and completely annihilated, the Forty-sixth Alabama, making it so hot for them that their colonel (A. L. Woods) was compelled to surrender. He stated that his com- mand consisted of over 300 men when he went into the battle, and that all had been killed or wounded except the 70 whom he surrendered, including the lieutenant-colonel, major, and 6 line officers. The brave Lieutenant-Colonel Swain, who was in command of the regiment, and who had been in very feeble health for several days, was severely, it is feared mortally, wounded while cheering and encouraging his men in the performance of their duty. Of the Eleventh and Forty-sixth Indiana and the Twenty-ninth Wis- consin it is unnecessary to speak further. The fact that they captured two batteries, driving the enemy before them, speaks more loudly in their praise than anything that I could say. Of the noble and chivalrous Colonel Macauley, of the Eleventh, the brave and daring Lieutenant-Colonel Barter,of the Twenty-fourth, and the gallant Major Hancock, of the Twenty-ninth, all of whom were severely wounded in the thickest of the fight, nobly doing their duty; of Colonel Gill and Lieutenant-Colonel Greene, of the Twenty-ninth; 1~Iajor Jones, of the Thirty-fourth; Colonel Spicely, of the Twenty- fourth; Lieutenant-Colonel iDarnall, of the Eleventh; Colonel Bring- hurst and Major Flory, of the Forty-sixth, too much cannot be said in praise. They are deserving of all honor for their endurance and bravery and the complete control which they exercised over their respective commands. To speak of the gallantry of many officers of the line would reqnire too much time and space, and I leave that dnty for their re- spective regimental commanders. I regret that Col. IR. A. Cameron, of the Thirty-fourth Indiana, in consequence of partial blindness, was wholly unable to take part in the battle, knowing that he would have given a good account of himself could he have been engaged. Owing to the nature of the ground, which rendered it impossible for artillery to maneuver, the Second Ohio Battery was not engaged during the day, and but one section of the Sixteenth Ohio was brought into action. Our total force engaged was 2,371. The per cent. of losses are as follows: Eleventh Indiana, 36 per cent.; Twenty-fourth Indiana, 40 per cent.; Thirty-fourth Indiana, 11 per cent.; Forty-sixth Indiana, 24 per cent., and the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, 23 per cent., making an average per cent. of the whole infantry force engaged 264. The following is the loss of my brigade in killed, wounded, and missing: Command. I ~ a ~ ~ ~ ~ -~ 11th Indiana 28 126 13 107 27 166 8 201 34th Indiana 8 01 09 46th Indiana 20 61 3 84 29th Wisconsin. - - 19 92 2 113 16th Ohio Battery 1 1 2 Total 103 607 26 63 Page 52 52 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXYL I herewith transmit the reports of the regimental commanders, with their lists of killed, wounded, and missing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEOIIG-E F. McGINNIS. Capt. JOHN E. PHILLIPS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Twelfth Division. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., TWELFTH DIV., THIRTEENTH A. C., Near Yicksburg, Miss., May 27, 1863. SIR: In addition to my report of the part taken by the First Brigade in the battle of Champions Hill, I would respectfully submit the fol- lowing: In obedience to au order, dated Headquarters Army in the Field, Champions Hill, Miss., May 16, 1863, directing me to remain with my brigade, and one from Crockers division, in possession of the battle- field, to bury the dead of both sides, collect all arms and material, receive and guard all prisoners left behind, whether wounded or as nurses to wounded prisoners,~~ I have the honor to report as follows: Number of rebels buried --. 221 Number of rebel wounded paroled . -.. 455 Number of rebels paroled as nurses (advised by Surgeon Mills) 114 Number of rebel prisoners enrolled 1, 097 Total 1,887 Arms and material were collected as follows: Small-arms, serviceable . - 2, 976 Small-arms, unserviceable 448 Total 3,424 12-pounder bronze howitzer 1 6-pounder iron smooth-bore gun 1 12-pounder iron howitzer 1 12-pounder bronzed smooth-bore guns 4 Caissons complete 7 Caissons without limbers 2 Rounds of artillery ammunition 832 In obedience to further orders from Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, dated Black River Bridge, May 17, 1863; also near Vicks- burg, Miss., May 19, 1863, being informed by Surgeon [Madison] Mills that the wounded were collected and cared for, I moved with my com- inand at 12 m. 19th instant, and reporfiedTho Brigadier-General Hovey at Edwards Depot. I there received an order from General Hovey to move my command beyond Black River. On the morning of the 20th instant, all prisoners in my charge were forwarded nuder a safe guard to Haynes~ Bluff. The arms and material were turned over to Lieutenant [C. C.] Chaffee, ordnance officer, and forwarded under his charge, receipt being taken for the same. I herewith inclose copy of receipts for arms, material, & c.* I would state that a large amoi~int of captured artillery ammunition was turned over to officers of General Logan~s division on the night of the 16th instant, no receipts being taken therefor. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE F. McGINNIS. Capt. JOHN E. PHILLIPS, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Twelfth Division. * Omitted Page 53 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 53 No. 14. Report of Gol. William T. ~picely, Twenty-fourth Jindiana Infantry. CHAMPiONS HILL, Miss., May 17, 1863. SIR: In pursuance to orders, I have the honor to report the part taken by the Twenty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers in the battle of Champions Hill, Miss., on the 16th day of May, 1863. On the 16th instant, at 6 a. in., we moved from our camp near Bolton Depot, 4 miles distant from the battle-ground, in the direction of Ed. wards Depot, at which point the enemy were reported to be in force. My command being in advance, I was ordered by General McGinnis, commanding brigade, to move three companies of my command to the front. I immediately sent Companies C, F, and I to the advance, and again resumed the line of march. At about 10 oclock in the morning, as we approached the hills, we were apprised by our cavalry advance that the enemy were posted in force in front, on Champions Hill. General McGinnis then ordered me to form my line of battle on the right of the road leading to Edwards Depot. At 10.30 a. m. our line of battle as a brigade was formed, and ready for action. A few minutes after, I was informed by a signal officer that there was a force of the enemy maneuvering to the right. I im- mediately sent Companies A and K to the right, and Company G in support of the skirmishers in front. They had hardly deployed in line before firing commenced on our right, the enemy making an effort to turn it. At 11.30 a. m. I was ordered to advance in line of battle, and by 2 oclock my command was in close contest with the enemy, whose force exceeded ours by more than five times our numbers. .Our line advanced from where it was first formed nearly 60 rods, across the timber, when I discovered the enemy in large force moving to my right, and making an effort, as I supposed, to capture our batteries, stationed in the field to the right. I at once halted my command and poured a galling oblique fire into his flank. This, with the destructive fire of the artillery, checked for a time their advance. By this time the action became general along the whole line, and very severe. From the edge of the timber we drove the enemy, step by step, for nearly 800 yards, over deep ravines and abrupt hills. At this time the rebels were heavily re-enforced, and again the struggle commenced, the most desperate and destructive of tl~e d~y. While engaged actively with the enemy, I received notice through Captain [John F.] Caven to come to the support of the center of our line, which was sorely pressed by the left flank, and in a few minutes became again engaged with the enemy in strong force. This point I contested against superior numbers for nearly an hour, under the most galling fire I ever witnessed. Again the enemy massed their forces and threw their whole weight upon the right and center of our line, and here my men fell by scores, but yet with determined bravery held the enemy in check, and again it became necessary for me to change my position, as the ehemys fire was coit- verging upon my lines. I moved to the rear about 75 yards, and again opened fire upon the rebels, who were still pressing forward. Here we stood before a destructive fire fifteen minutes,whenlwas compelled to chairge my position, and again for twenty minutes we fought ten times our number. At this time word came to me that the left of the division was giving way, and that our troops to the right were overwhelmed, or nearly so. I again fell back and formed a line Page 54 [CHAP. XXXVI 54 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. returning the enemys fire, which was kept up for a considerable time. Here it was that our colors fell. The gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Barter; believing that the bearer was wounded, rushed forward, seized them, and waved them with cheers in the very face of the enemy. The flag- staff was shattered and Lieutenant-Colonel Barter severely wounded. Being entirely out of ammunition, and overwhelmed in front, my com- mand fell back nearly 300 yards, and here the Eleventh and Twenty- fourth formed a new line, replenished their cartridge-boxes and agaiu advanced to the field. By this time we were sufficiently re-enforced, and in less than an hour the enemy gave way, leaving our gallant troops in full possession of Champions Hill. But amid our rejoicing over this great victory we are called upon to mourn the gallant dead. Capt. Felix G. Welman, of Company B, Second Lieut. Jesse L. Cain, of Company A, and 27 others of my command fell at their post, nobly and gallantly performing their whole duty. Let their names be inscribed in the hearts of our people, and their memories revered as noble patriots and gallant soldiers. I shall feel the loss of these men, together with the loss to the service of the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Barter and Lieut. J. H. Baldwin, who are so severely wounded as to leave me without the benefit of their val- uable assistance for a considerable time. I desire also to make mention of Capt. N. F. Bolton, Lient. Daniel Smith, Lient. Frederick T. Butler, and Asst.11Surg. T. W. C. Williamson, who were severely wounded ~vhilc engaged in the gallant performance of their duty. Adjt. S. II. Hender- son and Capt. Hugh Erwin, Lieutenant Smith, Company C; Capt. F. M. IDowney, Lieut. Frank M. Bobbins, commanding Company F after Lieutenant Baldwin fell; Capt. Charles S. Jenkins, Capt. John B. Hutchens, Capt. Benjamin J. Summers, and Captain Redburn, with their subordinate officers, are deserving special notice for the ability and zeal with which they performed their duty. The men, without exception, did gallant service, and stood up to the galling fire of an overwhelming force for three hours and twenty min- utes like veterans, and Indiana and the country generally may well feel proud of the gallant men engaged in the greatest battle of the war. My loss in killed and wounded was 207 out of a force of less than 500 men. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM T. SPICELY, Colonel, Commanding Twenty-fourth Indiana Volunteers. Capt. JOSEPH H. LIYSEY, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. 1~o. 15. Report of Col. James R. Slack, Forty-seventh Indiana infantry, com manding Second i3rigade. b HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., TWELFTH DIV., THIRTEENTH A. C., Camp at Edwards Depot, Hinds County, Miss., May 18, 1863. Sin: I herewith submit a report of the part taken by the Second Brigade of the Twelfth Division, commanded by Brig. Gen. A. P. Hovey, Thirteenth Army Corps, on the 16th instant, at Champions Hill, on the Ficksburg and Jackson Railroad, in Hinds County, Mississippi. My command consisted of the Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, co Page 55 CHAP. XXXVI.] 55 BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. man(led by Lieut. Col. John A. McLaughlin; Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, commanded by Lient. Col. William II. Raynor; Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, commanded by Col. Eber C. Byam; Twenty-eighth Iowa In- fantry, wcommanded by CoL John Connell; and the First Missouri Bat- tery, commanded by Capt. George W. Schofield. On the night of the 15th, we encamped on the Jackson and Yicksburg Railroad, near Bolton Station. In the morning we left camp about 6 oclock, and moved east about 7 miles, when we approached very nearly to the enemy, drawn up in line of battle. In pursuance of orders of Brigadier-General ilovey, I formed the Sec- ond Brigade in two lines to the left of the road, in the field of one Cham- pion, with the artillery in advance. Soon thereafter I placed my lines of battle in advance of the artillery, and ordered Companies B and G, of the Forty-seventh Indiana, under command of Capt. John F. Eglin; two companies (A and F) of the Fifty-sixth Ohio, under command of Capt. Manring, and two companies of the Twenty-fourth Iowa, under com- mand of Captain , as skirmishers, who covered the whole front of the line and advanced toward the enemy. Skirmishing soon began, and continued for about one hour, when I advanced the whole line, with the Forty-seventh Indiana on the right and the Twenty-eighth Iowa on the left. The thick growth of underbrush and vines, ravines, and hills made it very difficult to advance, but it was accomplished with little disorder, until we reached the crest of the hill, where we found the enemy in very heavy force about 200 yards in front of us, and under cover of a wood beyond a field. Then the battle began with great fury, our troops advancing for the purpose of driving the enemy from the cover of the woods, which was done at double-quick and in a most gallant manner, the men loading and firing as they advanced, and unfalteringly receiving a most deadly fire from the enemy; yet they pressed forward, as men only can do who are prompted by intelligent motives of patriotic devotion to a common country, until the rebel force was driven from the covering and forced to fall back a distance of 200 yards, with terrible loss, the ground being literally covered with dead and wounded rebels. In this daring and determined charge all the regiments lost most severely. The Twenty-fourth Iowa most gallantly charged upon a rebel battery of five guns, and took it at the point of the bayonet, killing many of the cannoneers and driving the remainder from their guns and some 50 yards to the rear, when a new rebel line, which had not been in action, appeared in treble our force. ~nd opened a most murderous fire upon our lines, which the unflinching and determined braves of the Twenty-fourth resisted for fifteen minutes, but, because of the over- whelming force brought to bear upon them, reluctantly retired from the battery, but kept the rebel re-enforcements at bay by their incessant fire and stubborn resistance. This battery was subsequently retaken, and is now in our possession. During this terrific charge, Maj. Edward Wright, of the Twenty- fourth, was wounded in the abdomen, immediately ~fter which he cap- tured a stalwart rebel prisoner and made him carry him off the field. The Forty-seventh Indiana, Fifty-sixth Ohio, and Twenty-eighth Iowa were all engaged at the same time against most powerful odds, which seemed to me to be-~five times their number, and held them in check for at least two hours, re-enforcements not reaching us. Our ranks being badly depleted, 1 directed the whole command to retire gradually from the field and take position near the crest of th Page 56 56 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. hill where the rebel lines were first formed, which was done iu good order, at which time a re-enforcement of one brigade came to our sup- port, and after a few well-directed volleys, with the aid of the bl~itteries, which General ilovey had massed on the extreme right, the enemy was routed, and fled in great confusion and disorder from the field. During this engagement, Capt. George Wilhelm, of Company F, Fifty- sixth Ohio, was badly wounded by a shot through the left breast, and was taken prisoner. After being removed abont 6 miles from the field, he was left in charge of a rebel soldier as a guard. The rebel laid down his gun, for the purpose of taking some observations, when Captain Wilhelm grabbed hold of it and took his guard prisoner, marched him into camp, and delivered him over to the provost-marshal. The battery under command of Captain Schofield could not be brought into action until about 3 p. in., because of the enemy occupying a suc- cession of positions where no command could be obtained of his lines, at which time our advance was made and the enemy driven from cover and in range of the battery, which dealt him so many terrible and damaging blows simultaneously with our fire and the fire of the re- euforcements that utter annihilation could only be prevented by a pre- cipitate flight. Thus ended this unequal, terrible, and most sanguinary conflict, which, in point of terrific fierceness and stubborn persistency, finds but few parallels in the history of civilized warfare. For two long hours my brigade held in check fully three times their number and I hesi- tate not in saying, had they not so gallantly and determin~dly resisted, the fortunes of the day might have been greatly damaged, if not our glorious triumph turned into a defeat. During the progress of the battle my command took a large number of prisoners, which were handed over to the provost-marshal without any account being taken of them. Of the field and line officers I cannot speak in terms of too high com- mendation, each and every one discharging his duty with that degree of cool, determined valor which inspired the men to deeds of daring and wild enthusiasm which scarcely knew what resistance meant. To each and every one are the thanks of a grateful country due. Maj. L. II. Goodwin, of the Forty-seventh Indiana, and Maj. Edward Wright) of the Twenty-fourth Iowa, while gallantly leading their men, were wounded quite seriously, but I am more than grateful to know they are both rapidly recovering, and will soon be able to resume their respective positions. To those brave officers and men who fell in that sanguinary conflict, and who resolved to do or die in defense of arid for the perpetuation of the best Government ever known to civilization, we cannot do more than assure their friends at home that they fell with their faces to the foe, in defense of the Constitution of a common country. To my acting assistant adjutant-general, Lient. II. G. P. Jennings, of the Forty-seventh Indiana, and to my aides, Capt. II. E. Joiies and Lieutenant Gates, of the Fifty-sixth Ohio, and Lieutenant [Theodore] Shaeffer, of the Twenty-eighth Iowa, are my thanks especially due for their bravery and efficiency. Again would I call attention to the daring and chivalric conduct of my orderly, Private George Phillips, of Company K, Fifty-sixth Ohio. His bravery and efficiency were the admiration of all who observed his conduct. Promotion is justly his due. I herewith inclose the reports of the several commanders, giving iii detail the part taken by the respective commands Page 57 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPION~ S HILL, MISS. 57 The whole number of casualties (detailed lists of which I herewith inclose*) is as follows: a H A Command. A A 0 47th Indiana 32 91 17 140 56th Ohio 20 90 28 138 24th Iowa 35 120 34 189 28th Iowa 21 62 14 97 1st Missouri Battery 2 2 Total 108 365 93 566 I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES B. SLACK, Gol., Comdg. Second Brig., Twelfth Div., Thirteenth Army Corps. Capt. JOHN E. PHILLIPS, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 16. Report of Lieut. Col. John A. McLaughlin, Forty-seventh Indiana In fantry. IIDQRS. FORTY-SEVENTH REGT. INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, Edwards Depot, Miss., May 18, 1863. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of the part borne by the Forty-seventh in the engagement of the 16th instant on Midway Hill: About 9 oclock on the morning of the 16th, I was ordered to form in line of battle on the left of the road leading from Clinton to Edwards Depot. After forming, it being on Champions plantation and in rear of the houses, the line was ordered to be advanced beyond the houses about ~ 00 yards, where the regiment was halted, and Companies G and B were thrown forward as skirmishere, covering the entire front of the line occupied by the regiment, when the whole moved forward slowly and cautiously for a distance of about 200 y-~rds, when a brisk fire was opened on the left of our skirmishers. The enemy fell back, when the two companies as skirmishers were relieved by Company A, soon after which word was received that the enemy were attempting to flank us on the left. I immediately changed the line of battle, and threw the three left companies forward, but ailing to meet the enemy after ad- vancing a short distance, I was ordered to move to the support of the Eleventh and Forty -sixth Indiana Regiments, which were engaged upon our rio-ht on the road. I ordered in the companies that were out at the time, and imui ediately moved by the right flank in ~louble-qaick time, crossing the road under a galling fire from the enemy, and formed on the crest of the hill, within 50 yards of the enemy, who were sheltered behind a dwelling-house and out-buildings and heavy timber, which gave them decided advantage, and enabled them to pour a heavy fire upon us. Yet our position was maintained and the fire returned, lasting * Nominal lists omitted Page 58 58 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. about one hour, when, by reason of overwhelming numbers, they were enabled to flank us upon the right and left, which rendered our l)osition difficult to hold longer, in consequence of which we fell back about 200 yards to the crest of the hill, near a corn-field, and formed in line of battle at right angles with our former position, which was held about two hours, until re-enforcements were received, when the enemy were repulsed and driven back and the ground reoccupied, after which the regiment retired to the corn-field, in rear of the field of battle. The men exhausted, we rested and reorganized our shattered ranks an men filled their cartridge-boxes. d the After resting about one hour, we were ordered to move forward in support of the column that was driving the enemy. We marched about 2 miles, when we were ordered into camp for the night. Taking into consideration the length of time we were engaged, the overwhelming numbers to contend with, and the loss sustained, is sat- isfactory evidence of the gallantry and courage shown by the officers and men under my command. They did their whole duty. Sir, in regard to number and names of killed, wounded, and missing of the regiment under my command, you are referred to special report. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant. By order of John A. McLaughlin, lieutenant-colonel commanding Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry: WM. VANCE, A djutant. Col. JAMEs R. SLACK, Gorndg. Second Brig., Twelfth Div., Thirteenth Army Corps. No. 17. Report of Lieut. Joseph G. Strong, adjutant Twenty-eighth Iowa Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-EIGHTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Near Vicksburg, May 30, 1863. DEAR SIR: It affords me great pleasure to send you a report of the part taken by the Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the battle of Champions Hill, May 16, 1863. Champions Hill is situated about 9 miles (on the railroad) east of Big Black River, and about half-way between Bolton and Edwards Stations. We had been making a feint on Edwards Station on the 12th and 13th, so as to give General McPherson a better chance to enter Jack- son, and on the 15th we marched on the Jackson road as far as Clinton, where we turned on the Vicksburg road and marched as far as Bolton Station, where we encamped for the night (our division being in the advance) - The next morning, after marching about 3 miles, we came up with the enemys pickets at Champions buildings, and ~rove them in. Here the Twelfth Division formed in line of battle, our regiment taking posi- tion on the left of the Forty-seventh Indiana, in the Second Brigade. At 10 a. in., after a short delay, the word Forward! was given, and we moved nearly ~ mile by the front, firing becoming brisk. Company B, of our regiment, was sent out as skirmishers, and found the enemy in force on our front and left. We then, by order of Colonel Slack, of the Forty-seventh Indiana, commanding brigade, passed to the left o Page 59 CBAP. XXXVI.) 59 BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. the Fifty-sixth Ohio (which placed us on the extreme left of the divis- ion), and engaged the enemy, our left resting on the north of the B~ay- mond road. There we found the enemy in large force, ready to receive us. After a few minutes of hard fighting, it became evident that the enemy were trying to turn our left, particular attention being paid to that particular point. We succeeded in driving them back. About this time the enemy appeared to be largely re-enforced, and we were compelled to fall back on account of the murderous flanking fire on our right, to which we were at this time exposed. We then moved to the right and formed on the Clinton road, where we held them in check until re-enforcements arrived, when we drove them from the field in confusion. As to the battle of Port Gibson, the officers and men conducted them- selves like veterans. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing was severe. Four compa- nies of the regiment came out of the fight without a commissioned officer. Lieut. John J. Legan, of Company A (Captain Shutts acting as major), was killed while gallantly leading his men on; Capt. Benja- min F. Kirby, of Company I, was also killed while doing his duty nobly; Lient. John Buchanan, of Company II, lost his arm; Capt. John A. Staley, of Company F, was taken prisoner while crossing the field north of the Raymond road, gallantly disputing the advance of the enemy. Our greatest loss was while we were charging across an open field between the Raymond and Clinton roads, and while we were falling back. Our regiment fell in in good order, considering the ground, and rallied around the old flag at the first call, and on the~ sec- ond charge, together with the Seventeenth Iowa, the boys raised the Iowa shout and drove the enemy from the field in confusion. I append a list of the killed, wounded, and missing.* I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH G. STRONG, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Twenty-eighth lou,a. N. B. BAKER, Adjutant-General of Iowa. No. 18. Report of Brig. Gen. Isaac F. Quinby, U. S. Army, commanding Sev- enth Jilivision, Seventeenth Army Corps, including operations April 20May 20. HDQES. SEVENTH DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY Cones, Rear of Vicksburg, Miss., May 26, 1863. COLONEL: Herewith I have the honor to transmit the reports of the several battery, regimental, and brigade commanders of this division of the operations in which their respective commands have participated since they left Millikens Bend, La., on and after the 20th nltimo, up to and including the 20th instant, when the whole of the division had reached its position in rear of Yicksburg. On the return of the division from the Yazoo Pass expedition, the state of my health, in the opinion of the surgeons, rendered a change of climate necessary, and the major-general commanding the corps granted me a leave of absence for twenty days. I was unable to rejoin my command until the morning of the 16th Embodied in revised statement, p. 8 Page 60 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TtNNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. instant, just as it was aboat to perform its part in the battle of Cham- pions Hill. It was deemed inexpedient to relieve Brigadier-General Crocker, then commanding, and assign me to the command of the divis- ion at the moment it was engaging the enemy. Besides, my still feeble condition, and the exhaustion consequent upon a ride of 16 miles before the ground was gained, incapacitated me for the command. I remained on the field, however, until the battle was ours. The Second Brigade, Colonel Holmes, Tenth Missouri Infantry, com- manding, was ordered to remain on the field to assist in bringing off and caring for the wounded, collecting abandoned arms and other prop- erty, and burying the dead. The First Brigade, Colonel Sanborn, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, and the Third Brigade, Colonel Boomer, Twenty-sixth Missouri Infantry, commanding, moved forward on the road toward Yicksburg, and encamped for the night on Bakers Creek. The following morning I resumed the command of the division, and pushed forward, with the First and Third Brigades and my artillery, to a J)Oint on the Big Black, about 3 miles above the railroad bridge. During the night the First Brigade, under the direction of an engi- neer officer of the corps, threw a floating bridge in front of its position over the Big Black, and at 9 a. m. on the 18th, the troops began to cross by it. The passage of troops, artillery, and the wagon train oc- cupied nearly the whole day. The First Brigade and Twelfth Wiscon- sin Battery were left as a guard for the bridge, while the Third Brigade, with the Sixth Wisconsin and Eleventh Ohio Batteries, and Company M, First Missouri Light Artillery, moved on toward Yicksburg. reach- ing- its rear on the morning of the 19th, and were placed in position against the enemys works, the Third Brigade on the left of Major- General Logans division. On the 20th instant, the First and Second Brigades, with the Twelfth Wisconsin Battery, crossed the Big Black, destroyed the bridge, and on the afternoon of that day were also assigned to their positions about Vicksburg. I cannot conclude this brief sketch of the operations of this (livision without bearing testimony to the coolness and unmurmuring, patient endurance of privations and hardships of both officers and men, and will add that I am proud to command a body of troops whose numbers have been so greatly reduced in this brilliant campaign, but who are still strong enough to add to their already imperishable reputation. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. F. QUINBY, Brigadier-~0eAeral, Commanding Division. Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General, Seventeenth Army Gorps. No. 19. Report of Lieut. Gol. John B. Tourtellotte, Fourt4 Minnesota Infantry, First Brigade, including operations April 23May 22. IN CAMP NEAR YICI(5BURG-, Miss., May 23, 1863. SIR: I have th~c honor to report that on April 23 last, my regiment, together with other parts of the army, started from Millikens Bend, La., on an expedition to the rear of Yicksburg, Miss., where we are now lying. To reach this place we marched via Richmond, Hard Time Page 61 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 61 Landing, La. (where we crossed and went down the stream of the Mis- sissippi Ricer 10 miles, landing on the Mississippi side at Bruinsburg), Port Gibson, Miss., ilankinsons Ferry, on the Black River, Rocky Springs, Utica, Raymond, Clinton, Jackson, Champions Hill, near Bolton, Edwards Station, crossing the Black River near plan- tation and arriving in front of the enemys works in rear of Vicks- burg, on May 21. To accomplish this we have marched a distance of more than 200 miles. At Smiths plantation, some 25 miles fiom Milli- kens Bend, all of my regimental teams, six in number, excepting one were ordered back to ~ Bend, from which place they were nsed iu carrying ammunition for the use of the Seventeenth Army Corps, and were so employed for several days. When relieved from such duty they were for some days unable to cross the Mississippi River, so that during the entire march from Smiths plantation, La., April 26, to plantation, on the Black River, May 17, the only Government trans- portation of any kind with the regiment was 2 ambulances, 1 medicine wagon, and 1 six-mule team. The men carried their knapsacks, blankets, rations, and 60 rounds of ammunition. The six-mule team carried a few boxes of ammunition, the blankets and provisions of officers, and such supplies for the men as the regimental quartermaster was able to se- cure along our route. On said march we have drawn rations from Gov- ernment as follows: We took with us five days rations from Millikens Bend. On or about May 1 we drew four days rations of hard bread alone. May 4 we drew three.fifth rations of hard bread, sugar and tea for five days, beyond which time, up to May 17, all rations nsed by the regiment, and all forage used by regimental horses and mules, were se- cured by the regimental quartermaster in the country through which we passed. The rations procured by the quartermaster for the regiment consisted chiefly of sugar, molasses, salt, corn meal, and bacon. On May 17, the five regimental teams left behind overtook us, bring- ing five dais part rations of hard bread, flour, sugar, and coffee. May 23, we drew full rations for the first time since leaving Millikens Bend. We met the enemy, for the first time on this expedition, on the 3d instant, about 10 miles from Port Gibson, on the road to Hankinsons Ferry. Here the regiment was formed in line of battle on the right of the road, and advanced in this manner for some distance under a brisk fire of the enemys artillery. The regiment received no injury. The enemy hastily retiring, we advanced by the flank to Hankinsons Ferry, on the Black River, remaining at that place f~r several days. May 12, we heard heavy firing in front, and on arriving near the town of Raymond, the regiment formed in line of battle on the left of General Logans division, which was already in line. In this position we re- mained an hour, as support for a battery of artillery, under a rapid and well-directed fire of a rebel battery. That evening we passed through and encamped near the town. May 14, on the road from Clinton to Jackson, and when about 2 miles from the latter place, we met the enemy in strong force, and immediately formed line on the right of the road. Soon, however,4he regiment was ordered to take position on the left of the road, with its right resting thereon, and to support the Seventeenth Iowa in charging the rebel lines. The enemy fled before the charge, and the regiment, with the others of General quinbys division, entered the town. Loss of the regiment was 2 wounded. May 16, at Champions Hill, near Bolton, Miss., we came up to the line formed by Generals Hoveys and Logans divisions, who wer Page 62 62 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL already engaging the enemy. My regiment was placed on the right of a battery as a support therefor. Almost immediately, however, byorder of General McPherson, my regiment was ordered to hasten forward and assist the right of General Logans division, which was reported to be hard pressed. The men threw their knapsacks and blankets from their shoulders and dashed forward in the direction indicated at the donble. quick step up the hill, into the woods, and npon a body of the enemy, of whom my regiment captured and sent to the rear 118. Directly, finding myself some distance in front of and unsnpported on either side by, the line formed by the remainder of the troops, and find ing that the enemy was massing a heavy force in front, I sent my adjutant to General McPherson to report our situation and ask for in- structions. Almost at the same time the enemy opened npon us with artillery. I cansed the men to lie down, where they remained, shel- tered by the crest of the hill, until I received orders to draw the regi-. ment back, so as to connect with the right of snch troops as I found first in my rear. This was exeented, and the regiment formed on the right of Colonel Leggetts brigade, of General Logans division. Here we remained about an honr, when the line of march to the front was again resumed, when I joined my regiment to the balance of Colonel Sanborns brigade. My loss in the regiment was Captain Thompson and Private [Michael] Dolan, of Company E, both wounded, the captain severely. May 21, we formed line in front of the enemys works in rear of Vicks- bnrg. On the morning of the 22d, at 10 oclock, by order from General Grant, an assault was ordered npon the fortifications aronnd Yicksburg. My regiment, with the Forty-eighth Indiana for reserve and support, was ordered to charge npon one of the enemys forts just in front as soon as I shonld see a charge made upon the fort next on my right. All preparations were made, and we were waiting for the signal to advance, when I was directed not to advance until further orders. While awaiting such orders, our brigade was directed to proceed to the support of General Bnrbridges brigade, of General McClernands army corps, on our left. The Forty-eighth Indiana and Fourth Minne- sota Infantry were moved into position in front of the rebel works, where General Burbridge was already engaged. No sooner had we taken such position than General Burbridge withdrew his brigade from the action. Under a direct fire from the fort in front, and a heavy cross-fire from a fort on our right, the regiment pressed forward up to and even on the enemys works. in this position, contending for the possession of the rebel earthworks before us, the regiment remained for two hours, when it became dark, and I was ordered by Colonel Sanborn to withdraw the regiment. Noticing a field piece, which had been ljfted up the hill by main strength, and had apparently been used by General Burbridge in attempt. ing to batter down the walls of the fort, but which he had left behind when he withdrew his brigade, I sent Company C to draw the piece from the ground and down the hill. This beii~ safely executed, I moved the regiment by the left flank from their position and down the hill. We bivouacked about 80 rods from the place of action. lu this action the regiment suffered severely, losing some of its best officers and men--12 were killed and 42 were wounded. A list of their names is hereto attached.* Omitted Page 63 CHAP. XXXVI.] 63 BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. The next morning we were formed in line to support the right of Gen- eral Burbridge. INo engagement coming on, we moved in the afternoon to the position occupied on the 21st. During the whole of this expedition, through many embarrassments, drenching rains, muddy roads, without rations, without shelter, carry- ing heavy loads, and several times under heavy fire from the enemy, the regiment have deported themselves to my entire satisfaction. I hope and believe that their conduct has been satisfactory to yourself aud to others still higher in authority. I might mention worthy names, but that would be clearly wrong when all, or nearly all, have attempted to do their whole duty. It shall be a matter of pride with us that not only were we present, but assisted in accomplishing this expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. TOULITELLOTTE, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding~ Regiment. Capt. L. B. MARTIN, rig., Div Seventeenth Army Corps. A.A.A.U First B Seventh No. 20. Report of Cot. David B. Hillis, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry, Second Brigade. IIDQRS. SEVENTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Before Vicksburg, Miss., May 24, 1863. CAPTAIN: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 27, from your head- quarters, I herewith submit the following report of the part taken by my regiment, Seventeenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in the battle of Champions Hill, Miss., on the 16th instant: I arrived in the vicinity of the hills on which the battle was being fought about 2 p. in., and withont having time to rest my men (who had that day marched 12 miles through dust and a burning sun with knap- sacks on their backs) was ordered forward at a double-quick. I estab- lished my line at a point midway up and on the north side of the hill, my right resting on the left of the Vicksburg road, in the rear of the Ninety-third Illinois (Colonel Putnam), which was severely pressed by the enemys massed forces. In doing this iriy~men suffered from the fire intended for the Ninety-third. As soon as my line was formed, Colonel Putnam moved his regiment out by the right flank, and left me fronting the enemy direct, some 40 or 50 yards only intervening. This position I held under a well-directed fire, which my gallant fellows returned with interest, for about fifteen minutes, when I ordered an advance, which was executed with a heroism that I am proud of. This caused the enemy to give way, but he soon rallied, and. again gave way, and in this way I advanced, driving him slowly, inch by inch, from the ravlnes and ditches in which he had effected a lodgment, np one declivity and down another, and finally onto the summit of the ridge along which the road runs, and charged him down the slope on the other (south) side, re- taking four pieces of artillery, [J. F.] Waddells Alabama battery. This battery had been taken earlier in the engagement by the Eleventh Regi- ment Indiana Volunteers, but this splendid regiment had again to yield it, the enemy having massed his forces against it. After this charge, I commanded a halt and rectified my line, whic Page 64 64 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. had been somewhat deranged. All being quiet at this moment on my front, I ran back a short distance to get a horse (mine having been shot early in the engagement), but, being overcome by excessive labor and heat, I fell by the way, and by the time I returned to my regiment, which was in a few minutes, it had made another gallant charge, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Wever, routing the Thirty-first Alabama Regiment. In this charge a great many prisoners were taken, including the colors, color-bearer, and guard of that regiment, which colors are now in my possession. The enemy again rallied, but by this time the gallant Tenth Missouri was in position on my right, and we gave him two more charges, which put him in perfect rout. This then ended the fight, so far as we were concerned, and, I think, entirely. My regiment then, wearied and worn, with thinned ranks, rested on their arms until ordered into camp. It is worthy of note that in this engagement the regiment charged the enemy successfully five times, under the most galling fire from musketry and shell, and that over ravines and ditches that are very difficult of passage, and which aftbrded him excellent protection. In conclusion, I feel that my command did their whole duty, and are worthy of all commendation. To my lieutenant-colonel (Wever) and adjutant (Woolsey) I am greatly indebted for their daring and assist- ance during the engagement. Both of trhese officers had their horses shot under them early in the fight. I cannot forbear mentioning in this connection, specially for great bravery. First Lient. C. W. Woodrow, Company K; Second Lieut. George W. Deal, Company 0-; Second Lieutenant Tower, Company B (whose gallantry resulted in the loss of his leg); First Sergeant [Evami E.] Swearngin, Company F, and Private [Albert G.] Trussel, Company G, who captured the colors and color-bearer of the Thirty-first Alabama. In the engagement I had but nine companies, one company (E) having been left back at Jackson on duty. My loss in killed, wounded, & c., is 57 (25 per cent. of the number en- gaged), as per list of casualties, which I send with this report.* We captured 175 prisoners, mostly Alabama and Missouri troops. D. B. HILLIS, Colonel, Commanding Seventeenth Iowa Volunteers. Capt. WILLIAM W. MOCAMMON, A. A. A. U., 2d Brig., 7th Div. No. ~i. Report of Col. Holden Putnam, Ninety-third Illinois Infantry, coin manding Third Brigade, including operations May 922. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, SEVENTH DIVISION, In the Field, near Vicksburg, Miss., lJJiay 25, 1863. CAPTAIN: Pursuant to Special Orders N Division, dated May 24, 1863, please , o. 85, Headquarters Seventh find inclos~d copy of report of Colonel Boomer,t forwarded at ilankinsons Ferry, on the Big Black, May 4. May 9, this brigade was ordered to march, and moved on with the division through itocky Springs; also, on the 10th, through Utica and on the 11th moved but 2 miles on the road toward Raymond. * l~mbodje4 in rovi~ed stntemnent, p. 10. I Not found Page 65 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OP CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 435 On the 12th, hearing firing in front, we pushed forward rapidly, and upon coming to the ground was ordered to remain in reserve, and deployed into line at 5 p. m. on the west side of the road, in good posi- tion, supporting two batteries there in position. At 7 p. in. was again ordered forward to Raymond. and went into position on the southwest side of the town. At 11 a. m. on the 13th, was ordered forward in advance on the road to Jackson, 1 mile north of iRavnmnd; reached the forks of the road; hearing firing on the road turning eastward, reported to the division commander, who ordered this brigade forward to clear the road. Moved up briskly, deploying two companies of the Tenth Pegiment Iowa In- fantry as skirmishers, under command of Major McCalla, who pushed them on by our cavalry pickets an(l opened fire on the enemy, concealed in the timber, crossing the road 200 yards beyond our line; at the same time deployed into line of battle two regiments, the Fifth Iowa on the left of the road and the balance of the Tenth Iowa on the right, the Ninety-third Illinois and Twenty-sixth Missouri being in reserve. Found nothing but a line of the enemys skirmishers, who fled after delivering their fire. At this moment received orders from division commander, recalling skirmishers and ordering thi brigade to take the other road bearing more northward, which was done immediately, and two compa- nies of the Fifth Iowa Infantry deployed on the front and flanks. We pushed forward rapidly, passing through Clinton at 3 p. in., capturing several prisoners, telegraphic dispatches, rebel mail, & c. Halted about I mile northeast of town, on the Jackson road. On the 14th, was again ordered to move, and at ii a. m. was ordered into position on the left of the line of this division, formed in two lines, the Fifth Iowa on the right in the first line, and the Ninety- ~hird Illinois on the left, supported by the Tenth Iowa, and the Twenty-sixth Mis- souri supporting the Fifth Iowa. The aggregate eft~ctive force of the brigade was then 1,700 men, in round numbers. Deployed one com- pany of the Ninety-third Illinois Infantry on the left and front as skir- mishers, and moved forward as ordered, receiving a scattering volley from the enemy, who were immediately routed by our skirmishers and fled in confusion. Having advanced about one-half a mile, we were ordered to halt. Our skirmishers here brought in a few prisoners and passed them to the rear. Resting boift fifteen minutes, we were again ordered forward, and pnshed on steadily into the city by 3 p. in., with- oat delivering our fire, the line being gradually wheeled to the right as we moved, crossing the railroad track, and., the entire brigade line, flanking the enemys earthworks, was halted, with the right resting upon the railroad depot. Was ordered to bivouac on the north side of the railroad. The loss in this engagement was 3 killed and 4 wounded in the Ninety-thirdIllinois,and4woundedintheFifthIowa. The command, being entirely out of provisions, was ordered to forage in the town, and procure three days ~ubsistence that night. On the 15th, was a~ain ordered to march. Turning backward, the brigade was marched 4 miles west of Clinton, on th~ Vicksburg road. Thence, on tile 16th, we pushed steadily onward until 12 m. Was ordered into position by the division commander on the south side of the road at Champions Hill and in the rear of General Hoveys divis- ion, then fiercely engaged with tile enemy. We moved steadily for- ward in two lines about 700 yards, when orders were received to halt, and move by the right flank across the main road to the balance of the Seventeenth Army Corps, which was being done when the orders 5 R R-.--VOL XXIV, PT I Page 66 66 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL were again countermanded and Colonel Lagow, of Major-General Grants staff. brought orders from General Grant for us to move in- stantly to the sul)port of General iloveys division, then being forced back by a superior force of the enemy. This brigade was instantly faced about, and moved by the left flank, double-quick, up the hill, throngh a scorching fire, the Ninety-third Illinois being in advance, followed by the Tenth Iowa, Twenty-sixth Missouri, and Fifth Iowa. Pushing forw~ rd until the whQle line was on the summit of the ridge, the brigade was ordered to move by the right flank and commence fir- ing, which was done steadily, the Ninety-third Illinois and Tenth Iowa moving down into the hollow, and, having the men of General llovey~s division constantly passing through their ranks, became exposed to the murderous fire from the left flank, which was turned by the enemy. They fell back slowly to the brow of the hill, near the position first taken, and held it, pourin~ in their fire until their catridges were exhausted and they were relieved by the Seventeenth Iowa. The enemy by this time being checked, were breaking and commenced their retreat. The Twenty-sixth Missouri, upon being faced to the front, commenced firing. They, being in plain view of the enemy, were also exposed to the flanking fire, and were ordered to change front to the rear on first company, which was done steadily, and gave the regiment a position somewhat sheltered by a gnlly in the side of the hill, from which they kept up a constant fire upon the enemy, materially aiding the two regiments of our left in checking them~ Their position again becoming exposed to a flank fire, they were ordered to fall back under the crest of the hill, a few yards distant, again changing front, which position they held until their cartridges were exhausted and they were ordered to the rear for ammunition, and formed on the right of the Ninety-third Illinois and Tenth Iowa. The Fifth Iowa, upon facing to the front, charged down the hill and up to the crest of the next one be- yond, from which l)OsitiOn they poured in a constant fire at short range on the faltering battalions of the enemy, when Lieutenant-Colonel Samp- son, commanding the regiment, observing that our left was being turned by the enemy, ordered his regiment to fall back to the crest of the next ridge, which position he maintained until the close of the action; then withdrew and took up position on the left of the brigade, replenishing cartridges. Our loss in this action was very severe. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. 81 8 ~ ~ ~- ~ +~ ~ 0 u 93d nlinois 1 37 6 107 1 10 162 5th Iowa 2 72 94 10th Iowa 3 13 6 125 167 26th Missouri z 16 1 66 87 I~-t Total 8 103 18 370 1 10 510 The officers anq men of this command all behaved with extraordinary coolness and courage under circumstances the most trying. I cannot, therefore, consistently mention the names of one before another, but was greatly indebted to all the regimental commanders for their assist Page 67 CHAP. XXXVI.] 67 BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. ance in this terrible ordeal. We took 150 prisoners from the enemy and turned them over to the provost-marshal. At 6 p. rn.7 the enemy being routed, we again moved forward 3 miles and halted for the night. On the 17th, moved forward again at 8 a. in., and reached Big Black River about noon. On the 18th, crossed the river, and pushed on toward Yicksburg 6 miles. On the 19th, moved on again and took position at noon in front of the enemys works, the right of this brigade touching the left of Gen- eral Logans division; advanced at 2 p. m. under a terrible storm of shell from the enemys batteries, and took position half a mile nearer their works, losing but 2 men of the Twenty-sixth Missouri killed and 3 of the Ninety-third Illinois wounded. On the 20th, this brigade moved forward in line threeqnarters of a mile, occupying a new position immediately in front of our former posm- tion,to the left of and supporting De Golyers battery. On the 21st, pushed a strong force of skirmishers in advance a quarter of a mile, covering our line and joining right and left with our supports. Lost there 1 man killed and 2 wounded, from the Twenty-sixth Mis- souri Regiment, our whole line being constantly exposed to the enemys fire. On the 22d, a charge was ordered by the whole line at 10 oclock. This brigade moved forward about a quarter of a mile at 8 a. in., formed in the hollow, slightly protected from the fire of the enemy, each regi- ment in column, closed bydivision, the Ninety-third Illinois on the right, Tenth Iowa next, Twenty-sixth Missouri next, and the Fifth Iowa on the left. At 10 oclock we pushed forward to the crest of the next hill, but were met by a terrible storm of grape, canister, and musketry, and the ground being almost impassable from gullies, covered by a heavy abatis of fallen trees, nnderbrush, vines, & c., the whole position enfi- laded by the guns of the enemy, the brigade commander ordered a halt for a few moments. In gaining this position our loss was: Fifth Iowa, 1 killed and 2 wounded and Tenth Iowa, 2 men killed and 1 officer and 13 men wounded. Total, 3 killed and 16 wounded. Receiving renewed orders to charge, preparations were immed~iately made and the charge ordered, when an aide from the division commander arrived, countermanded former orders, and ordered us to the support of General McOlernands corps on the left. Arriving at 4 p in., this brigade was ordered to report to General Carr which it did, and he im- mediately ordered the brigade to charge the enemys intrenchments on the third range of hills in our front and about 120 rods distant. The brigade was formed in two lines parallel with each other and about 50 yards between, Fifth Iowa on the right and front, Ninety-third Illinois on the left and front, supported in rear by the Tenth Iowa, Twenty- sixth Missouri supporting the Fifth iowa. The advance was immedi- ately or(Iered, and the line moved steadily forward at common time, all the while exposed to a most deadly fire from the whole line of the enemy~s worksright, left, and front. We passed the first and principal ridge and halted in the hollow beyond, partially under 1pover of the second ridge, to correct alignment, and the position of the Fifth Iowa was changed by the left flank to the left of the Ninety-third Illinois, for the purpose of being more central to the position to be charged. At this moment the brigade commander, Col. George B. Boomer, was instantly killed by a musket ball from the enemy, and (Jol. ilolden Putnam, of the Ninety-third Regiment Illinois Infantry, assumed command, and immediately ordered the advance made, as we had approached th Page 68 68 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXYL works thus far. At this moment Major MeCalla, of the Tenth Iowa, said, in the presence of the troops, that Colonel Boomers last words were to let the rifle-pits alone. As I was acting directly under orders from Colonel Boomer, and had received orders from no other corn mander, also perceiving that the enemy had advanced on my left aud torn down a flag of ours, previously placed upon their works, I deemed it advisable to, and did, send Lieutenant Stoddard, aide-dc-camp, to Gen- eral Carr, to know if he wished me to move upon the works, and after- ward received orders from one of General Carrs aides to remain in position until dark, and then withdraw to the position where we first formed our line. After dark we withdrew our troops in good order and brought away our killed and wounded. The loss in this brigade was as follows: ~ Wounded. Command. 0 S S a ~ 0 h~ 0 ~ 93d flhtnoi~ 5 1 41 47 5th Iowa 2 17 19 10th Iowa 1 13 14 26th Mliasonri 1 14 13 Total 8 2 85 95 Dnring the night we held the position where the line was first formed, and remained in that position under a heavy fire of the enemy until the 23d, at 3 p. in., when we were ordered to return to the position now occu- pied, forming the left of the Seventeenth Army Corps, the men being nearly exhausted by the hard fighting of the 22d and watchfulness of the following nights. All of which is respectfully submitted. HOLDEN PUTNAM, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. ROBERT C. CROWELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant. General. RECAPITULATION OF LOSSES. Killed. Wounded. M Isaiiig. a S S -u a a ~ a o . a ~ .~ a ~ 3 ~ -~ ~ h~ 0 ~ o ~ 3~ Q ~ Brigadeetaff 1 1 I 5th Iowa Infantry 2 20 22 3 95 98 120 26th Missouri 2 20 22 3 82 85 107 93d Illinois 1 45 46 7 155 162 1 10 210 10th Iowa 3 35 38 8 151 159 197 120 129 21 483 504 1 10 11 644 Page 69 Ow. mn.j BATTLE 01 CIIMuPluXS HILL, MISS. 69 Kr.. 22. Report of alfaf. Samuel H. Loekett, (I. N. Ehiflineer Corps, Chief Engineer Department of .lfiesiaippi and .R.t Jo iislamo, iaclwling operations April 30Map 17. GAINESVILLE, ALA., July 28,1808. Sn: I hare the honor herein to ubnu n~i report of engineer opens ations during the perked included between the dates May 2 and May 18, comprehending the events bnmrdiately preceding the siege of Woks- burg. Having returned from an examinuitnof the works at Grand Gulf on April 30,1 received at Jackson, an order to Join the lieutenant-general commanding at ViJksburg. width I did on May 2. The enemy liming effected a landing at Bruhnburg, Mibe., and forced the evacuation of Grand Gulf on April 30. it becawe evident tbat immediate ateins would hare to be taken to meet him on all available a, lIroaches to the city of Vicksburg. The several fl-lilts aeross the Big Black River tutu the railroad bUdge became poiuts of r~at strategic importance. 1 accord- bigly dispatched an engineer officer to eauik usC these points with the view of establishing worki for resisting a passage or the river by the enemy. On examination it was found that at Baldwin., flails, and Hankin- sons Ferries the bluffs aborted against the river on the east bank, leav- ing wide bottoms on the 4unt, tO tisut at each of Iliebe erossn.gs it became necessary to construct a ttte-de-polft or to culinquuish the idea of taking the tire: as a line of defem.e. These t4tes-dr-poal were ordered, but befure anything ronlui 1. doee the army if (lieud Gulf, under MatJor-General Loring, haul cro-eed the rivi r ii Ilaukiusons Ferry, leav- ing the east bank in pousessuiu of the enesuy. l)uring thin I mae I had gone myseL4 by the ulirection of the lientensut-general, to the railroail bridge and Edwards Dei.ot, to establish works ti defend the ,aihoaul and preserve this very iLporlant live of commuuiation. [lai lug enmn.- med the ground, I direeted Capt. 1). Winttu~r, cowmandin,,c cu.rps of sappers and miners, to take charge of the cousauction of a tat tIe pout to cover railroad bridge, and telegraphed to (1apt. P. Ik.tin en, cit the engineers, at Grenada, to report to me alt Edwaids Depot with nIl his assistant engineers. Captain Robinson reported ott the 9th, and leaving hint in chargu of the works at the bridga, .uad alit reting Wait to make thorough reconnalssances S ti:: coanury 4ua r~c vicinity of Edwards Depot and to the eouthwa:d, .1 n-tu.-ned to Vi.knbmg with Captain Wintter, and put kin in charg~ ot all flu ~a outs uiroubd the cAt) ,to make necessary repairs and lent ever~LhL?g In ~ooeI ujonulltiou. The t.te-de- post at the railroad bridge iias posited ahead rapidi.), and finished by the lath, and at the same tim a bridge wa,t made scReaM (he Big Black by swinging the steamer Dot aczosa the stream neil removing her ma- chinery. On the 12th, the army was ordered across the J1115 Black to Edwards Depot, and I ~nt to the latter place to conduct tlunlivislon command- ers to the positions assigned to them by the lieutenantgeneral eon!- uanding. On the 15th, oiders were received to march upon the erem3, and I took with mc in acCompanying the lieutenant -general the following as- sistant engineers, viz: Second Licut. George Donneilma, engineers; (apt. 3. K. Couper and Sergt. S IkE). Version, acting assistant en- gineers, leaving Captain Robinson and three assistants In charge of th Page 70 70 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [GNAW. XflYL works at the bridge. No engineer operation were found necessary on the march, and the army reached its destination on the Raymond road ~oattdn~t on the 15th, the bead of the column being halted beyond house, some6 miles from Edwards Depot. TEE BATTLE OP DAKER~S CREEK, KAY lOP At 6.80 a m. on the 16th, a courier from General Johnston arrived, bringing information to the liedtenant-gene~alcommanding which made a countermarch necessary. I was directed by the lieutenant-general to inform the division commanders that such a move would be made im- mediately, and communicated his Instructions to Ms& Jcr.General Steven- son and Brigadier-General Bowen. I returned to headquarters at Mrs. Ellisons about 7.80, and beard as I reached the house the enemys artillery open on the head of our column on the Raymond road. I was then directed by the lieutenant-general to iuformMajor-General Steven- son that It would be necessary to form his division in line of battle on the cross-road from the Clinton to the Raymond road, with his left flank covering the formeL Having communicated these instructions, I sent Sergeant Vernon to get a pioneer company from General Cummln~s brigade, and directed him to throw a bridge as soon as possible across Bakets Creek on the main Raymond road, where the county bridge had been wasAed away. This bridge was constructed and the banks of the creek cutdown leading toit by tp m. From 8a.m. untQ about 11, I was engaged with my assistants in communicating orders from the lieutenant-general commanding in regard to the formation of the line of battl6, Which was formed on a commanding ridge, and so disposed as to cover all approaches from the front. About noon the battle opened with considerable vigor on the left, and the enemy making an attempt to turn our left flank, rendered a cont- sponding movement necessary on our part This movement opened a cousiderablegapbetweeuthedivislonsof Generals Stevensonand Bowen, and I carried an order from the lieutenant-general to General Bowen to keep the interval closed between himself and General Stevenson, and to General Lowing to the same effect in reference to his and General Bowens divisions. Between this and 8i. m. I carried an order to Gen- eral Lowing to hold his whole division in readiness to move to the left, and to move his left brigade (General Bufords) at once to join upon the right of General Bowens command. Between 4 and 5 o~clock the enemy had succeeded by his vastly superior numbers in completely turning our left, and our troops began to break and full back in considerable dis- order toward the main Raymond road. I was thAn directed by the lieutenant-general to inform General Tilghman that the position he oc- cupied was one of vast importance in securing our retreat, and that he must hold it at all hazards. I found General Tilghman had moved his brigade, and was marching along a by-road toward our left. On receiv- ing the above order, he halted his command, and, facing about, returned to the Raymond road and took a position onaridge some 600 yards in rear of his first [posiiionJ, and just in front of th%by-road above men- tioned, along which our army finally retreated In connection with this days operations I beg leave to mention es- pecially Capt J. K. Couper one of my assistants, who displayed great coolness, gallantry, and judgment in communicating instructions, and Sergeant Vernon/for his energy and skill in constructing the bridge across Bakers Creek above mentioned. For skstoh, opposits pg. Page 71 7 7 9 S~dfV /(Zi(/ 1/9N7 d/13 ~ ii i~s~ f~dJ.iO~f .~Jug9 ~qa.i. Jo ~ ~JjdJ I6~UI~rnoa ~ 110 UII/Iij/J Kfli 0/ 0 /,/~)/ /kJh~JL3~ ~ ~#/Th1dpdfL0j /.fdj~j ~ Jp---a~p~j Jo anq ~//w~) ~ __________________ 0 -~ fr~ 0 I X~EL1~O 2~ThD1V~ 10 0 G13Th~ ~~iiVS dr 11111 10 dvw ci Page 72 @~ - K 3 tL~ LI-- - I 1~ 2 7 to Edweerds. 11. tyr HFN4#4.t K MAP U J 4 4 Sw 7 K -- -~ / / AN) BATTLE OF BIG BLACK BRIDGE. vMay 17, 1363. Scat or 2 inches to oiU 8K 97 ~3 H. TCWi7213T. 311(3 Ci w 137 (iii CC. 93 3 7 7 11. To. N, V / 7 H - -:3 0 Cs C) Cs Cs t t -1 CCC H z z -I: B H C -N 5- z -4 Page 73 Onr. mvr.j BATTLE OP CHAMPIONS HH.L, MISS. 78 THE NIGHT AT BIG BLACK BRIDGE, NAY liP Our army having file back to the intrenchments coveting the rail- road and boat bridges the lines were found about completed, and were manned by General rJKo.i Vaughns brigade and part of Bowens di- vision. The enemy opened early on the morning of the 17th with artil- lery at long range, and soon came up with their infantry an4 took pos- session of a copse of wood in front~of our left. I repaired to the bridges between 7 and 8 o7clock to examine their condition, and seeing signs of unsteadiness among our troops, I sent Lieutenant Donneilan to the lieutenant-general for instructions In regard to the destruction of the bridges, should the enemy succeed In foroing our position. Having received the necessary instruction~ I made preparations for fixing the railroad bridge by piling rails and loose cotton at intervals, and had a barrel of turpentine prepared on the boat bridge. At about 9 a. m. our troops on the left were stampeded, and, leaving the trenches, came pell- mell toward the river. I stationed an officer at each bridge, and after seeing that all our men were across, I gave a signal to apply the torch. In a few moments both bridges were In flames, and were quickly and thoroughly burned. I have the honor to be, very respecttblly, your obedient rant, SAML. H. LOOKBTT Major and 0kW Bes$ueer Dept. of Jfk.. and it La. MaJ. B. W. MEnINGn, Ant A4Jt Gem., Dept of M4eefrefppI and Boat Louklasa. No~2t Report. of Jfqj. Ga William W. Lorbg, 0. & Army, eomssaesdIsg HEADQUARTERS LOSINGS DnxsIox, Bear Crystal Spring., May 17, 1868. GEniAL: You have probably learned that General Pemberton was compelled yesterday to fall back before a large force of the enemy. I was ordered with my command to hold the rear, to enable the ny to make good its retreat. Boon after the order was given, the enemy moved inhearyforceagainstus. Wehad abridgp andfordtopassto make good their retreat A brigade was placed a the bridge and one at the ford to protect the crossing, while my division was in the position indi- cated. General Bowen, in command of the ford, sent word to me that he would hold it, and was requested by me to do so and I would sup- port him, and had ordered a brigade for the purpose. He also sent me word that the bridge was safa Contrary to thee tation of General Bowen, he was forced suddenly to fall bac,k In the direction of Edwards Depot consequent upon the enemys crossin; the bridge. The enemy immediately moved to a position commanding the~ford In my front. Upon hearing of Bowens movement, my command was ordered to fall back, the enemy at the same time moving upon my right flank and rear. There was nothing to prevent their soon having commanding positions on both sides of theford. These movements necessarily forced me to look to a ford lower don the creek, and to reach it had to pass through For sketob, opposite pegs Page 74 74 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. fields and swamps. We lost what artillecv -ye had with us for the xv~ ut of a road and bridges. Before reaching the lower ford, I learned the whole force of the enemy had moved to Edwards Depot, and that a large command had passed that day to Big Black. I endeavored to ~et a competent guide we had to carry us between the enemys forces to the bridge~ but he said it could not be done; it was hazardous in tt~e ex- treme to attempt the ferries in the face of a lerge force there. My only ine~ us of prevei ting my divi. ion from being overwhelmed was to force my way through th enemy~s lines under cover of night and join my forces to yours. We have no baggage-wagons or cooking utensils, and but 40 rounds of ammunition. The wagons of this division were sent back to Edwards Depot. I hear that the enemy have left Jac! son. Upon learning its truth, I shall move a short distance tomorrow after crossing Pearl River. With respect, your obedient servant, W. W. LORING, Major- General, Commanding. General JOSEPH E. JoHNSToN. IIEADQUARTERS, Camp Forrest, Miss., August 28, 1863. Coi ONEL: I have the honor to forward, through you, a detailed state- meat o the operations of my division t the battle of Bakers Creek and in~ move ents consequent upon it. Oh ~iax 13, Major-Gener~ I Bowen, in command of his division, hay- in reported the enemy advancing, I was ordered to re-enforce him with nvx (Ilvislon General Stevenson soon after coming up with his divis- ion, a very strong position was selected about 1 mile south of Edwards Dcpot, ou~ left resting on the railroad am the right not far from Bakers {Jr~ek On the morning of the 14th General Pemberton ordered a council of war, in which he read a disp~tch from General [Joseph E.] Johnston, which stated in substance that the enemy (two or three divisions) was at Clinton, 9 miles from Jackson, and (if General Pemberton thought it l)racticable) advised a movement in connection with him, saying that time was all-important. In the council of war there was great diversity of opinion; two generals were for moving at once upon the road to Olin- ton; two or three were for remaining or moving back; three were for striking at the communications o5 the ehemy, keeping our o n open with the bridge ov ~r Big Black River, and fighting or not i a position of our own choosing, as would see~n best. I understood the opinion of the general commanding to be that he did not approve the move pro- posed by General Johnston, but coincided with those who were for moving to the enemys rear. It was determined by the general to move at 8 oclock in the morn- ing (15th instant), the army intending to cross Bakers Creek at a ford, which was prevented by its swoW~n condition. It ivas, however, put in motion about 3 or 4 p. m, crossing 1W creek npon a bridge a short dis- tance above the ford. A map was 4uunshed marking the road upon which the army was to march, i~ y dl\ ~ion being in the advance. After moving 4 or 5 miles, we were joined bN I ~jor [Samuel II.] Lockett, chief engineer, who directed the cobimn to t ae a cross-road leading to Mrs. Ellisons house, on the middle Ra~ uond road. At this place the army was to have encamped, it having been discovered that the road whic Page 75 CRAP. XflVLJ BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 76 it was Intended the entire force should follow was wrongly Jail don upon the map furnished. About dark my division reached Mrs. EUlsons, and found a great scarcity of water. This information was at one communicated to Gen eral Pemberton, so that he might make some other disposition of the forces which were following. After dark it fortunately happened that the other divisions were still upon the road leading from the bridge and encamped along It in their line of march. It was still more fortu.uate that my command was upon the middle Raymond road, which led im. mediately to the ford at which the army was to have crossed in the mornin. Upon this road the enemy was in large force within afew miles of my camp. Being satisfied of this from prisoners taken and from observations of several of my staff sent in advance, very large picket forces were pliiced in my front, rear, and right flank. (Jomplet- ing my dispositions, I soor after met General Pemberton, to whom in- formation of the near proximity of the enemy in large force was given. Additional information was subsequently given him, establishing the fact that he was in our immediate front. This was the condition of things until 7 or 8 o~clock next morning (18th), when the general informed us that he had a note from General Johnston advising a Junction with him in the direction of Brownsville, his force having fallen back from Jackson. This necessitated a move. ment toward Edwards Depot The general then gave aja order for the train, which had not comeup, to retraceits steps. P ending this, itis said the enemy was in line of battle preparing to attack us. Moving rapidly upon my pickets, he opened a brisk cannonade. I suggested to General Pemberton that the sooner he formed a line of battle the better, as the enemy would very soon be upon us. He at first directed me to form Tilgh mans brigade in a he of battle upon the ground it then occupied, but soon thought it untenable, and ordered It, with Featherstons and Bu- fonts brigades (my whole division), into a line of battle on a ridge about three-quarters of a mile in the rear and across a small creek. This line was almoit immediately changed for a ridge still farther back, where my artillery was advantageously postedon both sides of the road, the field to the front bein; entirely open as far as Mrs. Ellisons house. He also directed the division to occupy the road and the country to the right of it, and in orders conveyed to me at different times during the day he instructed me to hold my position, not attacking the enemy un- less he attempted to outflank us. Bowens command was extended so - astojoinmineontheroad. ~oonaserlesoforderscame,specIflcally and with great particularity, for two of mybrigades to move to the left, dosing the line as often as Bowen moved, and we in this manner followed him. During this time I received an order to retire, also one to advance, both of which were countermanded. My whole division, including re. serves, was strung out in line of battle, mostly in thick timber. The enemy during these movements remained steadily in front in heavy force, being, apparently, a full corps, odcupying a series of ridges, wood ,an mmanding each other, forming naturally a very strong if not imprepable position, throwing forward a heavy line of skirmishers, and showing every indication of an attack in force upon my position, both in front and upon the right flank. General Bowen also Informed me that he thought the enemy was moving to the right. While these movements were going on (all of which were brought to the generals attention), desultory firing was heard on the extreme left Page 76 76 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNEK PE, ETC. ~CHAP. XXXVL and General Bowen was summarily ordered in that (Ijiection without warning either to myself or to General BuThrd, ~ommandirv brigade of my division next to him. Not long after, I was ordered to sen(i a brigade to the left, anti General Buford veit at doubh qnik While passing Bowen, two regiments were det ched and went into the fP~ht with that command, Bnford continuing ou to the left (see his report annexed). In a half to three~quarters of an hour one r,rio~ade was ortlred to be left on the road, and the othe1 to be L ken by myself to the ie1t This was most earnestly requested to oc done by Colonel ~XXT T Withers, in commmd of the artiHery, who feaic) the capture of his guns. lie tells me that he w s getificd in being ble t st.~ t~ that my tarce arrived sooner than he expect d, and i time to s ye hi~ a tihleix But for our prompt irrival, every piece would In ye be~n lost, ts the whole sustainino force hod, except a Tew bold skhmishers, been driven back. Upon the approach of [XV. S.] Feath rstons brig dc, in rapid inauch. i considerable force o t e ic r PAng arm~ having wen radied bel iad [em the enemy, who w s alX incing upon the artiller r f di back in ~eat di~order, Colonel XV itihe ponrin~ in a most cle~trnctivc fire e mu him it was here that we witnessed a scene ever to be remembered, xx Len the gallant Withe ~ and his braxe men, viii thIr IThe park of artilleiy, stood nnfiinehiinnv imid a shower of hot and shell ihe a m each ci an enemy i ox c ieln~in, ~ fore atL;r air s t~4 orts Lad been unven back, and trusting that a ~nc oring cciii. and voidd rrri~t in +ime to save his batteries d display in ~ a degr e of courage and determination that ~ihs fo ~he most unqualified idmir~ tion. Upon m~ iiival upon thi part of the field, l found the whole country, on both sid ~ of the ro d, cox ered with the fiecing of our army, in nr ay cases in large quads, and as there was no one end~i avoring to rally or direct then, I at once pheed my escort under an efficient office~ oi~ m staff, with ertlers to oatler un the stragglers anti thore in ietreat awi v from the ro~tl This ttutx wis eribrr ad with grmt energy and sneces. It was also d& tei mined tho t under thes circo instances it was necesse r~, in ortler to save large Aumbers of men and ~iins, a well (iS L he aAe, Li ease the emergency rhonid a isr, to icure the army i ~iP ty 1 d good order to the ford over Bakers CreeL along the only iou o~a i~ to it, that a vigorous anti well4~ ireettel ttwk Thould ce ra~de pan the en cmv. At this moiient I met Genend [~ D.j Lee and ~oion Withers, and was satisfied, from i.ifbrniatioa obtained from them hit by such an attack upon the enemys ri5ht u~.. y~ the pi nic wI ni Ii id befallen his center we could ove~whelni it, ret~ ieve the (lay, cart a i1~ cut hisi off from the britige t~n oni ext ama h~ (o~ wilhch it was lao ny iinportaat we shoulti holti possession), and sa e cci sci ii ci ed huces. Dispositions weic at once made for the attack ia which (ii i ii Lee lent a cord I~i and able assistance. This fine oflicer, xvith C. ne~ 1 [i\i. B.] Gicen ad portions of their gallant brigades, we ound fohtino the enemy where all others, except the brave Withers, had bcen tiiix on back, and coii- testing every step of the enemys adxaneiu columns, Green declaring he never would have been tiriven back but fi th~ lact that he had ot a eartrid ~e left. While thus euoa ved, 1 icct~x.J ii order for the forces to fail back, and my assist~~~it adjut at-generel, wh had been dispatched to General Pemberton for orders, returird stating that the o(MIcralsid that the moveino~nt must not be made; that 1 o inst order a ~etreat aiid bring up the rear. Officers were immediately sent to advise those not yet informed to retire, and as rapidly as possible, in the direction o Page 77 (JiLAP. XXXVII BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MiSS. 77 the ford, that heing the only road I It open. As soon as the enemy realized that we were leaving the field, he rallied and moved forward in heavy force. In the mean time Featherctons brigade was put into position to pro- teet the rear of the retreating forces and to cover the falling back of i3aIor~s brigade. This duty :as ably and gallantly eiecnted. This latter In o?Oe (li ibA s) bout this time met a charge of the enemy (inlhnhy, cuvau~ . and at tillary), and repulsed him in splendid style with great slim liter the heavy fighting being done by the ~ Lonisiana, a Idi rea~m ~nt, under the We and daring fT. M.] Scott. Thi~ and the go11 nit [udward] Goodwin, Thirty-fifth Alabama Regi- ment lid also ~o4mgtn. hed th iselves in the charge upon the enemys centet and bout th1s tune the brave Alpheus Baker, of the Fifty- fourth \4~ba~~a, wa~ ~ etely wounded in another part of the field. Durino ~11,s time Til~hmaa, who k d been left with his brigade upon the other road, almost immdistel~ after our parting, met a terrible as- sault ot the enemy, and wh~ ii ~ e rejoined him was carrying on a deadly and niost oallant fioht. With h ~s than 1,500 effective men he was at- tacked by from 6,000 to 8,000 of the enemy with a fine park of artillery; but being advantageously po ted, hc not only held liii in check, hut repnls d hun on several occai~ions~ and thus kept 6pen the only line of retreat left to the army. The bold stan~1 of this brigade under the lamented hero saved a large l)ort ion of the army. It is befitting that I should speak of the death of the gallant and ac- compli~hed [Lloyd] T~lghman. Quick and bold in the execution of his plans, he fell in the ni1dst of a brigade that loved him well, after re- pulsing a powertul enemy in deadly fight, struck by a cannon-shot. A brigade wept oxa he (lying hero; alike be utiful as it was touching. I had some time be~om.e this sent an djutant to General Pemberton and subsequently another to ascertain how his retreating forces were progressing, but havino left the field it was impossible to communicate with him. The officer on his return informed me that he had met Gen- eral Bowen at the tord, who had requested him to say to me, For Gods soke~ hold your position until sundown and save the army. He could hold the ford and the bridge was safe. I had scat cely received this message when General Bowen sent me a writt u communication, stating that the enemy had crossed the bridge and had outflanked him; that he had been compelled precipitately to fall back, and that I must do my best to save my division. I also received a note from Lient. Col. Jacob Thompson to the same import. We at once made a movement toward the ford, there being no other road of retr~at. There being none on my left that I could use, and being wholly unacquainted with the country my only guide having been taken by General Pemberton to direct him to Big Black Bridge --my first determination was to force my way through by the ford, and rode rapidly to reconnoiter. Arriving there, it was found that our troops were gone, some of whom having been driven back upon us. The enemy~s skirmishers were advancing, and a heavy force occupied the commanding ridge across the creek, his ar- tillery playing upon the crossing. The enemy upon oi~r right flank and rear had been re-enforced, so that we were enveloped upon tnree sides, leaving no road to move upon. Not far from my place of observation I met Dr. Williamson, a highly respectable gentleman of Edwards Depot, who said he knew the whole country, and thought he could take me to a ford on Bakers Creek, 3 or 4 miles below. By this time darkness was approaching. I at once decided upon thi Page 78 78 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Ow. XXXVI. move. By a well-concerted movement we eluded the enemy upon three sides, and to his astonishment made our flank march from between his forces across the fields to a given point in the woods skirting Bakers Creek. The night being dark and the trail a blind one, it was found im- possible to get through by following tim creek. It was then determined to move across to another road and reach the ford in that direction. My command, being compelled to move back upon the ground where the battle was fought, passed the enemys camp fires, and at times our small parties were near enough to hear them. The unused plantation roads upon which we moved were in such bad condition as to render it im- possible to carry our artillery over them, and we were obliged to destroy that which we had with our commands, bringing the horses and harness with us, the balance having gone with the army into Vicksburg. Scon after striking the timber, we discovered Edwards Depot and Withers gin-house on fire, which convinced us that our forces had passed those points; but as we were led to believe that we could reach the lower ford in 3 or 4 mIles, it was hoped that we could pass in between Edwards Depot and Big Black Bridge and rejoin the army. Instead of 8 or 4 it was 10 or 12 miles before my commaud reached the lower Raymond road which led to the ford, and then it was after midnight. My guide (Dr. Williamson) inTormed us that it was impossible to guide the division to Big Black Bridg~ with the enemy in possession of Edwards Depot, which we were convinced he had held for several hours, but referred us to a gentleman by the name of Vaughan, who lived within 1 mile of the road. I went to his house and brought him to the col- umn to consult with my generals, and proposed that he Ahould take us to Big Black Riven He declared that It was impossible, as all the lower fords over Bakers Creek were swimming, and thatto Big Black Bridge he could not take us without moving through the enemys lines at Edwards Depot. He also informed us thatalarge force of the enemy had that day passed by his house. It was known that the enemy had troops at all ferries over Big Black below the mouth of Bakers Creek, and that the river was a deep and difficult stream to cross. The con- dition of the command was also taken into consideration, being with- out artillery, with but few rounds of cartridges; having no implements for immediate construction of a bridge or ferry; our entire train having gone into Vicksborg, and being without supplies of any kind; also the distance to the river was so great that it would have been impossible to have reached it until late next day, when the enemy was sure to have been posted to prevent crossing. After a111 consultation with my brig- adlers, all of us were of the opinion tiat it was impossible to attempt the passage of Big Black at any point, and In doing so the entire divis- ion would certainly be lost. Subsequent events have folly shown that we were right in this determination. It was then determined to force the rear of the enemy between Raymond and Utica. On the evening of the 17th, my command, after a hard march, reached Crystal Springs, a village on the New Orleans and Jackson Railroad, 25 miles south of Jackson. On the 19th, reached Jackson with my entire division, few lingering by the way, and immediately reported to General Johnston, who er- pressed his gratification that my command had safely arrived. Of Generals Featherston and Buford and CoL A. E. Reynolds, com- manding brigades, whose reports are herewith annexed, too much can- not be said in commendation. The rapidity and am with which they executed their orders, and the boldness with which their gallant Oo Page 79 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 79 mands met and successfully repulsed the powerful attacks of the enemy, delaying the Yankee army and securing a safe retreat to that of ours across the ford, entitles them to the highest praise; and, finally, iu leud- ing themselves a sacrifice, enveloped as the: were upon three sides (front, right flank, and rear), undismayed, with a proud consciousness of having done their whole duty, they withdrew in good order from under fire in face of the enemy, and thus we ;ere enabled to make the dangerous but successful movement to the left. My staffCapt. Henry Robinson, assistant adjutant-general; Captain [A. A. 1 Bursicy, chief of artillery; Cautain [Belton] Mickle, assistant quartermaster; Capt. John D. Myrick; Licut. [J.] Hanson Thomas, aide~ dc-camp; Captain [William] Sykes, air e-de iamp; Capt. Henry de Veuve, assistant engineer; Henry Taylor and William McFarland, vol- unteer aides; Captain Russell and Dr. WiIIL iflsofl~ guidesxvere con- tinually under fire, and bore themselves, as in other fields, with courage and ability. With respect, I have the honor to be, your 61 edient servant, W. W. LORING, Major- General, Commanding, & c. Col. B. S. EWELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 24. Report of Col. A. B. Reynolds, Twenty-sixth Mississippi Infantry, com manding First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION, Near Jael~son, Miss., M y 27, 1863. MAJOR: In obedience to orders, I beg leave to submit the following report of the part taken by this bri~ade in the battle of Bakers Creek on the 16th instant: At 9 oclock on the morning of that day, Brigadier-General Tilghman, commanding brigade, received orders to move it from just beyond Elli- sons house, where it had bivouacked Friday night, to a ridge about half a mile in our rear. The order was immediately obeyed, and in the for- mation of the line of battle its proper position (the right of the division) was assigned it. From this time up to about 12 in., nothing of importance occurred. At that time the whole division changed position by the left flank, Brigadier- General Buford moving to the support of Bigadier-General Bowen, on his left; Brigadier-General Featherston closing up, so as to be in sup- porting distance, and Brig dier-General Tilghman, with his brigade and two batteriesthe [J. J.] Cowan battery (six~guns), of Withers regiment of artillery, and the MeLendon battery (foni-guns), of Wards battalion by direction of the major-general comm uding diVisio~, taking position on the Raymond and Edwards Denot road, to I)reveut a flank movement of the enemy down it on our right. At the same time he was told to hold himself in readiness to move up to the support of the other brigades of the division should itbecome necessary. About 1 oclock this order was received from Lieutenant-General Pem- berton. in anticipation of the movement, Lieutenant [William] McFar- land, of the major-generals staff, had some time before been sent to Brig Page 80 80 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVJ. ~dier Geveial Tilohwan to point out the road by which he should uiiove. Cart ~in [P.] EI1i~ ~ ], the assistant adjutant-general of General Tiigh- man accompanied Lieutenant McFarland far enough to have it shown him But upon making the move, and going beyond the point to whh~h Captain E1ii~ Irid been carried by Lienten ut McFarland, the route ~x as foni d to be lftpracticable for artillery. As oon as this became cx ident, Generat ilotman countermarched the brigade, end, moving (lown th~ Pi;moiid and Edwards Depot road about quarter of a r ile, took a ncw rigut band road, which commnnicatcd with our hit wing, inteudmo- to join Major-General Loring by this route; bnt after pro- ceedir only a iew hundred yards, Lieutenant-General Pemberton met Ve bu~de and oudered it back to a position on thc main road we had just left ttrming General Tilghman at the s me tinie that an order counteinmuing the one to move, and directing him to retain his posi- tion, had be~n sent to him ne ny an hour before. While conversing with h w M tjor [S II.] Locket t, chief engineer of the department, rode up wiTh the order, and informed General Pemberton that, owl ngto the breaking down of his horse, he had been unable to reach General Tilghman. At the time of the movement from our first position, on the Raymond and Edwards Depot road, and before the rear of the brigade had cuossed that road, a heavy column of the enemy was seen dv ncing in line of battle out of the woods, immediately around Ellisons house. Gol. R. Lowry, of the Sixth Mississippi Regiment, who was in the rear, was at once directed to throw out a heavy line of ~kirmi hers to protect the movement. Upon the brigade countermarching, this line of skirmish- ers (composing n~ani~ one-half of the regiment), moving too far to the left, became separ~ ~ed from the bigade, and, uniting itself with the left wing of the army, fell back with itfirst to Bib Black Bridge, and thence to Vicksburg, where it is at present nuder the command of Major [J. R.] Stevens. Soon after the formation of the second line of battle (at .3(1 oclock), Major-General Loring came up with the ther two brigades of the divis- ion, and formed them immediately on the left of the First Brig de. He informed General Tilghman that the left ~ving of the au~ay wa retreat- ing to the Big Black, and that, in order to cover the movement, General Pemberton had directed him to mainttin his position at all hazards until sundown. The enemy having taken possession of the hill aban- doned by us, a continuous fire from both artillery and skirmishers was kept up until dusli. At 5.20 oclock, Brig. Gen. Lloyd Tilghman, who up to that time had commanded the brigade with marked ability, fell, kilh~d by a shell from one of the enemys guns, and the command devolved upon me as the senior colonel present. I cannot here refrain from payim a slight trib- ute to the memory of my late commander. As a man, a soldier, and a general, he had few if any superiors. Always at lii po t, he devoted himself day and night to tue interests Qf his command. Upon the bat tIe-field cool, collected, and observant, he commanded the entire respect and confidence of every officer and soldier und ~r hhn, and the only cen- sure ever cast upon him was that he always exposed himself too reck- lessly. At the time he was struck down he was standing iii the re r of a battery, directing a change in the elevation of one of the gun . The tears shed by his men on the occasion, and the grief felt by his entire brigade, are the proudest tribute that can be given the gallant dead. From the time of my assuming command of the brigade until I was ordered off the field, the fire of the enemy was very warm. Cowans bat Page 81 CHAP. XXX VI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 81 tery had several men wounded, and had nearly used up all its ammuni- tion, and yet from orders received by me had to be kept in position. Tim MeLendon Battery lost several men and horses, and were exposed to such a heavy fire as to render the use of their guns exceedingly haz- ardous. I sent Capt. T. B. Sykes, the assistant inspector-general, to inform Major-General Loriug of the state of affairs, and learned through him, on his return, that both Generals Bufords and Featherstons bri- gades were moving off to the rear, and that I was directed to bring off my brigade in the rear of General Featherstons. The enemy were press- ing us closely at; the time, so that I deemed it best to move off by the lelt flank through the tields rather than by the right down the road, and by so doing induced the enemy to believe that I was moving to the left. 1 thus deceived the enemy and avoided any serious l)ursuit. After mov- irg a little more than a mile, I received an order from the major-general to leave my artillery, move out of the regular line, and take position in front of General Featherstons brigade. The march was continued in this order for the next twenty-four hours, during which time we made about 40 miles. It is proper to mention that in assuming the second line of, battle, about 1.30 oclock, one section of the McLendon Battery was ordered to the rear. as there xvas no position for it, and that Lieutenant [F. W.] Merrin, commanding, made his way with it first across Bakers Creek, and finally with that portion of the army on the left to Vicksburg. The guns of the other section under Capt. Jacob Culbertson, as well as those of Cowans battery, were abandoned, by order of the major-general coni- man(ling, during the first nights march, owing to the impossibility of taking them over the roads we were forced to follow. C;~ptain Culbertson brought off his horses, harness, and men; Captain JJ. J. Cowan did the same, but on the march he an(l all his men left the command and have not been heard from since. The forced march from the battle-fAd to Crystal Springs, to iRimes Ferry, and thence to Jackson, was over rough, stony roads, and made by men much woru down by tktigne end many of them barefooted. Under these circumstances it is not at all surprising that many of them broke down, straggled, and some doubtless were picked up by the enemy. Accompanying this report you will find a paper,* marked A~ contain- ing a list of the killed1 wounded, and missing~ Iii closing my report, I cannot omit my commendation of the way in which the officers and troop of this brigade b~haved. The officers, one and all, behaved well, so much so that I cannot t)articalarize any with- out being invidious. The troops were in fine spirits, and I have never seen any more anxious to meet an enemy. I am much indebted to Captains Ellis and Sykes, the adjutant and inspector general of General Tilghmans staff for and efti the l)roInpt cmeiit aid given me on the field, who, notwithstanding the gloom cast over them by the death of their chief, promptly reported themselves to me P11 duty, and by their gallant conduct are entitled to the gratitude of their country. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. REYNOLDS, Golonel, Commanding Brigade. [Maj. GEoRG-E MCKNIGHT, Assistant Adjutant- General.] ~ Not found. 6 R RVOL XXIV, PT I Page 82 82 MISSiSSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXX Vi. ketnen of (in8nalties in Tilqhman~- briqade, Cot. A. P. Reynolds comnntandtng, in the battle of Bakers Creek, May 16, 1863. [Compiled from nominal lists.] Killed. Wounded. Missint2. Command. i~ ~ at _ 0 0 ~ General officers - 1 I 6th Mississippi 23d Mississippi y 30 7 26th Mississippi 2 1 C 10 17 Cowans (Mississippi) battery 2 - 2 MeLendons (Mississippi) battery 5 ---- Total. 1 4~ 2 8 42 57 No. 25. kepo-1 of Brig. Gee. Abraham Buford, U. 5S. Army, C(fl)tti/dflding Second - Brigade. HEADQUARTERS BUFORDS BRIGADE, LoRINGS DIVISIoN, June 16, 1N~8. GENERAL: I have the honor to make the following report of tile op- erations of my brigade (the Third Brigadv. of the division) in and around Edwards Dei~ ot, on Saturday, May 16, and on the march from Bakers Creek to Jackson, Miss.: My brigade consisted of the followiiig regiments: Twelfth Louisiana eginien t, Col. Thorn as M. Scott coin ma iiding; Fifty-fourth Ala bama Regiment, Col. Alpheus Baker commali(img; Seventh Kentucky iRegi- ment, Col. Ed. Crossland corn manding; Ninth Arkansas l~egiment, Col. 1. L. Dunlop commanding; four companies Third Kentucky Regiment, Maj. J. II. Bowman commanding; Thirty-fifth Alabama Regiment, Col. Ed ward Goodwin coin manding; Snod grass Alabama regiment, Col. John Snodgrass commanding, and Twenty- seventh Alabama Regiment, Col. James Jackson commanding, .maktng an aggregate of 3,005 eff~ct- ive men. The Pointe Coup6e artillery, consisting of two companies (A and C, four guns each), was also attache*l to iliy l)rlgade, under com- mand of Captain [Alcide] Bouanch lad r he Eighth Kentucky also belonged to my command, but, has mo been Iut)uIlte(l two days i)revn us, were detached. We were encamped at Mi Ratliffs, about half a mile in rear of Mrs. Ellisons, on the Raymond iotid. On the evening of May 15, the F hirt~ fifth Alabama Regiment was detailed for picket duty, aiid was in adx ance some 2 miles. About 5 oclock on the morning of May 16, the report of artillery an- nounced that the enemy were advancmn~ lmme(liately in front of the di- vision, which formed the rio-ht wino of the army, my brigade being on the left of the right wing. Dispositions ~ crc at once made to meet the advance, and I was ordered to form a line of battle on the ground on which I had bivouacked, it being a covered position, approached through an open field, an~ quite defensible. My right rested on the road, and my left extended to an open field thittagh which the cross-road passed Not reported Page 83 CHAr. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 83 on which we had marched the evening previous. My line was scarcely formed when I was ordercd by Lieutenant-General Pemberton to ad- vance and occupy the ground on which Brigadier-General Green, of General Bowens division, had formed his brigade which was in my front and to the left. Informing you of the order, 1 advanced from the covered position I held, and formed, as ordered, on a commanding end- nence in the middle of a field, and over which the enemy must advance. The position was a very strong one and tenable. My line had not been entirely rectified when I received orders to fall back with my brigade some half a mile and establish a line beyond the junction of the military road with the road leading to Raymond by Mrs. Ellisons, my right to rest on the road and extending to the right of General ~ division. I was here joined by the Thirty-fifth Alabama Regiment, which had been ordered to fall back before the enemy. I formed the line as di- rected, which enabled me to hold one regiment in reserve. This posi- tion was in the midst of a dense timber, opening on a grove around the residence of Mr. Ratlifi. My artillery was placed in position on the right and left of the road by Captain [A. A.] Bursley, chief of artillery of division, and was detached from my command during the day. I here received a request Irom General Bowen so to alter my line by moving to the left as to n~ ito with his right, as he had moved to the left to join General Stevensons right. Informing you of the request, I was ordered to comply therewith, which I did, extending my line some 600 yards, and throwing forward into line the regiment I had intended to hold in reserve. In about twenty minutes I received information from General Bowen that he had advanced half a mile to the left and front, followed by au order from General Pemberton to throw my line forward, so as to rest on the right of General Bowens position. Transmitting the order to you for information, I promptly complied with the same, my new posi- tion being abouf 100 yards in rear of my first one, on a line pith the skirmishers of the First and Second Brigades, my own skirmishers (whom I had placed under command of Lieutenant-Colonel [J. W.] Rogers, of the Ninth Arkansas) being some 500 yards in advance. I here remained until about 3p.m., ~heu, from the heavy firing in the direction of the left, it was evident that the enemy had massed his forces and was throwing them on the left wing of the army. About that time I was informed that General l3owens division had been moved still farther to the left, and I was ordered by you to proceed without delay to the left of General Bowens division. I placed my brigade at once in motion by the left flank and at the douVde-quick. My command double-quicked the distance (about 2 miles) under a scorching sun, through corn and rye fields, in about half an hour, when I ainived about the rear of the right wing of General Bowens division, which was fall- ing back in disorder before an overpowering force of the enemy. I was ordered by General Pemberton to hold the road iinmediatelx in rear of General [S. D] Lees brigade, at a point about half a mile from the negro cabins. Across this road onr men were hastening in wild (li5~rder and in con- sternation before a very heavy fire of the enemy. 1 immediately entered the road, and was advancing on it in column When my front (the left) was brought under a most galling fire from the enemys sharpshooters, and their line, some 2~O yards distant, posted in a heavy thicket of tim- ber and undergrowth, unexposed to view. I found that the enemy held possession of the road, and that I mnst retake it in ordei o comply with the command of General Pemberton. It would have been a wanto Page 84 84 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL. destruction of life to have formed a line of hattie with my brigade in its then position, marching as it was by the left flank on the road, and a portion of which had already changed direction to the left, in order to enter it, under the heavy fire of the enemy hidden from view, exposed, too, to an enfilading fire from a battery which had been established by the enemy on a commanding eminence at short range, and at the same time my column wa continually broken by men of other brigades, who driven back, were rushino- pell-mell from the scene of action and resist- ing all attempts made to rally them. My command beiiv thus fiuli~ exposed to the enemy,I changed direc- tion of the head of the column to the left about 150 yards from the crest of th rise in the roau occnp1ed by the enemy, to a covered position, and formed the brigade. Txx o of my stronge t regiments were detached from the rear of my briga1e ~ it passed the cabin ~one by order of General Pemberton, the other by order of General l3owen. The st2ength of my brigade at this critic moment was thus nuc iremoniously and materi- ally reduced, this bem~ done without my knowledge, and without any report being made to m of the fact by the generals who gave the orders. Ii waited the approach of the enemy, who mu t advance through an open, clear space. The enemy, however, halted in the road and established a battery. To have charged him from my position, with my brigade re- duced in strength and over an ope space of sev ~ral hundred yards, would have cost it half its uum~ ers. I therefore moved the brigade by the right flank to a )osition pr ~t ~ct NI hr timber to the ground occupied by the enemy. witn the view of moving agai Lt I he position held by him in the road. Ii had not completed Hi dispositio~ of my command when I diseovered that the enemy were rapidly turning 1)0th the right and left flanks of the position Ii heh, a well as that occul)ied by him, against which I proposed to n~ove. In all prob bility I might have taken the position at a great sacrifice, but it would be untenable, and I would have been forced to have giv it up almest mmediately, besides running the risk of having my entire brigade captured, as I was entiiely without support, my strength riduc A nearly one-third by the regiments being detached, and as all the troops of ou~ center and of the left wing were leaving the field in gi e t disorder. I therefore threw my brigade back about a quarter of mile fiom the negro c bins, and in the direction of Edwards Depot, on a commandin~ position, where I joined you with General Featherston bugade I was ordered to move my brigade into position, so as to move against the enemys right ~nd inrce hi liner~n4 thus, by a vigorous and well- directed-~attack, fbrce Ii in to abandon the field, it having been reported that his center was filL g bac ~, aid thus retrieve the day. I was joined here by the Twelfth Lou si n and Tnirty fifth Alabama lilegiments, and moved rapidly forward, and ~as thrining in position, whefi I was in- formed by one of my staff oflicers that you had received positive orders to withdraw the forces from the field, and had commenced r 4iring. I immediately ordcrrd H e brigade to march by the left flank, -and re- joined you then on the retreat tox ard Bakers Creek. Being informed that a section of aAiilery, with e support of hifantry, had been de- tailed as a rear gu rd, I moved f rward, hut was soon informed that the enemy was pressing on Thy rear both vith cavalry, infantry, and artil- lery, and that one piece of the Pointe Coup6e Battery had been aban- doned, as the h~irses were killed by the sharpshooters, so as to render it an impossibility to rem ive it. This battery had been brought from its original position to the left, an(l orde ~ed by Cooncl [XV. T.j Withers, chief of artille .y of depa... neut to seed fh~- pie ~e~: ~o XTicfsburg, an Page 85 Ont flZVLJ BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 85 follow in retreat in rear of the brigade with the remainder, but had not as yet reported to me. The artillery and infantry ordered to jwotect the rear, after allowing a portion of my brigade to pass, had, for some reason unknown to me, moved forward, and thus left my rear exposed. I immediately posted the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment, with a section of artillery from the Pointe Coup6e Battery, in line, with orders to repel the advance of the enemy, and made dispositions to support them. The enemy charged forward, but were met by the fire of the Twelfth Lou- isiana and the artillery, which effectually checked the ardor of his pur- suit, and caused him to follow our immediate rear with great caution. I was then ordered to move to the rear of General Featherstons bri- gade, which had been placed in position to meet any advance of the enemy, and form in his rear, to support Cowans battery, of Withers artillery, which was engaging a battery of the enemy and protecting the retreat of Tilghmans brigade. General Tllghman having gallantly lost his lifa in directing the fire of his artillery, I would offer my tribute of respect to his gallant bearing, and his noble devotion and untiring energy in behalf of our cause, alike on the field of battle and in the private circle. I formed a line in rear of the battery ott a commanding position (here losing several wounded, and Captain [W. A.] Isbell, of the Twenty- seventh Alabama Regiment, killed), ordering the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment to proceed to my rear and form at right angles to the road, and hold it, so that we couid gain the ford, now about a mile distant. A message was brought from General Bowenthat he had been forced to abandon his position at the ford, as the enemy were flanking him and were between him and Edwards Depot. I was ordered to proceed to the ford and support General Bowen while he drew off. The Twelfth Louisiana Regiment, which had been ordered to form In my rear, as stated above, had received orders from General Stevenson to move for- ward to the ford in advance of my brigade, and, as I learned several days afterward, had already crossed the creek under a heavy fire of ar- tillery. From the firing on our right it was evident that the enemy had obtained possession of the bridge across the creek on the upper road, and was endeavoring to reach Edwards Depot, and thus cut off our retreat. General Bowen had retired, and, when near the ford, it was clearly perceptible that the enemy, with his artillery, was raking the same, and at the same time advancizsg his columns in that direction. Finding that it was impossible to cross the creek under the fire of the enemy and the dispositions of his infantry,.yo~ ordered me to turn my column to the left, and, by going through a plantation, seek a ford lower down. Sending for the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment to rejoin the brigade immediately, and by no means to attempt to cross the ford, as the enemy was in possession thereof, I turned the column to the left, passed through the plantation, and endeavored to find the ford, but could not it was then determined to try to reach a ford still lower down, distant 24 miles, and under the guidance of Dr. Williamson, whorl had secured, moved forward. To his knowledge of the country and the plantation roads we are largely indebted forflr safe deliver- ance. As the enemy were pressing us in front, in rear, and on the flank, it became necessary to move with great caution, and only over neighbOr- hood roads and pathr long unused. It soon became evident that the artillery could not travel over the paths which necessity forced us to take. Some of the pieces were, therefore, abandoned after using all pos- sible means of saving them which the retreat, nature of the pound, an Page 86 86 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL the presence of the enemy permitted. They were abandoned, however, only after rendering them useless to the enemy. We moved nntil near the ford we sought, and to gain which we had marched 10 or 12 miles instead of 2 or 3, and to a l)onlt where we ha(1 information that we could secure a guide. From him we learned that the ford was impassable, and that he could not pilot ns during the darkness of the night to the fortifications near Big l3iack Bridge without crossing ~he lines of the enemy. The large fires on our right evidenced that the Yankees were at their usual work of arson in and around Ed- wards Depot. A consultation was called by you and the facts laid before us. I expressed the opinion that to reach Yicksburg we must cross the Big Black River at some of the lower ferries, undoubtedly in presence of the enemy, and to reach eventhe nearest ferry we would have to march during the entire night, and if we crossed in safety would be in danger of being cut off. Oar men were somewhat demoialized, our artillery abandoned, the troops intensely fatigued; we had but a few rOun(15 of ammunition, the greater part of which would be ruined by swimming the river, as we had no means to build a bridge or boat. We had iu- formation that the enemy was crossing the river at several of the lower ferries, and the guide had declared it was impossible to pilot us to the fortifications without penetrating the hues of the enemy; hence our only feasible way of escape and to save the division was to move to the rear of the enemy and pass on his flank in the direction of the Jackson and New Orleans Railroad. By neighborhood roads we moved during the night, passing the flank of the enemy, hourly expecting an attack, hearing the enemy conversing as we passed along, and crossing ravines and creeks, which proved the impossibility of moving artillery, and about 3 a. m. Sunday morning reached Dillons, on the road from Grand Gulf to Raymond, and but a few miles distant from the battle-field. We thence marched to Crystal Springs, on the Jackson and New Orleans Railroad, near which we camped on Sunday night. We had marched steadily for twenty-four hours, a distance of 40 miles, stopping but short intervals to rest, and without provisions. The men were so exhausted that they fell as they came into camp, and nature sternly demanded rest and sleep. On Monday we moved toward Pearl River, and thence continued the march to Jackson, which we reached on Wednesday, May 20. The troops of this brigade bore he march with gm~at fortitude, making little, if any, t-oml)laint. My entire loss in killed and wounded during the engagement of Sat- urday was 11 killed and 49 wounded. Among the former were Capt. W. A. Isbehl, Company G, an(l Lient. m S. Taylor, of Company I, Twenty- seventh Alabama Regiment, and Lient. George C. Hubbard, acting as first lieutenant of Company F, Thirty-fifth Alabama Regiment. The latter officer, being on a visit to the regiment, was assigned temporarily to duty by request of the captain. These officers are worthy all com- mendation as such, and their loss is felt. Among the wounded xvas Col. A. Baker, commanding Fifty-fourth Alabama Regiment, who was wounded early in the engagement near the negro cabins. I would call ufttention to the accompanying report of Colonel Scott, corn mantling Twelfth Louisiana Legiment; of Colonel [Ed ward] Good- wili, etmimanding Thirty-fifth Alabama Regiment; and of Captai Page 87 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPION S HILL, MISS. 87 [Alcide] Bonanchand, commanding Pointe Coup~e Artillery.* These were detached from my command during the greater l)ortion of the engagement. These officers sustained the high reputation they have won on other fields. For particular mention of officers nuder their com- mands I refer to the reports. The other regiments were directly under my immediate observation (luring the whole day, and I was more than gratified at the gallant bear- ing of the commanding officers, as well as that of the other field and company officers. To say that I am proud to command the brigade cvinces but slightly the high regard and estimation I have for the troops. Their quickness of motion, their ardor, powers of endurance, and steadi- ness exhibited during the engagement of Saturday and on the retreat are worthy of mention. In conclusion, I would mention in a grateful manner the obligations I am under to the members of my staff for their efficiency and prompt- iic~s in carrying out fay orders. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, A. BUFORD, Brigadier- General~ Major-General LoRING, Commanding Division. No. 26. Report of Col. Edward Goodwin, Thirty-fifth Alabama 1i~fantry. CAMP NEAR JACKSON, Miss., iiiEay 28, 1863. CAPTAIN: In accordance with an order from brigade headquarters, I most respectfully beg leave to submit the following as a report of the operations of the Thirty-fifth Regiment Alabama Volunteers on the night of May 15; also on May 16: At deep dusk on the evenin~~ of the 15th instant, I received an order directly from General Buford in person to report with my command to the headquarters of Major-General Loring, which were established about 1 mile in advance of the division, on the upper Edwards Depot and Raymond road. General Loring ordered me to move the regiment abon t 1 mile in advance of his quarters, and to picket the road at the point which his engineer should select. On reaching this point, I detailed Company F to picket several hundred yards in advance of the re~i- ment, and from this place I threw out vedettes, giving to each the in- structions I had received from the generals. The Twenty-second Mis- sissippi Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel [H. J.] Reid commanding, was sent out to support me. Duriug the night an occasional gun was fired by the cavalry pickets of each army. In the morning of May 16, the skirmishing between our cavalry pickets and that of the enemy became very brisk. About 7 oclock I rode to the front, both with a view to confer with Colonel [Wirt] Adams, and, if possible, to ascertain the strength of the foe. The Federal cav- alry were drawn up in an open field, at iut~rvals of 40 or 50 yards, and were slowly advancing, driving in our vedettes. Behind this cavalry I discovered a long battle-line of infantry, and I also discovered that they were moving their skirmishers to the right. I hastened back to my regiment, and prepared to contest every inch of ground with them back to our army. l*had scarcely formued my line of battle before the enemy began to shell me from a battery which he had planted a short * Bouanchauds report not found Page 88 88 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. distance to my right. Notwithstanding the shell burst over and about my command in every direction, yet they stood firm, ready to meet the advancing foe. From this shelling the Twenty-second Mississippi had 2 men very severely wounded. I threw out a company of skir- mishers (Company B), who soon engaged the Federal sharpshooters. About 8.30 oclock I received an order from General Loring to fall back in good order to the main army. I then fell back till I caine to Colonel Reids regiment. Being the senior officer, I ordered Colonel Reid to fall back 100 yards and reform his line of Mttle. I reformed upon the ground he lelt. Company B, Thirtyfifth Alabama Regiment, and a company from the Twenty-second, which I had ordered to be sent to the support of my company, were engaging the enemy vigorously. Knowing that they were trying to outflank me, II kept vedettes on my flank. I thus continued my retreat slowly until I received a second order from General Loring to bring the regiments in immediately. I then promptly rejoined the brigade. On being moved from the right to the left of our general line of battle in the afternoon, as the brigade was passing near the negro cabins, Gen- eral Bowen rode np to me, inquiring of me what regiment that was. I told him, whereupon he ordered me to follow him. Placing me under the guidance of an aide, who conducted me directly to the front 100 yards, I was ordered to move straight forward until I met the foe. Pausing long enough to fix bayonets, I moved in the direction indicated by General Bowens aide until I came up with General [M. B.] Green, who ordered me to move to the right to the support of the First Mis- souri Battery, which was in great danger. This I did promptly, form- ing in the rear of the battery. The battery men, being reassured by the appearance of the regiment, rushed with enthusiasm to their guns, an(I for an hour worked them with a celerity and a daring that I believe never has been surpassed during this war. The enemy poured volley after volley of shot, shell, grape, and canister upon us, but owing to a fortunate position I lost only 1 man (Lient. George C. Hubbard), who, being on a visit to the regiment, was assigned to temporary duty as first lieutenant in Company F, by request of the captain. The enemy being driven off, the battery retired from the field, having exhausted its ammunition. Just as the battery drove off, the enemy had moved around to the left, and were giving me an enfilading fire. I therefore changed my front to meet him, in the mean time sending a courier to General Green for further orders. At this time our friends gave way and came rushing to the rear panic- stricken. I rushed to the front, and%rilered them to halt, but they heeded neither my orders nor those of their commanders. I brought my regiment to the charge bayonets, but even this could not check them in their flight. The colors of three regiments passed though the Thirty-fifth. Both my officers and my men, undismayed, united with me in trying to cause them to rally. We collared them, begged them, and abused them in vain. At length I received orders front General Green to follow the battery. I accordingly moved out in rear of the Twelfth Louisiana, and at my urgent solic~ation was permitted to rejoin the brigade. Hoping this report may prove satisfactory to the general, I am, very respectfully, EDWARD GOODWIN, Colonel Thirty-ftfth ftcginWmt Alabama Voli~nteers. Capt. THOMAS M. CROWDEn, AssiRtan t A dj ate ~i t- General Page 89 GEar. vtj BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 89 11a27. Report of VoL Thomas K. Seottj Twe(fth Losiefr.esa IVafl. JACKSON, Miss., Kq 28, 1863. GKSnAL: I have the honor to report that on the 16th Instant, about ip. in., I was detached from your command, by order of Lieutenant- General Pemberton, to go to the right of General Greens brigade (then engaged) and attack a Federal force then attempting to turn General Greens right flank. Upon arriving on the ground, I found General Greens brigade (or at least the right of It) retiring from the field in great confusion. I immediatelylormed my line at right angles to the line occupied by General Greens forces, and ordered my mqn forward. We were soon greeted with a heavy fire, which was returned with spirit I ordered my men to fire, advancing, which they did with great steadiness and precision. I advanced to within 40 or 50 yards of a line of two regiments, when they retreated and formed on another line of three regiments posted in a strong position on the crest of the hilL They all soon opened a heavy fire on me, when, finding that the contest was too unequal, I determined to try coiji steeL I caused the firing to cease, bayonets to be fixed, and ordered my men to make a steady advance in line without yelling, that they might hear my commands; and never was an order more Implicitly obeyed. We charged the entire brigade and caused them to flee in great confusion. I held the pound until ordered by you to Join the brigade. I here lost 5 killed and 34 wounded. I did not consider it prudent to pursue the enemy, as a heavy flue was advancing on my left flaukthe same force that General Green had engaged. The sharpshooters had commenced firing on mefrom the left flank, when I changed front to rear on my first company, intending to fight the enemy If pursued. They did not move on me at all, so I Joined your brigade without any further en~ma~ bringing my wounded to a field hospital which afterwards in h hands of the enemy. You allowed me to rest my men some fifteen or twenty minutes, after which I moved at the head of the brigade in the direction of Edwards Depot. We had not proceeded more than three-fourths of a mile when I heard firing in the rear. You ordered me to form a line atright angles to the road, in an excellent position, and the remainder of the brigade retired to the rear of my line. They were hotly pressed by a force of the enemys cavalry, preceded by dismounted skirmishers. I had my men concealed behind the crest of the hill, and allowed them to come within range, when I fired by rank upon them with great effect, causing them to retire precipitately. lwasnoworderedbyyoutoproceedtothemainroadlettdingtoEd- wards Depot, and take a good position, and hold it until you arrived with the brigade. I selected, but did not occupy, the position, as MaJor- General Stevenson ordered me to push on and cross J~3akers Oreek, some hal? a mile west of me. Upon arriving with my command at the creek I found General Stevenson, who told me that it was ~possible to reach Edwards Depot, asit was in vossessi~n of the enemy, and that my com- mand would bare to pass under a heavy fire from the enemys batteries, then shelling us, but over-shooting, and ordered me to Join my brigade. I had proceeded but a few yards when he called to me to push through, as he had Just heaii that the enemy had not possession of Edwards Depot. I immediately started for that point, crossed Bakers Creek, and went half a mile in good range and under heavy fire of at least si Page 90 90 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL pieces of the enemys artillery; but they over-shot us invariably, not one shot taking effect. After going from three-fourths to I mile west of Bakers Creek, I was overtaken by a courier from you ordering me to join the brigade immediately. I mtraced my steps under a fire of sev- eral l)ieces of artillery. The enemy also opened a battery in the direc- tion of Edwards Depot, and were mo~-ing a heavy column of infantry toward the bridge. The skirmishers commenced firing upon our strag- glers immediately in the rear ~f my regiment. This was after sunset. My regiment was the last command to cross Bakers Creek, and no other could have crossed without heavy fighting under disadvantages, as the enemy held the hills commanding the crossing, with a heavy force within supporting (listauce between Edwards Depot and Bakers Creek. I found your brigade nioving to the south. I joined it some three-fourths of a mile from the creek. With its future movements you are familiar. I cannot close, general, without paying a just tribute to the gallantry and unflinching courage of my officers and men. Where all did well special attention was only attracted by those holding conspicuous posi- tions. Among thcse deserving honorable mention are Licut. Col. Noel L. Nelson, Maj. Thomas C. Standifer, Sergt. Maj. II. Brunner, and Color- Sergt. Eli Cole. I am, sir, very respectfully, THOS. M. SCOTT, Colonel Twelfth Louisiana Regiment. Brigadier-General BUFORD, Commanding Brigade. No. 28. Report of Brig. Gen. IVinfteld S. Featherston, C. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FEATHERSTONS BRIGADE, May 28, 1863. SIR: In obedience to the order of Major-General Loving of this date, I beg leave to submit the following report of the operations of my bri- gade on Bakers Creek, near Edwards Depot, on the 15th and 16th of this mouth: On Friday. the 15th, about 3 oclock in the morning, the troops on the south side of Big Black River, enelimped around Edwards Depot, were marched in the dircetiomi of Clinton, on the road leading from Ed- wards Depot to Clinton. Major-General Lorings division was in front, forming the right wing of the army. My brigade formed a part of this division. lATe were moved somn~ 4 miles on this road in the direction of Clinton, crossing Bakers Creek on a bridge and then turning directly to the right on a cross-moad leading to the main thoroughfare from Ed- wards Depot tQ Raymond. After i-caching the main road from Edwards Depot to Raymond, Lovings (livision was halted f~r the night and biv- ouacked on the sides of the roa(I. One regiment and five companies from a second were placed on l)icket duty from my brigade during the night. The divisions of Generals Stevenson an(l Bowen were in the rear of General L~ring~s, and bivouacked for the night, one on the Clin- ton and Edwards Depot road, and the other between that and the Ray- mond and Edwards Depot road. The distance between these roads where our troops encamped was about 3 miles Page 91 Ont XXXVII BATTLE OF OHAMPIONS HILL1 MISS. 91 About 8 oclock on the morning of the 16th, one of the enemys bat. tories opened fire on our regiments on picket duty. This battery was planted on the Raymond road, about 2 miles from where our troops were bivouacked, in the direction of Raymond. My brigade was fin- mediately put in line of battle on the right of the Raymond road, and. General Bufords brigade on the left. This was done in obedience to an order from General Lorin. General Pemberton rode up while the line of battle was forming and approved the movement Our batteries were placed in position on an eminence near the road, just In front of the infantry. At this time General Loring rode up from the front~ and ordered the line of battle to be changed to a high hill or continuous ridge some 600 yards in rear of our line as then established. Upon this ridge or hill Lorings division was placed in line of battlefligh- mans brigade on the right of the division and on the right of the Ray- mond road; my brigade on the left of Tilghmans and on the right of the Raymond road; Bufords brigade on the left of mine and on the left of the Raymond road. General Bufords left wing con. nected with General Bowens right, in the direction of the Clinton road. Very soon after this line was formed (about 11 oclock in the forenoon), the enemy made their appearance in our front, Rending forward a line of skirmishers on foot as well as one on horseback. These skirmishers were met by our line of skirmishers in our front, and very soon fell back to the woods from which they emerged. General reutberton was present when this line of battle was formed, and then went to the center or left of the line. In this position our division remained until about 12 oclock, when an order came from General Pemberton, directing General Buford to be moved farther to the left, in the direction of the Clinton road that he might take the position of General Bowens division, which had been. ordered to the support of General Stevensons division, on the Clinton road. I was ordered to move my brigade to tIne left at the same time, and take the position vacated by General Bufords brigade. This order was promptly obeyed by General Buford and myselt My bri- gade remained in this position until 2 or 8 oclock in the evening, within hearing of the guns on our left, where the battle was progressing. Up to this time no other demonstration had been made by the enemy on the Raymond road except the one already mentioned. About 2 or 8 oclock in the evening I received an order from General Pemberton, through General Iuoriug,to move my brigade to the left, to the Clinton road, to the support of Generals Bowen and Stevenson, then engaging the enemy at that place. This order was promptly obeyed; General Loring and myself rode at the headof the column. We had a guide, who carried us the nearest way. We traveled through the woods and over very rough pound a distance of about 2 miles before reach- ing the scene of conflict. The march was as rapid as possible under the circumstances; the troops moved at a double-quick the most of the way. Upon arriving on the field, we found a large number of strag- glers going to the rear in great confusion. General Bufords brigade had arrived on the field some thirty minutes in advance of mine. My brigade was halted near the Clinton road, and Usar where General Buford had formed a line of battle. Here we found no one to give us directions or to tell us what to do. General Pemberton was not there, and no one present could tell us where he was. Neither of the major- generals who had been conducting the battle was present on this part oftheline. General S.D.Lee came up with apartofhis brigade,and attached them to the left of mine. The troops on this part of the line were then all placed in line, and ordered by General Loring to mov Page 92 92 MISSISSIPPI, WE ST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVL on the enemy in front. After this line-w s formed, and before the ad- vance was made, an order came from General Pemberton to General Loring, as I learned from the latter, informing him that he had ordered his troops to fall back to Edwards Depot, and directing General Lor- ing to protect his retreat with his division. General Lee was ordered to move with his brigade as rapidly as practicable to the ford on Bakers Creek, where the road from Raymond to the depot crosses it. I was ordered soon after to place my brigade iii line of battle, so as to hold the enemy in check, and to hold my position until our troops had all passed me in the direction of the depot. This order was obeyed; the regiments were placed in line so as to cover the different avenues of approach. Three pieces of artillery were held in the rear, and kept playing upon the enemy, who were cautiously advancing in our rear, as well as on our right and left flanks. As our army advanced in front, my brigade, with the artillery, was moved to the front and placed in new positions. This was done twice. In our last position the enemy advanced on our rear, as well as on the right and left flanks, and a brisk skirmish ensued, in which they were held completely in check until the brigade and artillery were withdrawn slowly and in good order. During this skirmish, and, in fact, the en tire day, my brigade be- haved well. All orders were promptly obeyed, and an eagerness to meet the enemy was manifested during the engagement by the whole command. The three pieces of artillery nsed by me to protect the re- treat belonged to Captain [Alcide] Bonanchauds battery. They were well served; both skill and courage were shown by the officers and men attached to these guns. My last position on the field was not abandoned until I was ordered by General Loring to do so, and move my command toward the depot as rapidly as practicable. I moved my command to the Raymond road, and turned toward the ford on Bake~ s Creek, but found on going some half mile in that direction that the he-d of our column (Lorings divis- ion) had turned to the left, leaving the main road, and were then pass- ing southeast through an open field in a direction down Bakers Creek. I followed the column with my brig de. General Bufords brigade was in front. I rode to the head of the column, and learned from General Loring that the enemy were in possession of the ford on Bakers Creek, where we expected to cross on the Raymond road. This occurred about sunset or perhaps a little later. I learned from General Loring that he had procured the services of Dr. Williamson as a guide, and intended to find a crossing somewhere below on Baker Creek, and then endeavor to cross Big Black at the railroad bridg~e, 4r some place south of that, and join the main body of our troops on the other side. I)r. Williamson was an old citizen of the country, living at Edwards D pot, and knew well the character of the country and the fords and ferries on Big Black and Bakers Creek. He was intelligent and reliable. As our column moved off from the Raymond road to the southeast, we di:covered a little after sunset a large fire at the depot, which was supposed to be the (lepot buildings fired by the en~o~v. Dr. Williamson led the column by a blind path through a very rough country dow~ Bakers Creek to Mr. Harvey~s, near the ford, on the road leading frori Edwards Depot to Auburn. Here we halted, and consulted with Mr. Harvey as to the propriety of crossing Bakers Creek at this ford. Mr. Harvey informed General Loring that sixty re~iments had passed (lowli the creek that day or the day before. Harvey was unw lung to J)ilOt our column from Bakers Creek to Big Black. He professe not to be able to do so. Dr. Williamson was unable to pilot us be ~ond this point, and thought i Page 93 Owat Xflnj BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 98 Impossible for us to get through the swamp on this side of Big Black 50 as to strike the stream anywhere below the bridge, unless we went low down as Baldwins Ferry. At this ferry we had no means of crossing the stream provided we could reach it without encountering a heavy column of the enemy. Upon consulting with General Buford and myself, General Loring determined to take the road to Crystal Springs andthencetoJacksonasthesafestandsurest. Suchseemedtobethe opinion of all that were called into the consultation. The Oolumn was then moved forward all night on Saturday and all day on Sunday, Sunday night it was halted near Crystal Springs and rested until 10 o7clock on Monday, when the march was continued by easy advances to this place. The march from the battle-field to Crystal Springs running through the entire night and day was a very hard and laborious one, but borne by the troops with fortitude and determination. I was then and am now of the opinion thatthis division having been thrown in the rear and held there protecting the retreat until the enemy had gained possession of the ford on the Raymond road and of the bridge on the Clinton roadthe only direction in which we could move so as to save the division, or at least to prevent great loss, was the road taken to Crystal Springs. To have attempted to march Into our lines at Big Black without a guide, and without the means of crossing Big Black when we reached it, would have been very hazardous. List of casualties in Featherstons brigade in the en~ent on Bakets Creek on the 16th instant: John McCrossen, an Twenty-second Mississippi Regiment, mortally wounded; John Berry Company F, Twentysecond Mississippi Regiment, slightly wounded; Captain [B. H.] Crozier, Thirty-third Mississippi Regiment, captured and paroled. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. S. FEATHEBSTON, Bflgwlier-GuserU, Oemussseliusg. MaJ GEORGE MOKMGHT, Aaswtet Adjutant GeneraL I No. 29. Report of Nt~. Get Carter L Stesss.en, C. & mug, eemsassdksg Di~dou. HEADQUARTERS STEVENSONS Drrisrox, DeusopoN., Al.., Jt4g 29, 1868. hiA.roR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the op- erations of my division from its advance from Vicksburg to the capitu lation of the city. It has been delayed to this time by the constant occupation of myself and my subordinate commanders during the siege of Vicksburg and by the march which followed its capitulatiot At about Op. in., on May 15 my division, being th~rear of the fly, left its position in line of battle near Edwards Depot, with the view of cutting the enemys line of communication with his depot of supplies and forcing him to give us battle on our on ground. We reached the head of the column in bivouac on the Raymond road at 8 oclock, and there halted for the night. At sunrise I was summoned to appear at headquarters, where I was Informed by the lieutenant-general commanding that he had receive Page 94 94 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Gun. XflVL instructions from General Johnston to join him near Canton as soon as possible, and that he had decided to move at once, in pursuance thereto, toward Brownsville, on the north of the railroad, by the route as far as the railroad by which we had advanced the previous night. He directed me to move the trains as rapidly as possible to a point at leases miles beyond the Jackson road and there halt them, arranged to the right and left of the road in sucii a manner as would afford an uninterrupted passage to the infantry and artillery. I immediately caused the trains to be turned, and, in charge of my Fourth Brigade (Colonel [A.. W.] Reynolds), to be moved rapidly to the rear, in accordance with the instructions I had received. Colonel Reynolds was directed to place one regiment In front of the train, and to tbrm the remainder of his brigade in line of battle, covering the Clinton and Raymond roads, theze to remain until relieved by the next brigade in his rear. It was in- tended to hold these roads by the brigades as they successively arrived until the passage of the entire army could be effected. The success or this movement depending mainly on the speedy relief of the road from the obstruction caused by the presence of the train, I dispatehed two of my staff officers (Majors [Howellj Webb and [J. W.J Anderson) to superintend the operations of those in charge of the train. About 9.30 a. m. the latter reported that the road was open, the trains having been placed as ordered, and free for the passage of the troops. This fact I immediately communicated to the lieutenant-general commanding. About 9 a. in., Lee relieved Reynolds on the Raymond and Clinton roads, and in a very short time his skirmishers were engaged by those of the enemy. A brisk skirmish of about three-quarters of an hour de- veloped our position to the enemy, who at once change& his direction by the right lank, with the view of turning our left. My three brigades (the fourth, Colonel Reynolds, having moved off with the train) were immediately drawn up in order of battle, Barton on the right, Cumming in the centerj and Lee on the left, aspreviously stated. The line of the mareh was a cross-road from the Clinton to the Raymond road, inter- secting the former nearly at right angles (see diagram. It was at this fork that my left rested. The enemy, in columns of divisions, moved teadily around our left, forcing it to change direction to correspond, and their movement was so rapid as to keep my line (a single one) in constant motion by the left flank. Of this fact I Informed the lieuten- ant-general commanding, and from time to time every apparent increase of force or additional movements by the enemy was promptly reported. Finding that they were about to conceutriate on the left with the larger part of their force, still moving a column to the flank, as I had no re- serve, I moved General Barton (my right brigade) by the rear to the extreme left At the time this order was given the lieutenant-general commanding was notified of the fact, and was informed that the enemy had massed a large force on the left, which would doubtless be the main point of attack. My line had now been moved to the left, until two regi- ments of the center nowthe right (the Fifty-sixth Georgia, Colonel [E. P.] Watkins, and .the ~3ifty-seventh Georgia, Colonel LWfflhm] Barkuloo, occupied the Raymond and Clinton roads, with an~nterval of 300 yards between them and the remainder of their brigades. This separation was necessary to protect the right and rear of the new line, now threatened by these roads. This new line, upon which the attack was made, was formed asfollowsr The right rested at the angle of the original line, com- posed of three regiments (the Thirty-sixth Georgia, Colonel [Jesse A..] Not Smu Page 95 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHA~1PlONS HILL, MISS. 95 Glenn; the Thirty-fourth Georgia, Colonel [~J. A. W.] Johnson, and the Thirty-ninth Georgia, Colonel [J. T.1 McConnell), of Cummings brigade. Lees brigade (the Twentieth Alabama, Colonel [Isham W.] Garrott; the Twenty-third Alabama, Colonel [F. K.] Beck; the Thirtieth Ala- bama, Colonel [Charles M.] Shelley; the Thirty-first Alabama, Lieuten- ant-Colonel [T. M.] Ariington) Occupie(l the center, and Bartons brigade (the Fortieth Georgia, Colonel [Abda] Johnson; the Forty-first Geor- gia, Colonel [Willi in~ li J Curtiss; the Forty second Georgia, Colonel [R. J.] llendersoiv the Fortythird Georgia, Colonel [Sliidmore] Harris, and the Fifty-second & oigia, Colonel [C. D.] Phillips) the left, the left resting on Bakei~ Creth near the bridge. A portion of Captain [James F.] Waddells batters wa~ posted at the angle of the lines to defend the al)l)roaches by the Clinton and Raymond roads, and the remainder, with two l)ieces of Captain [J NV.] Johnstons battery, on the left of Cum- mings brigade. Captain [S. J.] Ridley, with a portion of his battery, was on the left of B uton as was also Captain [Max. Van D.] Corputs battery. My hue a~ will thus appear, was necessarily single, irregular, divided, and without 1e~erves. Under the su~)positioIi that the army was to move forward in pursuance of the instructions given in the morn- ing, this ground was not reconnoitered with a view to taking up a posi- tion for battle until we were on the move facing the enemy. At about 10.30 a. m. a division of the enemy, in column of brigades, attacked Lee and Cumming. They were handsomely met and forced back some distance, when they were re enforced, apparently by about three divisions, two of which moved forxvard to the attack and the third con- tinued its march toward the left, with the view of forcing it. The enemy now made a vigorous attack in three lines upon the whole front. They were bravely met, and for a long time the unequal conflict was main- tained with stubborn resolution. But this could not last. Six thousand five hundred men could not hold permanently in check four divisions, numbering, from their own statements, about 25,000 men; and finally, crushed by overwhelming numbers, my right gave way and was pressed back upon the two regiments covering the Clinton and Raymond roads, where they were in part rallied. Encouraged by this success, the enemy redoubled his efforts and pressed with the utmost vigor along my line, forcing it back. At this time (about 2.30 p. in.) Bowens division of Missouri and Ar- kansas troops, General Green on the right and Colonel [F. M.] Cockrell on the left, arrived, gallantly charged the enemy, supported on the left by a portion of Cumnmings and Lees brigades, and drove them back be- yond the original line. In the mean time the enemy had continued his movement to our left, and fell upon Barton in overwhelming nunibers. He charged theni gallantly, but was forced back, and the enemy, following up his advan tage, cut him off entirely from the rest of the division. It was here that the lamented Major [Joseph NV.] Anderson, my chief of artillery, fell, in the fearless discharge of his duty. In the very front of battle th brave soldier, the noble gentleman, met his deathf Here, too, the gallant IRidley, refusing to leave his g~is, single-handed and alone fought until lie fell, pierced with six shots, winning even from his enemies the highest tribute of admiration. Nothing could protect the artillevy horses from the deadly fire of the enemy. Almost all were killed, and along my whole line the pieces~ though fought -with a desperation on tle part of both officers and men which I cannot praise too highly, almost all fell into the hands of the enemy. In this manner the guns of Corputs and Johnstons batterie Page 96 96 MISSISSIPPI, flST TflflSSfl, ETC. [GnAw. mYx. and Waddens motion were lost Double-shotted, they were fired until in may instances the swarms of the enemy were in among them. Offi- cers and men stood by them to the. very latest moment that they could be served, ad to Captains Corput ad Johnston ad Lieutenant ~T. Jet] Bates, their subordinate officers ad men, I desire to return tbe than s which their gallantry has made their due. On the extreme right the guns under the immediate command of Captain Waddell were fought ad lost in the same manner, but retaken by the Missourians. This brave officer, assisted by Lient. G. D. Wise, ordnance officer, fought one of them with his own hands until Bowen, too, retired. Early in the day the Fortysecond Regiment of Georgia Volunteers Colonel [B. J.] Henderson, of Bartons brigade) had been sent to hold L ebridge over Bakers Creek. Barton now moved to this point, held It for a time, and finally crossed and took up position near Edwards Depot, which he held until nearly dark. Here he was joined by may officers ad men of Cummings brigade, who, when driven from their position by the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, had retired by the same route he took. The two regiments of Cummings brigade which I have before men- tioned were kept on the Clinton and Raymond roads; ad, thus sep- arated from their brigade, joined Greens brigade of Bowens division in the charge upon the enemy, and remained with them until they retired. When re-enforced byBowens division and the enemy were bein driven, I informed the lieutenant-general of the fact, ad asked that aorings. division might be sent up at once. The attack of Bowens division upon the enemy was made about 2.30 p. m. During the attack of the Missourians, and when the enemy were pressing back our left, thus re-enforced, I met the lieutenant-general on the field, and stated to him that unless Lorings division was brought up we could not hold the field. He replied that it had been repeatedly ordered.to come forward, ad that he would go in person and hasten their movement About 4p. m. Bufords brigade, of Lorings division arrived, but not until the enemy had taken possession of the Raymond road ad turned upon him two captured batteries. Several pieces of Withers artillery from a ridge nearly opposite opened a brisk fire ad soon silenced them. About this time I received orders fromthe lieutenant-general command- in; to withdraw the troops in order to Big Black Bridge. I dispatched this order to my brigade commanders, and seeing that our right and rear were exposed I immediately wpt.~ that direction in order to ascertain it; as had been reported to me, enemy were making a move- ment to cut us off by the route which we were about to take. On my return I found that Major-General Loring had arrived, and that the troops were retiring in good orderLee with his brigade, and that por- tion of my division which had not been forced to move by the bridge, followed by tjxe two brigades of Loring, Bowen having passed by a route ~short distance to the right On my arrival (about sunset) at the ford on Bakers Creek, I fond that the enemy had crossed thebridge above, Sd were advancing ar- tillery in the direction of the road on which we were moving. One bat- tery had already taken position and was playing on the road but at right angles and with too long a range to prevent the passage 6/troops. Here I find on the west side the brigades of General Green and Colo- nel [F. K] Cockrell, of Bowens division, who had there halted and taken up position to hold the point until Lorings division could cross. I found Colonel [Thomas hr.] Scott, of the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment Page 97 Czar. XXXYLI BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 97 of Lorings division, halted about one-half a mile from the ford on the cast side, and directed him to cross. I there addressed a note to General Loring, informing him of what I had done, telling him of the change 1 had caused Colonel Scott to make in his position, stating that with the troops then there and others that I could collect I would hold the ford and road until his division could cross, and urging him to hasten the movement To this note I received no answer but in a short time Colo- nel Scott moved off his regiment quickly in th~ direction of hi~ original position, in obedience, I was informed, to orders from General Loring. Inferring from this that General Loring did not intend to cross at that lbrd, he having had ample time to commence the movement, I suggested to General Green and Colonel Cockrell to move forward to the railroad bridge. My command reached that point at about 1 oclock that night and bivouacked near Bovina. - In the action of the next morning my command took no part. After the enemy had made their successful attack upon the iutrenchments upon the east side of the river, I received orders from the lieutenant- general to place one of my brigades in position on the heights of the west bank, to cover the crossing of the troops who had occupied the in- trenchments. This duty was assigned to and executed by the command of Brigadier-General Lee. At about 10 a. m. I received orders to t*e command of the army and conduct its retreat to the fortiflcations around Vicksburg. The brigade of Brigadier-General Baldwin, of Smiths division, was assigned to the duty of bringing up the rear. Just before getting mto the works, I was joined by the brigade of Colonel Beynolds,to whom, as I before stated, had been intrusted the charge of the trains of the whole army. Hehad crossed the Big Black after much diflculty and delay, occasioned by the absence of any facilities for so doing, at Bridgeport~ By a mistake in the transmission of the order, the regiment of Colonel Beck (Lees bri- gade) remained at the river,resisted the attempts of the enemy to cross until 11 oclock that night, and only withdrew upon the receipt of a peremptory order. The retreat was conducted in a leisurely and orderly manner, and the troops entered the line of fortifications about 3 p. m. As censure has been cast upon my division for not having fully main- tained their position at the battle of Bakers Creek it is due to them and myself that I should here record facts connected with other parts of this army which, in my opinion, contain the explanation, in part at least, for this failure. My division started early on the morning of the battle, under the sup- poniton that the army was about to rettaik its steps to join General Johnston north of the railroad, and with that view was weakpned by sending one brigade to the rear in charge of the whole baggage train. Knowing that this movement exposed our flank to the enemy for my- end miles, I presumed the army would move quickly as soon as the road was free of trains, and accordingly gave m~v attention (until the en- gagement commenced) solely to the roads herein referred to, which were the only ones by which the enemy could strike us. At 9.30 oclock the road was opeix, but I was directed to retain my thrq3 brigades in line of battle until further orders. The enemy engaged us at about 10.30 oclock. Finding that the main attack was upon me and in vastly superior force, I dispatched that in- formation to the lieutenant-general commanding, and from time to time repeatedly asked for re-enforcements. The three divisions composing our armyoccupied a line of not exceeding 2 miles, one of them (Bowens), $ least, being within hearing of the musketry of the enemy in my front. 7 3 3VOL flfl~ PT Page 98 98 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. cuLL filL Re-enforcements (Bowens division) arrived at about 2.30 p. m. Lor- jugs division did not arrive in time to engage the enemy. The three brigades of my division engaged were about 6,500 strong. The strength of the enemy, according to their statements, was more than four times that number. The non-arrival of re-enforcements for my division early in the day, in my opinion, was mainly the cause of our faiiwe. As to the reason therefor it is not for me to express an opinionhere. S a 5 5 5 It was the fortune of Brigadier-General lee to open and bear the brunt of the battle of Bakers Creek, on which occasion he had three. horses shot under him, and give the splendid repulse, which he did, to the only decided assault of the enemy upon my line at Vicksburg. To Colonel Reynolds, as I have before stated, was intrusted the duty of carrying off the trains of the entire army on the day of the battle of Bakers Creeka charge which he performed with the efficienc and fidelity which was to be expected of an officer of his skill and experience. Without an exception, during the bloody day of Bakers Creek and dur- ing the memorable siege of Vicksburg the field officers of my command behaved witha gallantry and zeal which won my unqualified admiration and esteem. It is with deep regret that I record the loss, in the battle of the 16th, of CoL Skid. Harris, Forty-third Georgia Regiment He was killed at the head of his regiment. I am under obligations to kaj. H. Evans Capt B. B. Smith, and Lieut George D. Wise (who, by the recent cl~ange of commanders in their brigades, were temporarily without assignment) for their services on the field of Bakers Creek. Much against their wishes, MaJ. H. M. Mathews, ordnance officer, and B. Orme, assistant quartermaster, of my on staff; were left in Yicksburg when the division advanced to Bakers Creek, as their services as the chiefs of their respective depart- ments could not be dispensed with there. Pre-eminently distinguished throughout the action of Bakers Creek, especially for his indefatigable efforts in rallying the broken regiments and taking them again into action, was my chief of staft M& J. 3.3. Reeve. For his active assistance to me on that occasion and the gal- lant and intelligent discharge of his duties day and nigLt during the siege of Vlcksburg, I am greatly indebted to him. Major [H.] bb, my inspectoit-generaa rendered most important services in superintending the removal and securing the safety of the large train that followed the armytothe eeek. Capt J.W. Mathews, acting assistant adjutant-general; Chief Burg. H. M. (Jompton, and Lieutenant [Henry T.J Botts, aide-de-camp (whose horse was shot under him at Bakers Creek), were prompt, daring, and energetic in the discharge of their duties. CoLG.A. Hayward, alde-de-camp, has my sincere thanks for the many important services he has rendered me. Always ready for the discharge of duty, he was distinguished for his gallantry on the fleW of Bakers Creek, and after the investment of the city bore iqpportant information to General Johnston, by whom 1i6 was retained until the capitulation. Mr. D.E. Norris, telegraph operator, and Private A. T. Sullivan, my secretary, accompanied me upon the field of Bakes Creek and rendered important services. Accompanying, please find a tabular statement of the casualties of my division in the different actions, & e., in which it participated up to Portlon of report here omitted appears under the Siege of Yicksburg/ pp 343-, 349 Page 99 CHAr. XXXV.] BATTLE OF ChAMPIONS hILL, MISS. 99 June 16. The absence of subordinate officers renders it impossible foi me to give my whole loss during the siege of Yicksburg. I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant, C. L. STEVENSON. Maj. It. W. ME~DIrNGnn, Assistant Ac?jutant- General. [Inelosure.] Return of Casualties in Stevensons Division at the hattie of Champions Hill, or Bakers Lreek, May 16, 1563. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ii a a S a ~ ii a a -~ a a a .21 t .2 S ~ S ~ S S Q N 0 N 0 N, Divisionst,ffw 1 Bartons brigadet 3 55 11 93 28 709 901 Cummings brigade~ 7 114 16 253 16 589 995 Lees brigade 2 42 9 133 24 500 790 A. W. Reynolds brigade 152 152 Waddells battery 9 . 10 5 24 Total 13 220 36 491 69 2, 035 2. 063 Ordnance and Stores at Bakers Creek, [captured] May 16. 10-pounder Parrotts complete . -- .. .. 2 12-pounder iron howitzers complete - 2 6-pounder bronze guns complete 3-inch rifled guns cornplete 2 Caissons - - 8 Sets lead harness 28 Sets wheel harness 19 Small-arms - - 2,834 Accou ~erments 2, 834 Rounds W,000 No. 30. Report of Brig. Gen. Seth M. Barton, C. S. Army, comma odin First Brigade. IIIJQIIS. 1ST BRIG., STEVENSONS DIV., Vicksburg, June 18, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part borne by this brigade in the action of the 16th ultimo: I was directed early in the day to detach a regiment and section of artillery to hold the bridge ovei Bakers Creek, some 2 miles to the left aiM rear on the line of march. [Col. It. J.] Hendersons Forty-second Georgia and Lieutenant [A. M.] Sharkeys section of Company A, First Mississippi Artillery, were selected and posted. Ma]. Joseph W. Anderson killed. Col. S. Harris, Forty-third Georgia, and Lient. E. Ellis, adjutant Forty-first Georgia, killed. Lient. William E. C. Wilson, Thirty-sixth Georgia, Licut. 3. M. Brotherton, Thirty-n mlii Georgia, and Lients. Thomas J. Dyson, Washington h-Jobhs, and V. C. Manning, Fifty-seventh Georgia, killed. Licuts. J. M. Bates, Thirty-ninth Georgia, and S. T. Moore, Fifty-sixth Georgia, died of wounds. ~ Including losses (12) at Big Black Page 100 100 MISSI$SIPPi, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (Gnu. XXXVL The remainder of the brigade remained inactive, save an occasional change of position, till near noon, when it was ordered to the left, to sup- port General [S. D.]Lee, then pressed. The distance (about 4 miles) was passed at don le-qniok, troops formed in line of battle on Lees left, and advanced as rapidly as the nature of the ground would admit. Corputs battery (four dies) was posted near the road, about ~ s from the bridge, my left resting on it and my right on Lees left. The position was not a good one; the country much broken and covered in most part with dense woods. The enemy having turned Lees left flank, were aireadyin the timber, pressing vigorouslyforward. With impetuous gallantry the Fortieth, Forty-first, and Forty-third Georgia Regiments dashed upon the enemys line, broke it, and drove it back about 300 yards. It was here re-exaforcod by his second and third lines and my farther advance was checked. I had reserved the Fifty-second Georgia on the left to protect that flank; it was now moved up rapidly, and in handsome style engaged a brigade that was turning the let The troops on the right now gave way, and my right flank was soon turned and overwhelmed. The left was in like manner enveloped and a heavy fire poured in from the rear. Having vainly endeavored to cover the left with the Forty-second Regiment, brought forward for the purpose, I was compelled to fall back. The enemy had so nearly sur- rounded the whole brigade that this movement was necessarily accom- panied with some coninsion. The Fortieth and Forty-second Regiments, however, came out with unbroken ranks. The brigade had been terribly handled. Ccrput?s battery, posted near the road on the left, was beautifufly served. Its horses and many men were killed - and, finding it impos- sible to save the guns, they were fired with douile canister to the last, and abandoned only when they could be no longer used. I retired across Bakers Creek, posting the few troops remaining so as to command the bridge, and held that position till all had crossed at the ford below, about 4p. m. I then fellback to Edwards Depot (2 miles), and. covered the approach to that place till dark. The enemy who crossed immeAiately on our withdrawal from the bridge, foflowed and attacked at this place, but failed to dislodge us. All of our troops hay- ing passed, and all property at the depot [having beenj removed or de. stroyed, I took up the line of march at nightfall, and joined the army at Big Black Bridge at 1 a. m. on the 17th. I take pleasure in naming the following officers for marked and dis- tinguished gallantry: Colonels [Skidmve] Harris, Forty-third (wounded and a prisoner); [William E.] Curtiss, Forty-first; [C. I).] Phillips, Fifty- second (missing); Henderson, Forty.sccond; lAbda] Johnson, Fortieth (sick and unable to command, but present and cheering his men); Lieu- tenant-Colonel [Robert If.] Young, commanding Fortieth Georgia; Majors [Raleigh 8.] Camp, Fortieth; [William H.] Halsey, Forty-sec- ond [II. S.] hall, Forty-first; Captain [Max. Van D.] Corput, Capt J. W. Johnston, and Lieutenant Sharkey, of the artillery; Captain [A. C.] Thom, my assistant adjutant-general; Lieutenant [T. B.] Lyons, aide- decamp; B. F. Patterson, XV. Norcoin, and S. L. Thompson, acting aides-do-camp. The heavy loss of the brigade (over 42 per cent..) Th the best evidence. I can give of the good behavior of the men. 1 am, mUjor, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. If. BARTON, Brigadier- GeneraL Mpj. 3. 3. Ron, Asefttaut Adjutaat-Geswa Page 101 OW. XflVLJ I3ATTLE OP CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. No. 31. Report of Brig. Con. Stephen D. Lee, (7. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. HDQiw. SEcoiw BrnGwn, Snvsxsoas DIVISION, Demopolie, Ala., July 25, 1863. SIn: I bare the honor to submit the following report of the patt taken in the battle of Bakers Creek7 on May 10, by the Alabama brigadeSec- ond Brigade Stevensons divisionconsisting of the following com- mands, viz: ~Ewentieth Alabama Regiment, Col. LW. Garrott; Twenty. third Alabama Regiment, Cold?. K. Beck; Thirtieth Alabama Regiment, Col. C. 31. Shelley; Thirty-first Alabama Regiment, Liest. Cot T. IL Arrington- Forty-sixth Alabama Regiment, Col. 31. L. Woods, and Waddells battery, Capt. 3. F. Waddell. On the evening of May15, the army, under the command of Lienten- ant.General Pemberton, commenced moving toward the enemy from Edwards Depot in the direction of Raymond, my brigade occupying in the line of march the second position from the rear. The army marched during the greater part of the night, halting a short time before day- light at a point about 0 miles from Edwards Depot Soon after daylight on the 16th the army commenced a retrograde movement over the same route it Lad taken on the preceding night, for the purpose of forming a junction on the north side of the railroad with the forces under command of General Joseph E. Johnston, Gen- eral Johnston having evacuated Jackson and moved toward Canton. About 0 a. m. Major-General Stevenson ordered me to move rapidly with my brigade and relieve Colonel It W.] Reynolds brigade on the Edwards Depot and Clinton road, which was done at about 7.30 a. in.; skirmishers from Reynolds brigade being at that time engaged with those of the enemy on two roads, oneleading from Clinton and the other from Raymond; By 8 oclock my brigade was in line of battle and skirmishing on both. roads, the position occupied by the brigade being on the extreme left of our line. At about 9 oclock it was discovered that the enemy was massing troops on the left, evidently for the purpose of turning our left flank and getting between our army and Edwards Depot. My brigade was at once marched (under fire) by the left flank for the purpose of checking the enemy, and information of his movements avid the corre- sponding change of my line was immediately sent to the major-general commanding, with the request that the gap Sn ty right should be filled by other troops. Similar movements on my part were frequently made under fire throughout the. day until about 2 p. in., the major-general commanding being in each case notified of my change of position, and of the continued efforts of the enemy to turn our left. Captain Wad- delis battery, which had been placed in position on the Raymond road, and a section of Johnstons battery, which had been posted on the CHin- ton road, had during the earlier part of the day been supported by my brigade, but in consequence of my continuous movemgjits to the left there guns were left to the right of my brigade, and were subsequently supported by General Cummings brigade. As early as 10 oclock in the morning it became evident that the enemy was in heavy force and. determined on battle, as his skirmishers were bold and aggressive, and several divisions of his troops were visible in front of our left. At about 2p. m. he advanced in force on my center and left, but was 10 Page 102 102 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL handsomely repulsed by the Forty-sixth, Thirtieth, and Twenty-third Alabama Regiments, the last regiment,* under the gallant Colonel [F. K.] Beck, having moved forward under a heavy lire and driven back a battery of the enemy which had been placed within 400 yards of our line. Having checked the enemy on my center and left, and having ordered the regiments last mentioned to hold their respective positions, my at- tention was called to the very heavy fire on my right. Upon proceeding there, I found that Cummhgs brigade had been driven back by the enemy, and that the Twentieth and Thirty-first Alabama Regiments, of my brigade, had been compelled to retire, their right flank having be- come exposed and the enemy having gained their rear. At about the same time the enemy had advanced rapidly on my left, and had almost gained the Edwards Depot road, half a mile to the rear of my line. Under these circumstances I ordered the Forty-sixth, Thirtieth, and Twenty-third Alabama Regiments to retire about 600 yards to the rear, where my second line was formed. These three regiments behaved with distinguished gallantry, retain- ing their position against heavy odds. I at this time went to the road, about 600 yards in rear of my line, and found it filled with stragglers, and hearing that Bowens division was re-enforcing on my right, and that Bartons brigade was going on my left, I again returned to my second line, carrying with me about 400 stragglers, most of them from the Thirty-fourth Georgia (Colonel [J. A. W.] Johnson), whom I placed on the left of the Thirtieth Alabama Regiment (Colonel Shelley). With these re-enforcements the enemy were broken in some confusion, observing which Colonel Woods, Forty-sixth Alabama, made a most gallant charge with his regiment, moving up almost to his original posi- tion in the line of battle. Soon afterward ~ division, on my right, and Bartons brigade, on my left, having retreated, and the enemy having crossed the Edwards Depot road with at least three regiments, I ordered Col. D. C. Stith, of my staff, to recall the Thirtieth Alabama (Colonel Shelley) and the Forty-sixth Alabama (Colonel Woods). The order was delivered to Colonel Shelley, but the enemy having advanced very rapidly upon the right, the Forty-sixth Alabama could not be reached, and I regret to say that this excellent regiment, under its gal- lant field officers (Colonel Woods, Lieutenant-Colonel [0.] Kyle, and Major [James M.] ilandley), was captured. My brigade was then rallied about half a mile from the Edwards Depot road and in rear of Bufords~ bm~gade, Lorings division, which had just arrived on the field at ~bout 3.30 p. m. Major-General Loring soon after came up with Featherstons brigade, and recognizing him as the senior officer on the field, an(l not seeing my division commander (Major-General Stevenson), I reported to him for orders, and was placed on the left of Featherstons brigade. General Loring soon afterward informed me that he had received orders to retire, and directed me to comn)ence at once the movement toward the ford on Bakers Creek. The retreat was conducted with order, and we arrived at the ford at about 6 p. in., where my brigade was halted. DurNg the retreat, General Loring sent repeated messages to nie to hasten my movements, which was done. On crossing Bakers Creek, I found that General Loring had not followed my brigade, but had halted ow the opposite side. I at this time received a~ order from General Pemberton to move to the bridge * Copy sent to the Archive Office by General 5. 1). Lee implies fiat the three regi - ments named were all commanded by CoL F. K. l3eek Page 103 CHAP. XXXYI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 103 on the Clinton road, and support the cavalry at that point nuder com- mand of Colonel [Wirt] Adams; bnt before arriving there J found that the enemy already held the bridge with a large force, anQ I accordingly retreated toward the il3ig Li cV Brid~e where the bri~ de a;rived abont ~ lOp. m. Notwithstanding the defc~.t at Bakers Creek there were many exhibi- tions of personal bravery on the part of officers and men of my command. I would particularly mention the conduct of Colonels Garrott, Beck, Shelley, and Woods; of Lieutenant-Colonels Kyle (Forty-sixth Ala- bama). [E. W] tieth Alabama) Pettus (Twentieth Alabama), and [J. B.] Smith (Thir- Majors lland y (Forty-sixth Alabama) and [Thomas IL] Patterson (Thirtieth Alabama); Capt ins Wa(ldcll and [J. W.] Johnston (commanding batteries), and [David M.] Anderson (Thirtieth Alabama), who was killed while gallantly performing- his duty; Adju- tant Houston ( Alabama). Sergeant- lajors [W. W.] Garrard (Thirty-first Alabama Regiment) and [XV. K.] McCon~ eli (Thirtieth Alabama Regiment) also particularly attracte my attention. The above names are those of the persons who came unier my per- sonal observation. Other Listances of g& llantry are meJioned iu the reports which are iniosed. Of my personal staff I would particuiarl~ mention C~ pt. William Elliott, my assistant adjutant- general, for his conspicuous ~allantry. During the latter part of the day he bore the colors of the Thirty-fourth Georgia, which he brought out of the action, the g Ilaut. color-bearer having been killed. Col. B. C. Stith acted with coolne~ s and gallantry; also Lient. H. N Martin acting aide-de-cainp, and Capt. J. li. Cureil and Lieutenant [S. M.] Underhill, volunteer aides-dc-camp. List of casualties has already been sent in. Yours, respect.fnlly, STEPHEN D. LEE, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. J. J. REEVE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Stevensons Division. No. 32. Report of Brig. Gem A. Gumming, C. S. Ar my, commanding Third Brigade. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, S~PE~NSO~S DIVISION, Enterprise, July 22, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of this brigade, commencing with the battle of Bakers Creek and ter- minating with the capitulation of Yicksburg: On th e afternoon of May 15, the brig~ de left the line of battle for the two days previous established in front of Edwards Depot, and pro- ceededin the direction of Raymond, crossing Bakers Creek at the bridge over that stream. A short distance beyond the bridg~tl e line of march led from the Raymond road into a neighborhood road passing to the right, and at about a mile distant from the point of separation of the two roads the brigade was halted, bivouacked for the remainder of the night along with tw~ other brigades of the division, no line of battle being here established. Shortly after sunrise on the nioruing of May 16, orders were given to his division by Major-General Stevenson to retraverse a portion o Page 104 104 mesissirpi, WEST TEflESSEE, ETC. [One. flXVL the route passed over the previous night. This division, being the left of the army, the movement was commenced by its left brigade 48. D.] Lees), in rear (right) of which followed the Third Brigade. The regiments were promptly brought into position and the line established, moving by the left flank. When the brigade had proceeded about two thirds of the distance toward the Raymond road, its left being about 500 yards from that road, it was halted by order of the mqjor-general. Thebrigade linewas established on asucceesion of slight ridges overlook- ing a clear field. Strong parties of skirmishers were at once thrown out beyond this field, with directions to penetrate the woods on the other side and engage and hold in check those of the enemy. This they did under the efficient management of Lieutenant-Colonel [J. RB.] Jack- son (Thirty-ninth Georgia) commanding; Shortlyafterthese dispositions were made, word was sent me by General Lee that,in consequence of the passage of the enemy toward his left, he was extending his line in that direction, coupled with the request that I would move by the flank to preserve the interval between us. The major-general (present with me) directed this to be done, and I moved on the required distance. After making two or more of such moves (my left havin; by this time crossed the Raymond road), I was informed by the major-general that Lee had bent the left of his line toward the retir, the two branches making an angle more or less obtuse, and was directed to accord my movements with his. Having sent forward an officer of my staff to uoti(y the officer com- manding the skirmishers of the change of direction of tie line, and to direct him to make their movements to correspond, I at onoe proceeded from the center to the extreme left of my brigade, to superintend the change. The directions above referred to were communicated to the officers in command of the skirmishers, but owing to the distance of this line in advance, the inability in a wooded country of determining the point at which the change of direction should be made, and especially to the fact that they were unable to keep up communicatioifwith the skir- mishers of Lees brigade, they were unable to follow up the movement, and later iq the day were forced, after a gallant contest, in which they suffered severely, to retire toward the right. In its movement by the left flank the brigade Jad entered a wood rather open for the first few hundred yards, but gradually becoming denser. Arrived at the point where the brigade on my left had flied to the left, it was found that the angle formed by the two branches of the line was nearly a right angle. Here nay lft regiment (the Thirty-ninth Georgia) was promptly turned into the new direction. The whole of this regiment and four companies or the next (the Thirty-fourth Georgia) had succeeded in getting upon what ipay be termed the secoiid front of the square, when the halting of Lees brigade necessitated the same on my part. It should here be stated that the three left regiments (the Thirty- ninth, the Thirty-fourth, and the Thirty-sixth) had each three companies at the front as skirmishers, in addition to which the Thirty-fourth and Thirt.ysixth had eacj one company absent on Maclied service, thus leaving only six companies of these regiments in line. A halt having been made as above stated, and the two sides of the square faced out- ward, notice was at this moment given me that Lee (whose brigade was concealed from my observation by the density of the wood) was mov% ing forward. I immediately advanced the second front, with a view to keep abreast with the supposed movement. Thebrigale had advanced but a few paces when I was informed that the reported movement b Page 105 Oar. mYLI BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 105 Lee had not been made. A halt was at once call& l, and the line, some- what disordered as LbyJ the broken and wooded character of the ground traversed, rectified. In this position the second front of the brigade was drawn up on a succesMon of ridges and knolls heavily timbered, beyond which, at a distance generally of about 50 yards, the pond fell off abruptly. While thus engaged in rectifying the. line, the battle broke upon us, and without previous intimation received, the skirmish- ers having been unable for the reasons hitherto liven to keep pace with the movement of the line, and being no longer interposed between it and the enemy, though of this I was not informed until afterward. Favored by the broken andwooded character of thelocality, the enemy advanced two very fall regiments (the Seventh and Eleventh Illinois) uponthat portion of my line forming what I have termed its second front. Each of these regiments would seem to have been formed into a double column, occupying a half regimental front, and their whole line to have extended from the point of the angle toabout the rightof the Thirty-ninth Georgia. Approaching unseen to within a distance of less than 50 yards, the enemy poured in a very heavy and destructive volley, which was at once replied to witheffect. About the same moment the enemy appeared in front oC and opened fire upon the flrstfront of my line (a brisk and effective flre),but not so near and destructive as that on the second front On this (secofid front the portions of the regiments engaged held for a time their position against the greatly superior force of the enemy, ha- cited by the encouragement and example of their respective command- ersColonels XcConnell and Johnsonthe former of whom fell here, severely wonded. But apprised now of the exact position occupied by a section of Captain Johnstons battery (to which had been added a piece from Waddells battery), which position was about opposite the left of the Thirty-fourth Georgia, the enemys right regiment, by an ob- lique movement, placed itself in rear of the regiment already confront- ing the Thirty-fourth Geor and the two united bore don upon this regiment and the right of the Thirty-ninth. The position of the Thirty- fourth Georgia on the new direction was unable to withstand the charge of so overpowering a fprce, and it, together with the right (Thirty-ninth Georgia), was compelled to give wa. Throwing myself at the point at which the break had been made, efforts were made to rally the broken line; but the enemy having obtained possession of the batteries and following up closely their advantage these efforts proved unsuccessful, and the whole of the second front feil back. By this retrograde move- ment,the.right of theThirty-fourth Georgia.an4the Thirty-sixth Georgia Regiments, which had in the mean time been engaged with the enemy iu their front, were uncovered, and the colonel of the latter regiment ((Jesse A.] Glenn), finding that the enemy had penetrated in his rear far as his colors, gave the order to fall back. This regiment was rallied and held its position against the enemy, advancing in its front, till threat- ened with being flanked on its right, it was again compelled to fall back to a new position. In a similar manner the two right regiments (Fifty- sixth Georgia, Colonel [E. P.] Watkins, and Fifty-seventh Georgia, Cob- uel [William] Barkuloo) were compelled in succession)ty the uncover- ing of their Mt and the pressure of the enemy on their front, to fall back, which they did, holding the enemy in check at various points, when they were able to make a stand. in this movement Colonel Wat- kinu, who had left hid sick-room at Yicksburg to take command of his regiment in the fight, was severely wounded. With these operations ends what maybe termed the first phase of the battl6 so far as concerns this brigade Page 106 106 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Barton~s brigaOe, originally on my right, had in the mean time been moved toward the extreme left, thus 1e ving my right entirely exposed. This compelled the. two right regiments, when they finally fell back, to proceed as fa~ as the farm ouse in front of our first position before corn- menciiig their reorganization. The other regiments of the brigade fell i)cltk ~nd ~eformed on the IRaymond road, the two left regiments (the Thirty~nint 11 ~nd Thirty-fourth Georgia) making no stand till they reached that road. Here portions of my three left regiments were ral- lied, together with portions of one or more of Lees regiments, and a line was formed alone this road. While en~aged in forming this line we were not pressed by the enemy, who would cern to have been simik ny occupied. About this time a Missouri brig~ de approached the battle-field from the right, and went in on the ground previously occupied by the extreme right of my brigade. As soon as they had completed their reorganiza- tion, the Fifty-seventh Georgia Ilegiment, nd shortly afterward the Fifty-sixth, now commanded by Lieuten nt-Colonel [J. T.] Slaughter, accompanied this movement, and went in on the right of the Missouri- ans. These regiments here hotly engaged the enemy, and, particularly in the movement which drove him for a time advanced considerably beyond the line on which they had first encountered him in the morning. They only withdrew on the general order being given to this effect. Ihe tL cc regiment s which formed on the Raymond road as their second hoe having been broaght into some kind of order, and Bartons briaale, on the left, h~ving gone in and enga~ed the enemy, these regi- n~ents mir~ediately thereupon advanced into th~ wood in their front, and formed abreast with Barton, engaging the enemy on ground near tWit ormo-~rally held by Lee. The contest here was sharp and severe for a time but of short duration. The enemy, flushed with his pre- ~ lot 5 success, and in number much superior to ours, drove our men a puarently the whole division ~, slowly at first after along front- , wards mom-c rapidly, till on reaching the road the flight became precipitate. On this occasion scattered bands of them crossed the road in close pur- suit of the fugitives. After this it became impossible to rally them again, though strenuous effots were made to do so several hundred yards from the road. In this, as in the first and more successful effort to rally, I was greatly assisted by Captain Johnston, whose battery was lost in the first action. The fligbt was continued to~ ard the lower bridge over Bakers Creek, at which point the greater portion of the army crossed. Crossing with several juembers of my staff and officers of artillery at a point between the bridges, I repaiied to the upper bridge and reported to General Barton, whom I found there. Remain- ing there until nearly snnset, the bridge was then destroyed, or par- tially so, and we fell back toward Edwards Depot. Here, with I)Or- tious of two brigades assembled, the enemys advance was held in check till the train was destroyed and the army had nearly passed the depot by the other road. We then continued the retreat numolested to the other side of Big Black. I received valuable assistance from the meinbers-~f my staff, who were all at different times in the hottest parts of the fight. The regimental commanders and field officers, though their efforts; were unsuccessful, without an exception acted with great courage and judgment, as did lso, as a general thing, the company officers. The list of casualties has hitherto been given. To recapitulate, I make the following statement: The brigade went into action about- 2,500 strong. Its losses are a Page 107 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 107 follows: Killed, 142; wounded, 314; missing, 539; total, 995. Of the number reported missing it ispi obable about 200 were killed or wounded. This brigade took no part in the battle of Bi~ Black. Leaving l3ovina on Sunday, it entered Vicksburg the sai1~e evenin~ (May 17). On the morning of the 18th, it moved into the trenches, where it re- mained without relief for forty-seven days, until the capitulation of the city on July 4. Its right restea on and included the Halls Ferry road, its left extending to the square fort held by General Lees right. No assault was made by the enemy along the brigade front during the con- tinuation of the siege. An ~lmost unremitting fire of sharpshooters was kept up during all hours of dayii~ht (luring the whole time, varied by occasional brisk cannonading. The enemys rifle-pits in time were so extended as to almost entirely envelop the brig~tde front, and were generally about 150 yards distant. At the redoubts on the Halls Ferry road, however, they had approached much nearer, and were in posses- sion of the foot of the slope on which one of the redoubts was con- structed, about 70 yards distant, at which point they were shielded by the configuration of the ground from the fire of the work. Sorties were made upon this point at two di ~ent times, Lieutenant- Colonel [C. S.] Gnyton, Fifty-seventh Georgia, commmding on each occasion, and on each a degree of success was attained, in the second the enemy being badly beaten, leaving 8 or 10 dead on the field, and losing about the same number (one a lieutenant-colonel) in prisoners. It was finally deemed advisable, however, to leave the point to be occu- pied by them. At the time of the capitulation they had commenced to mine at this point, as also at another in front of the Fifty -sixth Georgia. At the first named of these points we were constructing a counter-mine. The list of casualties has been heretofore given. They are as follows: Total killed and wounded, 171, of which number about 43 were killed. Ilespeetfuily submitted. A. CUMMING, Brigadier- General, (J!omm ending Third Briqade. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GE ERAL, Steven~oms Dirision. No. 33. Report of Gel. A. W. Reynolds, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade. I-lEA I)CWARTEES JiOURTII BRIGADE, Demepolis, Ala., July 27, 1863. MAJOR: In compliance with instructics from the headquarters of Major-General Stevenson, comman(iuig division, to report the part taken by my brigade in the action at Bakers Creca and siege of Vicksburg, 1 have the honor respectfully to report as follows: My brigadeconsisting of the Forty-third Tennessee ilco-huent Colo- nel [J. W.] Gillespie; Thirty-first Tennessee Regiment, Colonel [W. M.] Bradford; Third Tennessee Regim cut [P. Aj, Colonel [N. J.] Lillard; Fifty-ninth Tennessee Regiment, Colonel [W. L.] EaTiin, and the Third Maryland Battery, Capt. F. 0. Claihornehft Edwards Depot, on the Southern or Jackson Railroad, at 12 oclock on the night of May 15, as the rear guard of tlje army commanded by Lient. Gen. J. C. Pember- ton, then marching in the direction of Raymond. The rear of the train and my comnlan(I reached the junction of the Clinton and Raymond roads about daylight on the morning of tile 16th Page 108 108 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [axe. LEXIL at which point the trains and brigade were halted for father orders. At6sm.thetrainwasorderedtomovetotherearasrapidlyaspos- sible. At 0.30 a. m. I was directed to form my brigade In line of battle on the Clinton road, fronting the road leading in direction of Raymond, which order was promptly obeyed, thrbwing out a line of skirmishers in my front some 500 or 00 yards. My skirmishers had been posted but a short time when they engaged the skirmishers of the enemy on the Raymond road. Such was the condition of affafrs when I was relieved by Brigadier- General [S. D.] Lees brigade about 8 a. in., orders having been sent to me to take charge of and guard the trains to a point on the Brownsville road, 2f miles from the junction of that road and the road leading to Edwards Depot. I received farther directions to so arrange my corn- mod as to give the train proper protection, as I would alone be held responsible for its safety. I immediately moved rapidly to the rear, overtook the train, and disposed of my troops as follows: A detachment in front, one regiment on the right flank, and the remainder of the in- fantry and the battpry in rear. In this order I reached the point designated at 11 a; in., when I perked the train and formed my line of battle, facing toward the enemy and In front of the train. Ky battery was placed in position to protect my front and flanks. The position taken by me was held until about 3 oclock, when a mes- sage was received by courier from Brigadier-General Barton, informing me that his line had been broken, and directing me to dispatch the train to the rear across the Big Black, and re-enforce him with all my available force as early as practicable. I immediately put the train in motion, leaving two regiments and a section of artillery to protect it, and moved rapidly with the remainder of my force to the support of General Barton. On arriving at a point near the Bakers Creek Bridge I observed the. troops of General Bartons command had fallen back ioward Edwards Depot I at once sent a courier to General rto2 asking further in- structions, who returned with orders to fall back with my command to Edwards Depot It was now after 4 p. in. By this time the enemy had discovered and opened upon me a tire of artillery, and were moving withaheavyforcetocutmeofffromthedepot Idirectedmy artil- lery to rejoin the section left on the Brownsville road as quickly as pos- sible, and I moved with the infantry toward the junction of the roads. The enemy (about onedivision) had already crossed the bridge and had gained a point nearer the depot than my*~ps had succeeded in reach- mg. My safety now depended in out-maneuvering him. I marched in parallel lines with him for at least the half of a mile. Taking advantage of a dense wood I changed my direction to the right, and by a rapid movement joined the other troops of my command, and made for Bridge- porta point on the Big Black if miles above the bridgewhere our main army had crossed. At Bridgeport I fond a light pontoon bridge, over which I passed two regiments and. one piece of artillery. In at- tempting to throw over a caisson, the bridge gave way, carrying down the caisson. I extricated myself from this dflemm~b by cutting out one of the boats forming the bridge, and by it I crossed my entire command by 3 oclock on the morning of the 17th. I remained at Bridgeport until near daylight, when I destroyed the boats there and at a point 1 mile above, and moved toward Bonus, sending an officer forward to inform the lieutenant-general of my where- abouts. I received instructions from the lieutenant-general to proceed to Vicksburg by the nearest route and there await orders Page 109 CHAP. mnj BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 109 I reached Vicksburg at Op. m. on the 17th, and encamped in rear of the intrenchments near the Jackson road. The trains which were placed under my charge arrived in safety, with the exception of one ordnance wagon, which broke down crossing the Big Black Swamp. In conclusion, I beg leave to say that Lu the arduous marches and perilous positions in which my troops have been placed they performed all their duties with cheerfulness and courage. All the officers and men behaved welL I would particularly call the attention of the major-general to the universal good conduct and prompt- ness of Colonel Gillespie, of the Forty-third Regiment~ Colonel Lillard, of the Third Regiment, and Colonel Bradford of the Thirty-first Regi- ment; also to Major [.1. C.] Boyd, of the Third Regiment, always active and prompt in the discharge of his duties. To Lient. William A. M Patton my aide and acting [assistant] a4ju- tant-general, lam under many obligations for meritorious services ren- dered. Captain Claiborne, of the Third Maryland Battery, and his first lieutenant (Lieutenant [3. B.] Bowan), performed their duties admira- bly and gallantly. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. REYNOLDS, Colonel, CommaWing Fourth Brigade. Xiii. 3. 3. REEvE, Ant. A4jt. Lien., Stevensons Division, Deusopolie, Al& No. 34. Reports of (JoL Itancis JL (Jockrell, Second Missouri Infantry, coin- sanding First Brigade, Bowens Division, including engagement at Big Black River Bridge. DExOPOLIS, ALA., August 4,1863. Muon: Herewith I send you my official report of the battles of Bakers Creek, Big Black, and the siege of Vicksburg. I beg the leniency of the lieutenant-general for not having sent it sooner. 1 hope it is in time yet It is very difficult to make out reports extending through so long a space of time. The movements of the First Brigade (Missouri Volunteers) during this siege from point to point, and portion of it being thrown to the support of every brigade occupying a line of trenches, and the many varied incidenta ~nnectod therewith, would alone make a large volume. I have condensed as much as I could. In my reports of Bakers Creek and Big Black I have been more par- ticular in stating in full various matters, such as the manner of bivouack. big the night previous to the battles the movements of the enemy in my fropt next morning up to the time was ordered to re-enforce General Stevenson; my call for re-enforcements, and answer of the lieutenant- general as to what troops were expected to re-enforce my line, and the affair at the crossing of Bakers Creek, and my delay there until the gaining of the road by the enemy, causing me to tra~el my course alone for some distance. I did this because I felt it to be my duty toward the lieutenant-general. I have prepared the whole report in a great hurry, and send it to you as soon as completed. I hare the hono; major, to be, most respectfully, your obedient soldier, F. H. COCKRELL, Colonel. jMaj. II. W. MEmnNGnn, Assistant A4jutant.GeneraL Page 110 110 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Ow. XXXVI. [has] DExoPOLIS, ALA., August 1,1863. Muon: In conat uence of the death of my gallant and lamented division commander, MaJ. (len. John S. Bowen, I respectfully beg leave to submit to you the following report of the part taken by the First Bri- gade (Missouri Volunteers), Bowens division, composed of the follow- ing-named infantry regiments to wit: The First Missouri Infantry com- posed of the First and Fourth ~egiments, consolidated the SeconA Mis- souri Infantry; theThird Missouri Infantry: theFifthlkissouri Infantry; the Sixth Missoori Infantry; Captain [Heniyj Guibors battery; Captain [John C.] landis battery, under command of Lieutenant [John M.j Lan- gan, and the Wade Battery, under Lieutenant [Richard C.] Walsh, in the battles of Bakers Creek and Big Black, and during the siege of Vicks- burg. This brigade bivouacked near the battle.field of Bakers Creek on the night of May 15 last~ and immediately threw forward to the distance of over 100 yards a strong line of pickets, and early on the morning of the 16th instant changed position to the front and left of the first line, and threw forward far in advance of the battle line five companies of skir- mishers: Captain [Martin] Burke~s company(D),First Missouri; Captain [T. B.] Wilsons compan nd Missouri~ Captain [Patrick] Can- nds company (F), Fifth Missouri; Captain [{Y. C.] Adams company Third Missouri, and Captain ~%ePthah~)uncans company ~), Sixth ssouri. all undej command of eut Co F. L Hubbell, of e Third Missouri Infantry. Our cavalry soon engaged the enemy a mile or more in front of this brigade, and slowly retired to the rear through my line. Soon after this a line of the enemy appeared about 1,200 yards in my front, when Lieutenant Langan and Lientenant Walsh opened on them and drove them from the field, and immediately the enemy brought forward a battery, and replied lively to our batteries, disabling one of Lieutenant Langans 12-pounder guns and killing 4 men by the ex- plosion of one sheU, and very soon afterward disabling the other 12- pounder gun. Both these disabled guns were carried safely from the field. The enemys battery soon withdrew, and we remained in the same position unengaged with the enemy until about or after ip. in., when I received an order directly from Lieutenant.General Pemberton to move and re-enforce Brigadier-General JS. D.] Lee, on the left of Major-General Stevensons lina I moved in quick itud double.quick time toward the designated line, but before arriving there I received another order to more to Major-General Stevensons rig~ht,and, moving by file right, I attempted to gain that portion of his lines but in consequence of his troops giving way, and the exposure of my line moving by the left flank to the fire of the enemy, rapidly advancing, I immediately on the left, by. Ale into line, formed the brigade in line of battle under a heavy fire, rest- ing the right of the Fifth Infantry on the left of General Cummints brigade, which had been giving way, but had apparently rallied behind a cut in tine road near Captain [James F.] Waddells battery, then rapidly firing, and moving to the left of my line to place libe Second Missouri Infantry in position. And before having completed this I received in- .format.ion from Captain [B. L.] Maupin, acting on my saA~ that the right of the brigade was falling back, and hastening thither I fond that this brigade on my~right had almost wholly disappeared, and that the enemy had captured Captain WaddeRs battery and were occupying the ground and road just previously occupied by this brigade of Major- General Stevensons division, and were firing a most destructive enfilad- ing fire into the brigade from right to left, and that in consequence o Page 111 GEAr. IZZYL] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 111 this fearful fire portions of the Third and Fifth Missouri Infantry Regi- ments had fallen back a short distance. I ordered them to regain their first line, whigh was quickly done. Then I ordered the brigade to charge the heavy, strong lines of the enemy, rapidly advancing, and cheenng, flushed with their success and the capture of our guns; and in the most gallant, dashing, fearless manner, officers and n?en. with loud cheers threw themselves forward at a run against theenemys hitherto victorious lines. And Just at this time the First Missouri In- fantry, coming up, was placed on the extreme righI~, and most gallantly charged a very superior force of the enemy immediately in their front, at the same time being exposed to such a destructive raking fire from the enemy on their rightmall the troops on the right having fallen back that Colonel [A. C.] Riley had to change the front of his two right com~ parnes. Soon the enemys lines in front of this brigade were checked, and after avery stubborn resistance and a very destructive fire from my whole line, firin# continuously in its rapid advance, they were severely repulsed and dnven back. At this time Lieutenant-Colonel Hubbell, with. the before~named five companies of skirmishers, who withdrew from the front of my former position after the brigade had moved, came up, and, forming in iear of center of the brigade line, most cheeringly joined in the charge and overtook our lines. Fresh troops o! the enemy were rapidly thrown in front of our lines, and were immediately engaged and repulsed. This fearful strife was kept up uninterruptedly for two and a half hours. The soldiers of this brigade fired away the 40 rounds of ammunition in their cartridge- boxes, and Instead of abandoning the field took from the cartridge-boxes of their fallen and wounded soldiers, and even stripped the slain and wounded of the enemy, with whom the ground was thickly strewn, of all their cartridges, many of them firing 75 to 90 rounds. Captain Waddells battery was recaptured, and this gallant fearless officer Sm- mediately, with the assistance of one or two men, opened his battery on the fleeing enemy. A battery of the enemy attempted to check the impetuous advance, and was quickly charged and captured, but could not be brought off on account of the horses being killed. When all the ammunition in cartridge-boxes and that gathered from the slain and wounded of friend and foe was exhausted, the troops gradually began to fall back. In the early part of the engagement, I sent two of my staff officers for ammunition but theordnancetrt could not be found. Colonel [James]: McCown, of the Fifth Missouri Infantry sent his major after ammuni- don, but he likewise failed. Cot A. C. itiley, of the First Missouri In- fantry in his official report to me states that his ordnance sergeant starteA to him to supply ammunition fired away by his men, but was ordered across Bakers Creek by General Stevenson. Captain Guibors battery, under Lieutenant [William] Corkery, was placed in position on the left of the brigade, and did effective service in saving the left of the brigadefrom being flanked. Lieutenants Langan and Walsh, with their batteries, did good service on the right of the brigade ~l checking the enemy in his iittempt to gain the rear of our right flank. At this time I received notice through Captain ~W. B.] Pittman, of Brigadier-General Greens stafithatthn was an order to retreat,which I delayed communicatii~g, hoping that Major-General Lorings division might still arrive in time top~ forward the successes and advantages so gallantly and dearly won, having met with and been informed by the lieutenant-general commanding, in answer to my request for re.enforce~ ments, that he had uot a ~ ~jggjGeneral Loring should arrive Page 112 112 MiSSISSIPPI, WEST TENNZSSEF, ETC. ~CnAI. XXXVI. In the mean time the enemy ~re rapidly advancing on the ri ~ lit, in eider of battle ~dmost perpendicular to our awn, and I was {hus fereed to withdraw, which was done in good order. Retreating to and crossing Bakers Creek, I there received an order from General Bowen to relnaili in 1)OSition, so as to protect the crossino and enable General Lorings division to pross over, and then to move on to Big Black. While delay- ing here, the enemy, having crossed the creek above us, advanced and l)laced a battery in position to command the road from this crossing to Edwards I)epot, and immediately a brisk fire was opened from this battery. A short time after this b~ttery began to fire, I heard commands given to troops at the crossing, indicating t at they were marching back. I immediately hastened to the crossing, ud found Major-General Steven- son and staff and Colonel [T. M.1 Scotts Twelfth Lonisima Regiment going back with the belief that the enemy 1% d gained the road and cut them off. I informed General Stevenson that this bngaee w~ s there and what my orders were. He and Colonel Scotts reoim nt immedi- ately crossed over, and Colonel Scott moved on. Aftci thins regiment l)assed, seeing no other trool)s comino- to cross (not even streo-glers), and believing that the enemy probably occupied t e io~id to Ldw rds Denot 1 moved the brigade, leavin~ the road to Edwards Depot to my right, and after marching under cover of darkness throno-h plaut~ tions, along and across ravines, and leaving Edwards Depot to my rioht, I in- tersected the road from Edwards Depot to Big Black, and then marche. inside, and by direction of Brig dier-General Vaughn bivouacked in rear of the defenses sontl of the railroad. Soon ~fte~ leaving my poJ- tion at the crossing of Bakers Creek, I sr w Colonel Scotts regiment marching back, and was L fo ~maed that Gener~d Loring had ordered this regiment back to his division, south of Bakers Creek. I ordered the batteries of this brigade not to halt at the c1ossing, but iove rapidly to Big Black, and not a gun was lost. In this battle this brio-ade suffered heavy losses in killed, wounded, and missing, as will appear by the following statement: a nj S Command. a a 1st Missouri 99 94 52 175 2d Missouri 38 83 3d Missouri 13 C 44 120 5th Missouri ~ ~ ~ 90 6th Missouri 5 49 67 121 Wade Battery 2 4 Landis battery Guihors battery -. - Total 63 2W 42 Among the killed and wounded were 32k nv of our best officers. All the killed fell at their post in the full and fearless discharge of their whole (luty. Among the slain of this well-embattled field must ever be held in lively remembrance the brave amid fearless Captains [W. C. P.] Carring- ton and [Norval4 Spangler and Lieutenant [T. J.] Dobyns, of the First Missouri Infantry, and Capt in [William P.] Mellvane, of time Third Missouri Infantry; and among the wounded (who afterward died), Lient. Col. F. L. Hubbell, of the Third Missouri, comm i udin~ five co~mpanie Page 113 ChAP. XXXVI.] 113 BATTLE OP CHAMPIONS HILL, MIIS. of skirmishers, and Captain [II. G.] McKinney, of the Fifth Missouri Infantry, and Lieutenant [Th S.] Thnkin, of the First Missouri Infantry. I cannot speak with too much praise of the gallantry, coolness, and dashing, fearless, and even reckless impetuosity shown by the officers and soldiers of this brigade in forming their line of battle under heavy fire, with the troops on their right and left falling back past them in disorder and confnsion, and an enemy greatly outnumbering them rap- idly advancing, cheering aud flushed with their hitherto successful charges and their capture of the guns, and then, iu the midst of these, in throwing themselves into the breach with continued cheers and driv- ing the enemy back 500 to 600 yards, and recaptnring C ptain Waddells battery and a battery of the enemy. With special commendation I mention the names of Colonel Hiley and Lieutenant-Colonel [Hugh A.] Garland, of the First Missouri Infantry, and Lieutenant-Colonel [Pembroke S.] Senteny and Major [T. M.] Car- ter, of the Second Missouri Infantry, and Colonel [W. R.] Ganse and Major [J. K.] McDowell, of the Third Missouri Infantry, and Colonel McCown, Lieutenant-Colonel [II. S.] Bevier, and Major [0. A.] Wad- dell, of the Fifth Missouri Infantry, and Major [Stephen] Cooper, com- manding the Sixth Missouri Infantry. Capt. Upton M. Young, acting with me, was severely wounded at the post of duty and danger. My acting adjutant (J. M. Flanagan) and my acting aide (R. L. Mau- pin) merit special mention for their coolness and discretion amid dangers. BATTLE OF BIt~ BLACY. On the morning of May 17, I received an order from General Bowen that his division would remain on the east side of Big Black. I com- municated with, and reported to, Brigadier-General Vaughn, and, by his direction, I relieved all that portion of his line or brigade in the rifle- pits south of the railroad and as far toward our right as the bayou. This was early in the morning, and the bri~ade was at once placed in this line. Brigadier-Generals Vaughn and Green occupied the rifle-pits north of the railroad, General Greens brigade being on the left. The battery horses on my line were all sent back to the river, not by my order (the guns being in position when I moved into the trenches), but by whose order they were sent so far to the rear 1 do not know. The enemy soon appeared in my front, advancing a line of skirmishers and opening on us with two batteries, and soon a line of the enemys in- fantry began to move toward my line, whern the batteries opened on them and drove them back in confusion. After a lively skirmish fire had been kept up for some time along our whole front, I saw the line between the railroad and the first skirt of timber north of the railroad beginning to give way, and then running in disorder. I watched this disorderly falling back a few moments, when I saw that the enemy had possession of the trenches north of the railroad, and were rapidly ad- vancing toward the bridge, our only crossing and way of escape, the enemy now being nearer this crossing than my line~ I therefore or- dered the brigade to fall back, and, moving rapidly, gained the bridge, crossed over, and reformed on the west bank of the river north of the railroad. A portion of my command being cut off from the bridge, swam the river and rejoined their command. In crossing the bridge I lost 2 men killed by the enemys shell. Cap- tain Guibors and Lieutenant Walshs batteries were necessarily aban- doned. Lieutenant Langans battery not being in the trenches, was H HVOL XXIV, PT I Page 114 114 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXvI. saved, and the section of 24-pounder howitzers being I)o8te(l on the west bank of the river, did valuable service in checking the enemy until we crossed. Soon I received orders to march to Yicksburg, which was done the same evening. Capt. T. B. Wilson, of the Second Missouri Infantry, Company G, claiming to have been exhausted, did not go with his company into the battle of Bakers Creek, and, having made his way to Big Black, joined his company in the rifle-pits early on the morning of the 17th instant, and, when his company was ordered to fall back, abandoned his com- pany and remained lying in the rifle-pits, and was captured by the enemy, and while a prisoner stated to Col. Elijah Gates, of the First Missouri Cavalry (who was also a prisoner), that he (Captain Wilson) intended to take the oath and then go to fighting the enemy as a guer- rilla. Such conduct merits a dismissal in disgrace, and such an officer should not remain in the way of gallant and efficient officers now com- manding his company.* * * * * * * * I have the honor,. major, to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. M. COCKT~ELL, Colonel, Comm andinq First Brigade Missouri Volunteers. Maj. 11. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant- General to Lieute~i ant- General Pew berton. HEADQUARTERS Missouni BRIGADE, November 21, 186:3. COLONEL: Your favor asking information in regard to the battle of Bakers Creek is at hand, and I hasten to give you what information I possess. On May 13, the army moved from its l)OsitiOu, south of Edwards Depot, back to Edwards Depot, and thence eastward near the railroad track, and crossed Bakers Creek on a bridge near and south of the rail- road track, and moved eastward a short distance, and then moved to the right and south of the railroad. I was then colonel commanding First Brigade, in Bowens (livision. We bivouacked that night between 9 and 10 oclock near where the battle was fought next day, and while bivouacking discovered a number of lights, which I supposed to be the camp-fires of the enemy. This was the general conversation among officers and men of my brigade, thm~ t tfies~ lights were the enemys camp- fires, and were supposed to be in the direction of and to the south of Clinton, Miss. I had no official information in reference to them. About 7 a. m. 16th instant, brisk cannonade began between our cav- alry (Col. Wirt Adams regiment, I believe) and the enemy, about 1 mile in front of my brigade, on the road toward Raymond, Miss. Bowens division formed the center of line, Major-General Lorings division the right, and Major-General Stevenson~ the left, and I presume Major- General Stevensons division covered and protested the bridge across Bakers Creek, over which our army had just passed. On the morning of the 16th, then, we had this road and bridge across Bakers Creek, and the ford on Bakers Creek leading from Edwards Depot to Raymond, Miss., which was in rear of and covered from right For portion here omitted, see Sieve of Yicksburg, pp. 414418 Page 115 CIIAI-. XXXVI.] BATTLE OP CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 115 wing, and over which we retreated that evening after our defeat, Gen- eral Stevensons division having been driven from the bridge referred to on his left. After about one hours cannonading between the cavalry and enemy above referred to, this cavalry retired through my line, and about 10 a. m. a line of the enemy appeared in my front, distant about half a mile, and I opened on them with two of my batteries. and soon engaged and drove away a battery of the enemy. This was the first cannonading between our lines and the enemy. except the cavalry skir- mish referred to, and, in fact, the opening of the battle. The enemy never advanced farther in my front. Between 11 and 12 oclock the firing began on General Stevensons front, skirmishing and cannonad- ing as I judged from the sound, and I suppose it was nearly 12 m. before General Stevensons line became hotly engaged. About 1 p. m. I was ordered to his support. After the defeat we crossed over Bakers Creek at the ford referred to, General Tilghmans brigade holding the enemy in check on our right till we crossed, Lorings division excepted. After the defeat our army (except Lorings division) crossed over Bakers Creek, and I would say that, in my opinion, our whole army could safely have crossed back over Bakers Creek after the cannonading between the cavalry referred to and even after the engagement beween my batteries and the enemy re- ferred to. After crossing Bakers Creek, there could have been, in my opinion, no trouble in reaching Edwards Depot (only a short distance), and with Bakers Creek then between us and the enemy. I had no official information as to the nearness of the enemy on the evening of the 5th instant (the evening before the battle), and can only give my own observations. As to the time the battle began, I only speak from recollection, but think I am very nearly correct; and as to whether the army could have reached Edwards Depot by returning as soon as the presence of the enemy was discovered, I can only give my own opiniou from my knowledge of the position of our own lines and the two crossings referred to. I have the honor, colonel, to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, F. M. COCKIIELL, Brigadier- General. Col. B. S. EWELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 35. Report of Gol. Thomas P. Doekery, Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry, Sec. ond Brigade. HEADQUARTERS, Enterprise, Miss., July 29, 1863. SIR: Although not the ranking officer, yet, in obedience to the order of the lieutenant-general commanding, I submit the following as the report of the action of the Second Brigade, Bowens division, in the battle of Champions Uill, or Bakers Creek, on May 16 last: On May 12, the brigade was ordered into position in the ditches at Big B lack, Colonel [Elijah] Gates, with his regiment (the First Missouri Cavalry) and a section of artillery, being on picket near Edwards Depot Page 116 116 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. At 3 a. m. on the 13th, the brigade was ordered to move to Edwards Depot, and take a strong position about a mile from town, on the Port Gibson road, and hold it to the last. Accordingly, the brigade moved out and reached Edwards Depot about daylight, and proceeded out on the Port Gibson road. After marching about 2~ miles, General Bowen joined General Green. At this point the First Battalion Arkansas Cay- aliy (dismounted), sharpshooters, was deployed as skirmishers, and the brigade ordered to countermarch. It moved back about three-quarters of a mile, and formed in line of battle on the left of the Port Gibson road. About noon General bring sent an order to General Green to advance his skirmishers and feel of the enemy. The skirmishers and pickets were thrown forward, and soon engaged those of the enemy near Fourteen-Mile Creek. After a few minutes skirmishing, the enemy fell back. All attempts to draw him out from the creek proved fruitless. At 2 p. m. on the 15th, the brigade was ordered to move in the direc- tion of Raymond, on the military road. The brigade moved back to Edwards Depot; from thence across Bakers Creek on the Clinton road. After crossing the creek, the brigade moved on a right-hand road, cross- ing a plantation, and about 11 p. m. bivouacked for the night in line of battle, the right of the brigade resting on the Raymond road. About sunrise on the morning of the 16th, the pickets being engaged, the brigade was ordered to move back about 200 yards to the crest of the hill, and there form line of battle. After remaining in this position about three-quarters of an honr, General Buford todk the ground occu- pied by the division, and the brigade was ordered to move to the rear, to be held in reserve. Accordingly, it was moved in line of battle about three-quarters of a mile, when the line was again formed. As soon as done, the brigade was ordered to advance, bearing to the left. Heavy skirmishing was heard on our left wing. After some maneuvering, the brigade recrossed the plantation and halted in the timber on a ravine. The battle at this time was raging with great fierceness on the left wing~ and the brigade was ordered to move rapidly by the left flank to its support. After moving about a mile, the division of MajorGeneral Stevenson was met, having been repulsed, and closely l)ursued by the enemy. The troops were formed between our retreatin~ forces and the advancing foe, and charged the enemy. The fighting now became desperate. The enemy finally gave way. The formation of the country was such that the troops could scarcely advance faster than a walk, and many of the hills were ascended with great difficulty; notwithstanding, th~ command pushed impetuously for- ward, driving back in confusion the many fresh lines formed to meet our gallant troops. The enemy had been driven over a mile, all the artillery captured from Major-General Stevensons divsion recaptured, and sev- eral pieces taken from the enemy. I notified General Green, command- ing brigade, that my ammunition was about exhausted. He replied that the ordnance train had been ordered from the field, and it would be im- possible to refill the cartridge-boxes ; that the men must use the ammu- nition of our and the enemys killed and wounded; that the enemy must be driven as long as it were possible to advance The lines, if it had to be done with empty guns. About this time the enemy began to flank us on the right. A battery soon opened upon them. Here I would mention and most favorably recommend to the notice of the lieutenant-general commanding Sergt. R. H. G. Gaines, of Company K, Twenty-third Alabama Infantry, of General [S. D.] Lees brigade, who, unassisted, used with good effect a 12-pounder howitzer on the flanking column. This sergeant alone fired about 12 or 15 rounds, when Page 117 CHAP. ~XX~I.] BATTLE 01? CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 117 being noticed by General Green, 4 volunteers were obtained from the regiment supporting a battery a little to the right (I think it was a Georgia regiment), who gallantly assisted Sergeant Gaines in working the piece, causing the enemy to stop their advance on that particular point. The volunteers (whose names I have not been able to learn) deserve great credit for their bravery. The enemy continued the flank movement, bearing farther to the right. Captain [W. B.] Pittman, assistant adjutant-general, was sent to the lieu- tenant-general commanding to notify him of the movement and ask for re-enforcements to check it, and also to strengthen the right of the bri- gade. The Twelfth Louisiana was sent to the support of the right. No troops having been sent to oppose the flanking force, the movement was completed, and the brigade, when it was driving everything in its front from right to left, and was within 400 or 500 yarCs of the enemys ord- nance train, was ordered to fall back to prevent being entirely cut off. Slowly and reluctantly, although terribly cut to pieces, the brigade fell back, and moved to the ford on Bakers Creek, leaving our dead and wounded on the field, the ambulances and many of the surgeons having been ordered off previous to the commencement of the battle. At Bakers Creek General Bowen directed that the troops take posi- tion and hold the crossing until the other troops had crossed. Before the troops could get into position or be supplied with ammunition, the enemy crossed the creek above the ford with a battery and an infantry force, and opened a heavy fire upon us with the artillery, at the same time moving the infantry toward the road, threatening to cut off the command from Edwards Depot. The Third Missouri Cavalry (dis- mounted) was deployed as skirmishers on the creek. General Green moved the brigade as rapidly as possible toward Edwards Depot, leav- ing the road to the right and going around the force attempting to cut him off. The enemys infantry came down between the brigade and the Third Missouri Cavalry and cut it off, with the exception of one com- pany and a few stragglers who made their way to the brigade. The commander of the battalion finding himself cut off, made his way to Major-General Loring. The command reached Edwards [Depot] at dusk, and proceeded to the camp at Big Black, where it arrived about midnight, completely exhausted, and at daylight next morning was or- dered into the trenches at Big Black Bridge, the report of which en- gagement was forwarded by Brigadier-General Green previous to his death. Lieutenant-Colonel [William H.] Dismukes, of the Nineteenth Arkan- sas, and Lieutenant-Colonel [II. G.] Robertson,of the Twentieth Arkan- sas Infantry, fell while gallantly charging the enemys batteries, the former mortally wounded and the latter killed. I desire to call the attention of the lieutenant-general commanding to the pre-eminently gallant conduct of Private Pudic, of the Nineteenth Arkansas, who, during the entire engagement, although frequently re- called by his company commander as well as , kept at least 20 or 30 yards in advance of his regiment, using his gun with good effi~ct. I have as vet been unable to procure accurate lists ~f the killed and wounded. They will be forwarded as soon as obtained. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TOM P. DOCKERY, Cot. 19th ztrkansas Infty., 2d Brig., 24 Dir.. Army of Miss. Major [R. W.] MEMMINGER, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Dept. of Mississippi and East Louisiana Page 118 118 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. No. 36. Reports of Col. El0ah Gates, First Missouri Cavalry (Confederate). IIEADQUAnTERS SECOND I)IVISION, Demopolis, Ala., ~ 1, 1863. SiR: I have the honor, in obedience to the instructions of the lieuten- ant-general commanding, to submit the following report of the action of the Second Brigade at the battle of I3akers Creek on May 16 last: About 11 oclock on the morning of May 12, the forces of the enemy attacked my picketscomposed of three companies of infantry and a section of artillery, commanded by Major [W. C.] Parkersome 4 miles south of Edwards Depot. The enemy opened upon us with skirmishers and artillery. I had possession of the creek where the road crosses leading to Port Gibson. I held them in check at this point for an hour or more, when we had to fill back slowly to the reserve (in order to keep them from flanking us), which was some 2 miles south of Edwards Depot. There I put my infantry and artillery in position, and tele- graphed to General Bowen my idea of the enemys movements. Gen- eral Bowen dispatched me to hold the enemy in check, if possible, until night, then, if I could do no more, to burn the commissary stores then at the depot, and fall back to the bridge on Big Black. I called upon General Bowen for the wagon trains of both brigades, and I would save the stores that night. He did so, and by daylight next morning we had everything out of the depotabout seventy-five wagon loads. At the time General Bowen started the wagons to me he telegraphed me to hold my position; that General Green would be ordered to my sup- port at once. Accordingly, at daylight General Green arrived, followed by Colonel [F. M.] Cockrells brigade, also Generals Lorings and Ste- vensons (livisions. They formed line of battle 2 miles south of Edwards l)epot. About 12 oclock, General Loring ordered me to take a battalion of sharpshooters, then commanded by Captain [MT. S.] Catterson, move to the front and press the Federal l)ickets, and ascertain whether or not the enemy were there in force. I did so, and drove in the enemys pick- ets, but soon had to fall back myself, for I was satisfied, from the force they brought up, that their whole force was there. I reported the same to Generals Green and Bowen. About 12 oclock on the 15th, we were ordered to move out on the rOa(l leading from the depot to Clinton. W~ f~llowed the Clinton road nutil after crossing Bakers Creek. MTC then took a neighborhood road through some plantations, and about II p. in. bivouacked for the night and threw out skirmishers. Abotit sunrise the 16th, a skirmish commenced with General Grants and General Pembertons troops. I was ordered by General Green to call my men in line and move by the right companies to the rear, which we did, first and last, to the distance of about a mile. We halted, abont- faced, and moved to the front some 600 yards and halted in the timber. I occupied the right of Greens brigade. GeneraibGreen sent me word that General Loring was preparing for a charge, am(i did not want his brigade to be behind in the charge. We relnaine(1 in this position, I suppose. about an hour. By this time the enemy had attacked General Stevenson, on our left. We were then moved by the left flank at a (louble-quick nearly three-fourths of a mile~ were then l)ut in line of bat- tle amid moved to the front 200 or 300 yards before we coin menced firing. There Colonel Cockrell met mc with his saber in hand, arid exclaimed h Page 119 ONAL fllvtj BATTLE OP CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 119 wasverygladtoseeme,forhehadbeenunderadesperateflre. lim- mediately ordered a charge, which my men obeyed as promptly a I ever saw troops in my life. We drove the enemy about a half or three-quar- ten of. mile through a corn-field and across some deep ravines before they brought us to a stand. This was under a desperate fire. They occupied one ridge and I another, with a deep, narrow ravine between us. There they shot my horse three times, and he lay don and died like a soldier. Three times I tried to drive them from their position, but my men were not able to ascend the hill on which the enemy~s line was formed. At different times my adjutant came to me to know what we were to do for ammunition. I told him to take the ammunition from the dead and wounded that lay on the field. My loss here was upward of 100 men. We held our position until we were forced for the want of ammuni- tion to fall back. This, I think, was about 8 oclock. I then saw (len- eral Green. He said that the orders were to fall back beyond Bakets Creek, below the bridge over which we had crossed in going outthe night before. We did so, ad formed in an open field, to hold the crossing until General Loring could cross. The enemy crossed the creek above where we did, and commenced a heavy cannonade upon us, and soon drove us from our position, though in the mean while we replenished our ammunition. We then took the road toward Edwards Depot and Big Black Bridge. I got there about 11 oclock, and crossed the river to my wagon train. Just after sunrise the 17th, I was ordered by General Green to put my men under arms and be ready to move to the east side of the river. In a few minutes I started. General Green accompanied me. The firing was then going on between the men who occupied the ditches thatnight and the enemys skirmishers. We crossed over thebridge and moved up the river about half a mile. Here General Green halted and ordered metomove 400 orBOO yards higher uptheriver,andtakemyposition in some rifle-pits next to the river on the left of the lined battle, which we did at once. We commence4 a heavy skirmish with the enemy. Here my horse received a very bad wound in the face, which brought him to the ground. I then went in the ditbhes myselt We skirmished with the enemy for about an hour before they made the charge. They formed their men on the river in the timber where we could not see them. They brought their men out by the 4gb) flank in column of fours about 140 yards in front of my regiment at a double-quick Colonel [IV. H.] Kinsmans regiment (Twenty-third Iowa, General Lawiers brigade) leading the charge. I then opened a most terrific fire upon them, and kept it up until the brigade had passed out of my sight behind a grove of timber that stood immediately on my right They moved so as to strike the ditches occupied by General Vaughns brigade, so I am In- formed. I do not know whose troops werq there, but it was immedi- ately on the right of Greens brigade. After they had passed me, I listened for our men to open a heavy volley on my right and ~ve the enemy back. Upon not hearing any firing on the right, I directed Lien- tenant-Colonel [George IV.] Law to mount his horse and go to General Green and know whether the center were holding their position or not. Colonel law returnectin a few minutes, and said that General Green orderedmetofallback. ldidso atonce. Afterlhadgotbackbelow the bend of the river I discovered that they had crossed the ditches and were between me andthe bridge. Mylieutenant-colonel,being mounted, thought he could make his escape, and did so with the loss of thelef Page 120 120 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CPAP. XXXVI. arm. I told my men to swim the river. They all took the river except about 90 officers and men. One or two of my men were drowned in trying to swim the river. The officers and men who could not swim pleaded so hard for me to stay with them that I gave way to them, and we were all captured. I remained with the enemy three days and made my escape. I cannot give any account of anything that transpired after this until after the fall of Yicksburg. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELIJAH GATES, Colonel First Missouri Cavalry. Major [R. W.] MEMMINGER. Asst. A djt. Gen., Dept. ~f Mississippi and East Louisiana. GAINESVILLE, ALA., August 15, 1863. SIR: The number killed, wounded, and missing of Bowens division is as follows: At Bakers Creek: Killed,16 officers and 115 enlisted men; wounded 64 officers and 366 enlisted men; missing, 7 officers and 300 enlisted men. At Big Black Bridge: Killed, 1 officer and 2 enlisted men; wounded, 9 enlisted men; missing, 46 officers and 427 enlisted men. At Yicksburg: Killed, 24 officers and 166 enlisted men; wounded, 35 officers and 469 enlisted men; missing, 74 enlisted men. The report of the Twenty-first Arkansas (Second Brigade) cannot be found; supposed to have been destroyed with other papers at the time of the surrender. All field and most of line officers captored at Big Black, which makes about 59 officers and 4S0 enlisted men missing at that place. ELIJAH GATES, Colonel, Commanding Division. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. No. 37. AS1tatements of Confe crate staff officers. 13m OPOLIS, ALA., August 20, 1863. SIR: Your telegram has been received. In compliance with your re- quest, namely, that I shall give you a written statement of the orders carried by me in the battle of Bakers Cre~k, I make the following state- ment: The first order I carried to Major-General Loring in the forenoon was that you had not given any orders in relation, to his ordnance wagons. The second, to Major-General Loring, was later in the day, about 1 p. in., as well as I could judge. The order was that lie (Lorinb) should hold himself in readiness to re-enforce Stevenson. The third order carried by me was at the time that you had rallied the Fifty-sixth and Fifty-seventh Georgia Regin~nts~ who were in the corn-cribs, and you were leading them into action. This order was that I should go and bring Loring to that point; that Stevensons right was very hard pressed, and to hnri-y up as soon as possible. On my ~v~iy to his headqnarters~1 met General Buford on his way to the front. To my inquiries as to the whereabouts of Loring, I was told he was in the i-ear. When quite near his headquarters, I was informed that he had gone on, and that I must have met him; whereupon I retraced my steps. I Page 121 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF ChAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 121 answer to my repeated inquiries, I was informed that he had followed along a fence in a westerly direction and at right angles to the road over which I had traveled. I followed his trail a half mile or so, when I overtook him and delivered your order; whereupon he halted (he was at the head of Featherstons brigade) and asked me the road. I told him he was on the wrong road and going in the wrong direction; instead of going north, he was going west. He then asked that I should lead the way and he would follow me. To which I replied that I was un- acquainted with the roads, with the exception of the one over which I had traveled. He then gave the word ~ and continued in a northwesterly direction, but in a short time turned in a northeastern course and came up to the extreme left of Stevensons division. At this point we were met by Mr. Taylor, who delivered a more recent order from you. At this time and point I left him (Loring), and did not see him again. This was the last order which I carried on the field. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, B. II. BRYAN. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. MOBILE, ALA., July 30, 1863. GENERAL: Jn obedience to your request, conveyed through General [T. II.] Taylor, I have the honor to send you the following extracts from my (liary. I would call your attention to the fact that I always wrote the orders I delivered in my book as soon as they were delivered, and cannot be mistaken either as to the time of their delivery or the language of the orders. I carried several unimportant orders during the morning before 10 oclock: * * * The enemy were hard pressed at first, but about 2 oclock General Stevenson sent for re-enforcements. General Pemberton sent me with this order to Generals Loring and Bowen: Tell Ge~neral Bowen to move up at once to assist Stevenson, and tell Loring to move his divisionleaving Colonels [T. M.] Scott and Adams cavalry at the fordalso to the assistance of Stevenson, and crush the enemy. The order was carried to each. General Bowen rode up himself~ and reported that the enemy were in heavy force in his frout, and General Loring sent a major on his staff to report that the enemy were in his front, moving in heavy columns. At this time the enemy were driving back General Stevenson, and General Pemberton sent me with an order to General Bowen to move one brigade tQ StVvensons left, and added, Tell General Bowen to follow it up with another brigade. After I returned from General Bowen, General Pemberton sent me to General Loring to tell him that there were no troops between his left and Ste- vensons right, and not to let the enemy come in. General Loriug left Tilghmans brigade on his right, and closed up the gap with Bufords and Featherstons brigades. * * * * * * * I forgot to say that General Pemberton, in answer t~o the reports from both Generals Bowen and Loring that the enemy weiie moving in their front, had sent me with an order for them to move at them at once and crush them, and then return totheassistanceofStevensOn. This brought the remark from GeliLeral Loring, which he had communicated to Gen- eral Bowen, that he would seize the proper moment and attack the enemy. * * * * * Page 122 I~2 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CIIAL. xxxVi. The above, general, is all that I can say in regard to the orders I carried during the day. I gave a full copy of my diary for the day to Lieutenant-Colonel [L. M.] Montgomery, who has left it with his papers in Demopolis. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. Mcl~AE SELPII, As8i8tant Adjutant and In8pector General. Lient. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON. IDEMOPoLIS, ALA., July 29, 1863. After line of battle was formed, I went forward to line of skirmishers (cavalry), to ascertain, if possible, on what point the enemy was moving his heaviest force. Colonel [Wirt] Adams, commanding, thought the main attack would be on our left, but seemed not to be confirmed in this belief. The skirmishing was equally severe on the right and left, and no definite conclusion could be formed as to which was the ad- vance of the bulk of the enemys force. A second time I went to Colonel Adams, conveying the order for him, when forced to retire, to fall back with his whole command in front of the strongest column of the enemy. At this time (I should think about 9 a. in.) I found Colonel Adams with all his cavalry about retiring on a by-road just to the left of the Raymond road. The infantry skirmishers in this road and on its right I ordered to retire, as their flank was exposed on the left by the with- drawal of the cavalry. My next message of importance was to General Stevensonafter the skirmishing had become very fierce on his front, and when the enemy seemed to be wavering and the fire there somewhat recedingto ad- vance at once if the enemy faltered and push him vigorously. This, I should judge, was at 112.30 oclock. General Bowen (in the center) and General Loring (on the right) were ordered to advance together on the force in their front and drive them from the position. This order I carried myself to General Bowen, and heard it sent several times by different staff officers to General Loring. We were looking every moment for the advance, not comprehending why there was delay, until after some time (say three-fourths of an hour) since the order had been first sent. General Bowen rode up and said he was merely waiting to see the left ot G~eneral Lorings division ad- vance to put his command in motion (this explanation he had before sent by an officer), and seemed to feel confident of his ability to drive the enemy before him, and said further, that he understood from Gen- eral Loring that the enemy seemed so strong in his (General Lorings) front that he would wait, hoping that they would advance and attack him in his positiona strong one. Meanwhile Stevenson (on the left) was hard pressed, and called for re- enforcements. Bowen was ordered to his support, ~nd Loring to move to the left with two br-igades to take Bowens position in the center; this about 1.30 or 2 oclock. This important order I heard urgently and re- peatedly sent, and two or three of General Lorings staff officers who rode np meantime were sent immediately back with these instructions. There seemed to be great delay in obeying this order. No movement was made from the left to the center, which was very much exposed during this interval. I was then absent from General Pemberton for, I suppose, two hours, urging the troops to the advance, and endeavorin Page 123 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 123 to push up the stragglers. When I returned, finding him near the cen- ter of the line, I learned that our extreme left had been driven back, and that we were about being heavily flanked there. The order to re- treat was given. To convey this to him, I sought General Loring, who, I was informed, was making his movements to the left by a rear road, and found him with his troops in motion near the position I last saw occupied by General [S. ID.] Lee, who commanded the left brigade of Stevensons. A staff officer (I think Colonel [W. T.] Withers) rode up when I had delivered my order and said that a force was advancing on what had been our center, and would cut off some of Stevensons troops unless combatted. General Loring said he would move to that point. After Bowens and 5tevensons forces had crossed the creek, General Loring covering their retreat, General Bowen took l)OsitiOn to cover the ford, and General Lee, with the remnants of three brigades, started up to the bridge for its defense. After giving these instructions from General Pemberton, I left the field to rejoin him, which I did at the fortifications at Big Black Bridge. Very respectfully, J. C. TAYLOR, Aide-de- Camp. MONTGOMERY, ALA., July 31, 1863. SIR: In pursuance of orders, I beg leave to make the following state- ment of orders carried, and what else I did by your command on May. 16, at the fight designated as Bakers Creek, and also on May 17, at the Big Black: The first order given to me was to see that the troops were all drawn up in line of battle; after which the wa~ons were ordered to return to Edwards Depot, so as to take the road to Clinton. General Stevenson was then ordered to move back toward same place, moving along with wagons. I was then sent with an order to Brigadier-(3~eneral Buford (whose men were in line of battle in a peach orchard) to fall back to the hill in his rear about 8 oclock, so as to make a continuous line with the balance of Major-General Lorings division. Then I was sent to halt General Stevenson, as the appearances were at that time that the attack would come from more toward the right. This was done, and General Stevenson formed his line of battle on the crest of a hill iii a large field. I think this line was formed about 9 oclock. About 10 oclock I was sent by yourself to place advanee skirmishers in front of General Stevensons division, which w s done. By this tinie the skir- mishing between our pickets and the enemys was increasing, and from the direction appeared to be moving toward General Stevensons left, or Lees brigade. Between 11.30 and 12 oclock the attack began in earnest, and was evidently to be on our left. The first order I carried, I believeexcept of those given to General Stevenson; almost in your I)resence, to move his brigades (Bartons and Cummings) still to the leftafter the attack was one to General Bowen tn send one of his brigades at once to the support of General Stevenson. General Bowen returned with me to you, and told you that he was threatened and was afraid to weaken himself. In a short time I again carried an order ftr one of his brigades an& moved it up, reporting the fact toGeneralBowen. About this time (2.30 oclock) our men commenced straggling back in large numbers, and you sent me with your couriers to rally them. This I did for some time, until it was useless to try any longer. I then re- turned to you, and was sent to hurry General Loring up and to see wher Page 124 124 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL he had gone. I went to the left, in company with Colonel [J.] Thomp- son, and found that General Loring had moved to the left. This was told us by his couriers, who were posted across the old field to stop stragglers. We then returned to let you know, and found the army all falling back in great confusion. I tried for some time to gather the men together, but without success; some were too much exhausted to do anything, and others would not. I then got some twenty couriers and went to join you. After getting to Edwards Depot, I was ordered by you to stop the troops and to hold the road where the road crosses the railroad to Raymond. This I did, stopping the troops and turning them over to their different commands. Generals Barton and Cum- ming kept this place until ordered back. I then went back to join you at the Big Black. On the morning of the 17th, after an early breakfast, you ordered me back to the bridge (was then at Bovina), and to place four pieces of artillery in position. This I did, placing two Napoleon guns and two 6-pounders. Other guns were afterward brought up by Colonel [W. T.] Withers, chief of artillery, who then took charge of the whole. By this time our troops had broken and run from the works on the east side of the Big Black, and were crossing in great confusion. Again was the attempt made to rally the troops, but in vain. After trying to get them formed in some order on the bluff, I returned to where the artillery was firing, and remained until the ~rder came to fall back. I then returned with the troops into the lines of the city of Yicksburg. This is as near as I can now recollect the amount of orders carried by me on the fields. There were, perhaps, some unimportant ones I do not now remember. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. II. TAYLOR, Brigadier- General. Lient. Gen. J. C. PEMBEETON. ENTERPuISE, July 21, 1863. Until very lately I was not aware that you expected those members of your staff who were with you in the military movements in front of Yicksburg to furnish you a statement of the part they bore in the same. I seize the first opportunity to comply with your request, so far as ob- servations and experiences enable me to do so. After the landing of the enemy at Bruinsburg and the battle of Gen- eral Bowen at Port Gibson, and the f~llii~g back of our troops to Big Black at the railroad bridge, and across that stream below the bridge, you resisted persistently the desire expressed in various quarters of the army to cross the Big Black River and to give him battle. For several days it was believed very generally that the enemy would attempt to cross the Big Black River at what are known as the lower ferries, and move upon Yicksburg from the south with their gunboats, attacking Warrenton on one side, the column moving on Edwards Depot or the railroad bridge on the other. The almost total want of cavalry not only kept you in ignorance of his movements, but deprived you of all means of annoying or retarding him in his movements. About May 11, information was received that at least one corps of the enemys forces was moving on Raymond, and the probability was (though I do not think it was certainly known) that a division, if not a corps, was moving on Edwards Depot. On the evening of the 12th, you left Yicksburg for Bovina, havin Page 125 CHAP. XXXVI.] BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 125 previously ordered Major-Generals Loring and Stevenson to bring all of their divisions to Edwards Depot. I accompanied you to Bovina, and we reached there on the night of May 12. The next day the troops, consisting of Lorings, Stevensons, and Bowens divisions, were drawn np in line of battle in front of Edwards Depot. They remained all the 13th in line, and nothing was seen of the enemy. On the 14th, a communication was received from General [J. E.] John- ston, then at Jackson, informing you of the presence of the enemy in Clinton, and indicating a forward movement as desirable. Immediately a council of war was called, consisting of all the general officers. I was present at that council, and heard your views and those of the different officers expressed. You stated at great length, and to my mind with great force, that the leading and great duty of your army was to defend Vicksburg; the disposition and numbers of the enemy and your forces; the bad effect of a defeat, and the probability of such result if you moved forward. After canvassing it, there was not a voice in favor of moving on Clinton. But inasmuch as the enemy had moved in force on Jackson, leaving, as was supposed, only a single division on the .Big Black, it was first suggested by General Loring, and afterward ac- quiesced in by all the other officers, that it would be wise and expedient to move the next day on the southern,. or iRaymond, road to Dillons, which was on the main leading road by which the enemy carried on his communication, give battle to the division left in the rear, and then effectually break np the enemys communications. In this council it seemed to be taken for granted by all the officers that the enemy was then engaged in an effort to reduce Jackson, and was, therefore, too far removed to participate in the expected fight. You gave in to the views of the officers with reluctance, and expressed yourself as doing so against your convictions. But being present and hearing everything said, I did not see how you could have done otherwise with any expectation of retaining your hold upon the army. It had been intimated to me again and again (yet I am frank to say I can trace the remark to no particular or responsible source) that you were averse to a fight with the enemy, and that everybody believed the time for active operations had come. Though possessed of your views and concurring in them, yet this feel- ing had so great an influence on me that I believed at the time that a fight was inevitable, and so expressed myself to you. On the 14th, a heavy rain fell and raised the waters of Bakers Creek, over which we had to pass in going to Dilhkns ,so that it could not be crossed without swimming. This necessitated the delay for the con- struction of a bridge. Before this was completed, General Loring came to you and suggested that a bridge was standing on the middle Ray- mond road over which the troops could pass, and that beyond the bridge there was a fair road leading into the road it was intended to take. The suggestion was adopted, and the troops immediately put in motion. General Lorings division moved, in front, General Bowens in the center and General Stevensons in the rear. That night (15th) all troops crossed the bridge oxAtr Bakers Creek and General Loring reached the lower road, General Tilghmaus bri- gade being thrown forward of Mrs. Ellisons house, on the lower Ray- mond road. About 10 oclock at night the troops bivouacked on the road connecting th& two Raymond roads. We spent the night of the 15th at Mrs. Ellisons. Next morning about 7 oclock a courier arrived from General John- ston, bringing the information that he had evacuated Jacksou and ha Page 126 126 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Ow. xxxvi. withdrawn in the direction of Canton, and, saL understood, desiring you to move in a direction to unite your forces or to enable you to co-operate with him. This led to sri order forthwith to countermarch and move in the direction of Brownsville. About the time the army wasreadyto take up the line of march, firing commenced in front, and soon it was ascertained that the force was too large to be long resisted by our picket force. The whole train moved on the countermarch, preceded by the brigade of Colonel [A. W.] Reynolds, which now became, under the new order, the advance guard. General Lorings brigade was drawn up in line of battle first in the lower road. He fell back then a half mile, and reformed in the rear of the entrance of the military road with the Ray- mond road. For some time it was doubtful whether the main attack would be in the middle Raymond road, on which our left (Stevensons division) rested, or on our right, held by Lorings division. Our post tion along which our lines were formed was,in my judgment,a favorable one. It soon became evident, however, that the main attack was ping to be on the left, and the fighting had not continued long before infor- mation was received from General Stevenson that he was hard premed. Your headquarters having been selected to the left of the center of the line, ready access was had to the whole line. While the fighting was progressing in great fierceness on the left, a demonstration was made on the center, which was soon checked by a few well-directed shots from a battery of Bowens division. Soon afteryon ascertained that the main assault would be made on the left, orders were sent to Bowen to fall on the left with all his force. His division came up at a double-quick, ~nd charged on the enemy in fine style, driving him back for more than half smile. At the same time orders were sent to GeheralLoring to follow up the movement of General Bowen. When there was some delay at his coming, you directed me to carry the order, which I did at the full speed of my horse. The order I delivered was that General Pember- ton desires you to come immediately and with all dispateh to the left, to the support of General Stevenson, whatever may be in your front. Qeneral Loring replied by asking me if General Pemberton knew that the enemy was in great force in his front. I replied I did not know whether General Pemberton knew the fact or not, but I knew I repeated the order correctly, and if he did not comply with it the responsibility was his, not mine. I returned to your headquarters and repeated the conversation. Soon after it was discovered that some two regiments had broken, and I went to endeavor to rally them. You soon came up, and by a few appropriatewords addresgp4)o them, dosing by proposing to lead them back yourself If their officers did not, the regiments rallied, and the officers petitioned you to let them lead them, which they did. We then moved along in their rear far into the front, and on finding the enemy was making a flank movement to our left, the inquiry was made again, Where is Loringi and some of the staff were sent to hunt him. On returning to headquarters General Buford, with his brigade, was met, and after you had pointe& out to him the position he was to take, you again directed me, if possible, to hid General Loring. General T. H. Taylor and myself undertook to do so. We wOe gone for some time before we ascertained where he was; but finding he had gone on a road we did not know to the left, we returned to report the fact to you. Upon our return we met with General Stevenson, who informed us y~u had gone in the direction of the late headquarters of General Loring. As the enemy was reported to us to hare got in between where we sup- posed youtobe ndourselves,we movedinwhatwebelievedto bes direct line to the lower bridge. In this we had no guide, and struck the creek some distance above it, and found it most difficult to get across Page 127 Ow. mvxj I3ATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL, MISS. 127 We succeeded, however, and I joined you at Edwards Depo& After making the necessary arrangements to protect your rear, you then re- turned to the intrenchments in front of the railroad bridge, and after remaining there, awaiting General Loring, for several tours, making the necessary dispositions for the contemplated attack the next day, at a late hour of the night we reached Bovina. The next day (Sunday7 17th) we returned to Vicksburg, when immedi- ately the different portions of the fortifications were manned by our troops. Being near your person throughout three several days of trial, I was struck with admiration at the prompt manner in which you discharged every duty devolved upon you in your responsible position. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. THOMPSOI% [AssietatJ lmpeotor-GesseraL Lieut. Gen. 3. 0. P.unnToN. HEADQVaTnS, Dasepolis, Al& , July 29,1863. Gana: I have the honor to report the part taken by myself in the battle of Bakers Creek, on May 10. Soon after the skirmishing commenced near Mrs. Eflisons house, I was ordered to report to General Loring that you had been informed that a large column of the enemy were approaching on his right About an hour after this I was ordered to direct General Loring to collect all the spades and picks and cut down the sides of the banks of the ford at Bakers Creek, on the road leading from Mrs. Ellisons to Colonel Withers plantation. About 10 or fl a. m. I was directed by you to order General Stevenson to halt his command until further orders. I found General Stevenson at the houses about 200 yatds to the left of your headquarters in the field, and the order was immediately executed. Soon after the skirmishing began in front of General [S. D.] Lee, I was sent forward to ascertain if he could maintain his position, or if he needed re-enforcements. His. reply was, he thought he could hold his position for the present His skirmishers were at that time faUing back, but soon afterward went forward again. Soon after this I was ordered to order up one brigade of General Bowens division to re- enforce General Stevenson. Just before the command was ordered to fall back, and just after you had seen General Stevenson, where the battle was raging most terribly, I was diread by you to indicate the line of battle for Brigadier-General Buford, who came up with his bri- gade. t directed him to go forward to the road in which you saw Gen- eral Stevenson at the time he informed you there were between 60 000 and 80,000 men in his front When you and staff were retiring Atom the field, you ordered me to direct General Tilghman to halt his coin- mod, and I had just given the order when you rode up. I gave no more orders until you and staff arrived at the bridge which crosses the railroad at Edwards Depot, where you were informe4 by Mpjor [How- ell] Webb, adjutant and inspector general to Mqor-General Stevenson, that two brigades were approaching Edwards Depot, on the road run- ning parallel with the railroad from Edwards Depot (the road taken by the command in marching out toward Clinton), one of these commanded by Brigadier-GenerafBarton; the other coutmander I do not remember. You then directed me to order General Barton to form a line of battle, withhis rightresting onthe railroad in such a manner asto protect the depot Immediately after you left for the intrenchinents at Bi Page 128 128 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL Black, Major Webb informed me that this was a mistake; that no troops of ours were on this road. About this time an officer in command of six companies of the Twen- tieth Mississippi (mounted) reported to me that he had been sent to Edwards Depot to guard the wagon trains, which were at that time retreating across Big Black. I directed this officer to deploy his men as skirmishers, and keep the enemy in check as long as possible. I then rode to the intrenchments at Big Black, and informed yon what I had done. This includes the verbal orders conveyed by mc on the 16th. I car- ried none on the 17th. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. C. TUPPEB, Aide-dc- Camp. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON. MAY 17, 1863.Engagement at Big Black River Bridge, Miss. REPORTS ~* No. 1.Return of Casualties in the Union forces. No. 2.Col. Thomas S. Mather, Second Illinois Light Artillery, Chief of Ordnance Thirteenth Army Corps, of ordnance captured. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee, U. S. Army, commanding Ninth Division, Thir- teenth Army Corps. No. 4.Brig. Gen. Michael K. Lawler, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Fourteenth Division, including operations May 222. No. 5.Lient. Col. Cornelius W. Dunlap, T~venty-first Iowa Infantry. No. 1. Return of Casualties in the Union forces engaged at Big Black River Bridge, ]Jiiss., illay 17, 1863. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ,~ a ~ -~ ~- Q~ a o - ~ er l~ -~ ~ S ~ -~ er 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 r~ ~ THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. TonE A. McCLERNAED. Escort. 3d illinois Cavalry, Company Lf METE DIVISION. (1.) Brig. Gem PETER J. OsTERRAUs. (2.) Brig. Gen. ALBERT L. LEE. Staff ij .-~ I * See also general reports of Grant, MeClernand, and Pemberton; battle of Port Gibson, reports of Buehler, CaTr, and Fonda (Part I); battle of Champions Hill, reports of Burbridge, Coclirell, Gates, Guppey, Keigwin, Kimball, Lindsey, Lucas, and Osterhaus; sieve of Viel~sbwrg, reports of Lauphere, Lee, and Giles A. Smith. t No loss repo~tcd. Wounded Page 129 CHAP. XXXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT BIG BLACK RIVER BRIDGE, Miss. 129 Return of Casualties in the Union forces, 4c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a Command. -a w ~ ;., +~ -~ a ~ a ~ a in a ~ o ~ First Brigade. Brig. Gen. THEOPHILUS T. GAERARD. 49th Indiana 69th Indiana* 7th Kentucky* Total First Brigade - - -. Sceend Brigade. Col. DANIEL W. LINDSEY. 22d Kentucky 16th Ohio 42d Ohio 114th Ohio Total Second Brigade Artillery. Michigan Light, 7th Battery* Wisconsin Light, 1st Battery ~cevalry. 3d Illinois, Companies A, F, and K* Total Malls Division.. - TENTH DIVISION. Bri~. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITTI. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. STEPhEN G. Bustaainnsi. 16th Indsana* 67th Indiana~ 83(1 Ohio* 23d Wisconsin Total First Brigade Total Tenth Division FOLETEENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. EUGENE A. CAlm. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM P. BENTON. 314 Illinois... 99th Jllin& s 5th Indiana 18th Indiana* 1st United Statest 1 1 1 1. 2 4 - 3 3 3 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 9 4 10 1 25 1 3 4 1 9 7 13 1 31 1 1 2 - - 1 1 2 I 1 2 1 2 13 1 8 9 I 1 2 Total First BAgado 1 2 20~ 3 24 * No loss reported. 9 R RVOL XXIV, PT II Detached Page 130 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. Return of Casualties in the Union forces, 5c.Cuntinucd. Command. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. MIcHAEL K. LAWLEII. 21st Iowa 22d Iowa. lId Iowa 11th Wisconsin Total Second Brigade Artillery. Illiuois Light, Chicago Mercantile Battery* Id Illinois Light, Battery A* [udiana Light, 1st Battery Total Fourteenth Division Total Thirteenth Army Corps Killed. II 0 2 2 13 11 1 25 1 2 27 3 16 Wounded. Captured ot missing. 0 3 2 7 67 187 9 207 16 221 1 3 OFFICERS KILLED. IOWA. Col. William H. Kinsman, 23d Infantry. I Capt. Richard L. MeCray, 234 Infantry. 01110. Lient. Reuben Keimedy, 114th Infantry. OFFICERS MORTALLY WOUNDED. IOWA. Lient. Henry I-I. Howard, 21st Infantry. Lient. Sylvester G. Beekwitb, 234 In Lient. John D. Ewing, 23d Infantry. fantry. WISCONSIN. Capt. Daniel E. Hougli, 11th Infantry. No. 2. Report of Got. Thomas S. ]Jiather, Secon Illinois Light Artillery, Chief of Ordnance Thirteenth Army Corps, of ordnance captured. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTIT ARMY CORPS, May 26, 1863. Liout. Col. JOIIN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjatant- General: COLONEL: I jiave the honor to jilCiOSe a COI)Y of the l)arti1Il report of Col. T. S. Mather, chief of artillery iind 0r(ln1lIlCe, ~1hirteentll Army Corps, in rehltioll to or(lnanee and ordnance stores Clipturc(l l)y tile No loss reported. 130 [CHAr. XXXVI. 03 101 35 221 246 27 Page 131 CHAP. XXXVI] ENGAGEMENT AT BIG BLACK RIVER BRIDGE, MISS. 131 Thirteenth Army Corps at the battle of Big Black Bridge, ~lay 17, 1863. Orders have already been issued to collect stragglers, negroes, and mules, and it is being (lone in this army corps. Your most obedient servant, WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTh ARMY CORPS, Big Black River Bridge, Miss., May 17, 1863. COLOINEL: I have the honor to submit the following invoice of ord- nance and ordnance stores captured by the Thirteenth Army Corps in the engagement this morning: Gnns.Six 12-pounder bronze howitzers; three 12-pounder bronze guns (Napoleons), one disabled; three 6-pounder bronze gnus; six 10-pounder Parrott rifled guns (iron); aggregate, eighteen guns, with limbers and caissons complete, except two, the caissons of which had been previously captured. The following ordnance stores were found on the carriages of the above-mentioned pieces: Three hundred and twenty-four rounds of 12-pounder howitzer canister; 578 rounds of 12-pounder howitzer shells (fuse); 11 rounds of 6-pounder howitzer canister; 175 rounds of 6-pounder howitzer shells; 8 rounds of 12-pounder solid shot~ 112 rounds of 10-pounder Parrott fuse-shells; 120 rounds of 10-pounder (the Famous) canister; 97 rounds of 10-pounder (Reed projectile) solid shot; 35 port-fires, and 10 6-pounder cartridges, three-fourthspound charge. In addition to the above, the following ammunition was captured in some cars at Edwards Station: Eighty-eight thousand rounds of rifle musket ammunition, calibers .54,. 58, and .69; 30 roun(ls of 6-pounder shell and canister; lOrounds of 6-pounder spherical case; 110 rounds of 12-pounder howitzer canister (fixed); 100 rounds of 3-inch Reed shot; 116 stand of small-arms of various patterns,and2 boxes of blank cartridges for 3-inch guns. The small-arms captured in the battle of to-day will amount to sev- eral thousand, but as they have not yet been collected, no definite report can as yet be made. Respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS S. MATHER, Colonel and Chief of Ordnance, Thirteenth Army Corps. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee, U. S. Army, commanding Ninth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST~BRIG., NINTH DIV., THIRTEENTII A. C., May 22, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have respectfully to report that on the morning of the 17th instant I was, by order of Major-General McClcrnand, command Page 132 [CHAr. XXXVI. 132 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ing Thirteenth Army Corps, placed in command of the Ninth Division, General Osterhaus being by a wound temporarily incapacitated to command. I found, on reaching the field, just east of the Big Black River, the Second Brigade of the division deployed in line before the enemys works. Two regiments of the First Brigade were on its left and rear; a section of Fosters battery was on the right, playing on the enemys works. Two regiments of the First Brigade had been directed by General MeClernand to the right of the division to support General Carr, who was in position at that point. In front of us was a lcng line of earthworks, filled with guns, and distant from our deployed line a quarter of a mile. Between our line and the works was a slough or bayou, 12 or 15 feet across and difficult of passage. An advance over this ground, level and everywhere corn- nianded by the enemys guns, was almost impracticable. I deployed two companies of the Second Brigade as skirmishers, di- recting their advance through a point of wood some distance to our left, to reconnoiter the left flank of the works opposed to us. At the same time I brought forward the two regiments tf the First Brigade, direct- ing their advance behind this flanking line of skirmishers. At this time General Burbridge, of Smiths division, came up with his brigade to support our left, and advauced rapidly behind and to the left of the First Brigade. Soon a determined attack was made by Carr on the enemys left, his troops carrying their works. At the same time I ordered a general and rapid advance, and the Second Brigade entered the works just as the enemy was leaving them. The two companies of skirmishers deployed on my left had meanwhile advanced, and, as our line moved forward, charged at double.quick, cutting off an entire regiment of the enemy, who laid down their arms and surrendered. As this surrender was being made, some mounted officer from Smiths division rode through our line and received it from the rebel colonel. The credit of this happy capture, however, clearly pertains to these companies, which, by their daring, energy, and activity, effected it. The works of the enemy were held by this division. The enemy had abandoned eighteen pieces of light artillery, with caissons, ammunition, & c., and retreated rapidly over the Big Black River, burning the fort and railroad bridge. During the remainder of the day, a portion of the Second Brigade engaged the sharpshooters of the enemy, who lined the west bank of the stream. During the afternoon and night, by order of the commander of the corps, this division constructed a floating bridge over the Big Black, and at 8 a. m. the day following commenced the passage of the stream. Captain Patterson and his pioneer corps rendered efficient service in the construction of the bridge. The stream being crossed, General Osterhaus resnmed command of the division. During the day of the 17th, I judge that this ~ivision captured 1,500 prisoners. I am, captain, your obedient servant, A. L. LEE, Brigadier- Generat. Capt. J. W. THoMPSoN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Dirision Page 133 CHAP. XXXVJ.] ENGAGEMENT AT BIG BLACK RIVER BRIDGE MISS. 133 No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. ]JIiclwel If. Lawler, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Fourteenth Division, including operations May 222. IIDQRS. 2D BRIGADE, 14TH DIVISIoN, 13TH ARMY CORPS, Camp, in rear of T~icksburg, Mis8., May 26, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following field report of the operations of my brigade from the date I assumed command of it at Port Gibson, Miss., May 2, 1863, to the present time. In it I have in cluded the distances marched, the time in which the march was made, the battles fought, the number killed and wounded, the number of prisoners taken, the number of cannon. small-arms, and other stores, with kind and quantity of all property. For a report of the operations of the brigade from the date of its departure from Millikens Bend to May 2, 1863, you are respectfully referred to the report of Col. C. .L. Harris, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, accompanying this, -* and to the able report of Col. William M. Stone, Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers, which is already in your possession. On May 2, at Port Gibson, Miss., in accordance with General Orders No. 15, from division headquarters, I assumed command of the Second Brigade, composed then of four infantry regiments and a battery, viz, the Twenty-first, Twenty-second, and Twenty-third Iowa, and Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, and the First Iowa Battery, with an aggregate effective force of 2,300 men. The brigade, with the exception of the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, marched for Willow Springs early May 3, the Eleventh Wisconsin, Col. C. L. Harris commanding, having been left behind to hold Port Gibson until further orders. On arriving at the south fork of Bayou Pierre, I received orders to discontinue my march to Willow Springs, and was instructed by the brigadier-general commanding the division to report my brigade at the crossings of Bayou Pierre, to watch the line of the bayou, the new bridge constructed over it, to protect the rear of and hold the town of Port Gibson, with all of which I fully complied. Posting two regiments, the Twenty-second and Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, and two pieces of ar- tillery at the railroad and suspension bridges over the bayou, and the Twenty-third Iowa, the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, and four pieces of artillery in the town of Port Gibson, we remained in quiet occupation of the above line until Monday [Tuesday], May 5, subsisting upon the - country. In the mean time our army transportation was pushed forward. The rebel wounded at Port Gibson and near the battle-field were pa- roled, and our own wounded removed to the~ general hospital. When everything had been brought up from Bruinsburg, I moved with my command, in obedience to orders, to join the division on the Willow Springs road, bringing up with me all the stragglers from the advance army corps, over one thousand stand of small-arms and fifteen barrels of powder, a portion of the spoils of victory at Thompsons Hill. The brigade reached Willow Springs at 9 p. in:, and encamped at the cross- roads. On the 6th, orders were received to send a reginbent Lack to Port Gibson to protect our ambulance corps from a raid of rebel cavalry reported in that vicinity. Accordingly, the Eleventh Wisconsin Volun- teers, Colonel Harris, was started at once on the road to Port Gibson; but before reaching that place the colonel learned that out- ambulances were coming up, and that there was nothing on that road in their rear * Not found Page 134 134 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. LCIIA1. XXXVI. to tempt an attack from the enemy. He therefore returne(l, rejoining the brigade in the afternoon of the (lay he started. May 7, the brigade marched for Big Sandy Creek, 4 miles beyond Rocky Springs, on the Jackson road, arriving there by 10 a. m. We immediately took position in a cleared field on the hills above the creek, on the right of the main roa(l and on the left of the First Il3riga(le, throwing out a strong picket force, and making every preparation br an attack. Here we remained in camp until 10 oclock May 10, wheii we aban- doned our position on Big Sandy, and marched for Five-Mile Creek, on the Cayuga road, arriving there at noon of that day. We encamped and remained until May 12. May 12, we moved to Fourteen-Mile Creek, on the Auburn and Edwards Station road, arriving shortly after the l~ickets and a small party of the enemys cavalry had been routed by the advance of Hoveys division, arid driven over that stream. In anticipation of an attack from the enemy in force, we went into l)osition on the left of our line, in the edge of the cleared field next the creek, which position we held un- disturbed during the night. On the 13th, making a flank movement to the right, we marched toward Raymond, encainpirg for the night within 4 miles of that I)lace, and near the battle-field of the day previous. May 14, we moved through Raymond to within 7 miles of Jackson, Miss. May 15, Jackson having beeu occupied by our troops the evening before, we countermarched through Raymond, in the ream- of Edwards Station, halting and occupying a strong position for the night at Haw- kins plantation, 3 miles this side of Raymond, where we held ourselves in readiness to march to the support of Jsterhaus division in case it should be attacked, of which there was some apprehension. Nothing unusual, however, occurred, and on tl)e 16th, early in the morning, the brigade resumed its march br Edwards Station. This day our army fought and won the battle of Champions Hill. I submit below the official report of the Second Brigade, Cans di~-is- ion, Thirteenth Army Corps, in the battle of Champions Hill. At 10 a. m. heavy artillery and skirmish firing was heard in our front. The Ninth l)ivision, General Osterhaus, an(l tIme Tenth, General Smiths, caine upon the enemy strongly posted on a range of hill sbor- dering Bakers Creek. Usterhaus division drew up in position in the first large cane-field on the e~st side of the hills~ posted as a reserve close column by aiv~ion, a ris divisiomi was few hundred yards to the rear in the same field; Bentons brigade on the right, and my brigade on the left of the road. Here we remaiucd, resting on our arms during the forenoon and nutil 2 oclock in time afternoon when orders were received to move up to the corner of the field, leaving oime regiment, the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, as a support to the First Wisconsin and Seventh Indiana Michigan] Batteries the center of the clearing. - ~ which were in positiomi in Shortly after this I was ordered to move forw~rd mny command and occupy the ground between the left of the First Brigade and ~emmeral Smiths right, my right resting at the forks of the road. Instructions were given me to open communication with General Smith, keep it open during the engagemnent, and to amiticipate any movement the eneumy might make with a view to turn our left. To communicate with Gen- eral Smnith a company of skirmishers were sent forward, who soon suc- ceeded in reaching his i-ight Page 135 ChAP. XXXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT BIG BLACK RIVER BRIDGE, MISS. 135 Shortly afterward the enemy engaged the Sixteenth Kentucky [~I an(l one other regiment, belonging to Osterhaus division, which had been sent out as skirmishers in advance of my brigade. The firing was spirited from both artillery and infantry, and compelled these regi.ments to give way and fall back toward a small field on our extreme left. To support these regiments and to check the enemys advance, J moved my whole command down to the field, sending forward the Twenty-second Iowa (Colonel Stone) in the advance to annoy the enemy and attract his attention while the remainder of the brigade was getting into position. As we emerged from the woods into the field, the enemy opened fire upon us with musketry and a battery posted on a hill near the farm-house, subsequently used as a hospital, bursting several shells in close proximity to the head of the column, but doing no damage. The Peoria Battery was quickly brought for- ward to the rising ground in the center of the field, and, having opened on the enemy, soon silenced his b~.ttery and compelled him to withdraw it in haste. Au advance of my whole line was then made, upon which the rebels broke and fled, l)ressed by the brigade as rapidly and closely as a proper precaution and the conformation of the ground would permit. The two skirmishing companies of the Twenty - second Iowa, and those also of the Twenty-first and Twenty-third iowa Ilegimeuts, succeeded in capturing and bringing in large numbers of prisoners and small-arms in abundance. The enemy, after his flight commenced, did not attempt to make any determined stand; but while our skirmishers were advancing through the cleared field in the rec r of the hospital, he opened fire upon them with two pieces of artillery, posted on a high hill to our left and in General Smiths front. Immediately ordering up the Peoria Battery, it took position in the field, and opened a fire on the rebel guns so accurate and severe that it again silenced them, killing the horses of one piece, and as our advance was close upon them, they were compelled to aban- don it, and it was soon after taken possession of by the Eighth illinois, Stevensons brigade, Logans division. We continued in pursuit, with- out further incident of importance, until we received orders from you to abandon it and move up on the Edwards Station i-oad to join the First Brigade, which we (lid, overtaking it at the station, ali(l going into camp there for the night. Although my brigade wL s not l)erlnitted to take a very prominent part in the battle of Champions lull, still~en~ugh was done to enable me to prove my men and satisfy myself thoroughly of their valor and soldierly qualities. Lieutenant Fenton, of the Peoria Battery, and his men deserve credit for the good service they rendered in twice silencing the ~ne~ny~s guns. On the morning of the 17th, by 3.30 a. in., Carrs division was again on the road in pursuit of the enemy, Bentons brigade having the ad- vance. We came upon the enemy at Big Black Bridge, strongly posted be- hind skillfully constructed rifle-pits, extending across a neck ot land fom-mued by the Big Black River, his flanks well protected by this stream, and having in his front, in addition to the rifle-pits, a bayou filled with brush and fallen trees. This, combined with the fact that there were cleared fields of from 400 to 600 yards in width along his whole front from bend to bend of the streaum, rendered his position really formi- (lable and difficult of approach, subjecting a clearing party, it would seem, to almost certain destruction at the commencement of the contest Page 136 136 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. lciixP. xxx:vi. To support Bentons brigade, orders were received to form the bri- gade in two lines on both sides of the road, the artillery in the center. Shortly afterward I received orders to change position, and by an ob- lique movement to the right occupy the ground on the right of Ben tons brigade, and meet a movement the enemy were reported to be making in that direction with a view to flank us. This order having been executed, I was instructed by the brigadier- general commanding the division to move forward slowly and cautiously with my command a left. , ud develop and press back, if possible, the enemys Accordingly, I ordered Col. C. L. Harris, Eleventh Wisconsin Volun- teers, who held the left of our new position, to move his regiment for- ward through the woods in his front, his skirmishers covering his ad- vance, and the Twenty-third Iowa, Colonel Kinsman, to follow him at a distance of 100 yards as a support. At the same time I advanced the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, Col. Samuel Merrill, into the cleared field skirting Big Black Liver, with instructions to move forward on a line with the Eleventh Wisconsin. The Peoria Battery was left in position on the rising ground in the edge of the field, and the Twenty-second Iowa in rear as a reserve and support. Meanwhile there had commenced a spirited artillery engagement be- tween the battery of Bentons brigade and the enemys cannon in posi- tion behind their works. The skirmishers of the First Brigade were actively engaged, and those of the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, which regiment advanced steadily forward through the timber to the field in front of the enemys works, and distant from them about 400 yards. Here I ordered it to halt, and move down to the right through the field skirting the river, and take position in the woods and l)rush lining this stream. This movement Colonel Harris promptly executed, reaching the position designated without serious loss, though exposed to a heavy fire from the enemys sharpshooters. The Twenty-third Iowa, Colonel Kinsman, having come up after tue Eleventh Wisconsin, was ordered to make a similar movement to the right, and to move up under cover of the river bank and take position on the right of the Eleventh Wisconsin and as close as possible to the enemys works, and the Twenty-first Iowa, Colonel Merrill, to take posi- tion on the bank between these two regiments. I also directed the Peoria Battery to take position in the open field in front of the left of the enemy and to open an enfilading fire on their center batteries, with which the battery of Bentons brigade was engaged.~ At the same time the Twenty. second Iowa, Colonel Stone, was ordered to move forward on the left of the field to within supporting distance. These orders were quickly responded to, and the position thus occupied by the brigade continued to be held without material variation. During the greater part of the forenoon heavy but ineffectual mus- ketry firing was kept up by the enemy upon my men, briskly responded to by our sharpshooters. Late in the forenoon, finding it impossible to press farther forward along the river bank toward the enemy, as I had intended, Colonel Kinsman, Twenty-third Iowa Nfolunteers, proposed to charge at once the enemys works and drive them out at the point of the bayonet, and asked my consent to the same. Foreseeing that a charge by a single regiment, unsustained by the whole line, again~t fortifications as formidable as those in his front, could hardly be successful, at the same time I gave my consent to his daring proposition I determined that there should be a simultaneous move- meut on the part of my whole command. Accordingly, the Twenty-firs Page 137 CHAP. XXXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT BIG BLACK RIVER BRIDGE, MISS. 137 Iowa Volunteers, Colonel Merrill, ordered to charge with the Twenty- third, the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers following close upon them as a support, and the Twenty-second Iowa, Col. William M. Stonewhich had in the mean time crossed the field and taken position on the river bank on the right of the Eleventh Wisconsinwere ordered to move out into the field and act as a reserve force. Two guns of the Peoria Bat- tery and one 20-pounder Parrott, belonging to the First Wisconsin Bat- tery, were in position in the field, actively at work upon the enemy and doing good service. In addition, orders had been sent to the Forty- ninth and Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteerstwo regiments which had been sent from Osterhaus division to my support early in the forenoon to send forward at once two companies as skirmishers to attract the at- tention of the enemy from the movement on the right, and as soon as the charge should be commenced to move promptly forward to its sup- port. Orders were further given that the men should reserve their fire until upon the rebel works. Finally the regiments that were to lead the charge were formed, with bayonets fixed, in the edge of the woods on the river bank. All things being in readiness, the command forward was given by Colonel Kins- man, and at once his noble regiment sprang forward to the works. The Twenty-first, led on by Colonel Merrill, moved at the same instant, the Eleventh Wisconsin, Colonel Harris, closely following. Through a terrible fire of musketry from the enemy in front and a galling fire from his sharpshooters on the right, these brave men dashed bravely on. Kinsman fell, dangerously wounded, before half the distance was ac- complished. Struggling to his feet, he staggered a few paces to the front, cheered forward his men, and fell again, this time to rise no more, pierced through by a second ball. Colonel Merrill, the brave commander of the Twenty-first Iowa, fell, wounded early in the charge, while gallantly leading his regiment against the enemy. Immediately Lieutenant-Colonel Glasgow placed himself at the head of the Twenty-third, and Major Van Anda led on the Twenty-first. Undismayed by the loss of their colonels, and by the perfect hail- storm of bullets poured into them with destructive effect, the men of the Twenty-third and Twenty-first Iowa and the Eleventh Wisconsin Vol- unteers pressed onward, nearer and nearer, to the rebel works, over the open field, 500 yards, under a wasting fire, and up to the edge of the bayou. Halting here only long enough to pour into the enemy a deadly volley, they dashed forward through the bayou, filled with water, fallen timber, and brush, on to the rebel works with the shout of vic- tors, driving the enemy in with confusion from their breastworks and rifle-pits, and entering in triumph the rebel stronghold. Hurrying forward the Forty-ninth and Sixty-ninth Indiana and Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers, I sent the two Indiana regiments to the support of my left, and ordered the Iowa regiment to move against the extreme left of the enemys works, where they, several hundred strong, still held out, while the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers was direct~d to occupy the ground between the enemy and.the bridge, and thus cut off their retreat. The movement was successful. The rebels broke and fled before the Twenty-second Iowa, and fell an easy prey into the hands of the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers. Those of the rebels who were not captured hastened to make good their retreat over the bridge. As the result of this successful charge, we may with jus- tice claim that it gave our army entire possession of the enemy~s ex- tended lines of works, and with them their field artillery (eightee Page 138 138 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (ChAP. XXXVI. pieces in all), a large quantity of ammumtion, thousands of small-arms, and 3,000 prisoners. By our brigade were captured 1,460 small-arms, several hundred ac- couterments, chiefly collected by the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, 1,120 prisoners, and 4 stand of colors. It is, perhaps, worthy of remark ihat more men were captured by my brigade than 11 had mcn in the charge; bnt this brilliant success was not accomplished without cobsiderable loss; 14 killed and 185 wounded in the space of three minutes, the time occupied in reaching the enemys works, attest the severity of the fire to which my men were sub- jected. An official list is herewith submitted, and also a drawing of the ground over which the charge was made.~ Officers and men, alu~ost without exception, behaved with the greatest gallantry; their conduct reflects credit upon themselves and the noble cause in which they are engaged. - Among the many who behaved efficiently and bravely I take pleasure in mentioning ~he following: Col. C. L. Harris, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, led his regiment gallantly during the whole l)attle, and by his coolness and good judg- ment rendered valuable service. Col. Samuel Merrill, Twenty-first Iowa Voinii teers, deserves particular mention for his bravery and the gallant manner in which he led his regi- ment to the charge. Col. William M. Stone, Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers, thongh suffering severely from disease, was present in the field, sharing its dangers, and has my thanks for the promptness with which he moved his command against the left of the enemys works. Lieut. Col. S. L. Glasgow, of the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteers, and Maj. S. G. Van Anda, of the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, who assumed command of their respective regiments after the fall of their colonels, deserve the highest praise, and are entitled to great credit for the ac- tivity, courage, and skill which they displayed during the hottest part of the engagement. They had the honor of leading their regiments into the enemys works. Maj. Arthur Platt, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, Major Atherton, Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers, and Major Clark, of the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteers, freely exposed themselves and did their duty nobly. The line officers of the difterent r~gimeuts, almost to a man, displayed great personal courage, and handled their companies with much ability; their good conduct greatly assisted the charge. Captain Houston, Company A, Captain Brown, Company I, and Lieu- tenant Ilawhngs, Company F, of the Twenty-third, with their commands, broke the enemys line in a swamp a~t the edge of the timber, and poured an enfilading fire into the ditches that routed the rebels in confusion. Lieutenant Rawlings, Company F, T~venty-third Iowa, captured the colors of the Sixty-first Tennessee, wresting them from the rebel color- bearer. Captain Houston, of Company A, Twenty-third Iowa, captured the colors of the Twenty-first Arkansas. Corpl. John XV. Boone, color-bearer of the Twenty-third, fell, severely wounded; Corpl. J. T. Shipman grasped themn~[the colors] and bore them gallantly to the front and through the whole charge. Captains Crooke, Harrison, Boardm an, Swivel, Watson, Vooi-hees, and Jones, of the Twenty-first Iowa, gallantly led their coml)anies against the enemys intienclunen ts. Lientenan t howard, T~venty-first Io~va, acting adjutant, was among the first in the charge, an(l, while nm anfully doing his duty and cheering on his ~iei~,~fell, mortally wounded. Lieuts. * Not found Page 139 CHAP. XXXVI.1 ENGAGEMENT AT fIG fLACK itIVER BRIDGE, MISS. 139 W. A. Roberts, [George H.] Childs, [Jr.] Poison, McDonald, Bolton, Dickinson, and Bates, of the Twenty-first Iowa, were conspicuous in the fight and behaved in a manner worthy of all praise. Capts. P. E. Hough, Corn pany A, and Chrystie, Company II, and Lieutenant Freeman, Company A, of the Eleventh Wisconsin XTolun- teers, were dangerously wolln(led while engaged in skirmish duty be- fore the charge. All the officers and men of this gallant regiment behaved nobly, and arQ braVe and reliable. Wisconsin may well be proud of her Eleventh Regiment. The Peoria Battery, Lient. Frank B. Fenton, did good service. Lieu- tenant Fenton and his men deserve much praise for the cool and effect- ive manner in which they served their guns, and for the promptness with which they moved their battery up to the enemys works and opened en them as soon as their retreat commenced. Special and honorable mention should be made of A. M. Lyon, esq., sutler of the Twenty-third Iowa, a brave old man, who took a gun at the commencement of the battle, went iiito the ranks, fought nobly, and fell, mortally wounded. The death of Colonel Kinsman, of the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteers, whose brave and gallant conduct is the theme of universal praise, fills the hearts of all who knew him with poignant sorrow. A splendid soldier, a perfe~t gentLeinau, and a finished scholar, endowed in the highest degree with the noblest qualities of true manhood, his loss cannot prove less to his State and country than a I)ublic calamity to the officers and soldiers of his command, who had learned to love and respect him with an earnestness and devotion rarely equaled. His loss is irrepa- rable, but he fell as the true soldier wishes to fallin the moment of victory, when his countrys flag waved in triumph over the stronghold of rebel treason, and died as the true soldier wishes to die, with Christian resignation find fortitude. To my staff much praise is due for the promptness they displayed in carrying my orders to different parts of the field during the progress of the battle. Capt. E. G. White, Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers, assistant in- spector-general of the brigade, deserves special praise for his coolness and bravery, and for valuable services rendered in reconnoitering the enemys position. Capt. Bluford Wilson, assistant adjutant-general, and First Lieut. IR. E. Jackson, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, acting aide-dc camp, ex- posed themselves freely and rendered me good service. Finally, 1 cannot close this report without ex~~res~ing my admiration for the brave men in the ranks, to whose steadiness and determined courage is in a great measure due the glory of the brilliant and decisive victory of Big Black Bridge. To them I return my warmest thanks. A grateful country will see that their services are appropriately rewarded. The remainder of the 17th instant and the day after the battle was spent in collecting up the arms and accouterments left on the battle- field by the enemy, in taking care of our wounded, bn~ying our dead, and in recruiting our broken ranks. The Twenty-third Iowa Volun- teers, which had borne so distinguished a part and suffered so severely in the charge, was placed as a guard over the captured prisoners, and, by order of Maj. Gen. 2G. 5. Grant, has since gone north with them, thus losing to me for the time being the services of this command. On the evening of the 18th, all transportation belonging to the army in fiont, captured small-arms, and artillery having l)assed over Bi Page 140 140 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXV1 Black, I crossed the brigade, and sendin~ forward the Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers as a protection to the dvance of the train, I en camped with the remainder of my commvnd on the bank of the river for the night. Marching early the 19th instant, I arrived in the rear of Vicksburg and rejoined the division in the afternoon of that day. During the remainder of the 19th instant and all day of the 20th, my brigade acted as a reserve to the troops of Smiths division, operating against the for- tifications of Vicksburg. At night of the 20th, orders were received to move forward and take the advance, relieving Landrams brigade, of Smiths division, which was quietly and qnickly done under cover of the darkness. As soon as I had taken the advance, to protect my ranks from the enemys sharp- shooters rifle-pits were put in course of construction. This work progressed favorably during the 21st. Two pieces of ar- tillery, belonging to the Peoria Battery, were also brought np and planted on our right, in line with the pits. Late in the evening of the 21st, orders were received to charge the enemys works at 10 a. m. on the 22d instant, this to be a part of a simultaneous movement of our whole army upon the rebel fortifications. For an account of the operations of this brigade on May 22, you are respectfully referred to the ofhcial report of the Second Brigade, Four- teenth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, May 22, 1863. By daylight on the morning of the 22d instant, my brigade, consist- ing of the Eleventh Wisconsin and the Twenty-fir-st and Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers, had moved forward and occnpied the ravine immedi- ately in front of and about 100 yards from the rebel fortifications. The Ninety-seventh Illinois, Lieutenant-Colonel Martin, placed temporarily under my command, was stationed in the ravine in the rear of the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers. Here they were sheltered by the brow of the hill, on the top and a little to the rear of which the enemys works were constructed. This position they continued to occupy without change until the hour (10 a. ni.) appointed for the char~e arrived. Promptly at the hour my line was formed for the assault, the Twenty-second Iowa, Col. Will- iam M. Stone, occupying the right; the Eleventh Wisconsin, Colonel Harris, the left, with the Twenty-first Iowa, Major Van Anda, support ing the Twenty-second, and the Ninety-seventh Illinois the Eleventh Wisconsin. Colonel Stone led his regiment against the enemys fort directly in our front; the Eleventh Wisconsin, Colonel Harris, charged toward the rifle-pits to the left of the foff, the two snpporting regiments closely following. As soon as they reached the crest of the hill, a terri- ble fire from the enemy in fl-out and on both flanks swept the ground and did fearful execution. Officers and men fell on every side; but, with a courage that could not be daunted, the Twenty- second and Twenty- first Iowa on the right, and the Eleventh Wisconsin and a portion of the Ninety-seventh Illinois on the left, moved upon the enemy~s works. Reaching them, the width and depth of the ditch in front of the works, combined with the heavy fire poured into them-~by the rebels, checked the main advance of the Twenty-second and Twenty-first Iowa; a few brave men, however, leaping into the ditch, clambered up the sides of the fort, rushed into it, engaging in a hand-to-hand conflict with the rebels occnpyi~g the outer wing of the fort, overcame them, killing many and compelling the remainder to surrender. Thns a portion of their works were in our possession, with the flag of the Twenty-second Iowa planted upon the walls. Those men of the Twenty-first an Page 141 CHAr. XXXVI.] ENGAGEMENT AT BIG BLACK RIVER BRIDGE, MISS. 141 Twenty-second who did not go into the fort sheltered themselves in the ditch in its front and the gullies washed on the sides of the bill, and opened a vigorous and effective fire upon the rebels. On the left, the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, Colonel Harris, with portions of the Twenty-second and Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, which had become detached from their commands, and Ninety-seventh illinois, succeeded in crossing the brow of the hill, under shelter of which their line had been formed; but, unfortunately, between them and the ene- mys pits in their front was a deep and hitherto concealed ravine, filled with abatis. Into this Colonel Harris moved with his command, but beyond it, owing partly to the difficulty of the ravine itself, partly to the concentrated fire of the enemy, and partly to a want of sufficient sup- port, he found it impossible to advance. Disposing of his men in the bottom and along the sides of the ravine as best he could, he halted and bravely held his ground. In the mean time Landrams brigade had moved forward to my sup- port, and as it came up into the ravine the Nineteenth Kentucky was ordered to move over the bill to the assistance of the Eleventh Wis- consin Volunteers, which, under the leadership of the major command- ing, they promptly did, losing, however, many men in the passage, among whom, I regret to say, was their gallant major. The Seventy-seventh Illinois moved up to the right to the support of the Twenty-second and Twenty-first Iowa. Facing the fire of the enemy, they advanced upon the rebel fort, and planted their banner on its walls beside those of the Twenty-second Iowa. The One hun- dred and thirtieth Illinois halted in the ravine as a reserve; but while my command was being strengthened, as above, the enemy were not idle. Heavy re-enforcements had been drawn from their right and massed in my front behind their works. As my men were already much exhausted, and as the re-enforcements sent them were light, farther advance under the circumstances was deemed impracticable, and orders were accordingly issued directing the men of the two brigades to hold the ground already gained, and this with the hope that re-enforcements might soon be thrwarded, with whose aid they might assault the rebel works with a certainty of suc- cess. No re-enforcements, however, could be spared us during the forenoon, and until late in the afternoon our position remained the same as in the morning. All the efforts of the enemy to dislodge or drive us back were unavailing. At sunset, however, a determined rush was made by the rebels to regain possessjon of their work, which, in consequence of the exhaustion of the men holding it, was successful. Falling back a few rods from the rebel works until they obtained the protection of the crest of the hill, my men halted and opened such a fire upon the enemy as effectually checked their advance an(l compelled them to remain close under the protection of their works. A heavy fire was kept up from both sides until dark, when, by mutual consent, it ceased. At 8 p. m. I received orders to withdraw my men and occupy the same ground I held the evening before the charge, which was promptly done, after bringing off all my wounded, with the exception of those in the ditch immediately under the rebel works. The loss of the brigade in the course of the days fighting was very heavy. Out of the three regiments composing it, 375 were killed, wounded, and missing. An official list is herewith snbmitted.* Among the killed I regret to name Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, of the Twenty-first Iowa, who, though quite lame from a wound in the Not found; but see revised statement, p. 161 Page 142 142 MISSISSIPPI, ~vVEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVIL foot received in the battle near Port Gibson, still managed to make his way to the advance of his regiment soon after the charge, where he was almost immediately killed by a shot through the head. Among the wounded was Col. William M. Stone, of the Twenty-sec- ond Iowa, who received a ball through the arm soon after the flag of his regiment was planted on the walls of the rebel fort; also Lieuten- ant-Colonel Graham, of the same regiment, who was wounded and taken prisoner with several others in the evening, when the enemy regained possession of their works. It is useless to undertake to make mention of all who distinguished themselves for bravery and gallant conduct. All officers and men did their (Pity nobly, and by their coolness and courage added new honors to those won at Port Gibson, at Champions Hill, and Big Black. Sergt. Joseph B. Griffith, Company I, Twenty-second Iowa Volunteers, distinguished himself particularly in the charge on the fort, and is the only survivor but one of the men who took it in the morning. ~Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, M. K. LAWLEIR, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. Capt. C. H. DYER, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 5. Report of Lieut. Gol. Gornelius W. Dunlap, Twenty-first Iowa infantry. IN CAMP NEAR BLACK RIVER, MISSISSIPPI, May 18, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the position of the Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in the memorable battle of Black River, May 17, 1863. The Twenty-first was formed in line of battle on the right, and im- mediately in front of the enemys fortifications, with the gallant Twenty- third Iowa Regiment on our right. Important maneuvering and skir- mishing took place from this position until late in the forenoon, when orders were received to charge and carry the enemys intrenchments at the point of the bayonet. The order was obeyed. The right moved out of the woods in good order and charged on the run across the open plain in front of the enemys works, a~li~tance of about 800 yards, driv- ing the enemy in utter confusion from their breastworks and rifle-pits and entering in triumph the stronghold of the Tel)els. The enemy was strongly posted on our right, as well as in front. The bullets came in showers from the flanks, and, comnbined with those coming from the horde of rebels in the rifle-pits in front, made an awful hail-storm, through which it seemed a miracle that a single man passed uninjured. Colonel Merrill, commanding the regiment in the first part of the charge with devotion and bravery, fell, severely wounded, while gallantly lead- ing his regiment against the enemy. The Twenty-first captured a great many prisoners. This brilliant charge proved very destructive to the regiment, and our loss was very heavy. An official list is herewith transmitted.* Officers and men, with but one or two exceptions, behaved coolly and bravely, and their conduct reflects great credit upon thems.elves and their State, and creates a feeling of pride and gratitude on the part of their friends. See revised statement, p. 130 Page 143 143 CLIAL XXXVI.] SKIRMISH ABOVE GREE~NYILLE, MISS. I caimot, of course, make mention of all those who distinguished them- selves on that battle-field, as that would be to COPY the roll of all present. Maj. S. (3-. Van Anda received the highest credit for the coolness and bravei-v with which he conducted the charge, the left being in front, thron o-h the storm of leaden hail. Much of the success of the charge is owing to his gallant conduct and daring example. Captain Harrison was one of the first officers on the enemy~s works. Captains Swivel, Voorhees, Watson, Boardman, and Crooke behaved with great coolness. Lieutenants Roberts, Childs, and Dolson received the praise of all who saw their bravery. Lieutenant Howard, of Company B, acting adjutant, received a mortal ~vound while gallantly performing his part in this gallant charge. We lost many of our bravest men, but it was a great undertaking, and the object accomplished was the most important of the war. To Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Jackson, of the staff too much I)raise cannot be given. Their conduct was brave and noble, and they are held in the highest respect by every officer and soldier of the coin- mand for the faithful manner in which they performed their duties. I am, captain, your most obedient servant, C. W. DUNLAP, Lieutenant- Colonel Twenty-first Iowa. Captain WILSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. MAY 17, 1863.Skirmish near Bridgeport, Miss. Report of Col. Clark Wright, Sixth Missouri Cavalry. BRIDGEPORT, MISS., May 17, 1863. COLONEL: I engaged General [A. W.] Reynolds this morning 3 miles from this place. He had one brigade and two batteries. In my first charge his lines broke and he retreated precipitately toward this place, wheti I came up and fought him three hours, until General Blair came Ill). He succeeded in getting most of his command across. I captured some 160 prisoners, two wagons and teams with provisions, and a num- ber of mules. General Blair relieved me, and I sent the command out to first plantation to feed men and horses, they having had nothing since yesterday morning. General Sherman has arrived here. As soon as I rest, I will cross at this point and join you at the earliest opportunity. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, CLARK WRIGHT, Colonel. W. T. CLARK, Col. and Asst. Adjt. Gen. Seventeenth Army Corps. 1~IAY 18, 1863.Skirmish near Island ~o. 82, above Greenville, Miss. Report of Brig. Gem Jacob C. Lauman, U. S. Army. HDQRS. FOLTRTII DIVISION, SIXTEENTII ARMY ColIPS, On Board Steamer Luminary, May 19, 1863. COLONEL: When we arrived within 15 miles of Greenville by way of river, and 7 across the land, our advance boat, the Crescent City, wa Page 144 144 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. fired into several times from the Mississippi side, wounding 9 men se- riously and 5 slightly of the Third Iowa. We immediately landed all of our troops, and pushed forward our cav- alry to the point from which we noticed the battery had been planted, but when the cavalry came up the battery had fled. We immediately started in pursuit, and chased theta about 9 miles, but could not keep up with them, not knowing the country as well as they did, and finally were compelled to give up the chase without ac- complishing the purpose of our landing. There are several points above Greenville which the enemy have pierced, making embrasures, and from one of these he made his attack on us. If a strong force of cavalry could be sent to laud above Green- ville, I think there would be no difficulty in taking this battery, but they are so well mounted that it is folly for infantry to pursue them. They had four pieces of artillery. We have just arrived at Youngs Point, and are awaiting orders. We are now proceeding to Grand Gulf. Very respectfully, yours, J. G. LALUMAN~ Brigadier- General. Lient. Col. HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General. ~AY 18, 1863.Skirmish on Horn Lake Creek, Tenn. Report of Capt. Arthur ill. Sherman, Second Wisconsin Cavalry. CAMP SECOND WISCONSIN CAVALRY, May 18, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit this my report of the result of the expedition under my command, which left our camp at 1 p. m. to report to brigade commander, Colonel Moore, Twenty-first Missouri Infantry. I received instructions to proceed upon the Hernando road 10 or 12 miles with 75 men, and dispatch 25 men by the Pigeon Roost road to intersect the Hernando road and form a junction with me again, and, if the enemy were discovered in any force, to hold them in check, and report the fact to brigade headquarters.~ After proceeding some 4 miles beyond ~oncounah, the advance dis- covered two pickets and gave chase. After running half a mile, one of them abandoned a United States horse and saddle and fled into the woods, the horse falling iuto our hands. We proceeded then near unto Horn Lake Creek, and discovered a picket of some 8 or 10 men, who seemed reluctant to abandon their post; whereupon I halted my com- mand, without showing its strength; and advanced Lieutenant Sho- walter, with 20 men, for the purpose of chargii~g them, after becoui- ing convinced they had no reserve to support them; but, if such should be the case, to feint being unsupported, and fall back and draw them out. He advanced upon them, they retreating beyond Horn Lake Creek. He discovered at this time a squad on his right and left, which he im- mediately engaged, they as soon giving way, and returning into the timber. He immediately communicated to me the facts of his engage- ment, whereupon I adv~inced with one-half of the 50 men I had left, th Page 145 CHAP. XXXVI.] SCOUTS FROM LA GRANGE, TLNN. 145 25 sent by the Pigeon Roost road not yet having overtaken us. About the time or a little before my arrival to the front and abandoned their post. , the enemy had all fled It being now nearly dark, and my men without either food or blankets, 1 decided to return to camp. All of which is respectfully submitted. A. M. SHERMAN, Captain, Commanding Company ii, Second lVisconsin (Jarairy. Lieut. Col. LEVI STERLING. P. S.I met one of our spies coming in from. liernando, who reported General Chahners presence there with 400 men, and that Major [G. L.j Blythe is this side with 300 men. MAY 19, 1863.Scouts from La Grange, Tenn. Report of . Col. Edward hatch, commanding Cara iry Brigade. hEADQUARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, La Grange, Tenn., May 19, 1863. CAPTAIN: Thc colonel corn in anding directs me to say that he has the honor to submit the following report from the scouts this day: One company Second Iowa Cavalry found on Ripley road, 10 mjles south of this, a party of rebel cavalry of 60 to 100 men. Had quite a sharp skirmish, in which two of our men were quite severely wounded. Rebel loss unknown, but supposed to be much greater than ours. The rebels retired to the southwest. Patrols followed but a short distance farther. One company (Second Iowa Cavalry) found about 70 of the rebels, supposed to be Mitchells men, drawn up in line of battle in a field on the right and three-fourths of a mile distant from the road, 13 miles from this place, on Salem road. 2 miles this side of Salem. On our inca (leploying as skirmishers, the rebels withdrew at the trot, not firing a shot, in a westerly (lirection. The officer in command of this com- pany reports sending to your headquarters a prisoner just from Jack- son. About 100 of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry w& nt to Mount Pleasant by the way of Early Grove. They saw nothing. I-heard of 6 men passing one hour in advance of them through Early Grove, but found or heard nothing of them at Mount Pleasant. They got rumors of 200 rebels at. Alexanders Mills, on the Coldwater, south of Mount Pleasant, but nothing reliable. No other forces or movem cuts of the enemy are reported. I am, very respectfully, your obedidlit servant, XV. SCOTT KELDEN, Lien temtan t and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Captain HARLAND, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen.. First Dir ision, Sixteenth Army Corps. 10 R ItVOL XXIV, PT I Page 146 146 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVI. NAY 19JULY 4,1863.The Siege of Vicksburg, Niss. REPOT~TS.* No. 1.Organization of the Union forces operating against Vicksburg, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding, May 18July 4. No. 2.Return of Casualties in the Union forces engaged at Yicksbnrg, May 19. No. 3.Return of Casualties in the Union forces in the assault on Yickshurg, May 22. No. 4.General Summary of Casualties in the Union forces during the operations against Yicksburg, May 1July 4. No. 5.Capts. Frederick E. Prime and Cyrus B. Comstock, U. S. Corps of Engi- neers, Chief Engineers Army of the Tennessee. No. 6.Licut. Peter C. Hams, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer Thirteenth Army Corps. No. 7.Capt. William L. B. Jenney, additional aide-dc-camp, U. S. Army, Acting Engineer Officer Fifteenth Army Corps, including operations since May 9. No. 8.Capt. William Kossak, additional nide-de-camp, U. S. Army, Acting Engi- neer Officer. No. 9.Capt. Henry C. Freeman, additional aide-dc-camp, U. S. Army, Acting En- gineer Officer Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 10.Capt. Andrew Hickenlooper, Chief Engineer Seventeenth Army Corps, in- cluding operations since April 17. No. 11.Capt. Stewart R. Tresilian, Engineer Officer Third Division, includin gopera- tions since April 25. No. 12.Maj. Gen. Edward 0. C. Ord, U. S. Army, commandir.g Thirteenth Army Corps. No 1 Brig. Gen. Petcr J. Osterhans, U. S. Army, commandin~ Ninth Division. No. 14.Capt. Charles II. Lauphere, Seventh Michigan Batt ry, including operations May 16 and 17. No. 15.Lient. Oscar F. Nutting, First Wisconsin Battery. No. 16.Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 17.Col. James Kei~win, Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry, commandin~ First Bri- gade. No. 18.Col. John G. Fonda, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry, includ- ing operations May 16 and 17. No. 19.Col. Thomas J. Lucas, Sixteenth Indiana Infantry, First Brigade, Tenth Division, including operations since April 13. No. 20.Col. Peter J. Sullivan, Forty-eighth Ohio Infantry, Second Brigade, includ- ing operations since Decemher 20, 1862. No. 21.Brig. Gen. Alvin P. Hovey, U. S. Arm, commanding Twelfth Division. No. 22.Maj. Salue G. Van Anda, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, Second Brigade, Four- teenth Division. No. 23.Maj. Joseph B. Atherton, Twenty-second Iowa Infantry. No. 24.Capt. Charles N. Lee, Twenty-second Iowa Infantry, including operations since May 1. No. 25.Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 26.Lient. Col. Simeon D. Swan, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, Fifteenth Army Corps. * See also the eneral reports of Grant, Johnston, MeClernand, and Pemberton; battle of Port Gibson, reports of Buehler and Carr; engagement at Raymond, reports of Davis, Campbe~ Sanborn, .Iohu E. Smith, and John D. Stevenson; engagement at Jackson, reports of Alexander, Bouck, Buckland, Deiniling, Ilil us, Holmes, Hubbard, Mattbies, Sherman, Thomas, and Tuttle (Part I); and engagement at Champions Hill, reports of Burbriclge. Guppey, Lindsey, Osterlians, and Putnam. Also Appen- (lix, pp. 689698 Page 147 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VJCKSI3URG, ~nss. 147 No. 27.Col. Charles iR. Woods, Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, comnianding Second Brigade, First Division, including operations since May 2. No. 28Col. David Carskaddon, Ninth Idwa Infantry, Third Brigade, including operations since December 29, 1862. No. 29.Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair; jr., U. S. Army, eonlman(ling Second Division, in- cluding operations since May 7. No. 30.Capt. Samnel E. Barrett, Battery B, First Illinois Light Artillery. No. 31.Col. Giles A. Smith, Eighth Missouri Infantry, commanding First Brigade, including operations since May 16. No. 32.Col. Thomas Kilby Smith, Fifty-fonrth Ohio Thfantry, commanding Second Brigade, including operations since May 6. No. 33.Col. Oscar Malmborg, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry, incinding operations since May 5. No. 34.Lient. William C. Porter, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry. No. 35.Go]. Hamilton N. Eldridge, One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois In- fantry. No. 36.Lient. Col. Cyrus XV. Fisher, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, inclndin~ operations since May 6. No. 37.Lient. Ce]. Samuel R. Mott, Fifty-seventh Ohio Infantry, inclading opera- tions since May 4. No. 38.Brig. Gen. Hugh Ewing, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 39.Maj. Charles Hipp, Thirty-seventh Ohio Infantry. No. 40.Lient. Joseph R. Reed, Second Iowa Battery, Third Division. No. 41.Licut. Col. Jefferson Brumback, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, First Brigade. No. 42.Col. James L. Geddes, Eighth Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade. No. 43.Brig. Gen. Jacob G. Lauman, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 14Col. Aaron Brown, Third Iowa Infantry, First Brigade, including operations May IS. No. 43.Col. Benjamin Dornhlaser, Forty-sixth lilinois Infantry, Second Brigade No. 46.Maj. CharlesJ. Stolbrand, Second Illinois Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps. No. 47.Brig. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade. No. 48. Col. Manning F. Force Twentieth Ohio Infantry, cominandin~ Second Brigade. No. 49.Brig. Gen. Thomas E. G. Ransom, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Sixth Division, including operations since April 26. No. 50.Col. Thomas W. Humphrey, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry. No. 51.Col. William Hall, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 52.Maj. Charles Foster, Eleventh Iowa Infantry. No. 53.Maj. William A. Walker, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. No. 54.Col. William W. Belkuap, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. No. 55.Lient. Col. John M. Iledrick, Fifteenth Iowa Inflintry. No. 56.Capt. Romulus L. Hanks, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. No. 57.Licut. Go]. Addison H. Sanders, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry. No. 58.Capt. John H. Smith, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry. No. 59.Maj. Edward J. Wood, Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry, First Brigade, Sev- enth Division. No. 60.Lient. Col. John E. Tourtellotte, Fourth Minnesota Inft~ntry. No. 61.Col. Green B. Raum, Fifty-sixth Illinois Infantry, eomni~ ndiug Second Brigade. No. 62.Maj. John F. Walden, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry. No. 63.Licut. Col. E. ~. Sampson, Fifth Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, including operations since April 25 Page 148 1 48 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNE~SFF, ETC. [CUAP. XXXVI. No. 64.Maj. Gen. Francis J. Herron, U. S. Army, comrnindin~ (livision. No. t15.Col. George W. Clark, Thirty-fourth Iowa Lifantiv I irst llrigade. No. 66.Col. Jolin MeNulta, Ninety-fdurth Illinois Infsntry, Second Brigade. No. 67.Lient. Col. Daniel Kent, Nineteenth Iowa InPsntr~ No. 65.Col. Henry Bertram, Twentieth Wisconsin Infantrxr No. 69.Capt. Martin Welficy, Battery B, First Missouii L~bt Artillery. No. 70.Consolidate4 statement of prisoners of war captured and paroled, & c. No. 71.Organization of the ConfQderate Army of Vicksbnrg, Licut. Cen. Julia C Pemberton commanding, July 4, 1563. No. 72.Summary of the Casualties in the Confederate forces during the siege of Yicksbnrg. No. 73.Maj. Samuel II. Lockctt, C. S. Engineers, Chief Enrineer. No. 74.Col. William T. Withers, First Mississippi Light Artillery, Chief of Light Artillery. No. 75.Col. Edward Higgins, C. S. Artillery, commandin~ river batteries. No. 76.Lient. Col. D. Beltzlioover, First Lonisiana Artillery. No. 77.Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson, C. S. Army, commanding division. No. 78.Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Lee, C. S~ Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 79.Capt. A. C. Roberds, Twenty-third Alabama Infantry. No. S0.Muj. George W. Mathieson, Thirty-first Alabama Infantry. No. 81.Capt. George E. Brewer, Forty-sixth Alabama Infantry. No. 82.Col. A. W. Reynolds, C. S. Army, commanding Fourth Brigade. No. 53.Co1. T. N. Waul, Texas Legion. No. 84.Maj. Gen. John I-I. Forney, C. S. Army, commanding division. No. 85.Brig. Gca. Louis H6bert, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 86.Brig. Gen. John C. Moore, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 87.Col. Ashbel Smitb, Second Texas Infantry. No. 88.Maj. Gen. M. L. Smith, C. S. Army, commanding division. No. 89.Brig. Gen. W. E. Baldwin, C. S. Army, commanding First Brig de. No. 90.Brig. Gen. F. A. Shoup, C. S. Aruiy, commanding Third Brigade. No. 91.Maj. Gen. John S. Bowen, C. S. Army, commanding division. No. 92.Col. Francis M. Cockrell, Second Missouri lufautry, comu unding First Brigade. No. 93.Brig. Gen. Mart in E. Green, C. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade. No. 94.Col. Thomas P. Dockery, Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 95.Capt. James W. Barclay and Lient. II. Wilkerson, First Missouri Cavalry, and letters of congratulation. No. 96.Surg. Benjamin D. Lay, C. S. Army. No. 97-Abstract from morning report of si~k ai~d wounded of the Coufederate Army at Yicksbnrg, July 4,1863. INo. 1. Organization of the Union forces operating against Viclsb erg, iIIaj. Gen. Ulysses AS. Grant, U. ~3. Army, commanding, iltay l 8. July .1 - I ~ ARMY OF TIlE TENNESSEE. Maj. Gen. LTLYssvs 5. GI~ANT:~ EscoRT. 4th Illinois Cavalry, Company A, Capt. Embury D. Osbund. ENGiNEERS. 1st Battalion Engineer Regiment of the West, Mmmj. William Tweeddale Page 149 ChAP. X~CXV1.1 THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 149 NINTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JoHN G. PARKE. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gem ThOMAS WELSh. First Brigade. Third Brigade. Cal. IivNi~y BOWMAN. Cal. I )ANIEL Lmxsuiw. 86th Massachusetts, Lent. Cal. John B. 2(1 Michigan, Cal. William Ilninphrey. Norton. 8th Michigan, Cal. Frank Craves. 17th Michigan, Lient. Cal. Constant Luce. 20th Michir 27th Mkluigan, Cal Doriis M p~ ~RiI, Lieiit. Cal. W Hnntin~ ton Smith. 45th Pennsylvania, Cal. John I. Curtin. 79th New York, Cal. I )avid Morrison. I 100th Pennsylvania, Lien t. Cal. Mathew M. Dawson. Artillery. Pennsylvania Light, Battery D, Capt. George W. Durell. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ROBERT B. POTmm First Brigade. Second Brioade. Cal. SIMON G. GRIFFIN. Brig. Gen. Er~wAnn PERRERO. tkh New hampshire, Lient. Cal. Ilenry 35th Massachusetts, Cal. Sumner Carruth. H. Pearson. 11th New Hampshire, Licut. Cal. Moses 9th New Hampshire, Cal. Ilerbert B. N. Collins. Titns. 51st New York, Cal. Charles W. La Gen 7th Rhode Island, Cal. Zenas R. Bliss. i dre. 51st Pennsylvania, Cal. John P. hart- Tanft. Third Brigade. Cal. BENJAMIN C. CHlSIST. 29th Massachnsetts, Lient. Cal. Joseph II. Barnes. 46th New York, Cal. Joseph Gerhardt. 50th Pennsylvania, Lient. Cal. Thomas S. Brenholtz. Artillery. 2(1 New York Light, Battery L, Capt. Jacob Roamer. ARTILLERY RESERVE. 2d United States, Battery E, hient. Samnnel N. Benjamin. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JoHN A. MCCLERNAND. Maj. Gen. EDWARD 0. C. ORD. ESCORT. Id Illinois Cavalry, Commany L, Capt. David R. Sparks. PlONEERS. Kentucky Infantry (Independent Company), Capt. William P. Patterson. Joined front tite Department of the Ohio, Jnne 14 to 17. Transferred fran~in Second Division June 25. Relieved June 19 Page 150 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. NINTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHAUS. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALBERT L. LEE. ~Col. JAMES KEIGWIN.U 118th Illinois, Col. John G. Fonda. 49th Indiana: Maj. Arthur J. Hawhe. Lient. Col. Joseph H. Thornton. 69th Indiana: Col. Thomas W. Bennett. Lient. Col. Oran Perry. 7th Kentucky: Lieut. Col. John Lucas. Col. Reuben May. 120th Ohio, Col. Marcus M. Spiegel. Second Brigade. Col. DANIEL W. LINDSEY. 54th Indiana, Col. Fielding Mansfield. 224 Kentucky, Lient. Col. George W. Monroe. 16th Ohio: Capt. Eli XV. Botsford. Maj. Milton Mills. 424 Ohio: Lieut. Col. Don A. Pardee. Col. Lionel A. Sheldon. 114th Ohio: Col. John Cradlebaugh. Lieut. Col. John H. Kelly. Cavalry. 24 Illinois (five companies), Lieut. Col. Daniel B. Bush, jr. 34 Illinois (three companies), Capt. John L. Campbell. 6th Missouri (seven companies), Col. Clark Wright. Artillery. Capt. JACOB T. FOSTER. Michigan Light, 7th Battery, Capt. Charles H. Lanphere. Wisconsin Light, 1st Battery, Lient. Oscar F. Nutting. TENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH. Escort. First Brigade. Brig. Cen. STEPHEN G. BURI3nIDGE. 16th Indiana: Col. Thomas J. Lucas. Maj. James H. Redfield. 60th Indiana, Col. Richard Owen. 67th Indiana, Lient. Col. Theodore Buehler. 83(1 Ohio, Col. Frederick W. Moore. 96th Ohio, Col. Joseph W. Vance. 234 Wisconsin: Col. Joshua J. Guppey. Licut. Col. William F. Vilas. 4th Indiana Cavalry, Company C, Capt. Andrew P. Gallagher. Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM J. LANDRAM. 77th Illinois, Col. David P. Crier. 97th Ilhnoss: Col. Friend S. Rutherford. Lient. Col. Lewis D. Martin. E. 130th Illinois, Col. Nathaniel Niles. 19th Kentucky: Lient. Col. John Cowan. Maj. Josiah J. Mann. 48th Ohio: Licut. Col. Job R. Parker. Col. Peter J. Sullivan. Artillery. Illinois Light, Chicago Mercantile Battery, Capt. Patrick TI. White. Ohio Light,l7th Battery: Capt. Ambrose A. Blount. Capt. Charle~ S. Rice. * Assnined command May 19. 150 [Ciiu~. XXXVI Page 151 CHAP. XXXVI.] TIlE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. TWELFTh DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALVIN P. Hoviey. Escort. 1st Indiana Cavalry, Company C, Lient. James L. Carey. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gem GEORGE F. MCGINNIS. Col. JAMES II. SLAcIt. liii Indiana, Lient. Col. William XV. 87th Illinois, Gui. John E. Whiting. D in Ii 47th Indiana, Licut. Col. John A. 2lth h4hana Co William T. Spicely. Laughlin. 34th led in 24th Iowa: Col Robert A. Cameron. Col. Eber C. Byam. dij Robert B. Jones. Lient. Co]. John Q. Wilde. Gel R eft A. Cameron. 28th Iowa, Col. John Council. 46th ledvini Ccl Thomas H. Bringhurst. 56th Ohio, Col. William II. Raynor. 29tb V iscontin Col Chides R. Gill. Lient Cci William A. Greene. Me Artillery. 1st Missouri Light, Battery A, Capt. George XV. Schofield. Ohio Light, 2d Ba.ttery, Liout. Augustus Beach. Ohio Light, 16th Battery, Licut. Russell P. Twist. FOURTEENTII DIVISION. Brig. Gen. EUGENE A. CA ii. Escort. 3d Illinois Cavalry, Company G: Capt. Enos MePhali. Capt. Samuel S. h arrett. First Brigade. (1.) Brig. Gen. WILLIAM P. BENrON. (~2.) Col. HENRY D. WASIIRURN. (3.) Col. DAVID Snu7& K.i 33d Illinois, Col. Charles E. Lippincott. 99th Illinois: Col. George W K. Bailey. Lient. Col. Lemuel Parke. 8th Indiana. Coi. David Shank. Maj. Thomas J. Brady. 18th Indiana: Col. Henry D. Washburn. Capt. Jonathan H. Williams 1st United States (siege guns), Maj. Maurice Maloney. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. MICHAEL K. LAWLEII. 21st Iowa: Licut. Col. Cornelius W. Dunlap. 22(1 Maj. Salue C. Van Anda. Iow& : Col. William M. Stone. Licut. Col. Ilarvey Graham. Maj. Joseph B. Atherton. Capt. Charles N. Lee. 23d Iowa, Col. Samuel L. Glasgoxv. 11th XVisconsin: Col. Charles L. Harris. Maj. Arthur Piatt. Artillery. 2d Illinois Light, Battery A: Li~ut. Frank B. Fenton. Capt. Peter Davidson. Indiana Light, 1st Battery, Capt. Martin Klanss. Assumed. command. May 31. 1 Assumed command. June 27. 15 Page 152 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. FIFTEENTIT ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gcn. WILLIAM T. SrwnraAN. FIRST DIVISION. MaJ. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE. Eirsf Brigade. (I.) Col. FRANCIS I-I. MANTEJI. (2.) Gel. BERNARD U. FARIIAR. 1:3 U I lbnois Ce]. Adam B. Gorgas. 2livoIi,, Ce]. Thomas Curly. 20t1 M,soovi Go]. James Peckham. U M~o u LienS. Go]. Otto Schadt. .14 Ce] Thomas C. Fletcher. 1 j rederiek Jaensch. Liuti Ce]. SInuel P. Simpson. P(j M~oon Maj. Abraham .1. Scay. Second Brigade. Col. ChARLES R. Woons. 25th Iowa, Ce]. George A. Stone. 31st Iowa: Col. William Smytl. Maj. Theodore Stimming. 3d Missouri, Lient. Col. Theodore Mcn- mann. 12th Missouri, Col. I-logo Wangelin. 17th Missouri: Col. Francis Ilassendeuhel. Lient. Col. John F. Cramer. 76th Ohio, Lient. Go]. William B. Woods. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOhN M. THAYER. 4th Iowa: Col. James A. Williamson. Lient. Ce]. George Burton. 9th Iowa: Maj. Don. A. Carpenter. Capt. Frederick S. Washburn. Col. David Carskaddon. 26th Iowa, Col. Milo Smith. 30th Iowa: Go]. Charles II. Abbott. Co]. William Al. G. Torrenee. Artillery.t Iowa Light, 1st Battery, Capt. Henry H. Griffiths. 2d Missouri Light, Battery F, Capt. Clemens Landgraeher. Ohio light, 4th Battery, Capt. Louis Hoffmanir. Cavalry. Kane County (Illinois) Independent Company, Lient. Thomas J. Beebe. 3d Illinois, Company D, Liout. Jonathan Kershuer. SECONi) DIVISION. AIaj. Gen. FRANK P. BLAIR. First Briqade. Ce]. GILES A. SMITh. 113th Illinois: CC)]. George B. I-loge. Lient. Col. John NV. Paddock. 116th Illinois, Col. Nathan NV. Topper. 6th Missouri: Licut. Col. Ira Bontell. Ccl. James II. Blood. 5th Missouri, Lient. Col. David C. Cole- man. 13th United States, 1st Battalion: Capt. Edward C. Washington. Capt. Charles Ewin. Capt. Charies~. Smith. Sceend Brigade. Gel. THoMAS KILBY SMITH. Brig. Ceo. JesaPil A. J. LhoarnunN.t 55th Illinois, Gel. Oscar Ma]mhorg. 127th illinois, Gel. Hamilton N. Eldridge. 53d Iodiana~, Gel. Benjamin J. Spooner. 54th Ohio, Licot. Gel. Gyros W. Fisher. 57th Ohio: Gel. Americos V. Rice. Licot. C~. Samuel U. Mott. 152 [COAL. XXLVL AsSumed coretnand June 13. Maj. Ezra Taylor, chief ot the corps artillery. t Assoored core mano May 24 Page 153 CHAP. XXXYJ.1 TI-IL SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. huGh EWING. lOth Ohio: Lieut. Col. George H. Huldt. Col. Theodore Jones. ~i7th Ohio: Lient. Col. Louis von Blessin gb. Maj. Charles Hipp. Col. Edward Siber. 47th Ohio, Col. Augustus C. Parry. 4th West Virginia, Col. James it. Dayton. Artillery. 1st Illinois Light, Battery A, Capt. Peter P. Wood. 1st Illinois Light, Battery B: Capt. Samuel E. Barrett. Lieut. Israel P. Rumsey. 1st Illinois Light, l3attery II, Capt. Levi W. Hart. Ohio Light, 8th Battery, Capt. James F. Putnam. Cavalry. Thielernauns (Illinois) Battalion, Companies A and B, Capt. Milo Thielemann. 10th Missouri, Company C: Capt. Daniel XV. Ballon. Lient. Benjamin Joel. ThIRD DIVIShON. Brig. Gen. JAMES M. TUTTLE. Secosd Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. MowEn. 47th Illinois, Lient. Col. Samuel R. Baker. 5th Minnesota, Col. Lucius F. hubbard. 11th Missouri: Col. Andrew J. Weber. Lient. Col. William L. Barnum. 8th Wisconsin, Col. George W. hlobbins. P9,1 Brigade. Brig Cicn Ilupir P. BUCKLAND. (oh V IJLIXM L. MCMJLLEN.* 111th Itiiimeis Ce] J~rmes W. Judy. 929 India Ccl Dc Witt C. Thomas. Xl 01 Lu it Col Le Roy Crockett. Maj Chiiles G. Eaton. 95th Ohm Col William L. McMullen. Licut. Ccl. Jefferson Brumback. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. CHARLES L MArrnirEs. Ccl. JOSEPIr J. WOODS.t 8th Iowa, Col. James L. Ceddes. 12th Iowa: Ccl. Joseph J. Woods. Licut. Col. Samuel R. Edoiagton. 25th iowa, Ccl. Sylvester G. liii]. Capt. NELSON T. SpooR. 1st Illinois Light, Battery F, Capt. Allen C. Waterhouse. Iowa Light, 24 Battery, Licut. Joseph II. Reed. - UNATTACHED CAVALRY. 4th Iowa, Licut. Cal. Simeon D. Swan. As-;nnd cciiimaan(1 June 22. Assumed command Juno ~i. 15 Page 154 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TEJNESSEE, ETC. [CeAr. XXXVI. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS. (Detachment.) Maj. Gen. CADWALLADER C. WASHBURN. FIRST DIVISION.* Brig. Gen. WILLIAM Soot S~rITIr. Escort. 7th Illinois Cavalry, Company B, Capt. henry C. Forbes. First Brigade. Col. JOHN M. LOOMIS. 26th Illinois, Maj. John B. Ilarris. 90th Illinois, Col. Timothy OMeara. 12th Indiana, Col. Reuben Williams. 100th Indiana, Lient. Col. Albert heath. Second Brigade. Col. STEPHEN G. Hrcies. 40th hllinois, Maj. Hiram W. Hall. 1084 Illinois, Col. Willard A. Dickerman. 15th Michigan, Col. John M. Oliver. 40th Ohio, Col. Charles C. Walentt. Third Brigade. Col. JOSEPJI R. COCKEI:ILL. 97th Indiana, Col. Robert P. Catterson. 99th Indiana, Col. Ale~ ander Powler. 534 Ohio, Col. Wells S. Jones. 70th Ohio, Maj. William B. Brown. Fourth Brigade. Col. WILLIAM W. SANFORD. 48th Illinois, Lient. Col. Lacien Great- house. 6th Iowa, Col. John M. Corse Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM COGSWELL. 1st Illinois Light, Battery F, Capt. John T. Cheney. 1st Illinois Light, Battery I, Lieut. William N. Lansing. Illinois Light, CogsweiPs Battery, Licut. Henry (I. Eddy. Indiana Light, 6th Battery, Capt. Michael Mneller. FOURTH DIVISIONt Brig. Gen. JACOB G. LAUMAN. First Brigade. Col. ISAAC C. Pucji. 41st Illinois, Lient. Col. John II. Nale. 534 Illinois, Lient. Col. Seth C. Earl. 3d Iowa, Col. Aaron Brown. 334 Wisconsin, Col. Jonathan B. Moore. Second Brigade. Col. CYRUS h-hALL. 14th Illinois: Lient. Col. William Cam. Capt. Angnstns II. Corninan. 15th Illinois, Col. C corge C. Rogers. 46th Illinois, Col. Benjamin Dornblaser. .76t~ Illinois, Col. Saninel T. Bnsey. 534 Indiana, t Col. Walter Q. Gresham. Third Brigade. Col. GEORGE B. BRYANT. Col. AMORY K. JOHNSON.~ 28th Illinois, Maj. Hinnian Rhodes, 324 Illinois: Col. John Logan. Lient. Col. William 1{mx~r. 12th Wisconsin: Lient. Col. Dc Witt C. Poole. Col. George E. Bryant. 154 Joined from L~ Grange. Team, Jane 12. Joined from Memphis, Tena., May 13 to 20. Temporarily attached to the Thir- teenth Corps. I Transferred to Third Brirade Jane 22. ~ Assamed command Jane 9 Page 155 CnAP XXXVI.] THE SIEGE 01? VICKSBURG, MISS. 155 Cavalry. 15th Illinois, Companies F and I, Maj. James G. Wilson. Artillery. Capt. GEORGE C. GUMBART. 24 Illinois Light, Battery E, Licut. George L. Nispel. 2d Illinois Light, Battery K, Capt. Benjamin F. Rodgers. Ohio Light, 5th Battery, Lient. Anthony B. Burton. Ohio Light, 7th Battery, Capt. Silas A. Burnap. Ohio Light, 15th Battery, Capt. Edward Spear, Jr. PROVISIONAL DIVISION. * Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL. Engclmasns Brigade. Richmonds Brigade. Col. ADOLPII ENGELMANN. Col. JONATHAN RIChMOND. 434 Illinois, Lient. Col. Adolph iDengler. 18th Illinois, Col. Daniel II. Brush.. (31st Illinois, Maj. Simon P. Ohr. 54th Illinois, Col. Greenville M. Mitchell. 106th Illinois, Maj. John M. Hurt. 126th Illinois, Mnj. William XV. Wilshire. 12th Michigan, Col. Williani H. Graves. 22d Ohio, Col. Oliver Wood. Montgomerys Brigade. Col. MILTON MONTGOMERY. 40th Iowa, Col. John A. Garrett. 3d Minnesota, Col. Channecy W. Griggs. 25th Wisconsin, Licut. Col. Samuel J. Nasmith. 27th Wisconsin, Col. Conrad Krcz. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON. ESCORT. 4th Company Ohio Cavalry, Capt. John S. Foster. THIRD DIVISION. Maj. Gen. JonN A. LOGAN. Escort. 24 Illinois Cavahy, Company A, Lient. William B. Cammins. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Bri ~. Gen. JoIIN E. SMITh. Brig. Gen. MORTIMER D. LEGGETI. Brig. Gen. MORTIMER D. LEGGETT.t Col. MANNING F. FORCEd 20th Illinois, Maj. Daniel Bradley. 30th Illinois, Lient. Col. Warren Shcdd. 31st Illinois: 20th Ohio: Lient. Col. John D. Rees. Col. Manning j~. Force. Maj. Robert N. Pearson. Capt. Francis M. Shaklee. 45th Illinois, Col. Jasper A. Maitby. 68th Ohio, Col. Robert K. Scott. 124th Illinois, Ccl. Thomas J. Sloan. 78th Ohio, Lient. Col. Greenberry F.Wiies. 23d Indiana, Lient. Col. William P. Davis. __________________ ___________ * Composed of the First and Second Brigades of the Third Division and four regi- ments from the Sixth Division. Joined from Memphis, Teun., June 3. tAssnined command June 3 Page 156 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. Third Brigade. Brig. Gea. JohN P. STEVENSON. 8th Illinois, Lient. Col. Robert H. Sturgess. 17th Illinois; Lie ut. Col. Francis M. Smith. 81st Illinois: Col. James J. Dollins. Col. Franklin Campbell. 7th Missouri: Capt. Robert Buchanan. Capt. William 13. Collins. 32(1 Ohio, Col. Benjamin F. Potts. Artillery. Maj. CHARLES J. STOLBRAND. 1st Illinois Light, Battery D: Capt. Henry A. Rogers. Lient. George J.Wood. Capt. Frederick Sparrestroin. 2(1 Illinois Light, Battery G:* Capt. Frederick Sparrestrom. Lieut. John W. Lowell. 24 Illinois Light, Battery L, Capt. William IJ. Bolton. Michigan Light, 8th Battery: Capt. Samuel Dc Golyer. Lient. Theodore W. Lockwood. Ohio Light, 3d Battery, Capt. William S. Williams. SIXTh DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN McAnmuE. 11th Illinois Cavalry, First Brigdde. Bri ~. Gcn. HUGH T. REID. 1st Kansas, Col. William Y. Roberts. 16th Wisconsin, Col. Benjamin Allen. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. THOMAS E. G. RANSOM. 11th Illinois: Lient. Col. Garrett Nevins. Lient. Col. James II. Coates. Escort. Company G, Lient. Stepheu S. Tripp. Second BrigadeContinued. 72(1 Illinois, Col. Frederick A. Starring. 95th Illinois: Col. Thomas W. 1-Inmphrey. Lient. Col. Leander Blandeu I Col. Thomas W. Humphrey. 14th Wisconsin, Col. Lyman M. Ward. I 17th Wisconsin: Lient. Col. Thomas McMahoa. Col. Adam G. Malloy. Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM HALL. Gel. ALEXANDER CHAMBEES.t 11th Iowa: Lient. Col. John C. Ahererombie. Col. William Hall. 13th Iowa, Col. John Shane. 15th Iowa, Col. William W. Belkuap. 16th Iowa, Lient. Col. Addison H. Sanders. * By the co1lision~of two steamers May 1, 1863, near Grand Gulf, Miss., this bati cry lost all its guns, and was sent to Memphis to refit. It rejoined the army at Viekshurg .Jnne 30. Meantime Captain Sparrestrora had heen assigned, June 1(i, to the coniiaand of Battery P First Illinois Light Artillery. tAssumed command June 6. 156 [CHAP. NX~1 Page 157 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. Artillery. Maj. THOMAS P. MAURICE. 2(1 Illinois Light, Battery F, Capt. John W. Powell. Minnesota Light, 1st Battery: Lieut. Henry Hurter. Capt. William Z. Clayton. 1st Missouri Light, Battery C, Capt. Ch8rles Mann. Ohio Light, 10th Battery: Capt. HanLilton B. White. Lient. William L. Newcomh. SEVENTh DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ISAAC F. QUINBY. Brig. Gen. JOIIN E. SMITII. Escort. 4th Missouri Cavalry, Company F, Lieut. Alexander Mueller. First Brigade. Col. JOhN B. S~vNnOhhN. 48th Indiana, Col. Norman Eddy. 59th Indiana, Col. Jesse I. Alexander. 4th Minnesota, Lient. Col. John E. Tour- tellotte. 18th Wisconsin, Col. Gahriel Bouck. Second Brigade. Col. SAMUEL A. HOLi~1Es. Col. GREEN B. RAUM.t 56th Illinois: Col. Green B. Ilanni. Capt. Pinckney J. Welsh. 17th Iowa: Col. David B. Hillis. Col. Clark H. Wever. Maj. John F. Walden. 10th Missouri, Maj. Fralmeis C. l)einding. 24th Missouri, Company F, Lient. l)aniel Driscoll. 80th Ohio: Col. Matthias H. Bartilson. Maj. Pren Metham. Third Brigade. Col. GEORGE B. BOOMEH. Col. HOLDEN PUTNAM.t Brig. Gen. ChARLES L. MATTHIES. ~l 93d Illinois: Col. Holden Putna~. Lieut. Col. Nicholas C. Bnswell. Col. Holden Putnam. 5th Iowa: Lient. Col. Ezekiel S. Sampson. Col. Jahez Banhury. 10th Iowa, Col. William E. Smalk 26th Missouri, Capt. Benjamin D. Dean. Artillery. Capt. FRANK C. SANDS. Capt. HENRY DILLON. II 1st Missouri Light, Battery M, Lient. Jonius XV. MacMurray. Ohio Light, 11th Battery, Lieut. Fletcher E. Armstrono Wisconsin Light, 6th Battery: 6 Capt. Henry Dillon. Lient. Samuel F. Clark. Wisconsin Light, 12th Battery, Capt. William Ziekeriek. 157 Assumed command June ~3. Assumed command June 10. Assumed command May 22. ~ Assumed command June 2. Assumed command June (5. Temporarily attached to Kinihalls division, Sixtee nih Corps, Jnne Ci Page 158 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM VANDE VEIl. 37th Illinois, Col. John C. Black. 26th Indiana, Col. John G. Clark. 20th Iowa, Col. William MeE. Dye. 34th Iowa, Col. George XV. Clark. 38th Iowa, Col. D. Henry Hughes. 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Battery E, Capt. Nelson Cole. 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Battery F, Capt. Joseph Foust. HERRONS DIVISION.* Mnj. Gen. FRANCIS J. HEIITION. Second Brigade. B rig. Gen. WILLIAM W. Orn~in, 94th Illinois, Col. John MeNulta. 19th Iowa, Lient. Col. Daniel Kent. 20th Wisconsin, Col. Henry Bertram. 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Battery B, Capt. Martin Welfley. UNATTAChED CAVALRY. Col. CYIIIJS Bussi~y. 5th Illinois, MaJ. Thomas A. Apperson. 3d Iowa, Mnj. Oliver H. P. Scott. 24 Wisconsin, Col. Thomas Stephens. DISTJiICT NORTIIBAST LOUISIANA. Brig. Geu. ELIAS S. DENNIS. DETAChED BRIGADE. Col. GEORGE W. NI~ErAly. 034 Illinois, Col. Joseph B. MeCown. 108th Illinois, Liout. Col. Charles Turner. 120th Illinois, Col. George W. McKeaig. 131st Illinois: Col. George XV. Neeley. Maj. Joseph L. Purvis. 10th Illinois Cavalry, Companies A, I), C. 111(1 K, M:tj. El cis P. Sliaw. AFRICAN RIIIGADE. Col. IsAAC F. SIWPAlID Post of MiUjicens Bend, La.. Col. HIRAM SCOFIELD. 8th Louisiana, Col. Hiratn S~ofield. 9th Louisiana: Col. Herman Lieb. Maj. Erastus N. Owen. Lient. Col. Charles J. Paine. 11th Loulsiana: Col. Edwin W. Chamberlain. Lient. Col. Cyrus Sears. 13th Louisiana, Lient. H. Knoll. 1st Mississippi, Lieut. Col. A. Watson Webber. 3d Mississippi, Col. Richard II. Ballipger. Post of Goodrichs Landing, La. Col. WILLIAM F. XVOOD. ~st Arkansas, Licut. Col. James W. Campbell. 10th Louisiana, Lieut. Col. Frederick M. Crandall. * Joined from the Department of the Missouri June 11. 158 [C~IAP. XXXV Page 159 THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 159 No. 2. Return qf Casualties in the Union fo~-ces engaged at F7ielcsburg, Miay 19, 1863. [Compiled from nominal list of casualties, returns & a. Killed. Wounded. or aptured. missing. a a Command. a a a S Cu . ~ a ~ a a -a a a a a a CC ~ C) -~ C) --C C~) .~ H) -~ ~ -~ ~ -~ en 0 ~ 0 ~l 0 ~ TIIIRTEENTII ARMY CORPS. General staff officers 97th Illinois. -- -. 118th Illinois 130th Illinois -- 2 10th ludiana I 49th Indiana -- - i 1 67th Indiane 69th Indiana 7th Kentucky 224 Kentucky 10th Ohio 1 42d Ohio Old Ohio - ---- 1 114th Ohio 129th Ohio Total Thirteenth Army Corps 7 FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. I 1. 3 55th Illinois 113th Illinois 114th Illinois 2 llt~th Illinois 6 127th Illinois 1 7 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery B -- Old Indiana -f lId lndian~i 1 4th Iowa 9th Iowa 4 12th Iowa 1 26th Iowa 3 16th Iowa 6th Missouri 3 8th Missouri 7 12th Missours I - 36th Missouri - 1 lIst Missoars 10th Ohio 375h Ohio 2 42 47th Ohio 1 12 .54th Ohio 2 57th Ohio 72d Ohio 1 95th Ohio I 4th West Virginia 1 26 11th United States 21 total Fifteenth Army Corps 10 124 SEVENTREETtI ARMY CORPS. 11th Illinois 72d illinois 914 Illinois 95th Illinois - 26th Missouri 14th Wisconsin 17th Wisconsin Total Seventeenth Army Corps Grand total 10 1 8 8 7 4 1 9 4 - 4 3 2 I 9 2 11 7 9 3 5 88 2 1 6 3 4 5 2 1 1 1 3 1 3 11 6 50 20 7 9 SO 28 2 42 5 13 12 1 31 7 20 17 2 6 2 9 34 37 13 12 10 2 99 43 521 12 2 1 ~1 3 8 3 51 2 6 3 6 30 10 10 103 147 65 712 1 1 1 7 ChAP. XXXVI.] 1 9 8 9 5 11 4 4 3 2 10 8 10 3 100 26 7 12 71 40 2 56 6 - - - - - 13 16 2 14 7 28 26 4 7 3 9 49 5~ 59 15 18 14 2 137 70 7 713 12 4 3 62 2 7 39 129 94 Page 160 160 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. OFFICERS KILLED. ILLINOIS. Lient. Levi IlilI. 55th Infantry. Lient. Ilirani McClintock, 127th Infantry. INDIANA. Capt. Metellus Calvert, 83d Infantry. I Capt. Jolni M. Cresswell, 83d Infantry. MISSOUPJ. Capt. Charles Denny, 12th Infantry. Licut. Celestien M. French, 30th Infantry. 01110. Lient. Gustav A. Win tzer, 37th Infantry. Lient. Edward N. Bernard, 47th Infantry. Lien t. Sehaldos Hassler, :37th Infantry. WEST VIRGINIA. Maj. Arza M. Goodspced, 4th Infantry. OFFICERS DIED OF WOUNDS. ILLINOIS. Capt. John S. Riddle, 127th Infantry. 01110. Lient. Jonathan Casto, 47th Infan try. WEST VIRGINIA. Lient. Finley D. Ong, 4th Infantry. Licut. Jostus A. Boics, 4th Infantry. REGULARS. Capt. Edward C. Washington, 13th Infantry. No. 3. Return, of Casualties ut tile Union forces in the assault on Vielisbary, hay 22, 1863.* Compiled from nominal lists of casnallics returns, & c.j Killed. Woaa(1 ed. (a1~t~~I id or nhlssng S S Cmninand 0 0 3 1 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 ,- 0 -S ~ S ~ ______ ___ 0 FS 0 ~5 0 ~ -s TIIIIITEENTII ARMY CORPS. - -~ Mij. Gsa. JohN A. MCCLELINAND. SiSNITI nivissoz. Rri~. Gen. PETER J. OsTEsinAus. First Brigade. Ccl. JAMES KEsewlas. USOt Illinois 2 3 491 U Indiana 2 2 11 69th Indiana .~.. 2 2 5 7lhlientneky 9 8 57 120th Ohio .--- 1 Total First Brigade - - - 15 7 50 ~. K ~ I Only such organizations as reported losses are ernhraccd in this ret urn. C1IAP. XXXVT. 5 15 12 610 1 10 Page 161 CuAI. XXXVI.] TIlE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. Rettcrie of Casualties in the Union forces in the assault on Vicksburg, May 22, l563-Contd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. 0 0 a cc CU CU 0 Second Brigade. Col. DANIEL W. LINDSEY. 22d Kentucky 16th Ohio - -. 42d Ohio 114th Ohio Total Second Brigade Total Ninth Division TENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. STEPLIEN G. iiURI3RIDOE. 16th Indiana 67th Indiana 81d Ohio 234 Wisconsin Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM J. LANDRAM. 77th Illinois 97th Illinois 110th IllInois. lOils Kentucky 48th Ohio - -. Total Second Brigade Artillery. Ohio Li~ht. 17th Battery Total Tenth Division FOURTEENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. EUGENE A. CAME. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM P. BENTON. lId illinois 9Qth Illinois 8th Indiana 18th ludiana 1st. United States Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. MICHAEL K. LAWLER. 21st Iowa 224 Iowa 11th Wisconsin Total Second Brigade Artillery. Indiana Llaht, 1st Battery Total Fooiteentls Division 8 Total Thirteenth Army Corps 10 3 4 1 6 3 1 14 a 18 22 17 9 23 29 1~ 14 4 59 1 78 . 29 ii 139 1 180 2 2 10 14 6 23 29 4 1 18 23 2 3 21 2 32 14 6 76 2 98 19 4 81 26 130 3 9 2 Ii 1 9 2 29 41 1 4 4 53 2 64 10 5 20 35 2 42 18 192 10 284 3 3 2 56 24 271 32 385 4 13 8 51 72 1 18 6 71 6 102 3 19 1 94 117 7 2 37 1 47 1 3 4 57 17 216 7 341 1 15 7 80 10 113 2 25 6~ 112 1 18 164 1 10 3 77 91 4 50 16 269 1 28 368 1 107 33 526 192 68 936 1 1 1 35 710 68 K275 11 K KVOL XXIV, PT II 16 Page 162 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL Return of CasuaUies in the Union forces in the assault on Vicksburg, May 22, 1863Contd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ii ii a ,~ . a .+~ a -,.~ -~ -a a a II at 0 0 0 ~ FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN. FIRST DIVISION. Maj. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE. First Brigade. Col. FRANCIS H. MANTEM. 13th flhlnois 30th Missouri 31st Missouri. Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. CHARLES H. WooDs. 25th Iowa 31st Iowa 3d Missouri 12th Missouri. 76th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. Joint M. TRATER. 9th Iowa 26th Iowa 30th Iowa Total Third Brigade ... Artillery. 2d Missouri Light, Battery F Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. FRANK P. BLAIR. First Brigade. Col. GILES A. SMITH. 113th flhlnois 116th Illinois 6th MIssouri 8th Missouri Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. THOMAS KILDT SMITH. 55th Illinois -- - 127th Illinois 83d Indiana 54th Ohio - 57th Ohio Total Second Brigado - 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 2 3 2 7 5 1 26. 5 37 ii 4 15 22 3 1 ii 1 18 4 22 7 75 108 5 5 4 II 11 112 8 190 2 16 5 55 78 4 4 19 27 2 11 2 14 1 50 4 .11 11 108 - - - - 1 151 1 1 9 65 24 246 9 153 7 2 18 27 1 1 7 9 2 1 12 15 10 4 10 1 51 1 19 ~8 73 1 102 5 1 12 18 3 7 10 10 10 10 11 2~ 41 50 -_ 16 Page 163 CHAP. XXXVI.J THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. Ret nra of Casualties in the Union forces in the assaselt on J7icksburg, May 22, 1863Contd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ~ a 8 S ~ ~n a ,,, a o .~ 0 ~ -~ -IS IS n o ~i 0 ~ 0 ~ h~rd ~ Brig. (ien. lluoa Ew~w 30th Ohio - 37th Ohio 47th Onio 4th West Virginia Total Third Brkade Artillery. 1st Illinois Light, Battery B Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gem JAMES M. TUTTLE. First Brigade. Bri,~. Gm. PALII-I P. 113LCKLAND. 114th Illinois 93(1 Indiana 72d Ohio 95th Ohio Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. Mowitu. 47th Illinois 5th Minnesota 11th Missouri 8th Wisconsin Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gnu. CHAELE5 L. MATTmEs. 8th Iowa Total Third Brigade Artillery. 1st Illinois Li,ht, Battery B Iowa Light, 2d Battery Total Artillery Total Third Division... Total Fifteenth Army Corps 1 5 10 6 3 6 1 2 1 37 10 24 15 2 1 51 41 33 19 1 24 10 106 3 144 2 2 2 56 20 222 4 104 - 2 2 2 2 1 1 4 4 9 9 5 2 31 38 2 1 7 10 7 2 8.3 92 1 2 2 15 22 42 1 16 6 110 29 182 I 4 5 1 4 5 1 I 2 - 3 3 1 4 5 1 17 7 147 29 201. 12 118 51 615 1 42 858 SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHEE5OI. TRIED DIYI5ION. Maj. Gen. JOHN ~.. LOGAN. First Brigade. Bri~. Gnu. JOHN E. S~nTH. 2 21 23 2 19 24 163 20th flhlnois 31st Illinoi Page 164 164 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. Return of Casualties iu the Union forces in the assanit on Vicksburg, May 22, 1863Contd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ~ a ~a CI a CI ~ H -~ ~ 0. -~ a a ii a a a a Q it ~ .~ H ~ r.~ ~ ~i First BrigadeContinued. 45th Illinois 1 19 .. 2 22 124th Illinois . 2 2 23d Indiana 1 2 7 10 Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. MORTIMER D. LEGGETr. 68th Ohio Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. Jonn D. STEVENSON. 8th Illinois 17th Illinois 81st Illinois 7th Missouri 32d Ohio Total Third Bri~ade - I 4 Total Third Division 6 SIXTH DiVISION. Brig. Gen. JoHN McAETHIJE. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. THOMAS E. G. RANSOM. 11th Illinois o2d Illinois 95th Illinois. 14th Wisconsin 17th Wisconsin Total Second Brigade ... Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM HALL. 1 2 2 1 6 11th Iowa 16th Iowa Total Third Brigade Total Sixth Division SEVENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ISAAC F. QPINHY. First Brigade. Col. JOHN B. SANHOIIN. 48th Indiana 59th Indiana 4th Minnesota 18th Wisconsin Total First Bri~ade 2 5 4 68 2 81 6 6 4 3 14 9 10 1 1 8 5 15 15 22 72 88 23 223 :35 19 297 2 2 18 16 13 2 51 1 1 2 4 5 5 16 28 67 78 74 12 259 9 5 8 4 6 32 6 6 23 26 98 102 23 272 359 42 96 109 97 20 364 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 6 52 17 260 32 367 8 1 23 1 33 1 10 4 95 1 111 1 11 7 35 54 5 2 9 16 2 34 14 162 2 21 Page 165 CETAP. XXXVII THE SIEGE OP VICKSBURG, MISS. Return of (iasualtic3 in the Union forces in the assault OH Ficksbury, May 22, 164i~iContd. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a Command. -n Ci w Ci 12 ~ ~ -~ ~ -g ~ ~ ii ~ -~ ~ -S ii 0 r~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Second Brigade. Col. SAMUEL A. HOLMES. 56th Illinois 1 1 2 17th Iowa 5 10th Missouri 3 Total Second Brigade 1 1 101~ I. Third Brigade. (1.) Col. GEORGE B. BOOMEE.* (2.) Col. HOLDEN PUTNAM. Old Illinois ~ 1 50 55 Ithiowa 3 18 21 lOthlowa 2 2 24 28 26thMissouri 1 4 5 10 Total Third Brigade 1 13 3 97 114 Total Seventh Division 3 48 18 269 2 340 Total Seventeenth Army Corps 15 135 54 826 10 1, 066 HECAPITULATIOX. Thirteenth Army Corps 10 192 68 916 1 68 1, 275 Fifteenth Army Corps. 12 1:38 51 015 .. 42 818 Seventeenth Army Corps 15 115 14 820 36 1, 066 Grand total Army of the Tennessee 37 465 173 2, 377 1 146 3, 199 4 5 3 12 OFFICE ItS KILLED. ILLINOIS. Lient. Col. Garrett Nevins, 11th Infantry. Lient. Hugh Warnock, 81st Infantry. Maj. Luther H. Cowen, 45th Infantry. Capt. Jason B. Manzer, 95th Infantry. Lieut. Henry C. Mowry, 72d Infantry. Capt. -Gal*4e1 E. Cornwell, 95th Infantry. Lient. James A. Bingham, 72d Infantry. Lieut. Thomas J. Kinman, 99th Infantry. Col. James J. Dollins, 81st Infantry. Lient. Nathan W. Wheeler, 116th in- Lient. Zebedee Hammack, 81st Infantry. fantry. Lient. William L. Farmer, 81st Infantry. Capt. William M. Colby, 130th Infantry. INDIANA. Capt. Andrew ODaniel, 8th Infantry. Lient. Christian G. Zulauf, 234 Infantry. Capt. Frederick S. Wysong, 8th Infantry. Lient. Marcus B. C. Tripp, 59th Infantry. Capt. Hiram T. Yandevender, 8th In- fantry. IOWA. Lient. Edward Tyrrell, 9th Infantry. Capt. James Robertson, 22d Infantry. Lient. Jacob Jones, 9th Igantry. Lient. Matthew A. Robb, 22d Infantry. Lient. Col. Cornelius W. Dunlap, 21st In- Col. Charles 11. Abbott, 30th Infantry. fantry. Lient. James P. Milliken, 30th Infantry. * Killed. 16 Page 166 166 MISSISSIPPT, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL KENTUCKY. Maj. Morgan Y. Evans, 19th Infantry. MINNESOTA. Lient. George G. Sherbrooke, 4th Infantry. MISSOURI. Maj. Gustavus Li~htfoot, 12th Infantry. Lieut. George Eggart, 12th Infantry. Capt. Christian Ande~,12th Infantry. I Co]. George B. Boomer, 26th Infantry. Lient. Charles L. Kasten, 12th Infantry. I Lient. Wulliam Robinson, 31st infantry. OHIO. Capt. Thomas Hayes, 30th Infantry. WISCONSIN. Lient. Willard D. Chapman, 8th Infantry. Lieut. Cohn Miller, 14th Infantry. Lient. Hiram B. Smith, 11th Infantry. OFFICERS DIED OF WOUZTDS. ILLINOIS. Capt. Horace L. Bowyer, 81st Infantry. Capt. Edward J. Cook, 95th Infantry. Licut. Cci. Joseph C. Wrioht 724 In- Lient. James E. Sponable, 95th Infantry. fantry. Capt. Eli R. Smith, 99th Infantry. Capt. Cornelius S. ~Xar(l, 81st Infantry. Lient. William Gray, 99th Infantry. Lient. Abraham L. Lippincott, 81st In- Lient. Gnsten F. Hardy, 116th Infantry. fantry INDIANA. Maj John C. Jenks, 18th Infantry. Maj. John H. Finley, 69th Infantry. Licut. John L. Lowes, 18th Infantry. Lient. Henry Stratton, 69th Infantry. IOWA. Capt. Florillo M. Kelsey, 9th Infantry. Lient. Samuel Bates, 21st Infantry. Capt. Frederick S. Washburn, 9th In- Lieut. William A. Roberts, 21st Infantry. fantry. Lient. David Letner, 30th Infantry. Lient. Leonard L. Martin, 9th Infantry. Lieut. Robert Anderson, 31st Infantry. Capt. Henry Newton1 17th Infantry. KENTUCKY. Lient. Thomas Buchanan, 7th Infantry. MINNESOTA. Lient. Clark Turner, 4th Infantry. MISSOURI. Lient. Charles H. Brookitigs, 11th Infantry. OHIO. Lient. Hiram J. Davis, 30th Infantry. Lient. Willis C. Ferguson, 114th Infantry. Maj. Virgil 11. ~1oats, 43th Infantry. I WISCONSIN. Capt. Stephen Estee, 8th Infantry. Lient. James Law, 11th Infantry. Capt. Alfred J. Peaslee, 11th Infantry. Lient. X ~il1iani i-I. Alhan, 18th Infantry Page 167 THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 167 No. 4. General Summary of Casualties in the Union forces during the opera tiom~ against Vicksburg, May 1July 4, 1863. [Compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing a a a Engagements, & e. ~ a a a a ~ F. 0 F~ 0 ~ 0 ~ Battle of Port Gibson, Thompsons Hill, or Magnolia 1 130 44 675 25 875 Church, May 1. Skirmish on the South Fork of Bayou Pierre, May 2 1 1 Skirmishes on the North Fork of Bayou Pierre, at Willow 1 1 8 10 Springs, Ingrahams Hei~hts, Jones Cross-Roads, Forty Hills, aud Haukiusous Ferry, May 3. En~,agement at Ra, mond, May 12 7 59 17 322 2 35 442 Skirmish on Fourteen-Mile Creek, May 12 - 6 24 30 Engagement at Jackson, May 14 2 40 14 237 7 300 Battle of Champions Hill, or Bakers Creek, May 16 27 183 108 1, 716 4 183 2,441 Engagement at Big Black River Bridge, May 17 3 36 16 221 3 279 Skiimisla at Brid~eport, May 17 - 1 1 Skirmishes about Vickshurg, May 18, 20, and 21 . 3 40 14 180 2 239. Assault on Vicksburg, May 19 10 147 65 712 1 7 942 Assault on Vicksburg, May 22 37 465 173 2, 377 1 146 3, 199 Ste e of Vickshurg, May 23July 4 8 96 20 399 1 6 530 Skirmish at Liverpool Landing. nearYazoo City, May23 I 3 4 Skirmish at Mechauieshnrg, May 24 1 1 Skirmish at Mechanicshurg, May20 4 4 Skirmish at Mechaniesburg, June 4 2 10 12 Skirmish at Birdsong Ferry, June 12 1 . 1 Skirmish at ttirdsong Ferry, June 18 2 2 Action at Hills Plantation, near Bear Creek, June 22 10 1 8 1 27 47 Skirmish at Edwards Station, July 1 2 2 Total - 98 1,416 474 6,921 10 443 9,362 Officers killed in sk-ia-nsislies May 18, 20, and 21, 1863.Capt. HenryM. Kellogg, Thirty- third illinois Infantry; Lieut. Alexander C. Atchison, Ninety-seventh Illinois Infan- try; Capt. Theodore Weller, Seventeenth Missouri Infantry. Oj,~cers died eJ wounds receiaed May 18, 20, and 21, 1863.Capt. James W. Lavigne, Thielemauns Battalion, Illinois Cavalry; Lient. Andrew J. MeFarlane, Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry. Officers died of wounds rec red at Hills Plantation, June 22, 1863. Liuaut. Joshua Gard- ner, Fourth Iowa Cavalry. OFFICERS KILLED DURIN~ THE SiEGE. (May 23July 4, 1863.) ILLINOIS. Capt. Enos MePhail, 3d Cavalry. Capt. Leander B. Fisk, 45th Infantry. Capt. Henry A. Ilogers, Battery D, 1st Lieut. Andrew B. Walbright, 56th In- Light Artillery. fantry. Capt. George W. Bradley, 15th Infantry. Lieut. Julius A. Pratt, 124th Infantry. MISSOURI. Lieut. Daniel W. McBride, 7th Infantry. OHIO. Lient. Charles Luther, 76th Infantry. CHAP. XXXVI Page 168 168 MISSISSIPPI, WE ST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED DURING THE SIEGE. ILLINOIS. Lient. James M. Moore, 17th Infantry. Lient. Col. Melanethon Smith, 45th In Lient. Col. John D. Rees, 31st Infantry. fantry. Capt. Levi B. Casey, 31st Infantry. Lient Peter J. Williams, 76th Infantry. Lient. Henry Miars, 81st Infantry. INDIANA. Capt. William M. Darrough, 23d Infantry. MICHIGAN. Capt. Samuel De Golyer, 8th Battery. MISSOURI. Col. Andrew J. Weber, 11th Infantry. Col. Francis Hassendeiibel, 17th Infantry. REGULARS. Lient. Charles Wilkins, 1st U. S. Infantry. No. 5. Reports of Capts. Frederich B. Prime and Cyrus B. Comsto~iI, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineers Army of the Tennessee.* YEW YORK CITY, November 29, 1863. The nudersigned have the honor to submit the following report of engineer operations at the siege of Yicksburg: On May 19, the troops under the command of Major-General Grant ilivested the city of Yicksbnrg thoroughly on the northern and eastern sides and incompletely on the south, Sher ~ corps occupying the right, McPhersons the center, and McClernands corps the left. Sher- mans corps occupied the same position till near the close of the siege, when a division was moved toward the Big Black River to form part of a covering force against Johnston. McArthurs brigade, of McPhersons corps, was at first posted on the extreme left, resting on the Mlssls- sippi, to cover our depots at, and cornmnnications with, Warrenton, but was replaced by Laumans divisiJn,lironght from Haynes Bluff, and then took post as reserve to McPhersons corps, in rear of Logans division, furnishing working parties to assist Ransom and occasionally Logan. Lanman was to have been relieved by Parkes corps, which started for Warrenton for that purpose, and Lauman to take position on the left of iloveys division, of MeClernands corps, iloveys front being dilninished, as he had too much ground to cover, and ilerron, on his arrival, to take post between the two. This arrangement was altered by Parkes corj~s going to Haynes Bluff, Herrons division taking the extreme left on its arrival, and Lan- man moving to iloveys left. The front, covered by ilerrons and Lan- mans divisions, could not be so well invested as under the previous arrangement, froni the diminished number of troops. McClernands * Prime was chief engineer Army of the Tennessee from July iS, 1562, to June 27, 1863, and was succeeded by Comstock Page 169 ChAr. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBIJ~G, MISS. 169 corps was further diminished by Osterhaus division being withdrawn from iloveys left and sent to guard the crossings of the Big Black by the railroad and Jackson road. This doubled the front covered by ilovey. At the close of the siege the position of the troops investing the city was, from our right, first, Shermans corps, diminished by a division; second, McPhersons, diminished by a division; third, MeClernands (now Ords) corps, also diminished by a division; fourth, Laumans division; fifth, ilerrons division. The investment was close only after the arrival of ilerrons division, being previously weak from the weakness of our force, and was made on the northern instead of the southern side of the cityfirst, to be near our depot of supplies at Chickasaw Bayou, on the Yazoo River, and to cover that depot; secondly, to be in such a position that a relieving force could not by a rapid movement effect a junction with the garri- son of the city before we could attack that force. At the beginning of the siege the enemys defenses were essentially the same as at its close, making the place an intrenched camp 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, the line of defense not following its windings, being 7 miles long and well adapted to the ground. DESCRIPTION OF GROUND. Perhaps the best idea of the ground around Yicksburg may be ob- tained by supposing that originally a plateau, having from 200 to 300 feet elevation, here reached the Mississippi; that the fine soil, which, when cut vertically, will remain so for years, has gradually been washed away by rains and streams till the plateau has disappeared, leaving in its place an intricate net-work of ravines and ridges, the latter every- where sharp, and the former only having level bottoms when their streams become of some size. It has already been said that the soil when cut vertically will remain so for years. For this reason the sides of the smaller and newer ravines were often so steep that their ascent was difficult to a footman unless he aided himself with his hands. The sides of the ravines were usually wooded, but near the enemy~s line the trees had been felled, forming in many places entanglements which under fire were absolutely impassable. At Vicksburg the Mississippi runs nearly south, and the streams which enter it from the east run southwest. One such stream enters the river 5 miles below the city, and the dividing ridge which separates two of its branches w~ s that on which the defensive line east of the city Was placed. This line on the northern side of the city was on a dividing ridge between two small streams, which enter the Mississippi above Vicksburg. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENEMY~S LINE. It may be said, then, that the enemys line of defense, leaving the river on the north side of the city where the bluff strikes the river, was generally on a dividing ridge, this ridge being a~ high or higher than the ground in its vicinity; that in two places the line crossed the valleys of small streams, reaching the river bluff again 2 miles below the city, at a point where the bluff has receded to a distance of 1 mile from the river, and tl~en following the bluff up the river for a mile, to give fire toward the river or any troops that might attempt an attack from the south by moving up between the bluff and the river ~long the river bottom. This line was well located for seeing the ravines in it Page 170 170 MISSISSIPPI, \VEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP XXXYI. front, and cousisted of small works oii commanding points, necessarily irregular, from the shape of the ridges on which they were situated; in only one case (that of a redoubt 30 yards square) closed at the gorge; of weak profile; placed at distanc s varying from 75 to 500 yards from each other, and connected by lines of simple trench or rifle-pit. Yicksburg was, then, rather an intrenched camp than a fortified place, owing much of its strength to the difficult ground, obstructed by fallen trees in its front, which rendered rapidity of movement and en- semble in an assault impossible. REASONS FOR AN ASSAULT. The army within Yicksburg, differing slightly in numbers from that commanded by Major-General Grant, had been demoralized by defeat. Its strength was underestimated. Our own troops, buoyant with suc- cess, were eager for an assault, and would not work well if the slow process of a siege was undertaken. Accordingly, at 2 p. m. May 19, an assault was attempted, but only partially carried out before nightfall. Shermans troops reached the enemys works near the northeast angle of their line, but failed to enter, and were withdrawn at nightfall. ASSAULT OF MAY 22. On May 22, a general assault was made at 10 a. m. Steeles division, of Shermans corps, attacked on the north side at a point about half- way between the river and the northeast angle of the enemys line; Blairs division, of Shermans corps, near this angle; McPhersons corps near the Jackson road, and McClernands corps near the railroad. These attacks were gallantly made, men from each of the corps reaching the enemys line and in one instance entering one of the enemys works; but the fire both of artillery and musketry from the enemys line was so heavy, and the loss in moving over the rough and obstructed ground so severe, that the assault failed at all points. The troops took the nearest cover, in some places under the parapet of the enemys work, on which our flag was flying, and waited for night to enable them to fall back without further exposure to the murderous fire. The question as to the practicability of carrying the place by as- sault without previous preparation was now settled for men as well as for officers. Before such an assault could again be attempted with a reasonable prospect of snecess, the~ e~mys artillery must, so far as practicable, be disabled by our fire, and means nsed to cover our troops until close to the enemys work from the fire, long-continued exposure to which had caused the failure of the first assault. Preparations were accordingly made for the construction of batteries, opening trenches, & c., and the siege was commenced. ENGINEER ORGANIZATION. The engineer organization here, as in all our armies, was very d& fl- cient, if we judge either from the practice of nations wiser in the art of war than ourselves or from results. Thirty officers of engineers would have found fulL employment. When the siege commenced there were with the army two engineer officers doing engineer duty. Superintend- ence at any particular point was impossible, without neglecting the more important general superintendence of the whole line. A fe Page 171 C8AP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 171 officers had been detailed, either from a list of additional aides-de-camp or from the line, for engineer duty; these were assigned to the head- quarters of corps or di viSionS. Several divisions had pioneer companies attached to them; these were used as engineer soldiers in the construc- tion of gabions, fascines, in building batteries, and in saps, and, notwith- standing their rawness at first, toward the close of the siege became in some divisions very effective. With so deficient an engineer organization was the siege to be carried on; more engineer officers could not be obtained, so that the rate of progress, of an approach or even its position, often depended on the energy and engineering skill of the division or brigade commander who furnished the working party for it. APPROACHES. The following were the principal approaches made during the siege, begi lining at our own right, some of them being begun after the siege was half over, viz: 1st, Thayers; 2d, Ewings; 3d, Giles A. Smiths; 4th, Ransoms; 5th, Logans; 6th, A. J. Smiths; 7th, Carrs; 8th, Hoveys; 9th, Laumans; 10th, Herrons. These approaches derived their names from the brigade or division commanders who furnished the guards and working parties. The 2d of these was along what was called the Graveyard road; the 5th along the Jackson road the 6th along the Baldwins Ferry road; the 7th along the railroad, the 9th on the Halls Ferry road, and the 10th on the Warrenton road. The 2d, or Ewings approach, was directed against the northeast angle of the enemys line, where that line, bending around the ravines at the head of a small stream takes the form of a bastion. This approach, early begun, was the principal one in front of Shermans corps, and with collateral work was that on which he expended most labor. On the Jackson road, where it enters the enemys line of defense, is a commanding hill, ~quite strongly salient, which had on it a redan for several guns. The ridge along which the Jackson road runs offered fair ground, and along it McPherson pushed his main approachthe one earliest begun and on which his corps did most work. A. J. Smith and Carr pushed approaches toward salient works, called by the Confeder- ates Forts Pulaski and Beauregard, one to the right, the other to the left of the railroad. iloveys approach on the square redoubt was not begun until late in the siege. The three last approaches were in front of MeClernands (afterward Ords) corps. There was another approach begun by Colonels Woods and Manter to the right of Thayers, and near the river. After the work had been energetically pushed by these officers, it met a deep ravine, precluding farther progress. As this approach would not have been used in an assault it has not been mentioned in the previous enumeration. A brief history of the approaches above mentioned may be of some in- terest. THAYERS APPROACH. This approach commenced near the crest of a ridge, ran down the slope which was toward the enemy, and then up the opposite slope of the ravine, toward tfle ridge on which the salient approached was situ- ated. As it was difficult to defile this approach, blinding was resorted to. Fascines made of cane were used; these, being placed across th Page 172 172 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CuAr. XXXVT. trench, which was about 6 feet deep, formed a ioof which hid the move- ments of our men, and, where well constructed, was impenetrable to musket balls. Artillery, of course, would have soon destroyed it, but the enemy did not use this arm against it. This approach was sharply resisted by the enemy, who came outside of their line, and had to be driven from the ground they occupied before the work could be pushed forward. When near the salient approached, the officer in charge of the approach thought he heard the enemys miners at work. Accord- ingly, work in the sap was stopped, and a mine begun, which was not yet complete wheu the place surrendered. This approach was under the superintendence of Captain [Herman] Klostermann, who commanded the efficient pioneer company of Steeles division. EWINGS APPROACH. This approach, in front of Blairs division, of ~ corps, con- sisted in places of two or three approaches (Ewings, Lightburns, and Bucklands), and was the most important one in Shermans front. It was pushed forward until the enemy annoyed the sappers very seriously with grenades and mines, the grenades being 6 or 12 pounder loaded shells, with short, lighted fuses. We theu resorted to mining, and as the explosion of the enemys mines, crushing our first gallery, had shat- tered the earth for 30 feet around, a detour was made to avoid this shaken earth. The mine, a heavy one, was completed just before the surrender of the place, but was not charged. (See Appendix A.*) This approach was at first in charge of Lieutenant [Emmett] Head- ington, of General Ewings staff, then of Licut. C. C. Chaffee, ordnance corps, till forced to leave by illness, and afterward in charge of Capt. W. Kossak, aide-de-camp, assisted by Lieutenant Lochbihler, Thirty- fifth Missouri Regiment. Lieutenant Chaffee and Captain Kossak de- serve special notice for their zeal and energy. Lieutenant Lochbihler and his pioneer company did good service. - GILES A. SMITH~S APPROACH. This approach was 200 yards to the south of Ewings, and pushed forward from a ravine parallel at this point to the enemys line, which gave cover near that line. It was directed on a salient of the enemys line, and was close to it when the city surrendered. Captain Kossak had general charge of this work toward-The close of the siege. RANSOM~S APPROACH. This approach, in front of McPhersons right, started from the same ravine as the preceding, and at the surrender was close upon the en- emys line. It being in a re-entrant of that line, had to give cover against fire from both flanks, which was quite freely used by the enemy, making the work difficult. This approach would have been very im- portant in an assault, as the ground here in rear of the enemys line was seen by our artillery, and it would have been difficult for him to mass troops to resist an assault. General Ransom gave immediate and personal attention to this approach; Capt. A. M. Powell, artillery vol- unteers, in charge. See paragraphs 1012 of Kossaks report, pp. 190, 192 Page 173 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 173 LOGAT~$ APPROACH. This was the approach in front of McPhersons corps, on which most work was done. It followed the ridge along which the Jackson road runs, and approached a high, commanding salient, called by us Fort Hill, which, if once in our possession, would have made this part of the enemys line untenable. The enemy resisted our approach here more strongly than at any other point, burning sap-rollers, using mines, and throwing grenades. Counter-mines (see extract from Captain ilicken- loopers report, Appendix B*) were used by ns, one heavy one being fired June 25, destroying a part of the enemys parapet. An attempt was made to hold the crater, but after heavy loss from the hand-grenades which the enemy threw into it, the attempt was abandoned. Another mine was begun, and was to have been fired when the place was as- saulted, but the enemys miners being heard at work near it, and it being feared that they might crush our galleries, which were not lined, the mine was loaded and fired July 1, destroying the enemys parapet at this point, and giving a crater 39 feet in diameter, the charge being about 1,800 pounds, a portion of it damaged powder. It was after- ward ascertained that this explosion crushed the enemys galleries and disabled about 25 menindeed, half a dozen men were blown into our works. No attempt was made to occupy this crater, as a similar attempt of June 25 had failed with severe loss. The enemys salient here being too high for our men to be able to return the grenades which they threw upon us so freely, and having no Cohorn mortars, Mr. Tresilian, civil assistant engineer, had some wooden mortars made by shrinking iron bands on cylinders of tough wood, and boring them out for 6 or 12 pound shells. These mortars stood firing well, and gave sufficiently good results at 100 or 150 yards distance. (See extract from Mr. Tresilians report, Appendix C.t) We afterward learned that the enemy, lying closely packed in the salient, suffered severely from this fire. Captain Hickenlooper, of Gen- eral McPhersons staff, assisted by Captain Merritt and Mr. Tresilian, was in charge of this approach. A. J. SMITHS APPROACH. This approach followed generally the line of the Baldwins Ferry road, injudiciously leaving it in one place to avoid hard digging. When this approach reached the immediate vicinity of the salient on which it was directed, its progress was much impeded by the enemys artillery fire, grenades, & c. The enemy also attempted to blow up the sap-roller with a mine, bat failed by nnderestim~ting the distance and using too feeble a charge. They succeeded in burning one sap-roller by lodging a fire- ball against it. The work was, however, pushed forward, and a mine had been commenced when the place snrrendered. (See Appendix D4) CARRS APPROACH. This approach, beginning on the railroad, followed its cut for 100 yards, and was direcI~ed to a work just to the left of another deep cut. See June 2528, of his report, P. 202. See events of July 1, in his report dated August 17, 1863, p. 208. See events of June 19July 1, in Hams report, pp. 183186 Page 174 174 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL When within 60 yards of the enemys line, a parallel was made, from which the salient might have been stormed. On July 4, this approach was within about 10 yards of the enemys ditch. HOVEYS APPROACH. This approach, directed on a~redoubt, was not begun till late, although the ground gave cover here to within a short distance of the enemys line. This was one instance among many where the lack of engineer offi- cers was shown. With a proper number of officers, the ground in all its details would have been thoroughly reconnoitered, and the best positions for approaches chosen, instead of wasting work, as in this case, when the best approaches were selected after the siege was half over. A. J. Smiths, Carrs, and Hovey~s divisions were in McClernands (afterward Ords) corps, and their approaches were generally under charge of Lient. P. C. Hams, engineer, who took immediate and special charge of A. J. Smiths and Carrs work. He deserves high praise for his untiring energy and devotion to his work. LAIYIVrANS APPROACH. This approach, in front of Laumans division, was at first begun on a ridge which runs out from the enemys line 300 yards east of the Halls Ferry road, and a good deal of work had been expended on it, when it was decided to abandon it for an approach along the Halls Ferry road, ravines there giving cover within 300 yards of the enemys line, the approach being directed on a work very salient, and, therefore, weak. The enemy, conscious of this, made repeated sorties, driving off work. ing parties and taking a few prisoners. (See extracts from Captain Freemans report, Appendix E.*) In one case, June 22, they filled up 50 yards of our trench and began a counter-trench from some loss. which they were driven the following night with Capt. H. C. Freeman, aide-dc-camp, was in immediate charge of the work performed in front of this division. HERRONS APiPEAYACH. General Herrons division did not arrive till June 11, and the approach of his division along the Warrenton road was slow. Little was done, besides driving in the enemys pickets and erecting three batteries, till June 24, when a parallel, to cover supports, was begun at 200 yards distance from the enemys line. The portion proposed was finished and an approach run forward to within 100 yards of a salient of the enemys line, when the place fell. Captain [Arnold] Hoeppner, aide-de-camp, was i~ charge of the work done in front of this division. The preceding list includes the approaches which might be used, if desired. in an assault. Work had been done on others, but it was to these mainly that atten. tion was directed. See events of June 22 and 23, and July 3, of his report, pp. 195, 196 Page 175 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 175 REASONS FOR ANOTHER ASSAULT. On July 1 the approaches were in the condition described above. The hand-to-hand character of the fighting now showed that in the closer approaches little farther progress could be made by digging alone; the enemys works were weak, and at ten different points we could put the heads of regiments nuder cover within from 5 to 100 yards of his line. The assault would be but little easier if we waited ten days more, and accordingly it was decided to assault on the morning of July 6. Orders were at once issued to prepare the heads of approaches for the easy debouch of troops, to widen the main ones, so that the troops could move easily by fours and artillery could pass, and to prepare planks and sand-bags, stuff with pressed cotton, for crossing ditches. These preparations were in progress when the place surrendered, July 4. CHARACTER OF THE ENEMY~S DEFENSE. At the assaults of May 19 and 22, the enemy nsed artillery fire freely. Afterward, as our batteries were built and opened, their artille~ry fire slackened, until toward the close of the siege it was scarcely used at all, the enemy contenting himself with occasionally running a gun into position, firing two or three rounds, and withdrawing it again as soon as oar fire was concentrated on it. A 10-inch mortar was fired a good deal at first from a ravine behind the enemys line, in McPhersons front, and afterward from a work in ilerrons front, but did little damage. On the surrender of the place their artillery was found to be consid- erably injured; nevertheless, if at almost any point they had put ten or fifteen guns in position, instead of one or two to invite concentration of our fire, they might have seriously delayed our approaches. We attributed during the siege the silence of their artillery to the lack of ammunition, but on the surrender of the place over 40,000 rounds of captured artillery ammunition were reported to the chief of ordnance of General Grants army. (See Appendix F.) A small portion of this, judiciously used, would have rendered our approach much slower. As it was, we had little besides musketry fire to contend with in the distant approaches and parallels, and even this was used sparingly in compari- son with our own, probably from a deficiency of percussion-caps. The mines used by the enemy were feeble ones, their charges always light, and rarely doing other damage than making the ground where they had been exploded impracticable for our own, as we did not use gallery frames or sheeting. Indeed, their active defense was far from being vigorous, the object seeming to be to wait for another assault, losing in the mean time as few men as possible. This indifference to our approach became at some points almost ludicrous. We were accustomed to cover the front of our night working parties by a line of pickets or a cover- ing party, and the enemy, while we were not nearer than 100 yards to their line, would throw out their pickets in front of it. On one occasion, in front of Ords corps, Qur pickets, in being posted, became intermixed with the enemys, and after some discussion the opposing picket officers arranged their picket lines b~mntual compro- mise, these lines in places not being more than 10 yards apart. (See extract from Lieutenant Hams report, Appendix D, June 20.~) As the enemy could have stopped our work by remaining in his lines and firing an occasional volley, the advantage of this arrangement, novel in the art of war, was entirely on our side, and was not interfered with. In * See p. 184 Page 176 176 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [(DHAP. XXXVI. Laumans and ilerrons front the enemy was not so courteous; in Lan- mans front especially they made sorties several times, resulting in loss of men and retardation of work to ourselves. (See Appendix E.~) SIEGE MATERIAL AND WORKS. The larger part of the fascines, gabions, and sap-rollers was prepared by the pioneer companies of the different divisions. Material for the wattling of gabions was abundant, grape-vines being chiefly used, though these made gabions that were inconveniently heavy, from the fact that vines of too large size were taken. Captain Freeman, aide- de-camp, experimented with cane as material for wattling, and found by crushing the joints with a mallet the rest of the cane was split suf ficiently to allow it to be woven between the stakes of the gabion and yet be strong, making a good and very neat gabion. (See Appendix E.) For fascines the cane was largely used, it being found in abun- dance and making excellent and light work. Some difficulty wa~ expe- rienced at first in making sap-rollers which should be impervious to Minie balls and not too heavy for nse on the rough ground over which the saps ran. The difficulty was obviated by Lieutenant Hams, engi- neers, who caused two barrels to be placed head to head and secured, and the sap-roller to be built up of cane fascines around this hollow core. The a~gregate length of our trenches was 12 miles; eighty-nine bat- teries were constructed during the siege, the guns from those in rear being moved forward as the siege advanced, there being two hundred and twenty guns in position on June 30, according to the reports to the chief of artillery. These guns were mainly siege or field guns, a few heavy ones, however, being obtained from the Navy, one battery of these guns, on the right, in front of Woods brigade, being manned and officered by the Navy. These batteries were sometimes constructed under the supervision of the pioneers of the division to which the bat- tery belonged, and sometimes by the officer who was to command the finished work. The style of work was very varied, both reveting and platforms de- pending on the materials which could be obtained at the time. In some cases they were well and neatly reveted with gabions and fascines, and furnished with substantial plank platforms, while in others reveting of rough boards, rails, or cotton bales was used, and the platforms were made of boards and timber from the nearest barn or cotton-gin house. From the feebleness of the enemys artillery fire, our parapets often were not more than 6 or 8 feet thick. in~ll close batteries the gunners soon found the necessity of keeping the embrasures closed against rifle- balls by plank shutters, sometimes swung from a timber across the top of the embrasure; sometimes merely placed in the embrasure, and moved when firing. Whenever an approach gave opportunity for fire, loop-holes were either formed in the parapet, made by using sand-bags, or in a timber laid along the parapet. These timbers were rarely dis- placed by the enemys fire; they would have been dangerous if that ~~iii~ery fire had been heavy. In close approaches the sap was reveted with gabions, empty barrels, or with cotton bales, or sometimes left unreveted, it being difficult to pre- vent the working parties from sinking the sap to the depth of 5 or even 6 feet when the enemys fire was heavy, and reveting then was unnec- essary. Indeed, when the enemys grenades were most annoying, it was impossible to keep detailed working parties at their posts, and it * See extracts from Captain Freemans report, p. 193 Page 177 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 177 was necessary to depend on the pioneers already referred to for this dangerous work. The compactness of the alluvial soil making lining for mining galleries unnecessary, these galleries were formed with ease; as mines could not make an easier way into the enemys line than ex- isted already, their only nse was to demoralize the enemy by their explosion at the moment of an assault. Three were completed and several others begun during the siege. More importance was attached to them by officers and men than they deserved. The labor in the trenches was done by men of the pioneer companies of divisions, by details from the line, or by negroes. Several of the pioneer companies had negroes attached to them, who had come into our camps. These negroes were paid $10 per month, in accordance with law, and proved to be very efficient laborers when under good supervision. The labor performed by details from the line, as is usnal in such cases, was very light in comparison with that done by the same num- ber of pioneers or negroes. Without the stimulus of danger or pecu- niary reward, troops of the line will not work efficiently, especially at night, after the novelty of the labor has worn off. The amount of night work done by a given detail depends very much oii the discipline of the command from which it is taken and on the energy of its officers. Under average circumstances, such details do not in a given time ac- complish half the work of which they are capable. The want of officers of engineers has already been referred to, there being at no time more than three on engineer duty. Over a line so ex- tended and ground so rough as that which surrounds Vicksburg, only a general supervision was possible, and this gave to the siege one of its peculiar characteristics, namely, that many times, at different places, the work that should be done, and the way it should be done, depended on officers, or even on men, without either theoretical or practical knowl- edge of siege operations, and who had to rely upon their native good sense and ingenuity. Whether a battery was to be constructed by men who had never built one before, a sap-roller made by those who had never heard the name, or a ships gun-carriage to be built, it was done, and, after a few trials, was well done. But, while stating the power of adaptation to circumstances and fertility of resources which our men possess in so high a degree, it must be recollected that these powers were shown at the expense of time, and while a relieving force was gathering in our rear. Officers and men had to learn to be engineers while the siege was going on. The assault, which was to have been niad~ July 6, would probably have been successful, and in this case the siege would have lasted from May 22 to July 6. That time was too long; we might haye been as ready for an assault two or three weeks earlier, if there had been a suffi- cient supply of engineer officers to watch that no time was lost or use- less work done; to see that every shovelful of earth thrown brought us nearer to the end, and personally to push and cornstantly supervise the special works to which they were assigned: Fortunately, Johnstons relieving force was streng~iened so slowly that the delay cost us only time, not the raising of the siege. LIST OF OFFICERS. - The following is a list of the engineer officers who were present (luring the siege on engineer duty: Capt. F. E. Prime, chief engineer, forced by severe illness to leave 12 R RYOL XXIV, PT I Page 178 178 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. June 28; Capt. C. B. Comstock, joined June 15; Capt. M. D. MeAles- ter, joined June 28; First Lient P~ C. Hams, present during the whole siege. Captain Comstock, on reporting, was assigned to the charge of operations in front of MeClernands corps and Lanmans and Herrons divisions. Captain MeAlester, on reporting, relieved Captain Corn- stock, the latter, by Captain Primes departure, becoming senior en- gineer. Lieutenant Hams was in immediate charge of the work in front of MeClernands (afterward Ords) corps during the siege. Lient. C. C. Chaff~ee, Ordnance Corps, was detailed on engineer duty with General Sherman, and remained till compelled to leave by illness. Lieutenant Hopkins, Third Infantry, was also detailed on duty with the chief en- gineer for a few days. Capts. W. L. B. Jenney, H. C. Freeman, and A. Hoeppner, additional aides- de-cam p, were assigned, respectively, to Shermans corps and Lanmans and Herrons divisions, as engineer officers. Capt. W. Kossak, aide-de-camp, as also Lieutenant Loclibililer and his pioneer company, were under the control of the chief engineer. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, FREDERICK E. PRIME, Captain of Engineers. C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers. Lient. Col. T. S. BowERs, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Military Division of the Mississippi. APPENDIX F. IReference has already been made to the feebleness of the enemys artillery fire. The numbers below, from the report of Lient. J. H. Par. ker, Ordnance Corps, will show that, while not having a large supply of artillery ammunition, they yet might have seriously annoyed our approaches, and still retained enough to meet an assault. The following artillery and material was captured at Vicksburg: Field guns (smooth-bore) 50 ~-iField guns (rifled) 31 Field howitzers 22 Siege guns (smooth-bore) 46 \Siege guns (rifled) 21 Siege howitzer 1 Siege mortar 1 Total 172 Artillery projectiles 38, 000 Artillery powder (pounds) ~, 000 Artillery cartridges 4,800 Much of the field ammunition was fixed. Amonb the siege guns were fifteen 10-inch columbiads, ten 9-inch, twenty 32-pounders, six 24-pounders; while of rifled guns there were one 8-inch, two 7k-inch, two 32-pounders, and four 5-inch guns. OFFICE CHIEF ENGINEER, DEPT. OF TH1~ TENNESSEE, & pternber 7, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of en- gineer operations at the siege of Vicksburg, from June 27, 1863, the date at which the~departure of Captain Prime, chief engineer, on ac- count of severe illness, left me in charge, till the surrender on July 4, 1863: On the 27th of June the following approaches, beginning at ou Page 179 CHAP. XXXVI.] TIlE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 179 right, gave cover to within from 10 feet to 200 yards of the enemys works, viz: 1, Thayers; 2, Ewings; 3, Giles A. Smiths; 4, Ransoms; 5, Logans, on the Jackson road; 6, A. J. Smiths, on Baldwins Ferry road; , , on railroad 8 Hove 7 Carrs , ys; 9, Laumans, on Halls Ferry road, and, 10, Herrons, on the Warrenton road. From this date till July 1 the work was steadily pnshed forward, when approaches Nos. 1 and 9 were witlii~ 30 yards or less and No. 10 within 120 yards of the enemys ditch, while Nos. 2, 4, 5, and6 were up to or in the ditch. In the closer approaches the enemy now seriously annoyed our working parties with hand-grenades, making it difficult to keep them at work, and causing the progress to be slow. The want of Cohorn mortars was severely felt, and Mr. Tresilian, civil assistant engineer, made some wooden mortars for 6 and 12 pound shells, which were very effective at from 100 to 150 yards. Mines had been constructed from approaches Nos. 2, 5~ and 6, which it was proposed to explode immedi- ately before an assault. The enemys counter-mines~ however, made it necessary to fire one in front of No. 5 on July 1, the charge being about 1,800 pounds. The explosion completely destroyed the enemys parapet at the point, making a crater of 30 feet diameter, and blowing some half dozen of the enemy into our lines, one of them alive. A mine had been exploded near this place the 25th of June, and, after suffering heavily, our men were forced to retire from the crater. No attempt was made to occupy this. The enemy used mines at several l)oints, but they wire feeble, doing no damage beyond crushing some galleries. The hand-to-hand character of the fighting in the closer approaches now showed that little farther progress could be made by digging alone. The enemys works were w~ak, and at ten different points we conld put the heads of regiments within from 5 to 120 yards of the enemys line; the assault would be little easier if we waited ten days more. Accord- ingly, on July 1, it was decided to assault on the morning of the 6th of July. Orders were at once issued to widen where necessary the main ap- proaches, so as to permit the movement of troops by fours with ease, and to permit artillery to move along some of them; to prepare planks, and sand-bags stuffed with pressed cotton, for crossing ditches, and to arrange the heads of saps for the easy debouch of troops. These prel)arations were in progress when the place surrendered on the 4th of July, 1863. An examination of the enemys line showed that it consisted of a series of small -orks for artillery, on prominent points, connected by small trenches or rifle-pits, thus forming a continuous line. The forms of the works for artillery depended usually on that of the ridge on which they stood, only one being a closed work. The cross-section of the trench or riflepit was 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep. In a few places stockading was used, and in front of several salients there were feeble attempts at the construction of obstacles, such as abatis, telegraph wire woven among stakes, sharpened sticks stuck in the ground, and inclining to the front and 9 or 3 feet high. The line was well located, being nearly always on a dividing ridge, the slopes of ravines in its front in many places so steep as to make it difficult for footmen to ascend them, both slopes and bottoms being often covered with fallen timber. The ground over which our ap- proaches ran was a net-work of ridges and ravines, the only level ground being in the bottoms of the ravines, which were often 100 feet deep, with very steep sides. Although the enemy had over one hundred and thirty guns of al Page 180 [CHAP. XXXVI. 180 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. calibers within his defenses, he made but slight usc of artillery fire in delaying our approaches, the defense being almost entirely by mnsketry. Lack of ammunition was assigned as the reason for this by some of the Confederate officers, but we captured over 40,000 rounds of artillery ammunition, as reported to the Chief of Ordnance. Night sorties were made on our left by the enemy, with some loss to ourselves and interruption to the work; while in front of the Thirteenth Army Corps great friendliness prevailed at night, the enemys pickets and our guards for working parties being within 10 yards of each other at times, without a shot being fired during the night. On one occasion, indeed, in the anxiety of each party to get all the ground possible, the opponents became completely intermixed, and the lines were only arranged after quite a discussion on mutual rights, by the opposing officers. From the lack of educated engineer officers, the approaches and par- allels were in some places badly located and much unnecessary work done. The boyans were often sunk to the depth of 5 or even 6 feet where the enemys fire was heavy, largely increasing the amount of labor. The sap-roller was nsed in all close approaches, one of cane with a central cavity being found best. Canes with their joints crushed were found to make good material for the wattling of gabions. The aggregate length of onr trenches was 1.2 miles; number of bat- teries, 89, with 220 guns in position on June 30, as stated by the chief of artillery. Batteries were usually reveted with gabions, and also portions of the approaches After Captain Primes departure, the only officers of engineers pres- ent on engineer duty were Capt. M. D. MeAlester and First Lieut. P. C. Hams. Captain MeAlester reported June 28, and was assigned to the charge of operations on the left, where he rendered efficient assist- ance till relieved on July 5. Lieutenant Hams was in immediate charge of the engineer operations Qf the Thirteenth Army Corps during the siege, and deserved the highest praise for his untiring energy and devotion to his work. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN N. WILSON, For Captain of Engineers. C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain Corps of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. BAWLINS. No.6. Report of Lieut. Peter C. hams, U. ~. Corps of Engineers, Chief En gineer Thirteenth Army Corks. HDQRS. ENGINEER DEPT., THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, T7icksburg, Miss., July 30, 1863. SIR: I have tIle honor to make the following report concerning the engineering operations performed under my charge in front of the Thir- teenth Army Corps: The COV~5 arrived in front, or in rear of VThksburg, as it is sometime Page 181 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 181 called, on May 19, from which time to the 22d instant every effort was made to determine by reconnaissances the weakest points of the enemys line, and to obtain as accurate information of the ground as possible. On the 22d instant, the Thirteenth Army Corps made an assault on the enemys line, the salients B and C being the principal points of at- tack. The storming parties succeeded in scaling the parapet of C it having been battered considerably by the fire from the 30-pounder bat- tery, near the crossing of the wagon road over the railroad. The as- sault failed, and on the 23d instant it was announced in orders from headquarters of the army that the place would be invested at once, and a siege by regular approaches commenced. I immediately had as accurate a survey of the ground in front made as was possible with the assistance at hand. The salients B, C, and D were selected as the points of attack, one point of attack for each divis- ion of the corps, and proceeded to open the first parallel and establish enfilading and counter batteries. I had previously, on the night of the 19th, selected the hill near the crossing of the railroad and wagon road for a battery-of two 30-pounders and two 20-pounders, and on the 21st the other 30-pounder was mounted on the right of the road. A small parapet was thrown up in front of each gun to protect the cannoneers from the enemys riflemen. This battery, which was commanded by Major Maloney, of the First Infantry, U. S. Army, was increased in caliber during the latter part of the siege by mounting two 8-inch Dahlgren guns, procured. from Admiral Por- ters fleet, in the river, and moving the 20-pounders closer to the works. Requisitions were made at once on the chief quartermaster of the corps and the chief of artillery for the necessary intrenching tools, and for proper siege materials, heavy guns, mortars, & c. Cohorn mortars were needed particularly. No mortars could be obtained, and only three 24. J)ounders (siege) and two 8-inch Dahlgrens, in addition to the three 30-pounder Parrotts belonging to the corps. In the latter part of the siege the want of mortars was so severely felt that I gave orders to have wooden mortars made, to be used with small charges of powder and light shells (6 and 12 pounds). Some naval hand- grenades were also procured, but from their peculiar form could not be thrown any considerable distance. Even when the approaches were only 10 feet from the ditch, it required an extraordinarily powerful man to throw one into the works. The week elapsed before any considerabhy number of intreuching tools could be procured. In the mean time the most was made of the few that could be gathered together around camp and from the pio- neers. May 29 and 30.More tools were procured and large details worked. The opening of the first parallel commenced. ]lliay 31.The pioneer corps under Captain Patterson were instructed to make gabions and fascines, and collect -them in their camp, in the hollow, about 1,000 yards from the enemys works. Thi serve as a depot for the trenches. s point will June 1.A small trench was pushed forward from General iloveys right, to gain the crest of a hill that is occupied by our sharpshooters during the day, and give them better cover, as well as a passage to the place by daylight. ~Z5ther details were employed, varying from 200 to 300 men, in strengthening the batteries which had to be thrown up hastily against the artillery fire of the enemy. The parapets of most of the batteries are still very thin. The enemy use artillery very little Page 182 182 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSE1~, ETC. [cHAP. X~XVT. sometimes not firing a single shot dnrin~ the whole day. ~fJ~ 3()~ pounders do good service whenever the enemy open an artillery tire. June 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.Details were employed along the first par- allel to finish it, ma king it wide enough for artillery to pass through. At the same time the approaches to the salients in front of Generals Smiths and Carrs divisions were commenced, the ravine on the right of the wagon road was taken advantage of as an approach to the salient B, seeing much labor could. by this means be avoided. The ground along the road was so hard that to approach by boyans there would be a difficult piece of work, especially as we have no sappers and depend entirely on the troops of the line for every shovelful of dirt thrown up. The railroad cut affords facilities to approach C that are at once taken advantage of. From the b. ttom of the ravine to the right of the wagon road a rifle-pit was thrown up for sharpshooters some days ago. This has been widened to a regular trench. It is intended to connect this with the second parallel of Carrs division as soon as he reaches the hill on the opposite side of the ravine, in his front. In General llovey~s front two 24-ponuder siege guns were mounted (Battery No. 5). In front of General Carrs division, a two-gun battery (No. 6) was constructed for the 20-pounder Parrotts to the left of the wagon road and about 300 yards from B. The b ttery is intended to counter B and enfilade the left, face of C, at least what appears to be the left face of C. The exact form of the work cannot be ascertained. The distance to the enemys works from this battery is so short that blinds had to be arranged in the embrasnres to l)rOtCCt the cannoneers from the enemy riflemen. This was done here, as in several other batteries, by a door swung on a horizontal axis at the throat of the embrasnre. In some cases a bag stuffed tightly with cotton has been tried, and proved to be effectual resistance to a Minie ball at from 300 to 400 yards. In other cases a heavy wooden collar has been used around the breach of the gun, with a narrow, vertical opening in it, the opening in the collar being parallel and close to the vertical open- ing in the pendulum hausse, causing no inconvenience in sighting the gii n. In General Smiths front two guns were mounted in Battery No. 7, on the extreme right; also two more ift the ravine, to sweep the two ravines in front, in case the enemy made a sortie in that direction. These guns were not put here by my instructions. In General Carrs front a two-gun battery (No. 8) was constructed and guns mounted. The position is a commanding one, and the fire of the guns can enfilade the riTht face of C. There has bee6bift little firing along the enemys line the last few days from their artillery. June 8.An important advance was made in General ~ front, to the right of the ravine that runs parallel to the road. A battery (No. 9) was commenced for two guns on the right of the ravine. It has an enfilading view of one of the faces of B; 12-pounder howitzers will be mounted there, to use small charges of powder, with hio-h degrees of elevation. No mortars can be obtain& ~d, an(I the want of them is severely felt. Cther guns have been mounted near the rQad, on the hill once oc- cupied by a dwelling-house, commonly known as the burnt chimneys. Captain Jackson, of General iloveys division, has a detail employed in building magazines; one a general supply magazine, the others for the batteries. June 9.On the right a detail was employed to work on the second parallel, but does not progress so rapidly as desirable. The ground is very hard, and complaints already begin to be made of being worke Page 183 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 183 hard. The weather is very warm. This retards the work more than anything else. The men cannot work at all during the middle of the day. General Carrs details were at work pushing forward the railroad approach, and the other to the left of Battery No. 8. General Hoveys details still work at widening of the trenches and making the batteries in his front stronger. The 24-pounders have been moved farther to the right of Battery No. 10. They are used daily in trying to destroy the mill, where it is said, the enemy grind all their corn. June 10, 11, and 12.Owing to the heavy rain on the 11th, no work was done that night. In front of General Smith I made a reconnais- sance to the head of the ravine, in front of the second parallel. I placed a detail at work at 75 yards from B. They only worked at night, however. The ravine will be used itself as an approach. The boyans to the left of Battery No. 8 have nearly reached the bottom of the ravine, after which they will be under perfect cover. A detail was also employed in throwing np Battery No. 11 for two 30-pounder Par. rotts, to be moved from their present position as soon as the two 8-inch Dah?Igrens arrive, which are daily expected, and will take their place. June 13.The approach that was started from the head of the ravine, near B, was run a short distance last night. The enemy allow us to work at night, but not during the day. The approach had a branch started to the right. On the left of the road an nnderground arrange- ment has been pushed forward some 80 or 90 feet. The boyans to the left of Battery No. 8 reached the bottom of the ravine, in front of Gen- eral Carr. General iloveys advanced trenches are still being worked at. I gave directions for sapping materials to be prepared and be ready when the apl)roaches cannot be made without cover. June 14.General Smith continues his work on the advanced sap at the head of the ravine. A demi-parallel has been partially completed to the right of ii~. A detail was employed also in arranging loop-holes on the top of the parapet with sand-bags, to enable our riflemen to keep down those of the enemy without exposure. The left approach in Gen- eral Carrs front was advanced across the ravine and up the hill a short distance. June 15.The advanced trenches were pushed forward along the whole line. General Smith is now so close that every movement has to be made with the greatest caution. The ground in his front is still too rough to use a sap-roller. This morning the enemy opened one gun from the work on the right, to test the strength of the parapet. They did no damage whatever, their shells pas~ing throngh the parapet, scarcely leaving a trace in it of their passage. General Carrs advance reached the top of the hill nearest the enemys works. General ilovey has advanced his left some 200 yards and opened a second parallel. On General Smiths right a new battery (No. 12) was constructed. June 16, 17, and 18.General Smiths approaches to Fort B were ad- vanced a short distance; the one on the left of the ravine reached the opposite side of the road. The ground is very hard, however. Gen- eral Smith had details at work farther to The right, finishing up his ad- vaiiced trenches at that point. In front of GeneralVarrs division the railroad approach was pushed forward some 50 yards. From the left boyans the second parallel has been commenced, which will run along the ridge near the enemys line, and join the second parallel of General Smiths across the r~lroad. General ilovey, in addition to the advances he is making, is preparing furnaces for heating shot for the 24-pounders, to burn the mill. June 19.Very little firing to-day. They gave a few rounds from Page 184 184 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI. gun in a new work they have thrown up behiud their main line. All our batteries opened on it, and in a few minutes it was silenced. The ap- proaches of Generals Smith and Carr are closing np. General ilovey a little backward. Three sap-rollers were finished to-day. The ground in front of General Smith is such now that they can be used. The first sap-roller was made of solid cane and of the usual dimensions, but was found too heavy to use. The second was of the usual dimensions, but made with an interior gabion. This was crushed, of its own weight, in being rolled. The third was made by taking two barrels, placing them head-to-head, bracing them well inside, and lashing one row of fascines around the outside by means of wire. This one could be used, but the ground is of such a character that a heavier one cannot be worked with facility. To make the gabion roll easily, the space between the outside fascines, on the circumference, was filled with smaller bundles of cane, and well lashed together with telegraph wire. Major-General McCler- nand relieved from command of the Thirteenth Army Corps. General Ord takes his place. June 20.The approaches in front of General Smith progressing slowly. The enemys pickets in front of General Carrs division have entered into an agreement with the latters pickets not to fire on each other at night. They allow our men to work in fall view, and make 110 attempts to stop it. Last night the picket officer was directed to crowd his pickets on the enemys, to allow the working party to push on the second parallel. The two lines of 9i ckets, the enemy~s and ours, were then not more than 7 or 8 yards apart, and in full view of each other. A working party was then stretched out in rear of our line, and the work begun. The enemys pickets could see it all, bat did not offer to molest us. By this means a trench was opened within 60 yards of their salient C. It is a matter of wonder how they allowed us this night to approach so close without offering any resistaiice. Although it is not customary to allow an enemys pickets so close to the operations of a siege, it was a great benefit to us, as the ground was such in some places as to have rendered it difficult to have carried on the work in any other way. The enemy do not allow the work to be carried on in this manner at any other point along the line. An advance of about 100 yards was made in General iloveys front. Other details were em- ployed in the trenches already commenced. Battery No. 13 was began, in which to mount two 20-pounder Parrotts, taken from the four-gun 20-pounder Parrott battery. It will enfilade one of the faces of the salient D, and also a part of the line to the right. The work D seems to be a redoubt. It appears so from fhe tact that they have to cross a bridge to enter the work. This battery will destroy the bridge in a short time. June 21.On the right, in addition to the sap on the left of the road, another was commenced to the right, to gain the eminence on the flank of the salient B. The want of sappers is now at this point more felt than heretofore. A different detail goes to work every day, who know nothing of what is to be done, and mmih valuable time is lost in repeat- ing instructions. The enemy caused some annoyance by throwing hand- grenades. The distance, however, was rather too great, and couse- quently they did little or no damage. In front of General Carrs (livision the details were employed principally on the second parallel. June22 and 03 - The second parallel in front of Carrs divis~ion reached the railroad. The enemy opened with artillery on the heads of the ad- vanced saps in front of General Smith. Several shells were put through. the sap-rollers. They (li(l not (lamage them materially, each shell pass Page 185 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBIJIW, MISS. 185 lug through, wedging itself as itwere, cutting comparatively few Canes. A great many canes have been cut, however, by Minie bullets. The artillery fire caused the workmen all to leave, but they were returned at once. No one was hurt. June 24.Battery (No. 14) to the left of the 20-pounder battery, for the purpose of demolishing a bridge across the railroad cut, in the rear of the enemys works. It is their only means of communication along the front line of works, and in case of an assault it will be of service to destroy it, as it will cause any re-enforcements to either side of the rail- road to pass by a much longer and circuitous route. General ilovey has completed his second parallel, and commenced his approaches to Fort D. The enemys pickets were pushed back some distance and an advance of 90 feet made. Empty barrels are used to revet the interior slope of the trenches. Battery No. 15 was also built. June 25.lu General Smiths front both saps were advanced a short distance. The one on the right of the road works much easier than the other. The latter passes over ground almost like rock. Other details were employed in arranging loop-holes, with sand-bags along the top of the parapet. Many of the batteries need repairs also. The siege bat- tery (~ o. I) has been nicely reveted with saud-bags. In General Carrs front a sap was started from the second parallel, to run to the left face of C. The second parallel is not yet finished, but is being pnshed to the railroad, to join the second parallel of General Smith. June 26, 27, and 28.A battery (No. 16) has been thrown up for two guns, and blinds made to cover the gunners from the enemy~s riflemen. The approaches progress slowly; weather very warm. The enemy are mining from the counterscarp of the ditch at B. They are very shy about it, however. On the 28th, they sprung a small mine in front of the sap-roller, doing no damage whatever. June 29 and 30.In General Smiths front the saps are now about as close as they can get without first clearing the rebel works in front by means of mortar shells. Cohorn mortars would be invaluable at the present time. We now occupy a portion of the crater made by the explosion of the enemys mine. On the 28th (yesterday), the enemy put two more shots through the sap-roller on the right. No damage done, however, to the sap-roller. The sap on the left had some five or six shots put through it, but did not render it useless. We still use it. The left approach of General Smith is now about 15 feet from the ditch. I made ~ novel reconnaissance of the enemys ditch this morning, by means of a mirror attached to a pole, being raised above the sap-roller, and a little to the rear, and then in- clined forward. A perfect view of the ditch was by this means ob- taine(l. The ditch is very narrow, and not more than 6 feet on the bottom. The second parallels have now been joined in front of Gen- erals Smith and Carr, and are now continuous. On this parallel, near the wagon road, I have directed a new battery (No. 17) to be constructed for three guns, two for countering any new batteries the enemy may open in the rear of their line and also to Battery B. ~he other gun en- filades one of the t~ces of C. The battery is only about 150 yards from the salient B. Battery No. 18, on the line of the second parallel, was nearly completed. This battery will clear the ditch of C, which is sometimes filled with men, from which they frequently fire. They seem to he at work there, wheeling hand-barrows along the left face, and from the sounds that are heard, it is highly probable they are run- ning a gallery from the counterscarp of the ditch, for the purpose o Page 186 186 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX V1. exploding a mine near us. I have directed a listening gallery to be run out in the direction they appear to be, and change tue direction of the sap slightly. In General iloveys front we have approached to within about 20 yards of D. The rebels seem to be at work in this ditch also. July 1.General Smiths approaches to B were pushed forward a short distance. The one on the right of the road has nearly reached the top of the hill. I shall at once establish a place of aims just in the rear of it. On the left of the road the crater made by the explosion of the mine has been occupied. The sap-roller has been very much cut up by the enemys fire, and was of no further use. I had just given directions to have it covered at once with earth, and to establish a trench cavalier at that point, when the enemy threw a lire-ball, which lodged under the edge of the sap-roller. They then threw hand-gren- ades into the fire made by the spreading of the inflammable fluid which it apparently contained; burst threw pieces all around it, tearing it considerably; at the same time they kept up an incessant fire of musketry on it. In about one-half hour it was entirely destroyed, ex- posing to their view a portion of the trench. The one on the right had been destroyed in a similar manner only an hour before. In front of the salient C the sap was moved forward a few yards, and a short dis- tance made with the listening gallery. The enemy appear to work in a direction from us that leads me to think that they are deceived as to the direction we intend to take. In front of General iloveys division a sap has been started from the nearest point of his advanced trench, to reach the couuterscarp of the ditch, at a point not apparently enfiladed. July 2.In front of B little was done, owing to the burning of the sap-roller, which exposed a portion of the trench to full view. I directed the head of the sap to be filled up to-night with sand-bags, and the cav- alier c9mmenced a little to the rear of the point first intended. This will close the head of the sap, but still we will be only about 12 feet from the ditch. I directed a mine to be started to the ditch at the left face. It has been found desirable to use hand-grenades to clear the Fort B altogether, but the distance and height of the parapet are a little too great for 6-pounder shells, though not too great for them to throw at us. In order t6 have some means of throwing our shells into the fort, I have directed Captain Patterson, of the pioneer corps, to con- struct spring-boards for this pnrpose. I learned that General McPher- son was using mortars made of trunks of trees (gum trees being the best) to throw 6 and 12 pound shells ~ directed him to make some of these also, shrinking about three iron bands around the mortar. These mortars, which are said to work admirably for about 100 rounds, will be finished and stuck in the ground in the advanced trenches, so they will only have to throw the shells about 50 or 75 yards. In com- pliance with orders, the trenches are being prepared to allow easy passage of troops over them for an assault. In order to cross the ditches of the works at the point of attack, grain sacks are being pre- pared, filled with cotton well stuffed. Planks 48 feet long are being prepared to throw across the ditch, to allow the passage of an assault- ing column. July 3.As the sap-roller in front of General Carr still continued to move forward, die enemy endeavored to stop it by blowing us out; but, as in the other case, the mine wa~ fired too soon, and no damage what- ever was done. Nothing was done but the preparation of the trenches for an assault in front of Generals Smith and Ilovey. A flag of truc Page 187 CHAP. XXXYI.] TIlE SItGE OF YICKSI3URG, MISS. 187 from the enemy, and cessation of hostilities till 10 p. in., caused all work to stop. July 4.All operations ceased; Yicksburg surrendered. The map of the front of the Thirteenth Army Corps will show the position of such batteries as are not mentioned in the report, and the work done in the trenches. In front of the Thirteenth Corps, the nearest approach was only about 10 feet from the ditch; the second about 30 feet, and the third about 35. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. C. HAIKS, First Lieutenant, U. S. Engineers. [Lieut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant- General.] No. 7. Report of Capt. William L. B. Jenney, additional aide-de-camp, U. S. Army, Acting Engineer Officer Fijfteenth Army Corps, including opera- tions since May 9. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Black Rirer, Miss., September 22, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the en- gineer works to which I was assigned during the final campaign against Vicksburg: On the evening of May 9, received orders from Brigadier-General Sullivan, commanding post of Millikens Bend and Youngs Point, to proceed from Millikens Bend by steamboat with one regiment of in- fantry and a small detachment of the pioneer company of the First Di- vision, Fifteenth Army Corps, to Youngs Point, and rebuild the road across the l)oint to Bowers Landing, below the Warrenton batteries, a distance of about 8 miles, over which supplies could be taken to the boats on the Mississippi, below the enemys batteries, and thus greatly shorten the land transportation. (The road previously used from Mdli- kens Bend to point op~)osite Grand Gulf was nearly 40 miles in length.) On the next day, at noon, commenced work on the road. On the fol- lowing morning Major Tweeddale reported, with three cOml)anieS of the Engineer Ilegiinent, and also Captain Ashm~ad with the pioneer com- pany of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to assist in build- ing the road, which was so far completed by 10 oclock on the 12th that the wagon trains were able to pass. Nearly 1~ miles of this road lay in a swamp from which the water had jnst run off sufficiently to render the building of the road practicable. It was necessary either to bridge or corduroy the entire distance, in many places the water being 2 feet deep. Continued work on this road until May 14, when I left with General Ewings brigade to join the Fifteenth Army Corps, then in the vicinity of Jackson. Reported to General Sherman on the evening of the 18th. On the 19th, made reconnaissance for a road to communicate with the Johnston Place Landiug, on the Yazoo River, and conducted the l)ontoon train to head of Chickasaw Bayou, to cross which would require some 300 feet of bridge Page 188 188 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. May 20, with Captain Kiostermans pioneer company and the Eighty- third Indiana Infantry, commenCed a road along Thompsons Lake, which, on examination made by Captain Kiosterman early in the morn- ing, showed to be of far easier construction than the main road along Chickasaw Bayou, which crossed several small bayous, and was ob- structed by fallen trees, cut by the enemy since December last. By 11 a. m. the road was so far completed as to admit the passage of the wagons. On the 22d, the main road~ was ready for use. On this road I had the assistance of Major Tweeddale, with parts of three companies of his battalion. On the 23d, received orders to report with all the pioneer force at the headquarters of the Fifteenth Army Corps, to assist at the siege of Vicksburg. Afterward detachments from the two companies, with the negro force from that of the Second Division, were returned, to keep in order the roads of communication. Approaches were commenced by each brigade wherever such seemed practicable, as follows: By General Giles A. Smith (on the extreme left of the corps), General Ewing, General Lightburn, and by Captain Young, comman4ing pioneer company of the Third Division, in front of General Bucklaud. On the right of the corps (General Steeles division) Captain Klosterman, com- manding the pioneer company of that division, took charge of a long and somewhat difficult approach in front of General Thayers brigade, and Captain Ashmead, commanding pioneer company of the Second Divis- ion, of the roads of communication between the different brigades of that division. The pioneer companies were also employed in making siege material for their own work and for the different brigades, and in bnilding numerous batteries, particularly in front of the First Division of the corps. On May 31, Lient. C. C. Chaffee, U. S. Ordnance, took charge of Gen- eral Ewings approach, on the Graveyard road; he was afterward re- lieved by Captain Kossak. On June Q finished a bridge some 250 feet long across the Chickasaw Bayou, to give a second road to Johnstons Landing, on the Yazoo River, from which the entire army received its supplies. Un the 8th, commenced a third road to the Yazoo River, immediately to the rear of General Steeles division, crossing Chickasaw Bayou near its head, where it was but a small creek. As soon as it was practicable to do so, the pontoon bridge over Chickasaw Bayou, on the main road, was replaced by a permanent bridge; nevertheless, the superstructure of the pontoon bridge, over which the eiitire supplies of the army, to- gether with the siege guns, had passed, was so much injured that about one-half of it was rendered worthless. When the place surrendered, on the morning of July 4, the different approaches, with one exception, were within a very few yards of the enemys ditchso near that for the last few days the enemy had thrown lighted shells from their works upon our heads of sap. The approach in front of General Buckland, after mounting the hill upon which were the enemys works, reached impracticable ground, and was finished by a parallel furnished with sand-bag loop-holes for our sharpshooters; distance about 40 yards from the enemys line of fire. Being ordered from Vicksburg on July 5, and engaged in sending for- ward the pontoon train to General Sherman, on Black River, on the 4th, I have not been~able to take any measurements, or even visit the work since the surrender. I would beg leave to state, in explanation of the delay in sending for- ward this report, that ~mmediate1y after the snrren(ler I was ordered t Page 189 CHAr. XXXYJ.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSI3URG, MISS. 189 accompany General Sherman on the expedition to Jackson, and that on my return, after finishing the maps of that vicinity, I was taken sick, so as to be entirely unable to write, and have but just returned to duty from sick leave. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. B. JENINEY, Captain and Aide-dc-Camp, on Engineer Duty. Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK, U. S. Engineers, I~icksburg, ]Ifiss. No. 8. Report of Capt. William Kossak, additional aide-dc-camp, U. S. Army, Acting Engineer Officer. CAMP AT YICKSBURG MISS., Near City Hospital, July 13, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report: According to copy of orders, annexed to this report,* I took charge of the trenches on and along the Graveyard road on the night of June 19. ApartofthepioneerdetachmentoftheSecondDivision,Fifteenth Army Corps, under command of Captain Ashmead, furnished my saps with sap-rollers, gabions, fascines, and sap-faggots. Company I, Thirty- fifth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. C. Lochbihler commanding, acted as sappers and miners and an infantry detail of 50 men, for day and night, constituted the force that I used in the approach against the main bastion in front of Brigadier-General Ewings brigade. To my right lay Brigadier-General Lightburns work, in charge of Colonel Malmborg, commanding Fifty-fifth Illinois, attacking a stockade with advanced rifle-pits, situated in front of the enemys left; re-enter- ing angle of the main bastion attacked by me. To my left was Col. Giles A. Smiths work, commanding Eighth Mis- souri Volunteer Infantry, whose approach was directed to a more retired and smaller bastion on the enemys right. When I took charge of the work approaching the main bastion, I found the work advanced within 20 feet of the enemys counterscarp, with such obstructions in front of the sap-roller as to make it impos- sible to move the roller one inch without having the party engaged in the moving killed outright. I therefore branched off to the right and left, trying to raise trench cavaliers parallel~ to enemys counterscarp and get a plunging fire into his ditch. The sap-roller I left in its posi- tion, crowning it with gabions and sand-bags, so as to offer the pickets supporting working party a proper shelter. These trcnch cavaliers I built during the 20th and 21st of June, when I discovered, by the dull, deep sound of tamping to the left, that the enemy was mining to blow up the head of my sap. Immediately after this discovery I had counter. ditches dug at the reverse slope of the ditch of my trench cavaliersq at right angles to the direction of the mines of the enemy, hoping to strike either their chambers or their powder-hole. This ~ork took up the 23d of June, day and night. I found now that I could not strike the enemys mines, having gone already to a depth of 10 feet below the natural surface, where the enemys mines could not be, his entrances lying much higher. I there- fore started two counter-mines one to the right, the other to the left * Omitted, as ilitimportant Page 190 190 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. of the sap-rollerin the trench cavaliers. This work took the 24th and 25th and the night of the 26th of June, when, early in the inornino of 26th, the enemy sprung two mines near my counter-mines, crnshlnb in the roofs badly. Some gabions in the trench cavaliers were thrown down; but the charge of the mines was too small to throw up any crater which we might have taken advantage of. The mines acted a Ia ca- mouflet, which was probably the enemys intention. They anyhow filled our mines and disintegrated the soil around to such anexteiit that fur- ther mining at that point was out of the question. All the time we worked in this sap the working parties were harassed by shells thrown over into our saps, but fortunately nobody lost his life. Even the springing of the enemys mines did not injure anybody particularly, as nobody was inside the mines at the time. A few men were covered by earth and gabions falling on them from the parapets, but they extricated themselves without material injury. During the time that this work was going on in the immediate front I had con- structed small traverses (a a) in the main approach, and under their shelter started a new sap-roller into the sap (T). The intentioii was to mislead the enemy, making him believe that we had abandoned the work in his immediate front and retired to start something else. At the sam~ time the sap (T 2) would have increased the facilities of a storming column, it acting as an additional sally-port. The infantry details I always employed in widening the trenches in my rear, forming communications to the works on my right and left flank, carrying siege material to the front, and making general im- provements in the trenches, such as strengthening weak l)oints, & c - All the fire of the enemy during the nights we always returned promptly with hand-grenades from our trench cavaliers, and the howitzer battery in our rear and left, acting in accordance with me, shelled the enemy handsomely in his ditches. Early on June 26, I received Special Orders, No. 166 (annexed here in copy).* To continue the work in front was out of the question, for reasons previously stated. I therefore started, after constructing traverse a1 and increasing the height of traverses a a, so as not to be looked into from top of enemys parapet (a main gallery designated in dotted lines on the annexed sketch).t I knew, from the information drawn from a deserter (an engineer soldier of the enemy, who had worked at the bastion in my front), that the enemy had some more mines ready and charged in my front besides those which he sprung, as previously ~at~d, and I therefore went on a circuitous route, to keep even out of their radius of rupture, away under the main ditch under the enemys parapet. Proceeding according to the distances laid down in the previous sketch, with a fall of 1 foot in every 3 feet advance,Iran 60 feet right-oblique down to the hollow on the right side, where I had to run out an air-hole obliquely to the rear, the candles being extinguished by the extreme heat and foulness of the air. After running 16 feet farther, I arrived at the bottom of the hol- low, and went out cautiously 17 feet (rise 1 in ~, landing behind a large, heavy log lying across the gully. Here I established a new dump (d1), the old dump in the sap (at d) becoming too inconvenient on ac- count of distance of wheeling. This new dump and air-hole brought plenty of circulation of air into tile mine, and, making a direct turn at almost right angles against the enemys works, I proceeded 70 feet, * Omitted, as unimportant. See opposite page Page 191 ChAt. XXINi\1.j THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. SKETCH OF BASTION IN FRONT OF BRIG. GEN. EWING. Bastiom. A A A A AAA, RaZe aeiin~ A A AAA 191 S of maim Caliery Page 192 192 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE. ETC. [CHAP. XXXYL passing the ditch and approaching under the parapet. The shape of this gallery was 4 feet 6 inches high in the clear, 3 feet dear at bottom, 2 feet 6 inches in clear at the top. Mining frames set at 4 feet from center to center, and top-sheeting, our location being so deep that the enemy, who would have had to descend enormously, could only crush our tops. Here I worked day and night, with six-hour reliefs, up to 10.30 a. in., July 4, the miners suffering much from the extreme heat and want of air, when I received verbal orders from Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant to stop all work, the place having surrendered. I had 175 feet of powder-hose made and filled, and the proper casings; also the sand-bags ready for tamping, and the necessary cross-braces. The charge of powder, according to the nature of the soil, I had calcu- lated to be 2,200 pounds, as I had to blow 27 or 28 feet of solid ground overhead, at the same time destroying all mining around that front. My main attention being paid to the bastion on Brigadier-General Ewings front, I was only able to pay one visit daily to Col. Giles A. Smith, on my left, or Colonel Malmborg, on my right. Both of these saps have gone ahead in good manner, particularly that of Colonel Malmborg (General Lightburns brigade), Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, who wa~ constantly out on his work in person. He approached the enemys stockade within 25 feet, and was shelled severely by them dur- ing the nights of June 30 and July 1 and 2. On the night between July 3 and 4, I advised Colonel Malmborg and Colonel Smith to stop their sap-rollers aiid go to mining. Both of them could not advance any more very well with their saps. Colonel Smiths sap-roller was faced by a rifled gun (6-pounder) located in the enemys ditch, and was perforated three times, and Colonel Malmborg was served with hand-grenades so copiously that he had to cover in the head of his sap. As I had no miners to spare for these two points, I called for General Ewing to furnish me 16 men from the Fourth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, whom I knew to be old coal miners. These men started two mines on the night between the 3d and 4th, one at Colonel Smiths, and the other at Colonel Malmborgs sap. Early in the morning of July 4, Colonel Malmborg sent to me a note, stating that he believed he was countermined by the enemy, and ask- ing my advice. I went out immediately, and ascertained that the enemy was working in gallery on his right flank, 8 feet distant, on the same horizontal plane. I instructed the colonel to head the enemys counter- mine by turning and crushing him. -i ~nt the colonel 200 pounds of powder and the necessary safety-fuse. Half an hour later the place was surrendered. In closing my report, I have to recommend especially First Licut. C. Lochbihler, commanding Company I, Thirty-fifth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, on engineer duty, and also his whole company, for their promptness and the interest they took in all the arduous tasks they had to undergo. Second Sergt. Max Fraude excelled in mining, and generally proved such a good engineer soldier that if any promotions take place in the above-mentioned company he oftght to be considered. All the details that have been furnished to me from Major-General Blairs division have done their duty according to orders. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. KOSSAK, Captain and Aide-dc- Camp, on Engineer Duty. Capt. C. B. CoNSTOCK, Chief of Engineers, J)epartment the Tennessee Page 193 ChAr. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 193 No. 9. Report of Capt. Henry C. Freeman, additional aide-de-camp, U. S. Army, Acting Engineer Officer Fourth Division, ASixteenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS. Vicksburg, Miss., , 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report in relation to the siege of Vicks- burg as follows: By order of Capt. Frederick B. Prime, dated May 25, I was to report in person to Brigadier-General Lauman as early as convenient. I re- ported the next morning, and immediately commenced a reconnaissance of the ground in front of his position, and toward the enemy as far as his pickets would allow. The division, commanded by Gener I Lan- man, then occupied the ground north of Big Bayou, between Halls Ferry road and the Yicksburg and Warrenton road, extending their pickets to the right of the Halls Ferry road, but leaving a. gap uncov- ered between them and General flovey~s command of about a mile, and extending on the left into the Mississippi bottom, to a swamp a short distance from the bluff. Positions for three field gun batteries of two guns each were selected, one on the river bluff, one on the Warrenton road, and one in the timber, about 150 yards to the right of the War- renton road. All of these positions were about 600 yards from the enemys line of works. The left battery, on the bluff, and the battery on the road were constructed during the night of May 27. The first had a bearing upon the southwest battery of the enemy, and enfiladed part of his river front along the bluff. The battery on the road covered the road, and also bore on the salient to the right. The battery in the timber on the right of the road bore on the same points as the one on the road, and was finished May 29. By order from department headquarters, on May 30 the division moved to the other side of Big Bayou, crossing the Halls Ferry road and mostly on the easterly side. The picket guard line was joined with that of General Hoveys division. From this position the advance w s made upon the enemy~5 lines, commencing upon the right and moving up the valley, as a covered way, that leads to Batteries Nos. 6 and 7, upon the accompanying map.* By May 30, the pioneer corps of the division had opened a good road through the valley of Big Bayou from the Yicksbnrg and Warrenton road to General Hoveys left, following the route indicated on the map as the Telegraph road; also, a road farther~to th~ east, up another branch, making two direct lines of communication with General Hovey, and affording the Thirteenth Army Corps a direct road to Warrenton for drawing supplies. A road had also been opened to the left of the Telegraph road up another branch. During the night of the 30th, with the aid of the pioneer corps, a road and covered way was opened from the head of this branch around as far as the position of Battery No. 7, and the terre-plein for the two buns on the iight, in that battery, was excavated. ~[he next day two field guns were placed in the battery. The pioneers~ continued work- ing up the valleys to the left, as advances were made during the siege, always having a road ahead, connecting with the valley roads in the rear, until a complete system of communication was open in front and rear to the right and left. On May 31, at night the work for the left section of Battery No. 7 was * 1~ot found, 13 i~ l~--YOI~ XXlY, T~T Page 194 194 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. laid out. The enemy appeare(I in small force, and obtained cover withiii 100 yards, causing annoyance an(i delay. They were (in veii off abont midnight, and the work continued rapidly. June 1.Continued surveys in front of the division. At night coii- tinned the work on Battery No. 7, and commenced Battery No. 6,200 yards to the left. June 2.Continued surveys of front and enemy~s works. Capt. Carl Kostmann, of Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, reported as assistant engineer. At night Batteries Nos. 6 and 7 were finished. June 3.At night took possession of the crest of the first ridge in front of Batteries Nos. 6 and 7, and commenced intrenching. June 4.At sundown an advance was made from the Halls Ferry road, near the buildings, to the left and rear of Battery No. 3. The enemy were driven back, and the crest of the ridge gained on the left of halls Ferry road. The enemy retired across the valley after a sharp skirmish, in which some of our men were wonnded. The advanced line was se- cured by intrenching in rifle-pits during this and the following night. June ~i Being much exposed, little work was done iu trenches during *he div At night continued work in the trenches in front of Batteries \ o~ 6 ~ud 7, and threw up a battery for one field gun on the Halls Ferry road, at a position which the enemy had occupied by a barricade of fence- rnls noted on the map as Battery No. 3. Also commenced construction ot txx o un battery in front of Battery No. 7 ,and noted on the map as Bmtterv- No. 8. June 6 Engaged in taking notes for triangulation, to (leterinine the enemys line of works. At night was prostrated with fever, and not on duty again until the 15th, Captain Kostmann in the mean time atten(Iing to all the work. June 8.An advance was made at dusk on the right, the enemys advance guard driven into their works, and the head of the valley at Battery No. 9 secured. l)uning the niTht rifle-pits were made between Battery No. S and tIme head of time valley, and to the right of time valley along the crest of the ridges to secure the position. Considerable work was done each night during a week, enlarging and connecting those pits near to Battery No. 8. June 15.At night co~~minenced to enlarge the left sectiou of Battery No. 7, to mount two siege guns in place of the field guns. June 16.Laid out the work for Battery No. 4, on Halls Ferry road, and commenced construction. June 17.Selected positions for gu1~s o~m the right, at the head of the ravine, and noted on the map as Battery Io. 9. Work commenced at night. In this battery the terre-pleimi for each gun was cut down through sOli(l earth to a depth of 7 feet, and imo mevetment used; the dirt thrown to the rear. The embrasures were cut through in a similar manner, and reveted only at the end imext the muzzle of the guns with saud-bags. Battery No. 4, on the Halls Ferry road, nearly completed. June 18.Continued triangulation of the enemys front. At night continued the work on Battery No. 9. June 19.Same as 18th, continued. June 20.At night laid out work for Battery No. 2 for two guns, and pioneers commenced constructing it. When ready to commence this work the enemy~ attacked our picket guard at the advanced post on Halls Ferry road. Being in the line of fire of the musketry, work was suspended for two hocmrs, until time firing ceased, time muen being obliged to lie down for safety. There was very lively artillery firing at the same time by Ihe enemy along the whole front of this division, to which. our guns responded freely. The enemy seemed to fear an. attaeL Page 195 CHAJ. XXXYI.1 TIlE SIEGE OF Y1CKSBUIIG, MISS. 1cJb June 21.At night corn pleted Battery No. 2, and made covered way from it to valley in the rear, to permit communication during the day. At dusk the line in front of Batteries Nos. 6 and 7 was advanced, and took position for opening the third l)arallel, to connect with Halls Ferry road on the left and second parallel on the right. Work was com- menced on the spurs of the ridges runnin ~ down from hails Ferry road and enemys salient. This line crossed the spur on which the enemys nearest work was situated, at a distance of 85 yards from salient. At 11.30 p. m. enemy made a sortie upon this party. Colonel Moore, com- manding working party and the guards, very gallantly met the charge and drove them back, when the work was resumed, after an interrnption of two hours, and continued until (laylight. it was then sufficiently advanced to afford time men cover during the day. This party, includ- ing the guards, numbered 170 men. Two of the men were wounded. Jnne 22.At night 125 men at work on trenches rioht and left of Battery No. 9, and commenced zigzag sap; Lieutenant-Colonel Cam, of the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, in command of guards and working party in third parallel, about 350 strong. He received instructions to move immediately at dusk to relieve the men in the trench, and coin- mence enlarging the work already opened, until further orders. At 11.30 ~ in. I visited the trench, found no guards in front, in accordance with instructions; the men in the trench; no work going on, and nothing done. Went forward with Liente~ant-Colonel Cam, to show him where and how to extend the work and to dispose his force for enlarging that already ol)ened. In five minutes from the time I came upon the ground the enemy fired a volley and made a sortie, rushing dowim the ridge in the same place and manner as on the previous night. The troops did not 1)01(1 the line, but retired hastily and in disorder. Lieu tenant-Colo- nel Cam and 5 men captured, 1 killed, and several wounded. Enemy filled up all our work along that line. About half an hour after this sortie they made another down the Halls Ferry road upon our advance guard, but were three times repulsed, when they retired inside their works. Jnne 23.Pioneers making road to connect Halls Ferry road with the valley road, on the right. No work done on the third parallel. June 24.Excavated terre-plein for omme gun in Battery No. 5 at a(l- vanced post on Halls Ferry road, about 300 yards from flammk of enemys salient. During the night before the enemy had opened about 90 yards of trench as a counter-work, running down time ridge from salient to our third parallel. The Forty-first Regirn~nt Illinois Infantry was moved up and encamped in the valley, in rear of Battery No. 9, and the Seventy-sixth Illinois Infantry encamped in the head of the ravine on the right of the Halls Ferry road, in rear of Battery No. 5. The ar rangements were made duriub the afternoon to recover our position on the third parallel and stop the enemys work. Lieutenant-Colonel Lovell, of the Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry, was detailed as field officer of the trenches, and took charge of the organization of the move- ments for recovering our position. The position was recovered by ad- vancing with a bayonet charge, and the enemy routed from his own trench, in which was captured twelve muskets and some blankets. Sev- eral of oar men were woun(led. The work was reol)ened and extended that night, and a portion of the enemys trench filled. The balance was easily guarded. Besides opening the 01(1 trench, the working party opened 220 yards of new trench, 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Near Battery No. 9 the trenches were furtlmer enlarged, to give cover to the men supporting the guards of the working party in the sap Page 196 196 MISSISSiPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. June 25.On the right the pioneers were at work at night on the coy- ereci way in the valley to the right of Battery No. 7. The working party on the right were enlarging the sap an(l excavating for Battery No. 9. In the third parallel 40 yards of new trench were open ed, 220 yards widened and deepened, and the trench connected with covered way on the Halls Ferry road. The enemy commenced counter-works from the ditch of their salient. Commenced sap-running from third parallel to the enemys salient. June 26.Pioneers at work on covered way in valley leading to Halls Ferry road, at junction with third parallel. At night pioneers at work on eovere(l way in valley, to right of Battery No. 7. Working party for the night numbered 500 men, 75 at work on sap near Battery No. 9, and enlarging trenches on each side; 425 men at work in third parallel, which was extended on the right, and the work previonsly opened en- larged. Pioneers at night constructed the work for right gun in Bat- tery No. 5. June 27.Pioneers at work on covered way in valley leading from Halls Ferry road, at junction with third parallel. Working party 260 men; 50 of these were on the right, working on Battery No. 9, and in the sap during the night. O~ third parallel 100 men employed during the day, and 110 men at night. Sap froni third parallel extended to 4() yards; 3~ fret deep, 4 feet wide. June 28.Working party, 267 men. At night 42 men employed on sap near Battery No. 9, and on trenches each side. The third parallel was enlarged in the old work to 7A feet wide and 3 feet deep; 200 yards new trench opened, ]4 feet wide and 2 feet deep. June 29.Pioneers at work on covered w y leading to Halts Ferry road, at junction with third parallel. At night Battery No. 1 com- menced by pioneers. Disturbed by shells from the enemy. Continued work most of the night. Working party for the trenches, 315 men. On the right a little work done in the sap approach. The third parallel was extended to the trench on right of Battery No. 8, and that portion before opened was enlarged. June 30.Pioneers at work at night on Battery No. 1. On the right work was continued in the sap and on Battery No. 9. Enemy fired sev- eral times, as on the three previous nights, compelling the adoption of all precantions to protect the workmen. The work progressed slowly. Third parallel widened and deepened; sal) extended from l)arallel 60 yards, 6 feet-deep and 4 feet wide. No interruption. Enemy at work in front. Working party for trenches; 3~ men. July 1.Pioneers at night finished Battery No. 1. On the right fin- ished embrasure for right gun in Battery No. 9. The sap was extended a little. On the third parallel the state of the work, on closing this nights work, was as follows, commencing at Halls Ferry road, dis- tances estimated: Thirty yards, 8 feet wide, 6 feet deep; 50 yards, S feet wide, 3~ feet deep; 60 yards, 8 feet wide, 4~ feet (leep; 85 yards, 8 feet wide, 3~- feet deep; 20 yards, 5~~- fret wide, 3 feet deep; 80 yards, 74 feet wide, 3 feet deep; 90 yards, 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep;. 25 yards, 4~- feet wide, 3 feet deep; 300 yards, 2~ feet wide, 34 fret deel). Working party, 400 men. July 2.Pioneers at night finishing covered way leading to Halls Ferry road, at ju~iction with third parallel, and finishing terre-plein for left gnu in Battery No. 5. Work going on in third parallel. No re- port of amount done or number of working party. ~fuly 3.-..-Pioneer~ Enished at uight the work in ~3attery No, 5. som Page 197 CHAP. XXXVI.1 TilE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 197 work done in third parallel. The work was continued all night. No rel)ort of men or work done. Excepting a little of the work on Batteries Nos. 5 and 9, all the bat- teries were constructed at night, and built by the pioneer corps of the division. In addition to this and the covered ways, most of which were constructed by them, they made all the new roads shown on the map. They also made 350 gabions, 20 fascines, and 2 sap-rollers. The gabions were made chiefly of grape-vines and were heavy. During the last two days the experiment was tried of using cane, and found successful; or- dinary light l)ickets of wood and the cane, of which there was abundance, for wattling. The process was to lay the green cane on a block, and with ax or mallet to crush the joints by a blow on each. This would split the cane without breaking it across. This split cane made a good wattling, and the result was a neat, light, and strong gabion. This report is necessarily imperfect in some details, for want of suffi- cient assistance during the progress of the work. Besides Captain Kost- mann, who rendered very efficient services as assistant engineer, and also as assistant in the trenches, Lientenant-Colonel Lovell acted as field officer of the trenches from June 24 until the close of the siege, July 4. Previous to obtaining the aid of these two officers all the duties devolved upon myself, both in general and in detail. The skeleton map accompanying this report will exhibit all the bat- teries, the old roads, and the roads constructed during the siege, and other works.* The only surveys made were executed with a 2-inch pocket compass, as no other could be obtained. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. C. FREEMAN, Captain and Aide-dc-Camp, on Engineer Duty. Capt. C. B. CONSTOCK, Corps of Engineers. No. 10. Report of Capt. Andrew lluiclcenlooper, Chief Engineer Serenteenth Army ~Jorps, including operations since April 17. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Vick-sbUrg,~ Miss., October 23, 1863. SIR: In compliance with yonm- request, I most respectfully submit the following journal of my engineering operations from April 17 to July 4, 1863: April 17.Arrived at Millikens Bend with Third Division, the Seventh having arrived about one week previous, and Sixth Division remaining at Lake Providence. In accordance with orders received from major- general commanding, I made a survey of the road from Millikens Bend to Richmond. April 18.Returned from Richmond at 9 a. m. Plat and report sub- mitted to general commanding. April 19.In accordance with orders received from the major-general commanding, commenced building a corduroy road from Millikens Bend to Richmond. One regiment (Thirtieth Illinois Infantry) detailed. Not found Page 198 198 MJSSISSIPPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ~C11AP. i\YXXYT. April 20.Constructing road. Additional regiment (Twentieth Ohio Infantry) detailed. April 21.Constructing road. Two additional regiments (Sixty- eighth and Seventy.eighth Ohio Infantry) detailed. April 22 and 23.Constructing road with four regiments. April 24.iRoad completed and corps movino-. Third Divisioii en- camped at Richmond. The road-bed of above-mentioned road was thrown up 20 feet wide and 1 foot high, covered with rails taken from adjoining fences, upon which was then thrown 3 inches of earth; ditches upon each side 3 by 34~ feet. April 25.Returned from Richmond to select landing place for barges and camping ground for Sixth Division, on Bushy Bayou., April 26 to 30.On march to Hard Times Landing. May 1.Crossed the river and disembarked at Bruiusburg; Third Division engaged in battle at Port Gibson. ]IIay 2.Entered Port Gibson, and in afternoon crossed .Bayou Pierre on raft bridge, constructed under personal supervision of Lieutenant- Colonel Wilson and Mr. S. U. Tresilian. Arrived at south fork of Bayou Pierre about dark, where we found the suspension bridge in flames. The fire was extinguished and bridge repaired by Lieutenant- Colonel Wilson, assisted by Licut. Col. John A. liawlins and myself. Miai~ 3.Command commenced moving at daylight. Encamped at ilankinsons Ferry, Big Black River. Here the pontoon bridge, con- sisting of three floats or barges, had been destroyed or very macli damaged. May 4.Made a survey of road from Haukinsons Ferry to Rocky Springs. Plat and report submitted. May 5.Copying map, repairing bridge, and accompanied Majoi-- General McPherson on reconnaissance 4 miles beyond Big Black, on Warrenton road. Miay 6.Staking out small earthwork at ilankinsomis Ferry. May 7.Accompanied advance (Third Division) to select camping- ground at or near Rocky Springs. May 8.Made survey and examination of lower Utica road from Rocky Springs to Meyers plantation. May 9.Corps moved forward to Meyers plantation. May 10.Made a survey of road from Meyers plantation to point 3~ miles beyond Utica. Command moved forward to point 4~ miles northeast of Utica. May 11.Made survey of Raymond i-oad to point GA- miles southwest of Raymond and Edwards Depot road (4 ihiles), as also a thorough ex- amination of all side and connecting roads. Command move(l forward a short distance and encamped at Roachs plantation. May 12.Battle of Raymond. Skirmishing commence(1 about 10 a. m. Enemy repulsed and in full retreat at 3 p. in. Encamped in an(l around Ltaymond. May 13.Accompanied cavalry advance on Clinton rOa(l. Confeder- ate cavalry in force on Mississippi Springs road. Occupied Clinton without opposition. May 14.In accordance with orders received from the major-general commanding, left camp at 2 a. in. with Seventh Missouri Infantry, for the purpose of destroying railroad track. Moved along the railroad westwardly about.-2 miles, tearing up the track, burning cattle-guards, bridges, & c. Returning, arrived in Clinton about 7 a. in., and then moved eastwardly along the railroad toward Jackson, tearing np the track, burning bridges, cattle-guards, & c. About 10 a. in., when abou Page 199 ~IIAP. XXXVEI TIlE SIEGE OP VJCKSBIJRQ MISS. 19U 4 or 5 miles front Jackson, receiV~d an order from the major-general comniaudmg to report the Seventh Missouri Regiment to its command and report in person to him, which 1 did, finding the general in Jack- son. Accompanied the Sixth Missouri Cavalry about 4 miles out on Canton road. May 15.Commenced retrograde march at daylight, passing through Clinton. Encamped about 3 miles east of Bolton Station, on a branch of Bakers Creek. Made survey and plat of road from Clinton west- wardly to this point. May 16.Examined roads in vicinity of Bolton Station and from said point westwardly; also reconstructed small bridge about 1~ miles north of Bolton Station, recently burned by General MeClernands command. Commenced survey of the road from Bolton westwardly, but battle of Champions Hill commenced. I pushed on and arrived upon the field at 10 oclock. After repulse of Confederate army, accom- panied the advance in pursuit, arriving at Edwards Station about S p. m~ May 17.Made a survey of the battle-field, and then accompanied the command to Big Black, arriving there about 2 p. m. Commenced con- struction of cotton bridge about dark, composed of a frame-work of tim- ber, filled with cotton bales (forty-seven in number), and covered with boards taken from an adjoining cotton-gin. Bridge 110 feet long by 10 fcet wide. hay 18.Bridge completed at S a. m. Command commenced moving at same hour. Accompanied the advance. We moved on plantation road due north to Bridgeport road, and then on Bridgeport road west- wardly toward Yicksburg. Headquarters about 1 mile from rebel lines. May 19.Opening attack on Yieksburg. Engaged all night in select- im~g and throwing up works for protcction of batteries. May 20.Moving up slowly. Artillery (loing well; dismounted three of the enemys guns. May 21.Engaged all night in throwing up works beyond white house and constructing battery for 30-pounder Parrotts, which were l)laced in position to-day. May 22.General assault ordered at 10 a. in. Artillery opened promptly, under cover of which our troops advanced, but were repulsed at every point. May 23.Orders issued for con~truction of regular approaches. May 24.Captain Powell placed in charge of approaches on General Ransoms front, and Captain Sands in charge of construction of bat- teries on General Quinbys front. I have tak~n l)ersonal charge of cen- tral approach along Jackson road. May 25.Flag of truce in, in consequence of which we did very little work. May 26.Commenced on main sap with 300 men. Same number went on and relieved day detail at 7 p. m. May 27.Three hundred and eighty feet under cover. Same nuin- ber [of men] engaged in deepening and widening trench. Made survey of our front. New battery on General Ransoms front completed, and line of rifle-pits south of Jackson road being pushed iapidly. May 28.Engaged in making sketch of our front, in accordance with or(lers received from the ~. il upon main major-general commandin~ I)eta trench reduced to 200 men. Enemy more active this morning. They placed a 6-pounder itt position on Fort Hill, which was silenced by our guns in about 30 minutes. Mcuj 29.Main trench completed up to a point 750 f~et beyond white house, 8 feet wide by 7 feet deep, with beam and parapet Page 200 200 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. ]Ifay 30.In compliance with ordeirs received from the major-general commanding, left at 3 a. in. for Big Black River, accompanied by 300 detailed men from General Ransoms command and pioneer company of Third Division. Arrived at Bridgeport, on Big Black River, at 11 a. m. At 3 p. in. conunenced moving westwardly along Bridgeport road, obstructing the road by felling trees across same. From Tiffin I sent the pioneer company southwest, on Bovina Station road, with orders to retnril on ilebron road, obstructing said roads in same manner. Burned the bridges across Clear Creek. and small creek next west of flebron road. June 1.Commencing at Clear Creek, obstructed the road westwardly to our rear I)ieket line md then moved on into Yieksbnrg, arriving at 3p.m. Jure ~ Engaged on main trench. Detail reduced to 150 men. The Third Division I)ioneer company engage(l in making gabions, fascines, & c. June 3.Detail on main trench reduced to 100 men. Trench finished up to and through advanced battery, with side rifle-pits, & c. June 4.Engaged on advanced battery, putting in embrasures, revet- ments, & c. This work is irregular in shape, of 3,000 square feet, two embrasures on north and one on west face, and open to and covered by batteries in the rear. June 5.Advanced battery finished, and main trench carried about 20 feet southwest, with lead-sap down to the road. 1)etail reduced to 75 men. June 6.Two 24-pounder howitzers and one 6-pounder placed in ad- vanced battery, within 100 yards of Fort Hill. Carried the main trench down to and lead-sap across the rea(l. June 7.Have a constant detail of 70 men, nuder immediate charge of General Leggett or staff officer. Work progressing finely. June 8.Captain [Adoniram J.] Merritt placed on duty as assistant engineer. Placed traverse over main trench, and bnilt magazine mi- mediately south of advanced battery. June 9.Carried lead-sap across the road last night. Am confined to my bed by sickness this morning. June 10 to 13.Sick and confined to bed. June 14.Visited the work this morning. I find the trench was not carried far enough a cross the road before making the turn, and was then run too Thr to the right. Corrected it by cuttinh away south side and putting up two traverses. June 15.Work progressing as usual. Captain Powells (General Ransoms front) work being pushed forward. He commenced advance work on hill north of advanced battery. June 16.Detail at work on mai~m trench and rifle-pits leading from last angle south along crest of hill. The advanced batteries of General Quinby were completed to-day. Began another trench running south, 32 de.grees west, along front of curtain of Fort Hill, commencing at a l)oint on main trench, about 25 yards from ditch of Fort Hill. Con- structiucr battery for 9-inch guns near General Logans headquarters. June 17.Building platforms for 30-pounder Parrotts in advanced battery, the enemy having opened with two 20-pounder Parrotts on Ransoms froat. Work on trench and rifle-pits progressing as usual. June 18.Sap~-roller burned last night. The working party leaving it alongside cotton-bale, the rebels threw over fire-balls, setting cotton on fire, which communieate(l to sap-roller before it could be removed. Detail increased to 150 men. rfhe night detail was taken off during m Page 201 ChAP. XXX~I.1 THE SiEG1~ 01? VICRSI31JRG, MISS. 1~ P~TOOfr ~o Page 202 202 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP XX XVI. sickness, and, in consequence of near approach to enemys works, it is not consi(Ierv(l advisable to put it on again. June 19.Work progressing as usual. Captain Merritt in charge of working l)arty of left sap, which is a side cut, covered by our guns in the rear, and running almost parallel with parapet of Fort Hill. June 20.Work on main trench progressing as usual. Placed new sal)-roller on work to-day. In evening commenced work on Navy (9-inch) battery with a detail ~of 100 men, putting lip heavy parapet, with embrasures reveted with gabions. The enemy have opened with a large mortar in hollow south of Fort Hill, with which they are shell- ing the Navy battery. June 21.Work on trenches progressing as usual. The enemy are using hand-grenades (6 an(l 12 pound shells) with effect. Being within a few feet of the ditch of Fort Hill, I made a call for all the miners in the command to report to inc in person. General Ransom has com- pleted his advanced work, and General Quinby has commenced build- ing Battery Archer for Navy gnus. June 22.We reached the rebel fort to-day at 10 oclock with main trench, and cleared away a place to commence mining operations. Ex- perienced considerable annoyance to-day from rebel hand-grenades thrown among the workmen. June 23.Thirty-five miners having reported, divided them into three reliefs, of eight hours each; and placing them under charge of Lieuten- ant Russell, of the Seventh Missouri Infantry, went to work at 9 a. In. Had pushed the gallery (3 by 4) 12 feet under Fort Hill. June 24.Captain Merritt sick and confined to his tent. Driving the gallery as rapidly as possible. Have penetrated to a distance of 40 feet and comnnienced on branch gallery to left. Can hear the rebels at work on counter-mine very distinctl v. our gallery. Appear to be above and to the left of June 25.Last night during my temporary absence the miners became frightened at noise made iii rebel counter-mine and quit womk. Had them rush it ahead this a. in., and finished it l)eforC 9 oclock. Depos- ited 1,500 pounds of powder in three different branch muines (500 in each), and 700 pounds in center; 2,200 pounds in all. Fuses so arranged as to explode them all at the same instant. Mine tamped with cross-tim- bers, sand-bags, & c., and all ready to explode at 1 p. mu. As per order, the umine was fired at 3.30 p. m. Perfect success. Troops rushed in and took possession of crater, and detail of pioneer troops went to work under my direction clearing awa~y e~trance to same. June 26.Having orders to arrange crater for two guns, with proper protection for infantry support, commenced construction of covered gal- lery in center of crater, from which to lead mines or counter-mines, as the case might require. Finished it before dark, with a loss of 7 of pioneer company wounded. The rebels hand-grenades (6 and 12 pound shells) being very destructive, the men were called back and I)laced behind rifle-pits, thrown up across center of crater, where they were perfectly h)rotected against grenades thrown by the enemy, and still be able to 1101(1 the crater. June 97 Emitire force at work on left trench. Sent the detail of miners over to advanced work of General Ransom. Work progressing lively ou Battery Archer, and small work for howitzer in front of rebel mortar. Jane 2g.It beimig impossible to continue work on crater until rebels are (lri~-en from outer face of said work, we have concluded to spring ammoiher mine under parapet to left of crater, for the purpose of unco Page 203 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSI3URG, MISS. 203 ering their work. Commenced work on said gallery, running northwest from covere(l gallery in crater. June 29 to July 2.Sick and confii~ed to tent. July 1.The mine under left enrtain of Fort Hill was fired to-day at 1 oclock. Perfect success, blowing some 7 or S rebels, who were en- gaged in countermining, within our lines. July 3.Flag of trnce in; no work done. July 4.Vicksburg surrendered at 10 oclock. For a more full and complete nuderstanding of engineering operations of corps, I will most respectfully refer to reports and pint of survey of our front by Mr. Tresilian, engineer officer of Third Division, Seven- teenth Army Corps, and which have been forwarded direct to chief en- gineer of the department. The accompanying sketch* will more fully illustrate the operations upon main or central approach. Very respectfully, A. IIICKENLOOPETI, Captain, and Chief Engineer Seventeenth Army Corps. Lient. Col. JAMES II. WILSON, insp. Gen., Dept. of the Tenn. No. 11. Reports of Capt. Stewart 1?. Tresilian, Engineer Officer Third Division, including operations since April 25. HDQIIS. THIRD l)IVISIoN, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Camp in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., June 1, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of work assigned to me as assistant engineer to the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and performed by me since April 25: I left Millikens Bend, on the Mississippi River, on the morning of April 25 last, with 2 sergeants of the pioneer corps and 30 negroes, and traversed the margin of Bayous Walunt and lionndaway, crossing Roundaway at its junction with Bayou Walnut at the town of Richmond, in the parish of Carroll, Lonisiana. - Crossing Bayou Vidal twice, and arriving at Hard Times Landing, near the confluence of Bayou Vidal with the Mississippi, at 8 oclock at night of the 28th, we replenished our rations. During this part of the march, up to the first crossing of I~ayou Vidal, the roads having been newly opened through, cultivated fields, and scarcely any material to be found adjacent enough to repair them, we had to work night and day reconstructing almost every drain crossing from Richmond to this point. Here we ha(l to corduroy on both sides of the bayou three-fourths of a mile, and open a new road through the skirt of woodland to the pontoon bridge at the south crossing of Bayou Vidal. The first 24-pounder howitzer of the McAllister Battery, at- taclied to the Third Division, submerging the third pontoon on the south end of the bridge, I had to stop the travel, and, lashing two long beams longitudinally to the ends of the two boats next the weak point, parallel to the roadway, I forced two skiffs under the beams, and, lashing them securely, gave sufficient buoyancy to the bridge to sustain not only the remaining part of the batteries attached to the division, but also the 30-pounder Parrott battery, manned by the First U. S. Infantry. Leaving Hard Times Lauding at 12 oclock, after four hours rest, we *5cc p 201 Page 204 204 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. traversed the MiSSissippi River levee, and from thence along the margin of Lake Saint Josep~~ halted on Bayou Durossette, having overtaken the Sixth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, Brigadier-General Quinby commanding. At daybreak, when the Third Division was put in motion, Sparre- stroms battery, Company G, Second Illinois Artillery, submerged the bridge over the bayou. 1 had to take down the adjacent houses and use the weather-boarding, one- half inch thick, laying it down both trans- verse and longitudinally, layer over layer, until I obtained sufficient buoyancy, and converted the trestle into a floating mass. The bottom of this bayou is a many quicksand, and very unsafe for any other structure than a flotilla or pontoon bridge. At about a half mile in advance of this last-named point, Captain Moore, of General Logans staff, constructed a bridge under similar cir- cum stances and with equal success. I found all the other bridges to Hard Scrabble, below Grand Gulf on the Mississippi, sufficiently safe to sustain our division, arriving at said place on the morning of April 30, about 10 oclock, having marched over 70 miles. The general features of the country are similar to all the Mississippi bottom which I have seen. The surface soil is a bluish retention clay, underlaid by a strata of hard-pan. Generally speaking, the timber easiest to be found along the bayous is that most valuable for the con- struction of bridges, stockades, block-houses, & c., and is the cypress, beech, sycamore, cottonwood, holly, and water-oak. I crossed the Mississippi on the morning of May 1, and, Ian ding at Brninsburg, advanced on the Port Gibson road, repairing a bridge across one of the tributaries of the Bayou Pierre, and arriving on the battle-field near Port Gibson just before the field was won by cur troops. At 11 a. m. I reached Port Gibson, and meeting you near the burned suspension bridge, across the south fork of Bayou Pierre I accompanied you, and when you had selected the site for the new bridge you instruc- ted me to try and procure some spikes, & c., in which I succeeded, and the materials were on the ground before the brigade you had ordered from General IVleClernands command had reported. Together with Captain Pattersoi~, in charge of the pioneer corps attached to General Carrs division, and my own pioneers, in charge of Sergeant IWilliarn] Ross, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteers, we commenced operations, and in less than four hours the whole stru~ure was completed and the en- tire army crossed with perfect safety. The structure was 166 feet, with not one stick of timber to commence operations with until some houses in the vicinity were torn down and carried by the men over a distance of 100 yards. From this point we advanced in the direction of Willow Springs, and at dusk arrived at the suspensiou bridge across the north fork of Bayou Pierre, which we found partly destroyed. The bridge having been re- constructed under your personal supervision, Captain H ickenlooper, chief engineer Seventeenth Army Corps, and mbyself, the army passed safely over, meeting with but slight resistance from the retreating forces of Generals l3owen and Loring. When I arrived at Hankinsons Ferry, on the Big Black River, the enemy was in ~he act of destroying the bridge, under the snpervision of General Bowen in person. The skirmishers of the Twentieth Ohio com- ing up, they fled, leaving the pioneer tools and General Bowens pistols, which were picked up by a private of the regiment Page 205 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 205 On May 4, I reconstructed the l)ridge, which was badly scuttled, and constructed a small earthwork overlooking the crossing. The next work Th~om this point was at Rocky Springs, where I recon- structed a bridge 30 feet span, and another at Sandy Creek, 50 feet span. I had to crib to strengthen the stringers. At Rocky Springs I was joined by Captain (now Lieutenant-Colonel) Wiles, Seventy-eighth Ohio Yolnnteer Infantry, with the mechanics of the corps and the negroes left at Millikens Bend, making the number of my effective men 208. At the battle of Raymond, on the 12th, Captain Wiles drew up his mechanics in line and went into the fight; afterward he buried the dead. The next work of importance was the strengthening and reconstruct- ing iu part of the bridge over Bakers Creek. Our division arriving safely iu Clinton on the evening ot the Thth, that night Captain ilickenlooper and myself, with the Seventh Missouri Infantry, destroyed the railroad from a point 2 miles south of Clinton and toward Jackson, which we completed pn the 16th to the State cap- ital. Leaving Jackson on the 17th, and passing through Clinton, we arrived within a short distance of Edwards Depot. Next morning I was ordered to build a bridge on the road leading from the depot to Bridgeport (80 feet span). The bridge was built in six hours, and by order destroyed by fire, and reconstructed again by myself. From this l)oint I advanced to Big Black River, where I received an order from you to construct a bridge north of the Ransom Bridge, and Captain ilickenlooper, chief engineer, and myself, succeeded in build- ing the cotton bridge, over which the Seventh Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, advanced. In building the cotton bridge, the following method of construction was observ~d, the span being 102 feet, the water 30 feet deep: A small rail was first built of sufficient bouyancy to sustain two men, who carried the end of the shear line across and anchored it. The span was then accurately measured on the shear line. Two longitudinal stringers, 12 by 16, and 34 feet long, were laid on the shore 10 feet apart and parallel to the current of the river, and strips of sheeting 1 inch thick were spiked on the stringers 2 feet 6 inches from center to center, thus tying the stringers together. An end piece, the depth of the string- was then spiked on the shore end~ o~ the structure and the pieces, whole was turned upside down, presenting the appearance of a large scow. Two cotton bales were then rolled in on the flat, and a piece of sheeting nailed in front of them transversely, pressing them tightly against the end piece. The same was repeated until the section was filled with cotton. Upright posts of scantling, 2 by 4, were now spiked to the stringers at the end of each cotton bale, and sawed off about 1 inch scant of the height of the cotton. After this, pieces of sheeting were spiked from upright to upright, passing over the center of the cotton bales. Five pieces of scantling, 2 by 4, were th~en spiked longi- tudinally, resting on the sheeting crossing the bales of cotton, and on these were nailed the flooring. The sections were then floated into the stream and spiked together. Finally, the whole structure was lashed to the shear line and two small abutments, constructed of rails and bush. I witnessed the crossing of the division, and found that the 20- pounder Parrott sunk the striiciur~ only 14 in~l~es, 1eavi~g aii excess of buoyancy of 16 inches Page 206 206 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAt. XXXVI. I am of the opinion that the cotton bridge is equal, if not superior, to the pontoon, being much steadier and easily constructe(l. Leaving this point, I arrived in rear of Vicksbnrg, and will report at a future time. I am under many obligations to Captain Wiles, while he was con- nected with the pioneers. He is one of the most efficient and practical men I ever met with. To Lieutenant [Alexander] Scales, his successor, and Sergeant Ross, who had charge of the negroes, I am indebted for their indomitable energy and perseverance in the construction of work. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, S. It. ThESILIAN, Division Engineer Third Division, Serenteenth Army Corps. Lieut. Col. JAMES H. WILSON, First Lieutenant of Engineers, Department of the Tennessee. HDQnS. CHIEF ENGiNEER~ Tninn Div., SEYENTEE~TH A. C., Vicksburg, Miss., An gust 17, 1863. Sin: I have the honor to report the l)art taken by me during the late siege of Vicksburg, resulting in its capitulation. On May 19, I arrived at the junction of the main Jackson and War- renton roads, with Major-General Logan. By his orders, about 3 p. m. 1 made a reconnaissance of the front, and communicated with Brig. Gens. John E. Smith and Stevenson. I found General ~ corn- mand under the crest of the first ridge, on the left of time Jackson road, in line of battle, himself iii advance, near the cotton-gin, whieh 5t00(l on the left of the ridge, afterward known as Logans headquarters, or Siege Battery Logan. At this tune, to the rear of his left and in advamice of the Warrenton road, a battery was being put into position. I found Brigadier-General Smiths command in line in the ravine to the left of the point afterward occupied by General Ransoms first bat- tery, with Brigadier-General Ransoms command on his right. General Smith I found in front, taking a sketch of the enemys position. From these two points of observation I obtained a pretty accurate general outline sketch of the entire front of the Third Division. This was the first position occupied by the division. On the morning of May 20, with a portion of time division pioneer corps, I constructed a sunken battery and platforms for two 30-pounder Parrott guns, which were put into positron the afternoon following, and manned by a detachment of the First U. S. Infantry, under the coin- mand of Captain Offley. At the same time, further to the left, on time same ridge, the First Missonri Battery of 10 pounder Parrott guns, com- mnanded by Lieutenant MacMurray, was put in position. The following night the First and Third Brigades, of the Third Divis- ian, were advanced to the ravine in front of this position, on the right and left, respectively, while Major Stoibrand, chief of artillery, brought a portion of the artillery forward proportion~teN. This was the second position of the division. On the morning of the 21st, 1 made a reconnaissance of our left front. In the afternoon, according to orders received from Major-General Mc- Pherson, I proeured suitable lumber from a cotton-gin and the palings allout the Sherman Hospital, put the mechanics of the pioneer corps at work, and before daylight imad ready for use forty scaling-ladders, varyin~ in length from 16 to 22 feet, light cuough for one man to carry Page 207 ChAr. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 207 an(l strong enough to support two men, when used in a horizontal posi- tion, across a 10-foot ditch. To one cud of each of these ladders was attached a rope three-fourths of its length, so as to enable the men to lay them on the ground and pull them after them; thus the enemy could not perceive them until the assault was made. On the 22d, I had the pioneer corps ready, in case we succeeded in the assault, to advance immediately and open a way for the artillery. During the assault, the Forty-fifth and Twentieth Illinois Infantry, hav- ing failed to storm the works, retired to a point about 30 yards in front of the redan, to the left of the redoubt, on the Jackson road, holding that position, and lying down under a little ridge. At dusk I advanced half of the pioneer corps to that l)oint, and, in- trenching them in that position, commenced to sap the redan. I suc- ceeded in opening the sap 60 feet and the mine 4 feet, but was the next day driven from the position by the enemys handgrenades. The next night I attempted to resume the work, but was compelled to abandon it. In justice to the above-mentioned regiments, I must say that they held the position twenty-four hours when it was inst ant death to show eveii the top of the head above the intrenchments. On the night of May 25, under the direction of Captain ilickenlooper, he having ordered a detail of 300 men for this purpose, the works at the white house were commenced, and at daylight on the 26th the battery of 24-pounder howitzers, l~ nown as McAllisters, was in position. This battery, together with a section of a captured battery (3-inch rifled guns), was afterward designated, by order, White House Battery.~~ The First and Third Brigades in the mean time having taken positions in the ravines on the right and left of the road, respectively, and Bat- tery L, First Illinois Light Artillery, the Third Ohio Battery, the Eighth Michigan Battery, and the second section of the above-mentioned cap- tured battery, taking positions on the left of the Third Brigade, formed the third and final position held by the division during the siege. Within the two following days I had the whole line intrenched on the right and left of the white house. June 19, the sap then having been constructed to the point where Coonskins Tower stood and the redoubt completed, the 30-pounder Parrott guns were removed to this position and placed under the com- inaud of Lieutenant Branigan, First U. S. Infantry, Battery Logan being occupied by two 9-inch Dahigren guns, under the conimand of Captain Ofiley, First TI. S. Infantry. Thorn ~zhis date the work pro- gressed daily, nothing of interest occurring until the explosion of the mine under the main redoubt on the Jackson road on June 25. This mine was driven by Lieutenant Russell, Company D, Seventh Missouri Infantry. Having the pioneer corps in readiness, I immediately re- paired to the crater and began to fill np the opening through which the enemy were firing volley after volley. I was supported while personally superintending this work by a company of the Forty-fifth Illinois In- fantry, under the command of Colonel Maitby, his lieutenant-colonel having been mortally wounded and his major killed~a few moments before by the first volley. Having succeeded in putting up a timber, loopholed for riflemen, the enemy Seeme(I disposed to come over. Perceiving their intentions, I tan to the nearest battery, and bringing back three 10-pounder Parrott shells, put in five-second fuses, and threw them over one after the other, compelling the enemy to retire. Our men and the enemy were then bayonet to bayonet Page 208 208 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL July 17 the second mine was exploded. Previous to this time I had constructed three wooden mortars, one 6-pounder and two 12-pounders, and put two of them into position about 100 yards from the maiu redoubt. Immediately after the explosion I commenced shelling the crater, drop- ping nearly every shell into the -proper place. This fire I kept up at intervals for forty-eight hours, varying the direction from the small redan on the left of the main redoubt, with telling effect~ The enemys engineer in charge of these works, Captain Kelly, of Genei-al ll6berts staff; assured me that 21 men were killed and 79 wounded by these shells. During these forty-eight hours I fired 102 rounds of 6-pounder and 366 of 12-pounder shells. To [Corpl.] S. XV. Dunning, One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois Infantry, my assistant, I am under many obligations for his cool de- termination and gallant courage on June 25 and throughout the siege; also to Captain Moore and Lieutenant Hoover, of Major-General Logans staff; for their valuable assistance in superintending the construction of rifle-pits and roads. During the siege my pioneer corps obtained and used 370 wagon loads of lumber, built three magazines, I)ut in platforms for all the heavy batteries, made 1,200 fascines, 650 gabions, 4 sap- rollers, and kept in repair all the broken trails and gun-carriages of the division. All of which is respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, S. H. TRESILIAN, Division Engineer Third Division, $eventeenth Army Corps. Lient. Col. JAMES H. WILSON, Chief Engineer Department of the Tennessee. Ko. 12. Reports of ]JIaj. Gen. Edward 0. C. Ord, U. S. Army, commanding Thirteenth Army 6vorps.* ORBS HEADQUARTERS, June 23, 1863. Pretty lively firing on my left, as if a sally. I have sent to Lauman and Hovey, if an attack occurs on either side of them, to re-enforce the point atta~ketl. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. General GRANT. ORBS, June 24, 1863. f he firing last night was a sortie on Lanmans front, resulting in the 1o5,s of 1 man killed and 4 slightly [wounded]. ~2he enemy was driven b:vk and the work continued. Heport just come in. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. General GRANT. * 8c13 ~ho NicCiernarids report, Part I, pp. 137186 Page 209 ChAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 209 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, June 24, 1863. Colonel Bush, Second Illinois Cavalry, rej)orts, Our ])ickets report that the rebels were at work at Bald~vins Ferry last night. I shall ascertain whether it is true or not. If they are preparing to cross, 1 will send notice. E. 0. C. ORD, Major- General. General GRANT. ORDs, July 1, 1863. GENERAL: I have positive intelligence, from cavalry jUSt in an(I from the report of Major Wilson, that the enemy have crossed at and near Hankinsons Ferry. I have ordered Lawler, with a brigade, to move down east of Warrenton, and occupy the ground between Warren- ton and Hankinsons Ferry. He will be off in half an hour, if you do not direct otherwise. E. 0. C. GIlD, Major- General. General GRANT. ORDs, July 1, 1863. Nothing further than the (lispatch from Herron, which came from Logan and Major Wilson, via Warrenton. Wilson was stationed near Hankinsons Ferry. I think it is likely the enemy has shown- some force there, l)erhaps as a feint. I have two brigades ordered to be ready to march for the country between Warrenton and Halls Ferry. Shall I send them off l E. 0. C. GIlD. General GRANT. [Indorsement.] A cavalry picket, to give notice if crossing is attempted, will be suf- ficient. Only move troops after it is known there is a force to opl)o5t~. U. S. GIINNT, Major- General. No. 13. Reports of Brig. Gen. Peter J. Osterliaus, U. ~ Army, commanding Ninth Division. HEADQUARTERS NINTH DIVISION, Big Black River Railroad Bridgc~ May 25, 1863. COLONEL: I arrived with the First Brigade (two sections of the Second Light Artillery) nt this place yesterday morning, and relieved Colonel Slack, as per instructions. (If Colonel Wrig~hts command I only found two companies, numbering to 50 men in the a1ggregate. Whether the colonel himself and the balance of his command will re- port here or not, I am.unable to state - but from the fact that he sent yesterday night for the above 50 men only three days rations, I am in- dined to infer that the colonel will not join me soon, nor the balance of his command either. 114 H HVOL XXI\T~ PT I Page 210 210 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. You will see rea(lily that with the above very small force it is utterly impossible to do a great deal ot good. I posted vedettes at Bovina and the Bridgeport, Halls, and Baldwins Ferry roads; also a picket on the Edwards Station road; had all these roads patrolled, and in such manner disposed of the whole number of cavalry here without any men left to relieve to-day. If Colonel Wright comes up to-day, I will make such arrangements as to keep thoroughly informed of all movements of the enemy in our rear. The town of Raymond was taken yesterday morning by the Eighth Kentucky and Twentieth Mississippi Regiments. The sick, wounded, and nurses were paroled. From the statements of the paroled men, the enemy is trying to collect a large force at or near Jackson, to operate against us in a very few days. I do not put much credence in such re- ports; but the fact that the above-named re~imeiits are in the imme- diate vicinity of our lines makes it necessary that a considerable cav~ alry force be concentrated here to stop and prevent raids as that into Raymond. There are some Confederate troops at Clinton, and they will undoubtedly visit our hospitals in every direction, in order to swell their numbers of prisoners, by paroling the sick and attendants. In connection with this matter, I beg leave to inquire where the Fifty-fourth Tndiana Infantry is stationed now. They were left at Raymond with the One hundred and twentieth Ohio. The latter regiment came up since, but the whereabouts of the former is riot known to me. The reg- iment is not in Raymond any more, but I would like very much to have it rejoin my command if such be possible. Only two sections (6-pounder brass guns) of the Second Ohio Battery are with me, an(l they are with- out any ammunition at all except canister, which cannot be used. T1~e section of 12-pounder howitzers, which is the mnest effective in the pres- ent position, is, I believe, with General MeArthurs (livision. Please have them ordered forward, and also cause Colonel Mather to send us the ammunition for the pieces. I inclose a letter to Lient. A. Beach. This officer was left at your headquarters to await the arrival of the ammunition for that battery. Could you hasten his return? I send an order to Colonel Wright at once to join me, bLit not being in possession of an official order assigning him to my division tempo- rarily, I am in doubt whether he will respect my order or not, and you wonld be very kind by giving this iml)ortant matter your attention; also, from a man just in, I learn that all negroes are to be collected and sent to Jackson, which place is to be fortified by the enemy. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTERIIAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Thirteenth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS XlNTII I)rVIsIoN Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi, May 27, 1863. COLONEL: Colonel Wright, with 200 men, has reported this a. in., and I have commenceti executing the instructions received from Generals MeClernand and Grant. I havedestroyed all the railroad bridges from Big Black to Bolton Station; burned all Confederate stores, railroad ears, & c.; collected about 300 bales of cotton, iOO head of Confederat Page 211 ChAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE 01 VICKSBURG, MISS. 211 States beef-cattle, and 100 sheep. The cotton I forwarded, per instruc- tions from General Grant, to the river landing; the beef and sheep will be turned over to the commissary of subsistence of the Thirteenth Army Corps in the morning. There are several reports of Morgans [?] cavalry approaching. Cap- tain [Greene] IJurbin, assistant quartermaster, who, under a flag of truce, came within 2 miles from Jackson, met there Generals Loring and Morgan [~] with a large force not less than 7 000 in his estimation. , , The captain could not ascertain in which dii-ection the column was moving. A rebel officer, under a flag of truce, bearing General Lorings reply to General Grants letter by Captain Durbin,is at my pickets at this time. Not desiring that he enter my lines, I sent an officer of my staff to receive the rebel dispatches, and leave to the officer bearing them the choice to either stay outside my picket until General Grants an- swer arrived~ or return and leave it to a flag of truce from our side to carry that answer to General Loring. I hope this course may meet the generals approval. The large number of wounded at Champions Hill expressed the de- sire to be removed into our lines. I would be very glad to respond to their wishes, if adequate means of transportation were at my disposal. Could you not cause General Hovey to send his ambulances and am- bulance corps over for the purpose, if time transfer is approved by Gen- eral MeClernand? Be so kind and give me your opinion in megard to this matter l)y return messenger. I am, colonel, your most obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Corn manding. Lieut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assi8tant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. 4INTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRps, Big Black River Railroad Bridge, May 29, 1863. GENERAL: Your order of to-day to burn the railroad bridges and track east of here is just received, and I take immediate steps to exe- cute them most effectually. I had the honor before to report that I had almost every bushel of corn destroyed along the railroad line and the public road as far as Bolton. Since then I did the same thing as far north and south of f lie railroad as my limited means allowed it, and Colonel Wright, with the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, is out at present to look around at an(l near Bridgeport. The following articles of contraband were collected on these raids and shipped: To Major Garber, assistant quartermaster Thirteenth Army Corps, 53 mules, 14 horses, and 152 bales of cotton; to commis- sary of subsistence Thirteenth Army Corps, 118 head of beef-cattle. There are now on this side ready for shipment 330 bales of cotton, and a lot of beef-cattle will come in this afternoon. Cotton and beef will be forwarded to the river with all dispatch. My scouts from Edwards Station, Champions Hill, Halls Ferry, and Bridgeport Ferry repbrt everything quiet. No enemy has been seen since the soi-dis-ant paroling of tim wounded at Champions Hill. The l)aroling officer there only took a list of the men, without their giving or signing the parole. Can such proceedings stand for ~ parole Page 212 212 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. All the wounded are anxious to get away, but my means of trans- portation are not adequate, and, besides, I (10 not consider myself au- thorized to cause the transfer. I hope to be able to report to you by tomorrow how I succeeded in the work of laying waste, and remain, with great esteem, your most obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General Command Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, ing. Commanding Department of the Tennessee. HEADQUARTERS NINTH IDIYIsION, Big Black River Railroad Bridge, ]Jiiss., ]Jfay 30, 1863. COLONEL: In pursuance of my letter of yesterday evening, addressed to Major-General Grant, I have the honor to report that the long rail- road bridge is burned and down since 11 oclock last night. I keep a strong detail at work to destroy the railroad beyond the bayou (east of the fortifications), but, having but very insufficient tools, they could only take up the rails and ties for a little over a mile beyond the bayou bridge. The ties and rails are most effectually destroyed. Another party is (letailed to continue the work to-day, and if I can manage to gather cavalry enough to protect them beyond my line of pickets, I hope to have the gap extended from the river to Edwards Station by to-morrow. This morning I sent, through Quartermaster [Absalom] Finch, of the Second Brigade, Ninth Division, 200 bales of cotton and 60 head of beef- cattle. The cattle are some of the best stock I have seeii. About 1100 more bales of cotton are awaiting shipment on return of my trains. Most of the cotton was taken 5 miles southeast from here, beyond the river. When my men were loading the last wagons yesterday night, the cov- ering cavalry patrols reported a rebel picket in sight. My men dashed on them, and ascertaining the fact that there was a superior force within 1 mile of them, I immediately sent out from Colonel Wrights (Sixth Missouri) cavalry several patrols to feel the enemy and colle.ct all in- formation about him. These patrol parties just returned and report as follows: Pa4rol No. 1 went on the road where the rebels were seen in the afternoon, leading from our Big Black R~iver hospital (Smiths planta- tion) into the Raymond road. On the arrival at the point in question, the enemy had changed his position and had moved in a northern direction. They were about 300 strong, under a Colonel or Major [II. B.] Lyon, and all of the Eighth Kentucky. This regiment left Vicksburg 600 strong on May 19, and marched, by way of Cayuga and Crystal Springs, to Meridian, where it was mounted and marched back by Jackson, and is now on a patroling and cotton.burning tour. The regi- inent does not number over 300 now, and is by no means anxious for a fight. Patrol No. 2 started for Edwards Station, and thence north to Greens Hill Church, where they learned that Halls cavalry (three companies) and 300 infantry were between Brownsville and Birdsong Ferry. The latter seems to b~ of importance to the rebels. Patrol No. 3 marched to Bolton, where they burned two railroad cars and a depot, which were not destroyed before, and ~in going out uorth to Brownsville set lire to about 1,500 bushe.ls of corn. In comin Page 213 ChAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 213 back, they heard of the Eighth Kentu~~y passing in the immediate vicinity, but saw no rebels whatever. The above detachinents appear to constitute all the enemys force in our immediate vicinity; but from corroborating information gleaned from different parties, it is pretty certain that General Loring was night before last, with 5,000 or 6,000 men. at Jackson, while General John- ston is at Canton 18,000 strong, and expecting re-enforcements within eight days, which would swell his army to about 40,000. He would not commence hostilities until these troops have arrived, and his attack would be directed against ilaynes Bluff; crossing Big Black at Morris Bluff. I give this rumor because it was spread among the knowing ones to some extent, either for keeping np the sinking hopes of the true Southerners or because it is founded on some truth and probability. Allow me, colonel, to direct your attention to the very weak number of cavalry at this point, not over 200 effective, and this number, by the very hard service, is pretty much run down. If compatible with other necessities, I would like to have the force strengthened, not only to give to the overworked men and horses a chance to rest, but to look a little closer after these mounted infantry lurking around me. On this occa- sion let me remember the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, a splendid regi- ment, now at Columbus, Ky. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, P. J. OSTERIIAIJS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. Jonx A. TiAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department Headquarters. HEADQUARTERS NINTII DIVISION, Big Black Hiver Railroad Bridge, June II, 1863. COLONEL: Since my last letter I am at work in destroying the rail- road track east, but the absence of the proper, or, in fact, of all, tools, retards the job considerably. For about 4 miles the ties and iron are destroyed by fire, besides the burning of all wooden structures as far out as BbIton. The last patrols coming in report all quiet. They only heard of some forces beyond Brownsville. The various parties out yesterday burned 825 bales of (Confederate States of America) cotton and 8,000 bushels of corn. They only found a few horses and mules; they are getting scarce. A negro just in from Jackson, which he left yesterday morning, saw no troops anywhere this side along the railroad, but reports General Johnston with a large force at Jackson, in camp on both sides of the river. He calls the force three divisions. On Saturday last five trains with troops arrived at Jackson, the troops coming from Virginia and Carolina. They had some field artil- lery with them. The negro heard nothing indicative of General John- stons intentions, except that he would re-enforce P~nberton and give ns a severe whopping. They are still throwing np fortifications at Jackson. I am, colonel, with great respect, your very obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHA US, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOHN A. HAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Tennessee. Page 214 214 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. IcIiAl. XXxvI. HEADQUARTERS NINTH I )IVISIoN, Big Black River Railroad Bridge, ill issis~ippi, June 4, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowh~dge the receipt of your favor of yesterday, with orders and instructions relative to a rebel force at Grants house. I immediately sent all the available cavalry force (three companies Sixth Missouri) in that direction, with orders to proceed, as far as practicable, with a view to make a connection with Colonel John- sons column, and to gather all the information in regard to ferries and fords across Big Black, and, further, in regard to any attempt of the enemys advance. The party has just returned, and reports that the rebel Major [W. A.] Rorer, with the Twentieth Regiment Mississippi Infantry (mounted), 600 strong, had been encamped on the Benton road from Yicksburg, at the bridge across Bear Creek, about 1 mile east of where General Blair was encamped; at Major Hams place. From Capt. Tom Jones (a dangerous rebel, who is my prisoner, and whom I will forward to the headquarters) we learn that the above force was the only one in the immediate vicinity, and that it was the same which was at Grants house. There are several fords north of the Bridgeport Ferry which are now practicable; one ford is between the latter and the Birdsong Ferry, the other below Bush Ferry. From the description of the location of the above-mentioned secesh camp and the situation of these fords, I am in- clined to think that the Twentieth Mississippi, which figured a few days ago considerably below Raymond, Bolton, and Brownsville, crossed at these fords, and it would be very desirable to have a flying column established between Bushs Ferry (Oak Ridge) and Bridgeport Ferry to interrupt such raids. I am also informed that the rebel General Walker was crossing his division yesterday at Kibbys Ferry (I believe it the same as Coxs Ferry), to make a reconnaissance, but that Joe Johnston was not yet prepared to advance. The party sent out yesterday night did not learn anything of Colonel Johnson. There seem to be a number of rebel squads running all over the country in my front and on my right (across the liver). Yesterday a patrol of the Third Illinois fell in with about a dozen men. My men were returning from Champions Hill, and found the rebels on the road east of Edwards. They fired, and the rebels tnrned north, giving my men the road. Another patrol, under Captain Millert, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, or- dered to go by Edwards to Bridgeport, met about 25 rebels mounted on mules. They attacked them and unsaddled one, bringing in mule and saddle. From contraband source I heard yesterday that a regiment of Ten- nesseeans were marching toward Bakers, or Fourteen-Mile Creek. 1 at once sent a company of cavalry to Bald~vins Ferry, but, on returning, the commander reported everything quiet in that direction. The Eighth Kentucky (rebel), under Lyon, matched yesterday morn - ing at 3 oclock throngh Edwards, taking some of the paroled prisoners (rebel) away. I am, general, with the highest esteem, yonr very obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennes8ee Page 215 CHAP. ~XVI.] rJifi~ SWGE Or \TJCKSBURG. MISS~ 215 IIDQRS. MNTII DrVISJON, TIII~~TEENTII ARMY ComVs, Big Black Hirer Railroad Bridge, Miss., June 6, 186310.30 p m. COLONEL: My picKets on the east side of Big Black have been at- tacked this evening, and after a pretty lively lire compelled to fall back behind the bayon bridge. I made the iiecessary preparations to repel any attack the enemy may intend, at the same time increasing the cav- alry detachments on the Bridgeport and Halls Ferry roads6 In order to ascertain whether there is any force in my front, I or- dered a strong patrol to go to Edw rds by 3 a. in., and frel the enemy at all hazards. Since this morning I heard different contral)an(l rumors of the ap- proach of several regiments; bnt, in spite of all vigilance, I could not get ai~y reliable information, thongli 1 tc confident that there is some- thing about to happen. You will k~ndb iememher that I have five regiments, in the average not over 2dO men each, and not a very for- midable force against a real attempt on the pait of the enemy to C~O55 the river. I learn that the Second Biio-ade (Colonel Lindsey) is also withdrawn from the front. Wonid it be Icasible to have him join me here? For many reasons it would be very desirable. The ambulances you sent yesterdax to bring over lioveys wounded from Champions Hill are still here, is I considered it very unsafe to let them go over without an understanding with the Confederate States commander in that region. I dispatched a flag of truce to get the con- sent; theofficer bearing it left here yesterday after dinner, and has not yet returned. I ordered him to go until he found the proper officer, and I am expecting the flag back since noon. The decision in the matter 1 will report at once. Very respectfully, I am, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. WALTER B. ScATES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Thirteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. NINTH DIvISIoN, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Big Black River Railroad Bridge, Miss., June 7, 1863. COLONEL: Yesterday night, by 9.30 oclock, my pickets beyond the river, on the Edwards Station road, were attacked by some rebel force. There was quite lively firing for some tinie, and the commander of my picket considered it prudent to fall back on the infantry picket at bayou bridge, in the line of the rifle-pits on the other side. The enemy, which I found out since was the Eighth Keutnck~r Mounted Infantry, did not follow up, and this morning at 4 oclock my cavalry was at E(lwards, and report that they were in camp 3 miles beyond. Under instructions of Major-General MeClernand, I sent, on Friday last, a flag of truce into the enemys lines, in order to procure from the Confederate States commander his consent to remove General iloveys wounded from Champions Hill into our lines. Liemitenant Foster, the bearer of the flag, returned at this moment. He was within 6 miles of Jackson when his letter was taken from him, to be taken to Jackson. The lieutenant was then escorted back, and aim early reply to my request promised. Lieutenant Foster states that he met no other troops this side of the point where he was halted, except the Eighth Kentucky (mounted); but, from all information collected, there seems to be a considerable force a Page 216 216 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CuAr. XXXVI. Jack son, under General Breckinrid ge, who either superseded General Loring or is his superior in rank. The people seem to be in high glee, and sanguine that the rebels will soon be in number strong enough to raiSe the siege. Of General John- ston, 11 hear that he is still at Canton, preparing for an attempt to break off our river communications north of Yicksburg. II inclose three letters. They are rather sweet but at least No. 3 is of some interest. They were intercepted by an orderly of my staff; and opened. I helieve they were smuggled out by some member of the Eighth Kentucky, and, as appears from one envelope inclosed, directed to Yazoo City. There was a rumor near Jackson yesterday that an official telegram from Richmond had arrived sta Itappahannock. , ting that General Lee had crossed the I am, colonel, with great respect, your very obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. IIAWLiNS, Assistant Adjutant-General, De artrnent of the Tennessee. HDQlts. NINTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRps, Big Black River Railroad Bridge, ]lliss., June 7, 1863. GENERAL: Your favor of this morning is received. You will please excuse if the description is not definite enough as to the ground where the attack was made yesterday night. Bayou bridge is across the bayou, in front of the rebel breastworks beyond Big Black, and the bridge burned on the 17th when the enemy evacuated the works was re- constructed by our pioneers, and is situated in the line of the works. From information collected since, it was the Eighth Kentucky Mounted Infantry which ran against my cavalry pickets, who fell back on the infantry grand guard at the above bridge, which post was at once re-enforced by two companies of reserves. The rebels, finding u spre. pared for them, retired, and my cavalry followed them up. At 3 a. m. this day my patrol was at Edwards Station again, and report the Eighth Kentucky still falling back, probably for their place of rendezvous near Bolton. This information is substantiated by Lieu. tenant Foster, the bearer of the flag of truce which I mentioned yester day. - The lieutenant met on his return trip the Eighth Kentucky 3 miles east of Edwards. In regard to the result of the expedition of Lieutenant Foster I have to say that he came within 6 miles of Jackson, where his dispatch was taken from him and forwarded to headquarters of General Breckinridge, who now commands, and is at Jackson in lieu of General Lorin g. After some time, Lieutenant Foster got answer that the general commanding division, as to my request (the removal of the woufl(led), would be made known to me very soon, and then he was escorted back to our lines, where he arrived a short time ago. Lieutenant Foster met only the Eighth Kentucky this side of Jackson. He found the people sanguine as to the result of the threatened attack of General Johnston on our army. The latter general is sThl at Canton, evidently having and collecting a large force. His intention is sai(l to be to break off our river connection north of Yicksburg. There was a rumor at Jackson of an official telegram having been received there yesterday to the effect that General Lee ha Page 217 CHAP. XXXVI.] TILE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 217 crossed the iRappahannock. I keel) up the most stringent system of guards and ~atrols all along the river np arid down, and I can say that there is no vestige of any other enemy than the Eighth Kentucky. You will permit me to repeat my opinion, that the cavalry force at my disposal is utterly inadequate to guard against and repel any attack the enemy might attempt. There ought to be a strong force established at Bridgeport, to watch and defend the very exposed ferry there and three practicable fords north of it. I consider an attack in that direc- tion more likely than here, because all roads for and from Vicksburg converge there, and from the bend in the river its left flank well se- cured, and its lines of retreat both northeast and east open, there being several very good parallel roads, and the river passable by the three practicable fords. I am, general, with great esteem, your most obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. JoRN A. McCLERNAND, ]Ift~jor- General, Commanding. HDQRS. NINTh l)IVISIoN, TIIIRTEENTLI ARMY Conps, Big Black- River, Miss., June 7, 1863. GENERAL: Since writing you by your return orderly, Major [Samuel] Montgomery, with a detachment of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, which I had sent out to Edwards to feel the enemy, has returned. lie found six coml)anies of the rebel Twentieth Mississippi (mounted) on the place indicated, i. e., 3 miles beyond Edwards Station, on the Raymond road. (in the approach of the Sixth Missouri, the rebels left in a southern (lireetion, awl Major Montgomery, learning from some contrabands that they in all probability would take the Balls Ferry road, imrne(liately returned to Edwards and made for the same ferry. This being a shorter cut, our men soon came up with the rebels, an(l, after some firing, charged them, breaking their line, one part running by a by-road toward Halls Ferry, the other toward Utica. Two prisoners fell into our hands, whom I will forward to your head- quarters te-mnorrow morning. The major (Montgomery) says that he could not secure more, these fellows being better mounted than lie cx. l)ected. You remember my statement a few days since that some rebel cay- alty had crossed the Big Black somewhere-nQrth near General Blairs command. This is substantiated by the prisoners, who say that four companies of their regiment, under Major IRorer, are in that region. If nothing happens, I go to Bridgeport to-morrow morning in order to collect some information. With great respect, I am, general, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Cornmanding. Major-General MCCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. NINTJT DIVISION, ThIRTEENTh ARMY CORPS, Big Black, Miss., June 7, 1863. COLONEL: A short time after my (lispatch of this morning had left, I received reliable information that the Eighth Kentucky Mounted In Page 218 218 MISSISSIPPI, \VEST TENNESSEE, ETC. 6 [CHAP. XXXVI. Iantry, which attacked us last night, had been re-enforced by the Twen- tieth and Twenty-second Mississippi Mounted Infantry, an(1 that they were encamped at the creek, 3 miles beyond Edwards Station. Large bodies of negroes appeared at my lines, affirming the above report and speaking of more troops appearing. To come to the fact in these informations, I ordered so much of the cavalry as I could make available, about 100 men and one section of mounted howitzers, to march to Edwards and beyond ~nd fe ci the enemy. They left here by noon, under Major [Samuel] Montgomery, and found at the place indicated a rebel camp. On the approach of my troops, the rebels left in a southern direction. Contrabands thought they would go to Bakers or Fourteen-Mile Creek, toward Halls Ferry. The major (Montgomery) at once returned to Edwards Station, and took then a more direct road for Halls Ferry. Tie soon came up with the rebel force, and ordered the attack. After some firing, during which the rebels tried to form, the Sixth Missouri charged, and ran their force 4 miles, when the Confederates dispersed in two parties, one taking a by-road for Halls Ferry, the other the Utica roa(l. Finding that the fellows were better mounted than anticipated, the major halted and returned. He arrived here at 6.30 p. in., with 2 prisoners. They say that there were six companies (iii the aggregate, at ]east 300 strong) of the Twen- tieth Mississippi Mounted Infantry in to-days skirmish on their side, which were dispersed by 100 of the Sixth Missouri. They further state that the Twenty-second Mississippi and Eighth Kentucky Infantry were in their vicinity, but that the four companies belonging to the Twentieth Mississippi were detached under Major liorer, and operat- ing west of the Big Black. They had left Canton some time a~o for Benton an(l the Yazoo. You will remember that this statement cor- roborates the information transmitted in my letter of June 4. The I)risoners could or would not tell anything relative to the movements of other rebel troops, but J will try again to-morrow morning to pump them. If I had a little more cavalry, I have no doubt that the surprise and capture of a number of these mounted troops were feasible. Awaiting your orders, I am, with great esteem, your very obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHA ITS, Bri~adicr- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOHN A. BAWLINs, Assistant Adjutant- General, D~partment of the Tennessee. HEAIQUARTERS NINTH DlYIsIoN, Big Black, ]lfiss., June 7, 18636 p. in. GENERAL: Your dispatch of 1.45 oclock has inst come to hand. I sent you by orderly this forenoon all the news since ye4erday nights attack. The orderly must have tarried somewhere, as the letter ought to have been at your headquarters by dinner time. By this time he has, no (loubt deliveled my letter. Colonel Wright, with about 200 rnen,is with me, and I had the honor to report his arrival some ten days since. Since I wrote you this a. m. I received further and reliable news fro Page 219 Cii Ar. XXXVI.] TIlE SIEGE OF VICKSBUMG, MISS. 219 the front. Besides the Eighth Kentucky Mounted infantry, which I reported this morning 3 miles beyond Edwards Station, the Twentieth and Twenty-second Mississippi Mounted Infantry have made their ap- pearanc~ also in that direction, encamping on Bakers Creek. One de- tachment of them (five companies) came within 3 miles of my headquar- ters. They proclaim themselves loudly the advance guard of large bodies of infantry on their march for this point. To ascertain everything more perfectly, I detailed Colonel Wrights command, with two howitzers, to proceed at once to Edwards and feel the enemy. I only learned since lie left that he got as far as Edwards, and am expecting further intelligence momentarily. I shall not fail to inform yon of anything I learn. The large number of pickets which is necessary to guard this avenue make the increase of my infantry and cavalry most desirable; the duties are very hard on the command here now. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. McCLEItNAND Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps. 0 JIDQIIS. NINTH DrvIsIoN, THIRTEENTH ARMY Conrs, Big Black, Miss., June 8, 1863. COLONEL: After the hard ride which the Twentieth Mississippi was compelled to take.yestcrday afternoon, the Eighth Kentucky made its appearance this morning. They formed in sight of my pickets on the Edwards Station road, and opene(l fire; but being unable to make my vedettes fall back, they retired on their part again, leaving 1 man in our hands. He gives almost verhatim the same story of re-enforcements arriving to General Johnstons army, in the vicinity of Canton, as the prisoners of yesterdayin fact, as everybody does coming from beyond the Big Black; the I)eople are undoubtedly fed upon thathopeful pros- pect. The present informant adds that an attack would be made simulta- neously by Johnston on Snyders Bluff, and by Breckinridge on the position here, and that it was to be looked for soon. This morning I visited the Bridgeport Ferry and the Macon Ford, and I can say that an access from that direction is rather difficult; the roads are very effectually blocked. There is no ferry and no chance to cross the Big Black between the railroad and Bridgeport, no landing and no roads leading to the river between those two points. Macon Ford is about fl miles north of Bridgeport. I found several boats and ~Ol)C5 there which I had destroyed and taken off. The road leading to the ford, being beyond my rayon, is ~)retty good, but a workingparty will be sent out this night to destroy it. With great respect, I am, your obedient servan~ P. J. OSTElIHAUS, Brigadier- General, Corn mending. Licut. Col. JOIIN A. IlAWLINS, Assistant A cljutrtnt. General, Department of Ike Tennessee. (Copy sent to Lieut. Col. NV. B. Scates, assistant a~jntant-general Thirteenth Army Corps. Page 220 220 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVL HDQRS. NINTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Big Black, Miss., June 9, 18631 p. in. COLONEL: Major [Samuel] Montgomery, who is in command of the detachment of cavalry and mountain howitzers sent out to The ford north of Bridgeport (as stated in my dispatch of this morning), reports that he fell in with a pretty large force of rebel mounted troops, and that he took a position wher& he thonglit he could hold his Own. About 150 rebels attempted to flank, but the major succeeded in repelling them. He sent through for all the cavalry left here, and I complied with his request, which gives him not over 150 men, besides his two mountain howitzers. At the same time I forwarded one regiment of infantry to the Bovina Bridgeport road, and took the necessary steps to guard against an at- tack on my left flank. My patrols to Edwards just returned. Found no sign of any enemy there, and it strikes me that the concentration of the mounted rebel forces, which were in my front yesterday, is very likely at the fords, where they can cross the river without molestation. A force sent out from ilaynes Bluff could cut off the retreat of any rebels on this side of the river. I am, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTERIIAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Tennessee. HEADQUARTERS KINTII DIVISION, Big Black, Miss., June 9, 1863. COLONEL: Since writing you this morning, I received information that a number of rebels were crossing and had crossed Big Black at Messingers or Macon Fords, some miles north of Bridgeport Ferry, where my rayon terminates north. I at once started Major Mont- goniery with two companies of cavalry and one section of artillery (mountain howitzers) to re-enforce my pickets in that direction, and just 110W he informs me that he fell in with several hundred rebel mounted troops. The major took a position, whh~h the enemy tried to flank, but he succeeded in driving him back, and thinks he can hold his position if re-enforced by all available cavalry. Without any (lelay I started the last man of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry, at the same time taking snch measures to receive the cavalry, if forced to fall back, and to secure my left flank. It is of the highest importance to have a permaiieut, light, and very available column established between Bridgeport and Oak Ilidge Fer- ries, where the river is fordable at many places. To protect these points from here with the cavalry at my disposal is kupossible. A cavalry force moving down to the Messingers Ford from Haynes Bluff would cut off every rebel on this side of the Big Black. I am, colonel, with high esteem, your very obedient servant, P. J. OSTET~IIAUS Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant- General, Thirteenth Army Corps Page 221 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 221 HEADQUARTERS NINTH DIVISION, Big Black River Bridge, Miss., June 10, 1863. COLONEL: Your dispatch of yesterday was received in due time, and I fceL very much obliged for your kind and immediate attention to my request. A small detachment of the Third Illinois and one company of the First Indiana (escort companies) arrived in tlie night, and the Second Illinois Cavalry is reported in the Vicinity; they will be here this even- ing. Major [Samuel] Montgomery, in command of the Sixth Missouri, sent out in pursuit of a rebel force, returned just now (2 p. ut), and reports that they were the same companies of the Twentieth Mississippi which were at Grants house and in the Oak Ridge region for some time. After having received the re-enforcements, Major Montgomery ad- vanced and followed up the enemy as far as Birdsong Ferry, at which crossing, or by the fords near by, he lost sight of them. The major is most po~Ative that there is no rebel left on the west side of the river betx#een Birdsong and this point. Of course, I ordered the escort companies mentioned above to return to their respective headquarters, and I feel very certain that, with the addition of the Second Illinois to my cavalry forces and with the detach- ment of General Washburns cavalry north of Bridgeport, we are per- fectly able to keep the rebels on the other side of the Big Black. The information brought in by Major Montgomery is that General Johnston is not moving, and not even expected to move forward soon; that, on the contrary, some of his forces had been withdrawn. I be- lieve, though, that this iiews ought to be received cum grano salis. inclose a letter brought in by flag of truce.* The request seems to me an extraordinary one, and I refused to grant it, promising, though, to lay it before the major-general commanding the department, for his action. In doing so, I request him to give me his decision for commu- nication to Colonel [H. B.] Lyon, if the general should not approve of my denial. By the way, I have to state that this Colonel Lyon is described as overbearing, and toward our wounded at Champions Hill a very rude character. I am, colonel, with great respect, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOHN A. IIAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Tennessee. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES, Big Black River Bridge, Miss., June 1~, 1863. COLONEL: I ordered the commander of my picket at Bridgeport this morning to communicate with the cavalry stationed above Bridgeport, in order to perfect the guarding of the river. Captai~ Morris, Sixth Missouri Cavalry, who is in command of the post there, just now re- l)orts as follows: Serge ant [Theodore B. I Robinson, in charge of the putrol, went to the Widow Hills, 9 miles from this point (Bridgeport picket station). He heard from all that Colonel Swan was there last night, hiockading the road, and left about dark, intending to go to camp at Haynes Bluff. He has not come hack to-day. * Not fonn4 Page 222 222 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. LUIJAI. xxxvi. On the sergeants return he ran into a squad of about 15 rebels at Birdsong Ferry; they exchanged shots, and the rebels retired across the river, where there are larger forces. The sergeant had one of his (9) men slightly wounded and took 2 prisoners. I will scud them to your headqnarters to-morrow morning, as they arc very talkative. They say that General Forrest, with his rebel cavalry, is at Mechanicsburg, and that another part of his force was expected to-day to form a junction with him at or near the said town. The whole command is estimated at 4,000 men. The prisoners, of course, report the story that Johnston, with 30,000, is moving on Yazoo River. Big Black, in consequence of the late rains, was swollen considerably, but is receding rapidly againso mnch so that, in the opinion of Captain Morris ,the fords at Messingers and near Birdsong Ferries are practicable again. Therefore, I re-enforced the captain by another company, in the expectation, though, that some of General Washburns cavalry will relieve my men there to-morrow. I hear from my Edwards Station patrol that two new mounted regi- ments, the Sixteenth and Third Mississippi, are in the vicinity of vol- ton and Raymond. This seems to corroborate the above statement that the rebel cavalry force had, been increased. To meet emergencies, I am constructing some breastworks defending the crossing of the river here. I shall lay the plan before you in a day or two. Having but a very limited number of contrabands here for that kind of work, I would be very glad to have about 100 more negroes from the organizing regiments temporarily detached to assist my work- ing party. If such a detail could be granted, the men would have to bring tools along. I am, colonel, with great esteem, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTER~AUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOHN A. IlAwLiNs, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Tennessee. HDQRS. NINTH DIVISION THIRTEENTh ARMY Coups, Big Black River, Miss., June 14, 1863. COLONEL: Your favor of yesterday was received. The mcii rel)Orted to have been fonnd in the swamps between Mr. Hines and Mrs. Stowers, on the Halls Ferry (Yicksburg) road;ar~, in my opinion, the same men whom my patrols had seen some days ago. There are only three or fonr of them, and they are (lisconnected from any rebel command. Though the present stage of the river is such that the greatest vigi- lance is necessary to protect against a sudden attack of the enemy, it becomes fordable almost at any place. The Halls Ferry (Mount Alban an(l Yicksburg) road does not belong to my beat. If I understood your instructions correctly, it is in Laumans care. The distance from here to Baldwins Ferry is fully 12 miles, and to the indicated phice near Halls Ferry is 12 more. For the small force of cavalry the duty is most severe, as I have still to send my pickets north far beyond Bridgeport Ferry, being iu that direction iiot yet supported by any of Washburns cavalry. On the 12th, a patrol went as far as Birdsong Ferry, and on its return ran into a secesh squad. They exchanged shots. One of my men was slightly wounded, and then my patrol drove the rebels into the river, taking 2 prisoners Page 223 CHAP. XXX VEl THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 223 We heard that increased numbers were on the east side of Big Black. A party sent out yesterday, under one of my aides, went 10 miles be- yond Bridgeport Ferry, an(l found the above statement correct. The regular patrol had quite a lively skirmish with sonic rebel force across the river, and killed 1 man. The prisoners say that General Forrest, with 4,000 men, is in com- mand across the river their intended point of assembly in Mechanics- burg. At present (i. e., on the 12th) the cavalry was partly stationed at Bolton, Clinton, and on the Canton and Bridgeport road. Some were said to be at the above villages already. You undoubtedly admit that this complexion of things makes the cav- airy duty very hard indeed. The arrival of three small companies of the Second Illinois, under Major Marsh, did not bring much relief, and the early arrival of the remainder of Lieutenant Colonel Bushs coin- mand is, therefore, anxiously expected. I am, colonel, with great respect, your most obedient servant, P. J. OSTEIRflAUS, Brigadier- General, Gommanding. Lieut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistamt Adjutant- General. HDQRS. NINTH DIVIsION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRps, Bia Blac1~ River Railroad Bridge, Miss., June 17, 1863. COLONEL: Since my last the complexion of things on my front has not changed. Ilebel cavalry is appearing at every point permitting access on the eastern river bank, occasionally exchanging shots with my pickets. Yesterday a large force attempted to drive in the vedettes on the Edwards Station road, but was readily repulsed by the reserve pickets. In general, there is no menacing attempt made as yet. This morning a very intelligent contraband, George MeClond, came into onr lines, who had left Demopolis, Ala., on the 14th, Meridian on the 15th, and arrived in Jackson that same day. Yesterday morning he left Jack- son for our lines. The negro was employed in the arsenal at Demo- polis, and understands the making of all wood work connected with the ordnance department. He can read and write. This man states that the whole force at Jackson does not exceed 3,000 men, and the army collected and collecting by Johnston at Canton he heard estimated by leading officers at 15,000 effective men at the o~tside, with no prospect to swell it beyond 20,000. He describes the people and soldiers, includ- ing officers, in very low spirits as to the success of the Southern cause. The theme of raising the siege of Yicksbnrg is freely discussed on all sides, but no hopes are entertained that their forces will be in condition or in number equal to meet the Federal army. Notwithstanding these doubts, the negro says that great preparations are made for the relief of General Pemberton. Large quantities of ammunition and ordnance stores were forwarded from Demopolis to General Johnston, and from the general run of conversation he thinks that an attaek will be made within a very few days on the right flank of our lines, with a view to ove l~emnberton a chance to break through the in vesting army. I will send the negro to your headquarters to-morrow morning, deem- ing him an iuteresting,~erhaps a useful, manperhaps a rogue. I had telegraphic communication with the wires to your headquarters and everything ready for the expected operator, when this morning some allicer of another corps, passing Monnt Alban with a squad of cavalry Page 224 224 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CITAI. XXXVI. cut down the wire and the poles. The citizens informed the officer that the telegraph was put up only the day before by our soldiers, but he would not listen to any such stuff. I hope to have the line up again by to-morrow night. The railroad track between here and Vicksburg is abo repaired again, and a fiat car constructed from the ruins on the east side of the river is put on the track. Four mules, in lieu of loco- motive, form an essential addition to my transportation. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- qeneral, Co~~m~nding. Licut. Col. JoHN A. IIAWLINS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of the Tennessee, T7ielcsburg, Miss. HEADQUARTERS NINTH DIVISION, Big Black River Railroad Bridge, ]lfiss., June 21, 1863. GENERAL: Favored by your dispatch of yesterday, I ordered a strong l)atrOl to scour all the conutry from this place to Halls Ferry, on Big Black River, iu co-operation with Lieutenant-Colonel Bushs party, whicli, under your instructions, will search the lowlands from hails Ferry down Big Black, and up the Mississippi to Warrenton. My I)atrol will visit all points where the river is accessible and affords any chalice of crossing. Immediately on its return I will report the result. I keep constant pickets at Baldwins Ferry, and maintain a system of patrols from the bridge bere to that ferry, and thence to Halls Ferry, where Lieu tenant-Colonel Bushs battalion is ordinarily stationed. From the information I regularly receive from these points, I dare say that there are only a very few straggling rebels on the Mississippi side of Big Black, if any. There is a force somewhere on Fourteen-Mile Creek, to watch the southern avenues to Vicksbnrg, and the river being fordable in many places, a few men may venture over, but no force of any consequence will appear on the west side of the stream. All the forces of the enemy in my front are mounted infantry, of the Third, Sixteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-second Mississippi, and Eighth Kentucky, under Acting Brigadier- [General] Lyon, exceeding, altogether, not 2,500 men. They are of no desperate description, but they make their appearance at almost any point from Bridgeport Ferry to Baldwins Ferry, and are busily en~aged, besides so watching our movements, in collecting negroes and articles of subsistence. Prisoners taken in several skirmislksfny men had with them pretend a large regular cavalry force (4,000 or 5,000 men) had arrived from Braggs army, and was encamped near Brownsville or Clinton, but scouts sent out in these directions do not confirm the prisoners state- inent. In relation to other rebel forces, I have no news worthy of notice since the 17th instant. General Johnston was then still at and near Canton, his force numbering 15, 000 effective men at the outside. He was making great efforts to swell his numbers, ordering all available troops to join him. At Jackson he left not ove~ 3,000 men, but there are serious doubts if he can collect over 20,000. The cavalry was com- l)elle(l to disperse, and take up such quarters where they can find forage. The intention of General Johnstons army to attempt an attack on our Yicl~sbnrg army is proclaimed by everybody, but even the most decided rc~)els do not appear to be sanguine of his success. I shall take great pleasure, general, to inform you instantly of any- thing which may happen on my front I embrace this opportunity t Page 225 CHAr. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 225 repeat a request made some time ago, namely, to order the Forty-sec- ond Ohio and Twenty-second Kentucky, now in the rear of Yicksburg, and the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio Infantry, now at Warren- ton, all belonging to the iNinth Division, to join me at this point. From the long line to be guarded, and from the nature of the terrain, the duties for the infantry here are very severe. The regiments, being in themselves very small, are daily reduced in number by sickness, and an addition to the effective strength now with me would be very desi- rable. I have the honor, general, to be, with great respect, your very obedi- ent servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Maj. C-en. E. 0. C. ORD, Commanding Thirteenth Army Gorps, Vicksburg, Miss. BIG BLACK, June 22, 1863. A dispatch from Bridgeport, come in at this moment, reports that 125 men of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, stationed near Messinger~s, were at- tacked by 500 rebel cavalry and badly cut up, and about 40 men of the Iowa cavalry were either killed, wounded, or captured; also one small gun was taken by the enemy. Our cavalry were blockading the road when they were surprised. OSTERHAUS. General GRANT. BLACK RIVER, June 22, 1863. The commanders of the different pickets have just reported all quiet on the Jackson road. My patrol found a rebel cavalry squad near Edwards Station; fired at it and drove it to Bakers Creek,where the officer considered it prudent to desist the chase, the woods being re- ported full of rebels. There is no regular camp this side of Champions Hill. Yesterday a regiment of rebels passed Edwards Station, going south. It has not yet returned. It is undoubtedly the same troops which were observed by my patrols on the Baldwins Ferry road, on east side of river. Nobody living any more between hel?e and Champions Hill who could give any information; even negroes are secesh. P. J. OSTERHAUS. Major-General GRANT, (Through General Ord.) BIG BLACK, June 22, 1863. Colonel Wright, commanding the Missouri cavahy now opposite Bridgeport, [reports] in relation to the fight this p. m. as follows: The fight of the Fourth Iowa was near the junction of Bridgeport and Vicksburg and Jones Ferry roads. Four companies of Fourth Iowa were blockading Yicksburg and Jones Ferry road wl~n some 600 or 800 rebels charged on them. The rebels crossed the river at Jones or Birdsong crossing. My men have reconnoitered ~2 miles up the river, and found all quiet at present. My impression is that the rebels have recrossed the river. I anticipate no trouble to-night, but may have to-morrow. I shall be on the alert. 15 It ItVOL XXIV, PT I Page 226 226 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. The Forty-second Ohio and four companies of Twenty-second Ken- tucky Infantry, under Colonel Lindsey, have just arrived. OSTEIiHAUS. Major-General GRANT, (Through General Ord.) HDQRS. NINTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Jitne 22, 1863. CAPTAIN: Your favor of this p. in., including duplicate telegram from General Grant, is just received (5.20). My telegram in relation to a rebel attack on some four companies of iowa cavalry north of Bridge- port is undoubtedly received by you. I sent the whole of the Sixth Missouri Cavalry (200 strong) to Bridgeport Ferry, with orders to re- establish connection with the forces north of that point and with the advancing column of General Sherman. Big Black is fordable now at many places between Bridgeport and Birdsong Ferries, and there is no doubt that the above-mentioned rebel force availed itself of these practicable crossings and dashed on our small force, which, perhaps, had not taken all the precautionary meas- ures to guard against such surprise. It will be very important to have the now broken-up station re-estab- lished by another stronger force. The cavalry at Bridgeport and here is too small to withstand an energetic attack or to extend still more the line of guard assigned to me, i. e., from Bridgeport to Baldwins Ferry. The patrol sent out yesterday to connect with Colonel Bush have returned. They had to go as far as ilankinsons Ferry before they found the colonel. They did not meet any signs of an enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. J. OSTEJIHAUS, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Capt. S. S. SEWARD, Aide-de- Camp, Thirteenth Army Corps. BIG BLACK, June 23, 1863. A large body of cavalry appeared in front of position across Big Black, on and near Smiths plantation. OSTEIRHAUS. General GRANT. BIG BLACK, June 25, 1863. All quiet. Scouts from the east side of river report a picket (60 men) near Bridgeport, and a camp 2 miles back of Messingers. Other cavalry is stationed at Queens Hill Church, and north and south of Bolton. This statement is corroborated by that of a deserter of the Sixth Texas Cavalry, who came into my line yesterday, and gives the cavalry force in this vicinity as follows: First Texas Legion, 160 strong; Third Texas Cavalry, 300 strong; Sixth Texas Cavalry, 250 strong; Ninth Texas Ca~alry, 250 strong; total 960 men, nuder General [J. W.] Whitfield. There is another cavalry brigade (Mississippians), about 2,000 strong, stationed near Big Black, on the direct road from Canton to Haynes Bluff. Vernon east [north ~ij of this. Two brigades, one rifle Page 227 UBAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 227 6-pounder gun and one 12-pounder howitzer with it. I dont anticipate attack at present. The section of artillery has reported, and is sta- tioned at Bovina. OSTEIIHAUS. General GRANT, (Through General Ord.) HDQRS. NINTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp Keigwin, June 26, 1863. GENERAL: In receipt of your favor of to-day. I fully appreciate your opinion relative to the intentions of General Johnston, and, notwith- standing there is no sign of an immediate attack, my guards and precautions will be kept up as strictly as possible, to give me timely warning of any change that may take place. A few minutes ago I returned from Baldwins Ferry and from the picket beyond, connecting my vedettes there with those at Halls Ferry. I found everything quiet, and the arrangements there satisfac- tory. The standing pickets and vedettes are regularly, and at least three times a day and night, visited by a system of patrols along the river bank and the public road. There are three stationary vedettes north of the bridge here to Bridge- port Ferryat Brooks, ~ and Hookers plantations, and be- sides a patrol, under a very energetic officer. All these points, and all others on the river, are visited several times in twenty-four hours. The blockade is getting as perfect as it can be made. I instructed Colonel Wright, at Bridgeport Ferry, to make the closest connection with the Fourth Iowa, and gave him a copy of such parts of your kind letter as will enable him to render the fullest co-operation to execute your instructions. If you have a draughtsman with your headquarters, and would be kind enough to have me a copy made of a map exhibiting the roads and principal points in the section north of Bridgeport, it would be a very great help to me, and in an emergency would render my command more effective. With great respect, I am, general, your most obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General, commanding. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding F~fteenth Army Corps. JUNE 29, 1863. General MeArthurs [troops] are exchanging shots with rebels across the river at Messingers Ford, and my pickets at Bridgeport have been also fighting since 10 a. m. No attempt made, as yet, by enemy to cross the river. My pickets are still on the river bank. OSTERHAUS. Major-General GRANT, (Through General Ord.) BIG BLAcK, July1,1863. A mounted infantry patrol, sent out this morning on Edwards Sta- tion road, was fired into near that place. Men dismounted and at- tacked (the enemy was about 50 strong, infantry and some mounte Page 228 228 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI men), and drove them beyond Edwards Station. Lieutenant Sample of the One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Mounted Infantry, was severely, and two men, wounded. The enemys loss not known. OSTEJIHAUS. General GRANT, (Through General Ord.) Bi~ BLACK RIVER, Jnlj~ 3,1863. Colonel Wright reports the following: I caught one of Breckinridges men to-day, and learn from him that Breckiuridge arrived at Bolton last night, with 7,000 troops and large supi~ly train. Johnston is moving from above to form junction with B., the prisoner thinks, in my front, and will arrive at or near the river to-night. Whitfields cavalry moved from Bolton last night as Breckinridge arrived. The prisoner thinks they moved to the right, but does not know. P. J. OSTERIIAUS. General GRANT. IIDQRS. NINTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTh ARMY CORPS, Big Black, Muss., July 3, 1863. GENERAL: I send you the prisoner whom I mentioned in my tele- graphic dispatch of this p. m. He was a lieutenant in a Louisiana regiment, and was to be mustered out in consequence of the consoli- dation of his regiment, and be drafted again as a private. Such is the story he gives for the cause of his desertion. He reports Breckiuridge 7,OOQ strong (five brigades, each with one six-gun battery). Of the whereabouts and streryth of Johnstons army he knew nothing reliable. Of the conteml)lated attack he is also ignorant. With great respect, I am, general, yonr obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier. General, Commanding. General U. S. GRANT, Commanding Departme t of the Tennessee, Vicksburg. IIDQRS. ~ INTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Big Black, Miss., July 3, 1863. GENERAL: I give you, in this inclosure, copy of a dispatch j iist re- ceived from Colonel Wright.* I ordered a picket to remain for this night on the river opposite Crookers Ferry. There may be a proba- bility that it was that picket which was heard, but I have no means to ascertain as yet. Your command being in the immediate vicinity of Colonel Wrights position, 1 beg leave to request, in case of an emer- gency, your kind support. I ordered Colonel Wright to apprise you of anything that may transpire on his front, and I will do the same from here. I think Vicksburg will be ours to-morrow morning. With great respect, I am, your most obedient servant, P. J. OSTERHAUS, Br~qadier- General. Brig. Gen. JOHN MCARTHuR, Commanding Sixth Division. * See Wrights dispatch, above Page 229 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 229 No. 14. Report of Capt. Charles H. Lanjphere, seventh ]Jiiehiyan Battery, in. eluding operations May 16 and 17. NEAR VJCKSBURG, Miss., May 30 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by my command in the battles of May 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23: At the battle of Champions Hill, on the 16th instant, not being able to get a position fbr my guns, my battery remained in the rear. I there- fore have no report to make. At the battle of Big Black River. at 9.30 ~. in., May 17, I put right and left sections on the right of the road, about 800 yards in front of the enemys works, where the guns were worked at intervals until the enemys works were carried. The center section I advanced 300 yards to the front and 50 yards to the left; of the right and left sections, where the guns were worked with good effect until the enemy were driven from their works, when I advanced the entire battery to the lagoons in front of the rifle-pits, where for about one and one-half hours we shelled the opposite side of the river. No casualties. May 19.Moved forward at 9 a. m. At II a. m. arrived within sight of the enemys works in the rear of Vicksburg. At 2 p. m. put my battery into position upon a bluff 1 mile in front of the enemys forts, from which position worked two hours, when I advanced one gun within 800 yards of the enemy, where it was worked with effect until dark, the remaining five guns being worked at the same time from the first posi- tion. May 20.Had a small breastwork thrown up during the night upon the position occupied by the gun advanced to the front last evening, in which I placed four guns. Here I have the range of twelve of the enemys forts; worked these guns here to-day with good effect. The right section remained in the position occupied yesterday. One man wounded to-day, a flesh wound through the thigh; not serious. My battery worked to- day in position occupied yesterday, firing briskly all (lay. May 22.Enlarged the work upon the hill last night and placed the right section with the balance of the battery. My guns were worked briskly until 12 in., and slowly during the afternoon. May 23.Position not changed to-day; guns worked slowly. Up to the present time the enemys artillery has subjected me to but little in- convenience. No casualties, except the 1 Iuamwounded on the 20th. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant. C. II. LANPHEIRE Captain, Commanding Seventh Michigan Battery. Capt. J. W. THOMPSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Ninth Division. No. 15. Report of Licut. Oscar F. Nutting, First Wisconsin Battery. CAMP IN REAR OF YIOKSBURG, MISS., May 30, 1863. CAPTAIN: Below I have the honor to report the part taken by the First Wisconsin Battery in the engagements of May 1923. About 11 a. m. on the 19th, the battery, under the command of Lient Page 230 230 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. Oscar F. Nutting, was ordered into position on the extreme left of the line, comm into battery and opening fire immediately on the works of the enemy, about 1~ miles to the west of us. At 5 p. m. the right sec- tion of the battery, under charge of First Sergt. Edward P. Aylmer, was ordered to move to the right and three-quarters of a mile to the front, where it again opened fire, the other two sections remaining on the ground they had occupied during the day. On the 20th, the right section moved again to the front, the center and left sections of the battery moving up also to their front about three-qnarters of a mile, keeping np a brisk fire until dark. On the 21st, the center and left sections moved up half a mile and opened fire, the right section remaining in position on the ground it had occupied the previous night, and fired almost without intermission all day. Each of the sections remained in these positions on the 22d and 23d instant. The firing was kept up constantly and with great precision, doing fearful execution on the enemy~s works. On the 22d, the right section succeeded in blowing up one of the enemys caissons, and on the 23d the center and left sections blew up two more. These explosions, taking place within their fortifications, must have caused fearful havoc among their men. We are fortunate enough, I am happy to say, to have no casualties to report. During these five successive days both officers and men behaved nobly. Some of our ammunition was very poor, and worked badly, exploding in the guns; but our present supply appears to be much better. I remain, captain, your most obedient servant, 0. F. NUTTING, Lieutenant, Commanding First Wisconsin Battery. Capt. J. W. THOMPSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 16. Report of Brig. Gen. Albert L. Lee, U. S. Army, commanding First Bri,ade. IIDQRS. FIRST BIiIc~., NINTH- Div., THIRTEENTh A. C., 3ray 23, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have respectfully to report that on the morning of the 19th instant, in accordance with directions from the commanding officer of the division, I deployed my brigade in line of battle, facing and dis- tant froni the enemys works near Vicksburg about three-fourths of a mile. A section of the First Wisconsin Battery was planted on my left, and opened on a fort in plain view. Our line of skirmishers ad- vanced and met with no opposition. I then advanced the line about one-half mile, over a country very much brokei~ in character and diffi- cult for the passage of troops. As our hues passed through a slight fringe of wood that had hitherto concealed us, the enemy opened his guns with shell and canister. Sheltered by the many ravines, we es- caped much damage, and rested in a dccl) ravine. At this time (1 p. in.) I received an official copy of order from the corps commander, di- recting that at 2 p. m. a simultaneous charge be made along our whole line on the enemys works. At that hour my men were formed in lin Page 231 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 231 of battle and advanced in splendid order. As our line appeared on the brow of the hill and in full view of the enemy, he opened upon us a most murderous and raking fire from his many batteries on our front and flanks. The line steadily advanced, however, but only to find their way anew impeded by steep gorges and almost impassable ravines. So far as possible I sheltered the different regiments behind these irregularities of ground, and continued the advance, always under a galling fire. Arrived by slow approaches within 300 or 400 yards of the line of forts, our advance could no longer be regular, but rather in sin all bodies of skirmishers. At this point I was, unfortunately, struck by a musket-ball, the ball entering my right cheek and passing out at the back of my neck. This wound disabled me and I left the held, turning over the command of the brigade to Colonel Keigwin, of the Forty-ninth Indiana Regiment. In conclusion, I can only say that the behavior of the troops of this brigade was fine, and the commanders of regiments particularly deserve from me the highest praise and commendation. I am, captain, your obedient servant, A. L. LEE, Brigadier- General, Commanding First Brigade, Ninth Division. Capt. J. W. THOMPSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Ninth Division. No. 17. Report of Gol. James Keigwin, Forty-ninth Indiana Infantry, command inq First Brigade. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, May 30, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following as a report of the part taken by the First Brigade in the late engagements in the reajr of Yicksburg, on the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22d, and 23d instant: On the 19th, we were formed in line of battle by General Lee, who at that time was commanding the brigade, in the following order: Tlie Forty-ninth and Sixty-ninth Indiana, One hundred and eighteenth Illi- nois, One hundred and twentieth Ohio, and Seventh Kentucky. Each regiment was ordered to deploy one company forward as skirmishers, with instructions to get as near the enemys works as possible. Our skirmishers advanced about 500 yards, when the line was ortlered for- ward. We moved on and came out into an open piece of ground, when the enemy opened fire on us from his batteries. We were halted at this point, and remained here for about one hour, when we were ordered to charge the enemys works, which were about 800 yards in front of us, and the ground between us so rough that it was almost impossible to move with any order. Our line moved forward as rapidly as possible, the nature of the ground leading us all into one ravine, which brought all five of the regi- ments into such a mass that General Lee ordered the regiments on the right of the brigade to move by the right flank, in order once more to get our lines in order. During this move the enemy poured grape and canister into our front and shell into our flanks, which disabled quite a number of our officers and men Page 232 232 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CuAP. XXXVI. At this point General Lee was wounded, while gallantly leading his brigade in the charge. The Forty-ninth Indiana moved on as ordered by General Lee, and arrived at the ravine immediately in front of the large work, and the other regiments were moved back or remained where they were at the time the general was wounded. As soon as I got to the point in front of the fort, I ordered the Forty-ninth Indiana to open fire on the enemy, which resulted in the silencing of the guns from the work. I remained at tLiis point until after dark, when I posted a company from each regiment to hold the ground already gained during the night, and had the Forty-ninth to retire to the rear for rest. Agreeably to orders, I moved the brigade forward before daylight next morning to our line of pickets, and remained during the day at this point, skirmishing with the enemy. I ordered a strong picket to remain, and had the brigade to retire for the night for rest and rations. On the 21st, we were again in line before daylight, and skirmished with the Confederates all day. In the evening left a strong l)icket; retired, and bivouacked for the night. On the 22d, we were ordered to prepare our columns for an assault, which was done in the following order: Colonel Lindsey, with the Sec- ond Brigade, formed the right column. Immediately on his left I formed the Forty-ninth and Sixty-ninth Indiana in column, doubled on the cen- ter, which formed the center column of the division. The left column was composed of the Seventh Kentucky Infantry and One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry, doubled on the center, with the One hun- dred and twentieth Ohio as a reserve. At the signal the three columns moved, and, judging from their ap- pearance, every officer and soldier seemed confident of success; but as we neared the enemy we found obstacles which were more in our way than the balls of the enemy. The abatis in the ravines between us and the enemys works were almost impassable. The Forty-ninth Indiana passed the first abatis and found cover behind a small hill under the works of the enemy. The Sixty-ninth Indiana, on the left, I ordered to open fire on the enemy, who were concentrating a fire on us from three di~erent points. They opened their fire with telling effect, which ma- terially assisted the Forty-ninth in crossing the first abatis. The Seventh Kentucky suffered more severely than any of the rest of the regiments in the command. They were leading the charge on the left, and had to pass over a bare hill, when the enemy poured such a heavy and destructive fire into them that part were forced to retire, and those that did get over the point were forced to remain there prisoners until dark, when most of them succeeded in making good their escape. The One hundred and eighteenth Illinois charged over the hill on the right of the Seventh Kentucky, but were forced to retire, as the fire of the enemy was too hot for them to remain, it also being evident that the abatis could not be passed. We remained at the points gained until after nightfall, when I left a strong picket, and retired to our former bivouac. On the 23d, 1 ordered two companies from each regiment to skir- mish with the enemy in the front, relieving them regularly during the day Inclosed I semi you a list of the casualties in the brigade from the 16th instant to the 23d* ~Embodied in revised statements Page 233 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OP VICKSBURG, MISS. 233 In conclusion, 1 will say that every officer and soldier in thc command was ever prompt in obeying all orders that were given by me during the time I was in command. I ~m, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES KEIGWIN, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. J. W. THOMPSON, Acting Assistant A ~jutant- General, Ninth Division. No. 18. Report of Col. John G. Fonda, One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry, including operations May 16 and 17. BIG BLACK lIVER RAILROAD BRIDGE, Miss., May 25, 1863. CAPTAIN: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 94, I have th~ honor to report a statement of the part the One hundred and eighteenth Illi- nois Infantry took in the engagements of the 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22d, and 23d. On the morning of the 16th, the regiment marched in rear of Lan- pheres battery. Oi~ arrivin~ near where the line of battle was formed, an or(ler was given by General Osterhaus to form line in the road on the bill. Afterward an order was received through an aide to move down the hill and form in the timber, on the lett of the Sixty-ninth Indiana, with orders to govern my movements by those of that regiment. At about 11 a. m. a forward movement was made. My regiment was thrown into a very unfavorable position, and received a heavy fire from the enemy. The company of skirmishers, who steadily advanced, had its captain killed and first lieutenant mortally wounded ; the orderly sergeant and one private were also wounded. At the time it was thought the sergeant was mortally wounded, but there is now some hope of his recovery. I secured a more favorable position as speedily as possible, and shortly after the brigade moved forward again. The enemy at- tacked us here, and seemed to make an effort to break through our lines. They were repulsed and the position held. Shortly there was a movement of the regiments on my right, which, as I afterward learned, was caused by an attack on the extreme right of the brigade. Fearing that it might cause some excitement among my men, I kept themin line until the other regiments had changed fl-out, when I moved my men by companies to the new position, where we remained until 3 oclock. The total loss was 2 commissioned officers killed and 3 enlisted men severely wounded. We encamped that night at Edwards Station. On the 17th, we moved toward Black liver, and at 5 oclock a. m. formed line on the right of the Seventh Kentucky, and moved steadily forward toward the fortifications. At 12 m. we entered the intrench- ments. On the 19th, the regiment was formed in line in sight of the fortifica- tions at Vicksburg, with the Sixty-ninth Indiana on the right and One hundred and twentieth Ohio on the left, with one company of skir~ mishers in advance. ~1u this order we mnove(l forward in the direction of the fortifications, and took position in a ravine, and had 5 men wounded. The regiment encamped here for the night. On the afternoon of the 20th, a forward movement was again made Page 234 234 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. which secured the last height in front of the rebel works. One man was here killed. At night the regiment was moved back to the camp of the 19th instant. On the morning of the 21st, moved out to the front and remained there all day, and retnrned to the same camp at night. On the 22d, an order was received to charge the works of the enemy. My regiment was formed in column by division in the rear of the Sev- enth Kentucky, with orders to follow it over the bill. That regiment advanced until abont two-thirds of it had reached the top of the hill, when the enemys fire became so severe that those who had not passed broke back and did not pass. No further attempt was made to pas.s the hill, for the reason that the ground beyond was so cut up with ravines and covered with brush that it was impossible for troops to pass over it. I remained at the top of the hill with my regiment during the day, skirmishing with the enemy all the time. Near night they opened a heavy fire upon ns as though they intended to drive us from the hill. A company of the Twenty-second Indiana came promptly to my aid, and tl~ey were repulsed. At dark I was ordered to withdraw. The men were much exhausted, having been on constant duty since the morning of the 19th. The following casualties occurred: * Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JOHN C-. FONDA, Cot., Comdg. One hundred and eighteenth Illinois Infantry Vols. Capt. W. H. PECKINPAUGH, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, First Brigade. No. 19. Report of Col. Thomas J. Lucas, Si teenth indiana ii~fantry, First Brigade, Tenth Division, including operations since April 13. CAMP IN FIELD, NEAR VICKSBURO-, MIss., May 24, 1863. SIR: On April 13, we received orders to cook two days rations and prepare to march at a moments notice. The day passed and no further orders until, next morning, the 14th instant, we were ordered to strike tents and be ready to fall in. Mv c& mihand was formed at 4 oclock, and took up our line of march on the road leading from Millikens Bend to Tlichmond, La. We marched out 4 miles, and encamped for the night at a place called Oak Hill. Next morning, 15th instant, we took up our line of march. Traveled all day until we arrived at Holmes plantation, a distance of abont 15 miles, where we remained in camp until Saturday evening, April 21, when we again took up oar line of march, and arrived at Smiths plan- tation about 11 p. in., where we remained until 2~p. in. next day, April 22, when we embarked on transports in Bayou and ran into the Mississippi iRiver opposite New Carthage. We then ran down as far as Perkins plantation, where we disembarked and encamped for the night, remaining there & intil Tuesday, April 26, when we received orders to embark on transports and barges and prepare for the attack on Grand * Nominal list, omitted, shows 2 officers and 3 enlisted men killed and 15 men wounded Page 235 CHAP. XXXVII THE SIEGE OF VICKSBUIIG, MISS. 235 Gulf, which was opened lll)Ofl by the gunboats early on Wednesday morning, lasting six hours, when we received orders to disembark and take up our line of march for a plantation 4 miles below. Encamped for the night. The next day, April 28, about noon, we re embarked on the gunboat General Price, and ran down the river to a l)lantation 10 miles below, on the Mississippi shore, where we disembarked. About midnight we took up our line of march for Port Gibson, and arrived within 4 miles of Port Gibson on the morning of May 1, when we found the advance of our army had engaged the enemy. We were immediately ordered into position, which was the reserve of the ThirteenPh Army Corps. We had not been long in position until we took a prisoner, he being the first that had been taken. The day was excessively hot, but, not- withstanding, our men stood it bravely. In the afternoon we advanced farther than any other command, but were ordered back to our old position, having 2 men wounded. Night came on, and we were ordered to lie on our arms. Next morning before daylight we were called up and ordere~d to fall in line of battle, which we did, and remained so until 7 oclock of the morning of May 2, when the First Brigade was ordered in the advance, the Sixteenth Regiment on the right. We marched through the woods for about 2 miles, when we found the enemy had evacuated the town. Orders were given to march the command by the right flank, but owing to some misunderstanding were not carried out. However, our brigade was first in the town, and planted the first American flag on the court- house. We found the enemy had destroyed the bridge across the Bayou . A detail was made, and before four hours had elapsed our troops were crossing. Next morning, May 3, about 7 oclock, we received orders to take up our line of march, which we did, and arrived at the bridge over Bayou Pierre, which the enemy had tried to destroy, but failed. We went into camp about 7 oclock the same evening, and remained until the morning of May 6, when we again took up our line of march, and arrived at Rocky Springs on the afternoon of the 6th, where we re- mained until the afternoon of the 9th. We again took up our line of march, and arrived at Big Sandy, encamping for the night. The morning of the 10th, we started for Caynga, where we arrived at about 8 p. in., and remained until the morning of the 12th, when we took up our line of march for Edwards Depot, and arrived within 5 miles of it, when we drove in the enemys pickets and encamped for the night. Next morning, 13th instant, we were ordered back, and marched to Auburn, where we remained until the morning of the 15th instant, when we again took up our line of march for Raymond, and arrived there about 9 p. m. Encamped for the night. Next morning, 16th instant, we took np our line of march, and came in contact with the enemys pickets about 6 miles from Raymond. We immediately got into position and opened fire on them with the artil- lery, driving them before us. A general engagentent ensued, which resulted in driving back the enemy. On the morning of the 17th instant, we were ordered to advance. We had not gone far when we found the enemy had fallen back on Big Black. We passed through Edwards Depot, and marched on to Big Black, where we arrived at about 12 m. Formed line of battle this si(le, and was ordered to advance; we did so. Had not proceeded far when 400 prisoners surrendered to this brigade. The enemy crosse Page 236 236 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Big Black, destroyed the railroad bridge, and fell back to within 3 miles of Vicksbnrg, where their works commenced. On the morning of the 19th, our skirmishers were ordered to the front, where they remained all night. We had I man killed. On the morning of May 20, the Sixteenth lie~iment was ordered out as skirmishers. We advanced within 300 yards of tl)e enemys works. At night we were relieved by General Bentons brigade, General Carrs division. On the 21st, we were ordered to rest. On the morning of the 22d, a circular was received from General Bnr~ bridge, stating that a simultaneous charge would be ma(le around the whole line; that General Benton was to charge the enemys works at 10 oclock the same morning, and his brigade was to support mine. Ten oclock arrived. The troops started according to orders; drove the enemy inside of the fort, and held t.hem there in check until 6 oclock in the evening, when General Quinbys division came up to relieve us. We were ordered to fall back. In doing so the enemy came out of their works and tried to flank General Quinby~s division, which caused some little excitement. Their works could not be crossed. We fell back to our old position held in the morning, and iemained for the night. Our loss in killed and wounded I sent to your headquarters, which amounted to 31 men in all. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. J. LUCAS, Colonel, Commanding Sixteenth indiana Volunteers. Lient. It. CONOVER, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 20. Report of Col. Peter J. Sullivan, Forty-eighth Ohio Infantry, Second Brigade, including operations since December 20, 1862. IIDQRS. FORTY-EIGHTH ItEGT. OHIO VOL. INFANTRY I7icksburg, Miss., August 4, 1863. SIR: Pursuant to circular dated July 19, 1863, from Major-General Ord, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part borne by the Forty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantj~y in the ever-memorable and eventful campaign just closed with the fall of Vicksburg and Jackson: This regiment, formerly in the command of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, was attached to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smiths division by Special Orders, INo. 21, from Maj. Gen. S. A. llurlbut, dated Fort Pickering, Teun,, December 19, 1862, and by him assigned to said Second Brigade, com- manded by Cob W. J. Landram. About this time, consequent on wounds received in the battle of Shilob, and a severe fall from my horse near Memphis, fracturing my right arm and wrist, while I was in command of Fbrt Pickering, Tenn., I was placed on detached service by order of Maj. Gen W. T. Sherman, and was continued on said service by a subsequent order (No. 25) from Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, dated January 25, 1863; consequently the com- mand devolved oizrLient. Col. Job It. Parker. On the 20th of December, 1862, in pursuance of orders, this regiment, numbering 379 enlisted men and 23 commissioned officers for duty, tinder command of said Lient. Col. Parker, embarked on board a tran Page 237 CHAP. XXXYI.1 THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 237 port at Fort Pickering, Tenn., and accompanied the expedition down ~he Mississippi River, under command of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman. On December 27, 1862, we landed at the month of the Yazoo River, and were immediately advanced with the rest of the troops some 6 miles toward Yicksburg, where we had a successful skirmish with the enemy, without loss to this regiment. For several days succeeding, our brigade was placed in reserve, and on January 2, 1863, received orders to re- embark at 2 a. in., which was duly effected and without loss to the regi- uient. From the Yazoo River we were conveyed in transports to White River, thence into the Arkansas, and on January 10 were landed at Arkansas Post (Fort Hiudman), which was by our forces immediately closely invested by land and water. January 11, 1863.The forenoon was occupied in making dispositions of the United States troops preparatory to an attack on the enemy. This regiment was placed in reserve, and we were informed by the bri- gade commander that he did not much expect to need it. Half an hour after the commencement of the action it became evident that the whole force would be required. The Forty~eighth Ohio was then ordered to the right of this brigade, to support Brigadier-General Burbridges line, which it did with prompt- ness and in good order. On reaching the point designated, Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, our division commander, in bold and commanding language, ordered us forward, saying, Forty-eighth Ohio, go right in! The regiment then marched forward under a galling fire, through tangled brush and fallen tree-tops, to the top of a ridge; thence over a fence to an open field; thence by the right flank about 200 yards; thence by the left flank in line of battle, until we came within 150 yards of the main fort and directly in front of it. Here we were ordered to halt and lie down, and immediately afterward to rise up and forward, which we did until we came within a very short distance of the fort, keeping up all the time a most severe and destructive fire on the enemy until about 5 p. in., when he hauled down his 1~olors and hoisted the white tiag in token of surrender. We then rushed in, took possession of the fort, and ours was the second flag planted on the main fort. Colonel Landram, our brigade commander, who had fought gallantly by our side, complimented us on the spot, saying the Forty-eighth Ohio was the best old regiment out. Lieut. Col. J. H. Hammond, chief of Maj. Gen. W. T. Shermans staff, also complimented the regiment for its usual dashing bravery. Our loss in this engagement was but 2 killed and 14 wounded~ there were no casualties among the commissioned officers, except a sliglt flesh- wound which Lient. Col. Job R. Parker, of said regiment, received at long range in his left forearm, just as the regiment was marching up to its position and before it was engaged in the action. He immediately retired from the field, and Captain Peterson, of Company K, then took comma~nd and led the regiment into the action. A few days after he was so wounded, Lieuten ut-Colonel Parker went home on a twenty days leave of absence, and did not again rejoin his regiment until the 27th of April, 1863. Soon after this engagement, @aptain Peterson resigned, and Captain Lindsey, of Company B, took command of the regiment. We remained at Arkansas Post until January 17, when we again em- barked on board our transports, and the expedition steamed down into the Mississippi River, landing at Youngs Point, La., January 23. Here the regiment was engaged for some time in digging the canal. The weather became so wet that our camps were in many places overflowed Page 238 238 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL and the privations and sickness of our troops in many regiments [became] so serious that the Thirteenth Army Corps was ordered to Millikens Bend, La., a more healthy and drier locality, where we landed March 9. Here the troops rapidly recovered their health. That of this regi- ment, I am happy to say, however, had been invariably good since we left Fort Pickering, but one or two deaths from disease having occurred during this time, and the regimental hospital, under the charge of Dr. Willis, never having more than three or fonr patients in it at a time, notwithstanding the extremely severe privations undergone by the men. This is owing in a great degree to the care which was paid to the clean. liness of the men and the line sanitary condition of the camp. The credit of this is mainly due to Captain Lindsey, who was then in com- mand of the regiment; to Adjutant McGill and to Dr. Willis, who were indefatigable in their efforts to maintain a proper police and sanitary condition. The company commandants, too, cheerfully aided in this good work. April 15, in pursuance of orders, we moved from Millikens Bend to the lower landing below Hard Times, where we arrived April 29, en- camping on the way at Richmond, Roundaway Bayou, Holmes, Smiths, and Rossels plantations, ReddePs Bayou, Perkins and Elliots planta- tions, and Hard Times, a distance of 62 miles. April 30, we crossed the Mississippi River, landing at Bruinsburg, Miss., and next morning, after a march of 15 miles, we met and engaged the enemy at Magnolia Hills, and kept driving him back all day. Next day (May 2) we marched into Port Gibson, a distance of about 2 miles, without meeting the enemy, he having retreated during the night. From Port Gibson we marched, via Bayou Pierre, Willow Springs, Rocky Springs, Big Sandy, Caynga, Old Auburn, New Auburn, and Raymond, to Champions Hill, near Edwards Station, Miss. Here there was a severe and bloody engageement with the enemy. During this engagement our regiment was detailed to act in reserve and guard the trains, and, after the enemy was defeated, we moved on the 17th to Black River; crossed it the next day, and marched to within 5 miles of Yicksburg, a distance of 65 miles from Port Gibson and from Millikens Bend 123 miles. On the 19th, we advanced and drove the enemys pickets out of their rifle-pits into their fortifications. May 22, we engaged in the charge on the enemys fortifications in rear of Yicksburg, and, after a most sanguinary and bloody engagement, succeeded in planting our bullet-riddled flag on the enemys fort nearly in front of us, where it remained till ~vei~ing, when the enemy massed his forces in vastly superior numbers to ours, and regained possession of the fort. Perceiving his intention, we saved our flag before the charge was made. At 10 p. m. we were ordered to fall back. The Forty-eighth was never driven back from its position near this fort until ordered to fall back, as above stated. There were none with our flag while planted on this fort save the color-guard, the regiment being a little to the left of the fort during the time. Our casualties in this engagement were, so far as I have been able to ascertain, 32 enlisted men killed, wounded, and missing; also Major Moats, one of the bravest and truest of men, was mortally wounded, and has since died. Captain Gunsaullus, of Company F, a gallant and deserving officer, was severely wounded, bn is, I am happy to say, fast recovering. Lient. Col. Job R. Parker, by some means or other, received a very slight flesh wound on the cheek-bone, merely breaking the skin Page 239 CUAr. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 239 He shortly after retired from the field, and on May 31 went home on a twenty days leave of absence. He has never since returned to his regi- ment nor reported to these headqnarters. Fired with the determination of aiding in the reduction and capture of Yicksburg, at my own special request I was released from detached service at Memphis, and on the evening of June 22 last I rejoined my regiment, then in rear of Yicksburg, and on the next day resumed command. Our troops in the mean time were digging their zigzag way up to the enemys breastworks. Gradually we closed in upon him till July 3, when General Pemberton opened negotiations with Major-General Grant, which ended in the surrender of this great stronghold to the United States forces on July 4. This, indeed, was a glorious triumph for liberty and humanity. Early the next morning we marched, among 50,000 chosen troops, under command of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, in hot pursuit of General Joe Johnston and his forces, and after four days march, hungry, thirsty, and sunburned, we came up to him at Jackson, Miss., where we found him strongly intrenched, with formidable breastworks and forts in his front and flanks, and the Pearl River and an impassable swamp in his rear. During the siege, which lasted eight days, we were almost continually on the alert, and gradually and steadily advancing upon the enemy until the night of July 16, when, after severe fighting, he stole away and fled from the veteran Sherman and his gallant and well-disciplined troops, who love him as a child would a fond father. Our casualties here were but 2 men wounded. In the memorable campaign just closed with the fall of Vicksburg and Jackson, the Forty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry has had but 11 men killed38 wounded, and 1 missing; in all, 50, including officers and men. By the circular above alluded to, I am ordered to mention the weak- kneed and chicken-hearted as well as the brave and true officers and men of the regiment. This regiment, with but a very few exceptions, has been celebrated for its good order and discipline, as well as for its dashing and gallant bravery on the field of battle. The accompanying paper, marked A,* contains the names of those gallant officers and men who deserve to be kindly remembered and re- warded by their coumitry. Adjt. H. C. McGill, who has just resigned, on account of bad health; Drs. Willis and Wiles, surgeons of the regIment, and Captain Lindsey, deserve special mention for their untiring efforts to preserve the good health of the men, and to enforce good order and discipline on all occa- sions. Those are tried and true men. Lieutenant Lynch, acting quar- termaster of the regiment, is also entitled to credit for the execution of his duties. Those brave fellows, the color-guard, who were in the charge on the enemy in rear of Vicksburg on May 22, ought to be remembered and held up as true heroes by the brave and the true. heir names are David L. Yore, Company E, color seroeant. Isaac II .Carmin, corporal Company A; Isaac Scott, corporal Company B; Metcalf Bell, corporal Company F; Jesse Ellis, private Company D; Allen Pierce, corporal Company D; Albcrt ~N. Shumard, corporal Company G; James D. Wolf, private Company K. Not found Page 240 240 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVL The health of the regiment, with but a few exceptions, is good. The strength of the regiment is, present and absent, 362 enlisted men and 27 commissioned officers. Of this number there are present for duty 269 enlisted men and 17 commissioned officers. Should time, health, and circumstances permit, I will make a more extended and minute report of the part which my regiment has taken in this struggle between liberty and anarchy since its action in the battle of Shilob up to the fall of Vicksburg and Jackson. My feeble health compels me to abridge this report, yet I trust I have fulfilled all the requireihents of the said circular. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, PETER J. SULLIVAN, Colonel, Commanding. First Lient. C. C. TRACY, A.A.A.G., Second Brig., Tenth Div., Thirteenth A. (3. No. 21. Report of Brig. Gem Alvin P. iliovey, U. S. Army, commanding Twelfth Division. IIDQRS. TWELFTH DIVISION, THIRTEENTH AR Y CORPS, Yicksbury, Miss., July 5, 1863. COLONEL: In compliance with orders, I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the forces under my command before Vicksbur~-: My first brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General McGinnis, arrived before the outer works of Yicksburg on the 2Otli~zlay of May. On the 22d, that brigade was ordered by Major-General MeClernand to support General Osterhaus division on the extreme left, in an attack npon the city, which was to be simnltaneous along the whole line. I was per- sonally ordered to take charge of the batteries in front of Osterhaus and my own command. Those placed in battery were Captain Fosters 20-pounder Parrotts (First Wisconsin), Lanpheres 10 pounder Rodmans (Seventh Michigan), and the Second Ohio, under command of First Lient. Au~ustus Beach, and Sixteenth Ohio Battery, under command of First Lieutenant Twist. During the attack these batteries did admi- rable execution, and fully sustained Ah~ir part of the charge. The position of the defenses, with abatis filling the aI)proaches, prevented General Osterhaus forces from making a successful charge, and my brigade, supporting his forces, was not seriously engaged. The brigade at this time, owing to the sickness of General McGinnis, was commanded by Col. William T. Spicely. On the 24th of May, my second brigade, under command of Col. James li. Slack, arrive(t from Black River Brid~e, having been relieved by Brigadier-General Osterhaus. Colonel Lindsey, of the Ninth Divis- ion, with his brigade, was temporarily assigned to my command. At that date I commanded the extreme left of the continuous line of our forces, Colonel Lindseys brigade on my right, Colonel Slacks in the center, and General McGinniss brigade on the extreme left. Receiving orders on the 23d to prepare for a siege, my forces com- menced the work with spirit, and during the whole period prosecuted their labors with success, pressing our rifle-pits to within a few yards of the enemys fortifications. During this period, Capt. George W Page 241 CuAl-. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBIJRG, MISS. 241 Schofield placed his battery (First Missouri) in position, and with much labor succeeded in procuring four 24-pounder siege guns from ilaynes Bluff, which did great execution during the siege. The strain upon my forces was extreme. For more than forty days they were under con- staut fire, casualties happening daily iii the midst of their camps; men were killed and wounded in their beds, at the table, iu the ride-pits, and yet, during all this long period, there was no murmur, no complaint. They were veterans and determined to sncceed. On the 4th day of July, 1863, the city surrendered, and on the 5th, without time for a glimpse at the prize, my division was ordered by Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord, who had succeeded to the command of the Thirteenth Army Corps, to pursue the retreating forces of General Johnston. Officers and men displayed great firmness, coolness, and bravery dur- ing this ever-memorable siege, and I cannot discriminate among them. * * * * * * Killed, 19; wounded, 76; total, 95. No report having been received from Colonel Lindsey, L am unable to report his casualties. I have the honor to be, yonr obedient servant, ALVIN P. HOVEY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Licut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 22. Report of Maj. AS1alue G. Van Anda, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, SeconI~ Brigade, Fourteenth Division. BATTLE-FIELD, NEAR VICKSBURG-, MISS., May 25, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the action taken by the Twenty- first Regiment Iowa Volunteers in the battle on the 22d of May, 1863, in the rear of Vicksburg. The Twenty-first Regiment received orders to be ready to charge on the enemys works at 10 a. m. At the hour precisely, I formed the regi- ment in the rear of the gallant Twenty-second Iowa, within 2Q rods of the enemys rifle-pits. In this position we were partially covered from the enemys fire by the hill immediately in front of their works. I then gave orders to fix bayonets, and charge by the left flank over the hill and into the enemys rifle-pits. During this charge, the fire of the enemy from both flanks, as well as the front, was terrific. Many of our officers and men fell on every side, but with a determination that knew no fear, the enemy~s works were gained, and they were routed from their stronghold. This position we held till after dark, pouring continually a destructive fire into their ranks. Being unable to hold our position longer, we withdrew under cover of darkness, carrying with us many of our killed and wounded. The loss of our regiment in this terrible struggle was severe; many of our officers were either killed or wounded. An official report is herewith furnished you.* Lieut. Col. C. W. Dufilap was shot through the head and instantly killed. He was wounded at the battle of Port Gibson and was unable See revised statement, p. 161. 16 i~ KVOL XXlV, PT I Page 242 242 MJssIssuul, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVI. to keep up with the regiment, but came up after the charge. In the death of this brave soldier and gallant officer the regiment has sus- tained an irreparable loss. Our total loss ~ 12 killed, 80 wounded, and 13 missingsupposed to be killed or taken prisoners. Of the officers and men of my command in this terrible charge, I can only say that every man did his duty. Capt. J. M. Harrison, of Corn pany C, was se- riously wounded while at the head of his company, cheering on his men. Lieut. W. A. lioberts, acting adjutant, was dangerously wounded while driving the enemy from their works. Lieut. S. Bates, Company J, was left on the held, and has since been taken prisoner. Capt. D. Greaves was seriously wounded while leading his company over the brow of the hill in the face of the enemys fire. Lieut. 0-. II. Childs, Jr., was wounded in the breast at the head of the regiment, his company being on the right. Many other officers were wounded. I-low any man ever returned alive from that terrible fire I cannot imagine. Company A, Captain Jones, and Company B, Captain Crooke, were sent out as sharpshoot ers, and did effective service. Hoping the conduct of the Twenty-first Ilegiment Iowa Volunteers in this battle will meet the approbation of the general commanding tlw brigade, I remain, captain, your obedient servant, S. G. VAN ANDA, Major, Commanding Twenty-first Regiment. Capt. B. WILSON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brigade, Pomrteenth Division. No. 23. Report of ]VIiaj. Joseph B. Atherton, Twenty-second Iowa Infantry. IN THE FIELD, NEAR VICKSBURQ Miss., May 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you the action of the Twenty- second Regiment Iowa Volunteers in the memorable contest with the enemy upon their defenses in the rear of Vicksburg on the 22d instant. At 4 a. m. the regiment took position opposite the enemys works pre- paratory to the charge, where we were sheltered by the crest of a hill, and Companies A and B deployed as skirmishers. We lay upon our arms until 10 a. in., the appointed hour for the charge, when we formed in line of battle on the summit of the hilr and immediately pressed for- ward. From our first appearance upon the hill we were exposed to a terri- ble fire from the enemy, concealed within their forts and rifle-pits. The men maintained their line and advanced like veterans to the ravine in front of the enemys works, and made a charge upon the fort situated to our right. While here, we were exposed to a niurderous fire from the front and an enfilading fire from the right and left, the enemys works being so constructed as to effect this result. The column pressed forward, stormed the fort, took possession of the same and its inmates, and held it until dark. We maintained our l)osition during the day, receiving and returning the fire, they concealed in their forts and other defenses, we in a great measure without any shelter. A continuance of the contest was deemed unadvisable, and we retired under cover of the night Page 243 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 243 All the officers and men engaged behaved like true American patriots, and displayed so much gallantry that it might seem invidious for me to mention any in particular; yet 1 cannot refrain from mentioning the daring exploit of Sergt. J. E. Griffith, of Company I, who, with 12 men, scaled the enemy~s works, entered the fort, and killed or captured all the enemy within, and then escaped, the only survivor of the daring feat. I present his conduct for your consideration, and earnestly rec- ommend his promotion as a reward for his valor. Our loss in killed is severe, and I have to regret the loss of Capt. James Robertson and Lieut. M. A. Robb, who fell while gallantly lead- ing their men to the charge. All discharged their duty well and proved themselves worthy of being called defenders of our Union, and entitled to the gratitude of the country. Unsuccessful through no fault of theirs, they showed them- selves patriots, obeyed orders with alacrity, and rushed into the storm of deadly missiles without faltering. Col. W. M. Stone was wounded in the early Part of the charge, and Lieutenant-Colonel Graham taken prisoner about dark, when the en- emy retook the fort. I have, therefore, the honor of making this re- port. A list of the killed and wounded is hereto attached.* Very respectfully, J. B. ATHERTON, Capt. B. WILSON, Major, Commanding Regiment. Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 24. Report of Capt. Charles N. Lee, Twenty-second Iowa infantry, including operations since May 1. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SECOND IOWA, T7ieksbnrg, Miss., August 3, 1863. SIR: In compliance with your order, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Twenty-second Regiment Iowa Infantry in the late campaign in this State: In the battle of Port Gibson, on May 1, t~e Twenty-second Iowa played a conspicuous part throughout the entire engagement, and re- tired from the field on the evening of the same day, after a hard-fought battle of twenty hours under a burning sun, throughout which time they were exposed to the fire of the enemy; and notwithstanding the fatigues to which the men were subjected the day previous, and the loss of sleep during the whole ni ht, they unflinchingly bore ~he hardships, and gave true evidence to the world of their gallantry, endurance, and bravery on the field of duty. When it xvas announced that the enemy were retreating and falling back in the direction of Vicksbi rg, the Twenty- second Iowa was among the first to march forward in pursuit. After a long and tedious march through dust, mud, rain, and the extreme heat, for several days in rapid succession, we came in contact with the enemy, posted in a strong posiTion on Champions. Hill, where on I hat memorable day was fought the bloodiest battle of the war, ending in the most dis- Embodied iii revised statement, P. 161 Page 244 244 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. astrons defeat of the rebel army under General Peinberton. In this bloody engagement General Cans division, of which the Twenty-second Iowa formed a part, was in the reserve. In maneuvering to outflank the enemy and cut off their retreat, we captnred nearly 204) prisoners, who were compelled to f~dl into our hands, being unable to fbllow their corn- rades, who, terror-striken and demoralized, were fleeing in every direc- tion. On the next day we came in ~ontact with the enemy, posted in a well- fortified position near Black liver Bridge. The Second Brigade, com- manded by General Lawler, made an assault upon their works, and at the point of the bayonet drove them from their position, completely routing the flower of the rebel army and putting them to flight. In this charge the Twenty-second Iowa held a prominent I)osition, the brigade taking nearly 3,000 prisoners, and ending the most decisive battle of the campaign. As soon as it was ascertained that the main army were falling on to Yicksburg, we crossed the river anti advanced toward the city. The next day we came in contact with the rebel pickets, drove them into their works, and, after a stubborn artillery fight of several hours, we laid siege to the rebel stron o-hold. On May 22, in accordance with an order issued by General Grant, the whole line made an assault upon the enemys works. The position to be gained by the Second Brigade was a strong onea fort sarrounded by a ditch 10 feet deep, 6 feet wide, the walls being 20 feet high; the front subject to an enfilading fire of musketry and artillery from almost every direction. Taking our position on the night of May 21, we lay on our arms and patiently awaited the hour to come. At 10 oclock on the morning of the 22d, when the appointed time had arrived, the Twenty-second Iowa deployed two companies (A and B) as skirmishers and advanced, followed by the other regiments of the brigade, to the front, determined to dislodge the enemy or die in the attempt. Onward they went through the most galling fire of musketry, grape, and canister, until retarded by an almost impassable abatis. This obstacle overcome, they gained the top of the hill, gathered around, driving the enemy from the rifle-pits in front, and planting the Stars and Stripes on the ramparts. About fifty men of the Twentysecond scaled the walls and entered the fort, driving the enemy before them and taking 15 prisoners. There being a series of rifle-pits in the rear, it was impossible to hold it with such an inadequate force under a ter- ribly destructive fire, and they withdrew, with a loss of nearly half their number killed, wounded, or captured. Knowing unless we would be supported properly by re-enforcements we would have to fall back, we held our position until nightfall, when, failing to receive re-enforce- ments, we retired under cover of the night, with a loss of 164 killed, wounded, and missing. In this desperate charge the Twenty-second Iowa had the advance, and won new laurels to add to those already won by the brave soldiers of Iowa. It would be with seeming injustice that I would attempt to make any distinctions among men who on that mehiorable day behaved so nobly, advancing apparently to certain destruction or death. None faltered in their duty, but exhibited a degree of gallantry unprecedented in the history of American soldiery. To particularize among those brave men would be irn7idious. Again we took our position iii front, and began the work of intrench- ing and throwing up siege-works. For forty-seven days and nights we lay in the rifle-pits, during which time we had approached the distanc Page 245 CHAP. XXXVI.I THE SIEGE OP VICKSI3UUG, MISS. 245 of half a mile, to within 20 feet of the rebel works, and began min- ing. We could not advance much farther without bringing on a g~n- eral engagement, which the rebel army avoided by an unconditional snrrender to General Grant on July 4. In this siege the Twenty-second Iowa, by their great endurance and undaunted courage, have won the brightest name on record. Their works in the rear of the Gibraltar of the Southern Confederacy will stand not as the monument of human ambition, but of never-dying fame, to the brave soldiers of Iowa. On July 5, we marched in pursuit of Johnstons army, at Jackson, Miss., and, after a siege of nearly two weeks of that place, the enemy evacuated, and we returned to Yicksburg. Thus ended the most brilliant campaign in modern times; the most iml)ortant in its results. The opening of the Mississippithe Father of Watersfrom its source to the Balize to the commerce of the world will infuse confidence and strength in the American people that will one day hurl like a mighty avalanche against the abettors of this cursed rebellion, and their hated emblem of treason will trail in the dust. Respectfully submitted. C. N. LEE, Captain, Commanding Regiment. Col. W. M. STONE. No. 25. Reports of ]IP~j. Gen. William T. sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Fifteenth Army Gorps.* AT MCCALLS, June 23, 186311 a. m. DEAR GENERAL: Parke, with Smiths division and one brigade of his Yankee troops, is on the river road from Keilys to Post Oak Ridge, with orders to feel forward to the bridge across Bear Creek, 6 miles beyond Post Oak Ridge. My cavalry is now down at Little Bear Creek, on the Birdsong road. Tuttles division is close up to the cavalry, and MeArthurs is near here, and we are waiting for his troops to come up. I will put them on the Birdsong road. Parke and I can communicate by the ridge from McCalls to Neilys. After nooning, I propose to go forward to the Big Black. I hear nothifig df Johnston at all; no trace of him or signs of his approach. The country is ill-adapted to large masses. It is cut up by impracticable ravines, and all the reads are on narrow ridges, where a regiment will find difficulty in forming a front. A small force can oppose a large one, and as to getting at John- ston unless he crosses to this side of Big Black,I think it cannot be (lone. If he crosses Bio- Black and comes by any road, I shall of course, meet him and oppose him, calling for all the help I may deem necessary. If he crosses Big Black, I think this i~ the place to fight him. Order Osterhans to be certain to blockade all roads from Big Black toward Yicksburg, between Clear Creek and this road. After satisfying myself that there is, or is not, a purpose on his part to cross over, I will commuHicate the fact; but, no matter what his strength, he must come by narrow roads, and I have as many men as can be handled on such grounds. If I conclude he does not design to come in See also the Jackson campaign, Shermans report of July 2S, pp. 532542 Page 246 246 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. by Birdsong Ferry or the ford above, I will blockade it, so as to force him to come on the main ridge within striking distance of ilaynes Bluff so that we wont care if he comes or not. Yesterday four companies of my cavalry (Fourth Iowa) had gone to Big Black River on the ro d to obstruct it. They had felled many trees ,and must have been off their guard when their l)ickets came in from three directions, giving notice of the approach of the enemy. Quite a fight ensued, in which our men got the worst, and were forced to fly. As soon as the news reached camp, Colonel Swan went to the ground with his regiment, and found 8 dead, 12 wounded, and about 20 missing. From the people he heard the attack came from Wirt Adams cavalry, which had gone off in the direction of Mechanicsburg. Colonel Swan buried the dead, and brought off all the wounded except one, who was left well cared for at a house. He could hear of but about 12 prisoners in the hands of the enemy, so that he expects some 8 more will have gone down to Osterhans, and will come in to-day. The party lost that 2-pounder gun we captured at Jackson, but before abandoning it they disabled it by taking out the breech-pin. The fact of our coming out to-day is attributed by the secesh to our purpose to punish the perpetrators of this action. I will send you positive intelligence tonight if Johnston be coining or not this side of Big Black River. On the best evidence now procurable, be is not coming this way, or at this time. I take it for granted you do not xvant me to attempt to follow him across that river unless after a defeat. If he comes to this side, I can hold him till re-enforced, and then Ii know we can whip him. In the mean time look out toward Baldwins and Hankinsons, though I do not believe lie will put himself in such a pocket. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding Expedition. General GRANT. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Bear Creek, June 24. Not the sign of au enemy from l?ost Oak Ridge Post-office to Bird- song Ferry. Every J)OiIlt has been examined to-day, and nothing seen. No sign of an intention to cross anywh~re near Bear Creek. I heai- Port Hudson is taken; please telegraph me the whole truth. The bearer of this note will wait an answer at the BlnfL I am now with General Parke, at Post Oak Post-office, but will return to my extreme right, near Youngs. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. Major-General GRANT. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp at Bear Creek, June 27, 1863. SIR: It was m~ purpose to have come to headquarters yesterday, but the importance of knowing the ground in this quarter, so broken and complicated, induced inc to continue what 1 had begun, and I continued my exploration. Big Black River is so easily pass ble at many point Page 247 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBUEG, MISS. ~47 that I mu forced to extend my lines to watch all, and the result of my personal observations is contained in an order made last night, which is now being carried into effect. I found the enemy watchiimg with cav- alry an easy ford at Messingers house. The family consisting of many women, whose husbands and brothers were evidently serving an easy purpose of keeping np communications, so I moved them all by force, leaving a fine house filled with elegant furniture and costly paintings to the chances of war. Also the family of fill, with other war widows, at a place on the Birdsong road, is removed to a harmless place within our lines. These may appeal to the tender heart of our commanding general, but he will not reverse my decision when he knows a family accessible to the enemykeen scoutscan collect nd impart more information than the most expert spies. Our volunteer pickets and patrols reveal names and facts in their innocence which, if repeated by these women, give the key to our points. As a general thing, the valley of Big Black River above the bridge has a wide fertile valley on this side, the hill coming down rather ab- rupt from the other. The ground slopes easily and gradually from the ridge, marked on Wilsons map from Oak Ridge, Neilys, McCalls, Wixons, and Tiffintown. Innumerable roads and cross-roads intersect the country, which cannot be obstructed, but which, running on narrow ridges, with narrow corn-fields, admit of easy defense. It is only by familiarity with the country, its ugly ravines, its open, narrow ridges all coming to a common spur, that a comparatively small force can hold in check ~ large one. If the enemy crosses at one point, he must take some days to get over his men and matJriel, and then would have to feel his way, as he knows full well that many of them have been made impassable to his wagons and artillery. This will give us time to fall on him or await his attack. Should he cross at several points, our tactics would be to hold small forces in obstruction at the several points named in my order, and a heavy force fall on one or other of his detachments. If the enemy forces us back, Wixons will be the grand battle-field, or somewhere on Clear Creek. I think, unless General Grant thinks my services more useful else- where, I had better remain, as naturally all look to me for orders. Please ask the general to read the inclosed order carefully, and, if any part is open to objection, to state it, that I may modify in time. I sent 800 cavalry, under Colonel Bussey, up the Ridge road toward Me- chanicsville, last night, to sweep back bythelower Benton road. They went to Post Oak Ridge, and have not yet reported. Yesterday our pickets skirmished a little at Messingers. I was there, and did not see more than 15 or 20 men, on horseback, as curious to watch us as we them. One man, near Hills, was shot through tIme head by a scamp from the bushes, who could not be found. As usual, my cavalry are not bold, but the infantry go in without any hesitation. :Not a sound, syllable, or sign to indicate a purpose of crossing Big Black River toward us, but I still enjoin on all that our enemy is too wary to give us notice a minute too soon. Every pos~iblc motive exists for them to come to the relief of Yicksburg, and we should act on that supposition rather than the mere signs of movements which are knowu only to Johnston, and will not be revealed, even to his own troops, till the last moment. In order that you may understand any future communichtion, mark * See General Orders, No. 49, June 29, Pa~ III, p. 449 Page 248 248 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC.. [CHAP. XXXVI. your map as follows: One and a half miles east of Youngs, where the road comes in from Markham, mark Hills Jones plantation; 2 miles below Birdsong 1A~ miles southeast of Hills, Ferry, Jones Ford; 1 #miles southeast of Cameron, Messingers plantation and Ford; 1 mile east of Fox, mark Parson Fox; 3 miles east of Tiffin, on the Bridgeport road, Brook. All these points may become of note. I still regard the coun- try at Tiffin, Brant, Cowan, W. Wixon, and Hardaway as the key- points of this region. I still have my headquarters by the roadside, in front of Tribbs, where the road forks to Youngs and Markhams. When this letter is read, please send it to my adjutant, to be copied in my letter-book, and retnrned to you for file. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN, Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Major- General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant- General. BIG BLACK, June 30, 1863. I am at General Osterhans, on a visit. All quiet along the Big Black River. A cavalry force, under Colonel Bussey, went yesterday 15 miles up the ridge, and returned along Big Black River, down as far as month of Bear Creek. Saw nothing of interest. The cavalry of the enemy can be seen opposite Messingers, but quit immediately on a few rounds of Parrott shell. All the troops are now in position. Please telegraph me if anything new. I feel uneasy about the affairs about Washington. Have seen the Saint Louis papers of the 24th. Have you anything later ~ W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. General GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, July 1, 1863. GENERAL: I am just in from a circuit. All is absolutely silent along Big Black River. One of your best scouts, Tuttle, is just in from Bolton, where I sent him to see if he could learn if any part or Johnstons army had passe(1 south of the railroad; especially to watch the course of army wagons. He could see or hear nothing to show that a movement south was in progress. I will send him out to Auburn to-night. Osterhaus watches Baldwins and Halls Ferries. It might be well to send a small force to the red church, between Warrenton and Haukinsons, to make a show. My troops are in such a position that they could reach Noland br Whitaker in five hours. Big Bayou should be made impassable. I am at one bridge, as high up as possible, shortening the neck be- tween it and the branch (see your map), and I have a good road to run between the railroad, via Tiffin, Bovina, and Noland. I think Johnston may feint to the -south, but do not think he will risk chances in the pocket of Black River. Still, we must watch him close. I will have a scout out on an old road from Rocky Springs and Auburn, and can tell quickly if anything is afloat Page 249 CHAP. XXXVI.1 THE SIEGE OF vICKSI3URG, MISS. 249 Everybody still reports a few rebel force at Mechanicsburg, Vernon, Brownsville, and Bolton. Militia collectin9 at Jackson. Johnston vibrating between Jackson and Canton. All well. SHERMAN, Major- General. General GRANT. OAK RIDGE, July 2, 1863. I d~ pot believe Johnston will come in by Hankinsons, but will be ready to move in that direction on short notice. My scout to Auburn will develop the truth, and I had him make speed. SHERMAN, ]llajor- General. General GRANT. OAK RIDGE, [July~ 3, 1863. GENERAL: I have yonr dispatch. I have sent forces to make a bridge at Messingers as soon as the surrender is certain. Order my corps to march by the Bridgeport road to Griflin [Tiffin 0?], Ords corps to the rail- road crossing at railroad bridge, and I will order Parkes corps to cross at Birdsong, all to concentrate north of Bolton, to move direct on John- ston, wherever he may be. The railroad should be broken east to Me- ridian and north to Grenada. Order all troops to move light, with ten days rations of bread, salt, sugar, and coffee. If Rawlins will send J. Condit Smith an approximate return of the troops, I think he will have the rations provided and hauled. I will concentrate at Bolton and strike from there. Pemberton will probably have advised Johnston of his purpose to surrender. The enemys pickets on the other side are shy, but are there. I propose to bridge at once to-night. The move will only be made in force when I know my own corps and Ords are crossing. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General. General GRANT. No. 26. Report of Licut. Gol. Simeon P. Swan, Fourth Iowa Cavalry, Fifteenth Army Corps. CAMP NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 22, 1863. GENERAL: Agreeably to your orders, I proceeded with my command, on the afternoon of the 19th instant, toward and within 3 miles of Haynes~ Bluff, and sent forward Capt. J. H. Peters, with 25 men, to re- connoiter. Arriving there at 4 p. in., found the position evaeuate(l, with the ex- ception of 7 men, who were posted as guards over a magazine. He took them prisoners, with their arms, an(i signaled time gunboat 1)e Kalb, which was aboat 2 miles below the Bluff; she came np, and lie placed the prisoners aboard. On arriving at the Biuft; Lieutenant Clark, Company B, was dispatched below the Bluff to signal the gun- boat. His signal was not observed by those on board. On his retur Page 250 250 MISSISSIPPI, XVEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [OH Ar. XXXVI to the Bluff, Captain Peters hoisted a signal, and the boat moved up the river. He also proceeded to Snyders Bluff, and found the place evac- uated. The enemy left nine large guns, all of them dismounted, and a considerable amount of fixed ammunition. The magazines were not disturbed. He also found a hospital this side the Bluff, containing about 50 sick. Most of the enemys tents were left on the ~round. Very respectfully, & c., SIMEON D. SWAN, Lieutenant- Colonel Fourth Iowa Cavalry. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 27. Report 9f Col. Charles P. Woods, Seven ty.si~ th Ohio Infantry, command ing Second Brigade, First Division, including operations since May 2. WALNUT HILLS, MISS.. Near Vicl1sburg, May 25, 1863. MAJoR: I have the honor to report that the brigade under my com- mand left Grand Gulf~ Miss., on the 8th instant, au(l marched with the rest of the division to Ilankinsons Ferry, a distance of 18 miles. where we took position to cover the ferry, and remained until 12 in. on the 10th instant, during which time the })iOneer corps of the division de- stroyed the boat bridge across Big Black. Encamped on the night of the 10th instant on Big Sandy. About 10 oclock on the 11th, reached the crossing of Fourteen-Mile Creek, where the cavalry ran into an ambuscade, and lost several men, killed and wounded. lmmediately, by order of Th~jor-General Sherman, moved up with my brigade, five regiments of infantry and the First Mis- souri Flying Battery, and took position in front of the cavalry. After throwing five or six shells into the woods, I ordered. the Seventeenth Regi- ment Missouri Volunteers, Maj. Francis Romer commanding, to cross the creek in line of battle, preceded by two companies as skirmishers, on the right of the road, and the Third Regiment Missouri Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Menmaun comm andiug, and Thirty-first Regiment Iowa Volunteers, Col. William Smyth commanding, on the left of the road. About twenty minutes were consumed in getting the regiment over the creek, owing to the difficiAty~f crossing. By this time the skirmishers of the Seventeenth Missouri were hotly engaged with the enemy, who were concealed in the dense underbrush. The Twelfth Regiment Missouri Volunteers, Col. Hugo Wangehin commanding, was ordered across on the right of the Seventeenth Missouri, to sup- port it. The skirmish lasted about half an hour, only the skirmishers of the Seventeenth Missouri being engaged. Loss of the Seventeenth Missouri, 4 killed and 5 wounded, as per inclosed list; Thirty-first Iowa, Christian Jehl, wounded; Landgraebers Flying Battery, John Bower killed, making 5 killed and 6 wounded. Of the enemy, 2 killed and 1 wounded were left on the field. Encamped about 2 miles from the crossing of Fourteen-Mile Creek. On the 13th, fassed 4 or 5 miles beyond Raymond, and encampe(l on the Jackson road. On the 14th, entered Jackson, Miss., an(l encamped on the edge of the city Page 251 CHAP XXXVI.] THE SIEGE 01? NCKSBVRG, MISS. 251 On the 15th, my whole brigade was engaged in destroying the Southern iRajiroad, by tearing up the track and burning the iron on piles of ties. Some 5 miles of track were destroyed, including the large bridge across Pearl River, twenty barrels of tar being placed upon it and fired. Several hundred yards of trestle-work and a large wooden bridge across a ravine were also destroyed on the west side of Pearl River; also a cotton factory, two foundries, and an extensive work-shop, used by the rebels in the manufacture of caissons and gun-carriages, together with twelve new caissons, and a large amount of Confederate cotton. Left Jackson at 9 a. m. on the 16th instant, and encamped at Bolton Station, on Vicksburg Railroad. On the 17th instant, moved forward and crossed Big Black at 11 p.m. On the 18th, moved forward and arrived at Walnut Hills, near Vicks- burg, about 4 p. in., and found the enemy (five or six regiments, with artillery) strongly posted. My brigade was deployed on the right of the Third Brigade, General Thayer, and skirmishers thrown forward, who engaged the enemy until dark, without loss. On the morning of the 19th, found that the enemy had evacuated their position in our front, and fallen back toward Yicksburg, leaving their camps and camp equipage, which fell into our hands. I immedi- ately moved forward my brigade, and occupied a hill 500 or 600 yards from the enemy, a deep and broken valley intervening. Found the enemy strongly posted, with from twelve to seventeen siege guns in po- sition, covered by stron~ earthworks, and commanding our position. I ordered the Twenty-fifth Iowa on to the brow of the hill, to silence the enemy~s guns, and ordered Landgraebers flying battery (four guns) to move forward on the Ridge road, no other road being practicable at the time. The battery came over in most gallant style, the horses at their utmost speed, a distance of more than half a mile, under a tre- mendous fire from the enemy~5 batteries on our left, and a galling fire from their sharpshooters in the rifle-pits, with a loss of only 4 horses killed. The battery being placed in position behind the crest of the hill, together with the sharpshooters, soon drove the enemy from their guns. On the night of the 20th, having procured a few spades and shovels, I ordered the Seventy-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, Lieu. tenant-Colonel Woods commanding, to throw up rifle-pits on the brow of the hill, to protect his men, which was done, and the men have been constantly employed in extending and strengthening them. The Twelfth Missouri also moved forward and took possession of extensive rifle-pits on the low ground on our right, extending to the Mississippi River. driving the enemy out, with 1 officer killed and several enlisted men wounded. On the 21st, continued to strengthen my position on the hill, the First Brigade relieving me in the occupation of the rifle-pits on the ex- treme right. On the 22d, was ordered to the left, near the position of the Third Brigade, for the purpose of making a charge on the enemys work, leaving one regiment to occupy the position. Owing to the difficulty of moving my brigade so as to prevent the enemy from seeing our movements; several hours were consumed in reaching our position, and having reached the rear of the position where the charge wa~to be made, it was necessary to press over several pieces of open ground within close range of the enemys rifle-pits, part of the road being swept by artillery. Fifty or sixty men and officers were killed and wounded in gaining our l)osition. The Twenty-fifth Iowa Page 252 252 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Cn kP. XXXVI. Colonel Stone commanding, being in the advance, suffered severely, but as soon as it gained the ravine one wing was thrown forward as skir- mishers, and succeeded in a great measure in keeping down the fire of the enemy. In the mean time, however, the Twelfth Missouri crossed into the ravine, and lost heavily in killed and wounded. The other regiments lost but few. So soon as the troops could be got in position, the charge was ordered, the Twelfth ~Missouri leading, preceded by the Third Brigade in line. The ground being broken and obstructed by ravines, brush, and logs, it was impossible to move forward with any regularity. The Twelfth Missouri, Col. Hugo Wangelin commanding, moved forward over the crest of the hill in gallant style, exposed to a withering fire, but were repulsed before the other regiments of the brigade could reach the top of the hill. The four right companies, having more favorable ground to move upon, reached a covered position near the foot of the enemys breastworks, and were obliged to remain until dark before they could be recalled. Company F, on the left wing, had all but 9 men killed and wounded. The regiment went into the charge about 360 strong, and lost 11 officers and 97 men killed and wounded during the day. The Tweuty~fifth Iowa, deployed as skirmishers, did good execu- tion and lost severely. Inclosed I send a consolidated list of killed and wounded, taken from the regimental reports up to the 25th instant.* It is due to the men of this brigade to say that during all the hardships of the long and tedious march from Grand Gulf to Jackson, and thence to our position in rear of Vicksburg, they were cheerful, and did their duty well, although a great portion of the time they were without ra- tions, and had to live on meat alone, as a considerable portion of t~e hard bread issued on the road proved to be moldy and unfit to eat. The officers and men, during all the skirmishes on which they have been engaged, have done their duty well and faithfully, and deserve the highest praise. I have to regret the loss of Major Lightfoot, Twelfth Missouri, killed in the charge of the 22d, whilst gallantly leading his men into action. Major Lightfoot was a gentleman of high attainments, and a brave gallant, and faithful officer. Captain J)euny, Captain Andel, Adju- tant Kasten, and Lieutenant Eggart, of the same regiment, all brave and gallant men, fell whilst in the discharge of their duty. Left Millikens Bend, May 2, and reached Hard Times Landing, 1 p. m. on the 6th instant. Crossed over to Grand Gulf; Miss., on same evening, where we remained during th~ 7th, and left for Jackson and Yicksbnrg as above stated. Nothing of importance occurred on the march from Millikens Bend to Grand Gulf. I am, captain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, CHAS. Ii. WOODS, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Maj. J. W. PADDOCK, Assistant Adjutant- General. w WALNUT HILLS, Miss., June 15, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to inform you that about ii oclock last night a fleet of ski ifs passed up from Vicksburg around the point. Owing to the darkness, it was impossible to tell how many there were. As soon as it was reported to me, I sent 50 additional men over to the Embodied in revised statements Page 253 CRIAL. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE 01? VICKSBURG, MISS. 253 gunboat Cincinnati, and opened with a 12-pounder howitzer ou the poiut ol)posite, with spherical case and shell, supposing that those on watch at the gunboat and mortars, seeing the direction of my fire, would be on the lookout. After firing five shots. I ordered th~ fire to cease. After waiting about ten minutes, a working party of the Twenty-fifth Iowa, near the river, commeneed firing with musketry. I then ordered the entire battery Gf Landgraeber to fire, Colonel Stone from near the river directing the fire, which was kept up until the boats got out of reach in the direction of Yicksburg. Whatever the enemys intention was, they were foiled, as they evi- dently turned round as soon as I commenced firing. 1 think the object of the expedition was to blow up the Cincinnati, as the enemy kept up a continnous fire from one heavy gun on the Cincinnati fi-om 3 oclock in the afternoon until about 11 oclock, at which time the skiffs left Yicksburg, and then turned their fire on the mortar-boats. Hereafter I will throw shell in the direction of the point of land, as a signal for the Navy to be on the lookout. Since the foregoing was written, a lieutenant of the 50 men sent to the Cincinnati last night reports that the officer of the guard there in- formed him that three large boats came up near the gunboat, when, being hailed, the reply was that they belonged to the mortar-boats; that theboats thereupon kept the gunboat between them and the guard, and struck out into the middle of the river and in the direction of Yicksburg. The tug had been near the gunboat earlier in the evening, but had some time before the approach of these three boats gone up the river. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant CHAS. R. WOODS, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade. Maj. J. W. PADDOCK. P. S.I shall order the guards at the Cincinnati to fire hereafter at all boats approaching at night, except the tug. No. 28. Report of Cot. David Carsicaddon, Ninth iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, including operations since December -294862. BIcT BLACK RIVER BRIDGE, MISS., August 11, 1863. I have the honor, in compliance with General Orders, No. 64, dated Headquarters Fifteenth Army Corps, August 1, 1863, to report: That since the first attack upon the defenses of Yicksburg by this army in December, 1862, the Ninth Iowa Infantry has participated in but three of its many hard-fought battles, viz, Chickasaw Bayou, Miss., December 29, 1862; Arkansas Post, Ark., January 11, 1~63, and Vicks- burg, Miss., May 18 to July 3, 1863. If by official proof to substantiate these is meant complimentary orders issued by immediate commanders, none, so far as I know, have been received in either case. Official reports of these battles, by brigade and division commailders (Generals Thayer and Steele), have never been seen. To these, if they are attainable, I would respectfully refer. Further, at Yicksburg, between the 18th of May, when the regimen Page 254 254 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. was flrs~ engaged, till July 3. our loss was: Officers killed, 5; severely wounded, 4; enlisted men killed. 35; wounded, 75; total hilled and wounded, 119. Out of less thaii 300 engaged, 78 of this number fell in the terrible charge upon the enemys works May 22, 1863. Our flag failed to wave t~om the enemys fort only after the last one of the four color-guards had fallen, either killed or severely wounded, in the heroic attempt to plant and maintain it there. At Chickasaw Bayou, December 29, 1862, the regiment was ordered by General Thayer, commanding the brigade, to advance and take po- sition to the left of the line which had just charged the enemys works and were falling slowly back. My regiment moved up, passing them until considerably in advance of the other troops, entirely unsupported, and suffering from a severe and raking fire from the enemys artillery. Finding it certain annihilation to advance farther alone, or to remain, we retired a few rods, under cover of some logs and trees, where we con- tinued pickiiig off the enemys guards and sharpshooters whenever they appeared, until ordered back to bivouac for the night, the assault hav- ing been given up. Our loss, fortunately, in the engagement was inconsiderable, there being but 9 wounded. At Arkansas Post, the regiment was placed in very much the same circumstances. Being held in reserve at first, it was afterward moved up near the enemys intrenchments, formed in line together wil~i sev- eral other regiments, in rear of skirmishers, preparatory to a final and determined assault, the regiment having been ordered for this purpose to fix bayonets and reserve its fire; but, before the word forward was given, the white flag from the enemys fort proclaimed that the battle was won. Here also our loss was not heavy, though larger than before. Such I deem to be, in brief the facts. My report must necessarily be meager and destitute of evidence, not having been in command of the regiment at either of these battles, though each time present. Of those who were in command, one was niortally wounded while leading the regiment in the assault of May 22, 1863, and the other is now be- yond the limits of the department. This much I know, that the offi- cers and men of the regiment have always, on every occasion, to the best of their knowledge and abi~iities, obeyed every order and done their whole duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID CA1tSKADDON, Colonel, Commanding Ninth Iowa. The PRESIDENT BOARD OF OFFIOER~, & c. No. 29. Report of Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair, jr., U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, including operations since May 7. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Vicksburg, Miss., May 24, 1863. GENERAL: On the return of my division from the Yazoo River, on May 2, after making the feigned attack upon Haynes Bluff, I was or- dered to remain at Millikens Bend, to guard that post, and to construct a new road across the peninsula for the transportation of supplies to Grand Gulf until relieved by other troops from Memphis. I remaine Page 255 CHAP. XXXVL] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 255 at Millikens Bend with my division, performing the duties assigned me, until the morning of May 7, when I received your orders to march with two brigades of my divisioii to Grand Gulf, and join your corps, then marching against Jackson, Miss. I commenccd the march on the morning of the 7th, with the First and Second Brigades, commanded by Col. Giles A. Smith, of th~ Eighth Mis- souri, and Col. Thomas Kilby Smith, of the Fifty-fourth Ohio, and left the Third Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. Hugh Ewing, to garrison Millikens Bend and to complete the new roa(1 from Youngs Point across the peninsula to a point on the river below Warrenton. I arrived at Hard Times, opposite Grand Gulf, at 1 oclock on May 10, a (listance, by the road, of 63 miles. I had great difficulty in pro- curing transportation across the river, but succeeded in crossing both brigades by 10 oclock on the iiight of the 11th, and took up my line of march on the morning of the 12th for Jackson. I was ordered to escort a large supply train, consisting of 200 wagons, and this, with my own train, delayed my march, and I did not reach Raymond until the evening of the 15th. I marched, under your in- structions, from Grand Gulf, by the road to Willow Springs, Rocky Springs, Commissioners Creek, and Auburn, to Raymond. On the evening of my arrival at Raymond, I received orders from GeneraPGrant to move, with General A. J. Smith, commanding a divis- ion in General McClernands corps, on the lower road to Edwards Depot, on the Yicksburg and Jackson Railroad, where it was expected that we should meet the enemy in force. General McClernand ordered General Smith to take the advance. On the morning of the 16th, 1 moved with my division, at the hour named, on the line indicated, and, when a short distance from Raymond, heard the report of General Smiths guns, who had come in contact with the enemy. I immediately pressed forward to his support. Both divis- ions then pushed forward against the enemy, who was in considerable force in our front and on the right, from which point he opened on us with a battery of heavy guns, to which we replied from a section of 10- pounder Parrott guns, belonging to General Smiths command. At this moment an order reached me from General MeClernand to the effect that we should not bring on a general engagement until we received further orders, and that we should open communications with Generals Osterhaus and Carr, commanding divisions in the Thirteenth Army Corps, who were marching by the read to Edwards Depot, on my immediate right. On receiving this order, my own division and that of General Smith were immediately disposed on high and commanding ground on the right and left of the road; but this disposition was hardly completed before we heard the report of musketry and heavy guns on the right, indicating a severe engagement, and, upon consultation with General A. J. Smith,it was resolved to move forward to the support of the divisions engaged. As the troops were being put in motion, a staff officer arrived from General McClernand, informing me that General Hovey, on his extreme right, was heavily engaged with the enemy, and orderi~mg me to throw out one brigade to the right to connect with General Osterhaus left, and to move forward the other brigade in supporting distance of Gen- eral A. J. Smith, who was ordered to move forward by the road. This order was executed bythrowing out the First Brigade, Col. Giles A. Smith, to the right, while the Second Brigade, Col. Thomas Kilby Smith, moved with the column of General A. J. Smith. As soon as the right of my First Brigade reached the left of Geuert Page 256 256 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL Osterhaus, we moved forward in the direction of Edwards Depot, and soon ascertained that General Hovey was driving the enemy before him. A portion of his flying columns endeavored to make good their retreat by crossing my front and that of General A. J. Smith, the rear guard making a stand at different points to check our advance and enable the main body to escape with the artillery, ammunition, and baggage. Gen- eral A. J. Smith pressed forward and attacked vigorously by the road, and my First Brigade, under Col. Giles A. Smith, moved rapidly in line of battle, driving the enemys skirmishers through the thick forests and over very broken and difficult ground. About dark the enemy planted a battery in front of my First Bri- gade, and made a stan(l. He had previously opened fire from a battery in front of General A. J. Smith. Col. Giles A. Smith then ordered Maj. Dennis T. Kirby, of the Eighth Missouri, with two companies of infantry, to make a detour to the left and endeavor to flank the enemys battery, which movement was soon discovered, and the enemy fled precipitately, leaving his caissons, filled with ammunition, and five or six wagons, also filled with cannon ammunition, and throwing away their small-arms, and a short distance beyond he abandoned two six-gun batteries, which fell into our hands the next morning, having been found by Capt. D. W. Ballon, of the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, in a swamp or morass through which the enemy attempted to escape. I immediately turned over these guns, consisting of five 6-pounder brass guns, five 12-pounder brass howitzers, two 12-pounder iron guns, with their caissons, and five wagon loads of cannon ammunition and two wagon loads of small-arms, to Capt. E. M. Joel, quartermaster of my division, with orders to impress teams and bring them up, which order, I am happy to say, was promptly executed, and the guns, cannon ammunition, and small-arms turned over to Col. J. Condit Smith, chief quartermaster of the Fifteenth Army Corps, who now has them in his possession. We captured during the day and the morning of the 17th about 300 prisoners, a number of whom surrendered themselves and expressed great satisfaction at having an opportunity to escape from the brutal tyranny of the rebel service, into which they had been conscripted. Early in the morning of the 17th, I was ordered by General MeCler- nand to move forward by Edwards Depot to the Black River Railroad Bridge, where the enemy had made a stand; but upon reaching Edwards Depot I received an order from General Grant to proceed to Bridge- port and join the other two divisions of your corps which were expected to arrive there at 10 oclock~ taking witji n~e a pontoon train for the pur- pose of bridging the Black River at that point. I reached that point soon after 10 a. in., found that the bridge of boats had been destroyed by the enemy, who had left a small party, strongly intrenched, to dispute our passage. Captain Woods battery, First Illinois Artillery, was placed in position, by your order, and opened fire~ when the enemy displayed a white flag and surrendered themselves. The pontoon bridge was then laid across the river, and my division crossed over and bivouacked for the night ~ miles from the river. On the morning of the 18th, I took the advance and marched to the intersection of the Jackson and Benton roads, which was regarded as an important point, and held it until the other two divisions of your Command closed up with my rear, aiid then, by your order, I again moved forward~ and after slight skirmishing brought up to the enemys works on the right and left of the Graveyard road. The pickets of the First Brigade, nnder command of Capt. Charles Ewing, Thirteenth Regi- ment U. S. Infantry, pressed forward during the night to within 10 Page 257 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 257 yards of the enemys intrenchments, driving those of the enemy within the line of his fortifications. About midnight of the 18th, the Third Brigade of my division, com- manded by Brig. Gen. Hugh Ewing, joined me before the works of Vicksburg, having marched from Grand Gulf (by liaymond) to this place, a distance of 85 miles, in three days. General Ewings brigade was assigned position on the right of my division, his right resting on the left of General Steeles division (First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps). His left connected closely with the right of my First Brigade, commanded by Col. Giles A. Smith, who held the center of my line and occnpied the ground in front of the stockade near the bastion, which commands the Graveyard road. The Second Brigade, Col. Thomas Kilby Smith commanding, held the left of my line, the right resting on the left of the First Brigade, and its line of battle extending across the Graveyard road. During the morning of the 19th, the entire line of skirmishers of my division was pushed forward, with a view of obtaining a closer position and of reconnoitering the ground. At 2 p. m. the signal was given for an assault, and my whole division dashed forward, and, wherever the nature of the ground was not in- superable, reached the enemys intrenchments, and in several instances planted our flags upon his works. Two regiments of General Ewings brigade, the Fourth Virginia and Forty-seventh Ohio, succeeded in ap- proaching very near the enemys works. The Thirteenth U. S. Infantry, Capt. E. C. Washington, and One hundred and sixteenth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, Col. N. W. Tupper, of the First Brigade, Col. Giles A. Smith commanding, pushed forward to the bastion. The One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. Hamilton N. Eld- ridge, and Eighty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Col. Benjamin J. Spooner, of the Second Brigade, commanded by Col. Thomas Kilby Smith, also succeeded in reaching the same ground, but the heavy fire of the enemy, who, not being pressed in any other quarter, were strongly reenforced in our front, made it utterly impossible for them to make a lodgment in the works. They held their positions, however, with the utmost tenacity until night, when they withdrew. The 20th and 21st were employed in skirmishing with the enemy, re- connoitering the ground, and improving our position. On the 22d, I received an order to renew the assault at 10 oclock in the morning. I massed my division in the ravine to the left of the Graveyard road, where it debouches upon that road as it passes across the valley immediately in front of the bastion. A volunteer storming party, consisting of 2 officers and 50 men from each brigade of the divis- ion, was to lead the assault. General Ewings brigade and the brigades of Cols. Giles A. Smith and Thomas Kilby Smith were to follow in the order in which they are named, and to charge across the road by the flank. At the signal the volunteer storming party, led by Capt. John H. Groce, of General Ewings brigade, dashed forward in gallant style, and planted the flag of the Union, which was borne b~ Private Howell G. Trogden, of the Eighth Missouri, upon the bastion of the enemy. The leading regiment of General Ewings brigade, the Thirtieth Ohio Volunteers, went forward with equal impetuosity and gallantry, but the next regiment, th~ Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer In - fantry, faltered and gave way uuder the fire of the enemy, which was far from being severe on this regiment, and was, in fact, directed upon the head of the column. The men lay down in the road and behind 17 H HVOL XXIV, PT I Page 258 258 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI every inequality of ground which afforded them shelter, and every effort of General Ewing and Lieut. Col. Louis von Blessingli to. rally them and urge them forward proved of no avail. Both of these offi- cers exposed themselves very much in the effort to encourage this regiment, and they were seconded in their efforts by the officers of the regiment. Lient. A. C. Fisk, aide-de-camp to General Hugh Ewing, was con- spicuous in his efforts to encourage and animate them to go forward to the assistance of their gallant comrades, who could be seen already upon the very intrenchments of the enemy, and Sergt. Maj. Louis Se- bastian, Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, went along the whole line of the regiment, exposing himself to the heaviest fire of the enemy, exhorting and remonstrating with the men and urging them forward; but it was all in vain. They refused to move, and remained in the road, blocking the way to the other regiments behind, and I was finally compelled to order the Forty-seventh Ohio and Fourth West Virginia forward by another route, to the left of the road. These regiments ad- vanced with commendable spirit and alacrity, and reached a position to which most of the Thirtieth Ohio, so long unsupported, had been compelled to recoil and shelter themselves, and which was less than 150 yards from the bastion. I then ordered the brigade of Col. Giles A. Smith forward by the same route, to the left of the road, as that taken by the last two regiments of General Ewing, and as soon as this brigade went forward it was followed up by the brigade of Col. Thomas Kilby Smith; but this route, while it was better covered from the fire of the enemy, led throngh ravines made almost impassable with abatis of fallen timber, and did not admit of anything like a charge. I there- fore directed Col. Giles A. Smith to go forward as rapidly as the nature of the ground would admit, and to assault whenever he found it prac- ticable to do so, and directed Col. Thomas Kilby Smith to follow close up and support any movement Col. Giles A. Smith should make. Col. Giles A. Smith pushed forward, following the ravine to the left of the position of General Ewing, and reached a ridge about 100 yards from the enemys intrenchments. At this point he found General Ransom, commanding a brigade of the division of General McPhersons corps, who had approached by a ravine from the left of my position, and who, from the nature of the ground, was able to advance his brigade under cover still nearer to the enemys works than that of Colonel Smith. General Ransom and Colonel Smith communicated with each other, and djetevmined to make a simultaneous assault. It was late in the afternoon b~fore these brigades were able to reach the positions which I have referred to, so difficult and toilsome was the nature of the ground over which they moved, rendered still more so by the abatis and artificial entanglement thrown across it by the enemy. Both brigades went forward with a cheer when the signal was given to advance, and the sharpshooters from Ewings brigade and our artillery opened upon the enemy at the same time with considerable effect- but, after reaching the face of the works of the enemy, they encountered a most fatal and deadly enfiladin~fire from the enemys guns on the left, which came crashing through the ranks, while in front they were met by an obstinate resistance from an intrenched foe, and it was found impossible to advance. Both brigades, however, main- tained pertinaciously the ground they had won, and Col. Giles A. Smiths brigade still retains it, having fortified the position, and, under orders since given by you, the position has been materially strengthened and advanced Page 259 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 259 I cannot speak too highly of the courage and conduct of the officers and men of the First Brigade in this desperate assault, which, however, was fully equaled by that of General Ransoms brigade, of which I think it proper to speak, as the brigade was co-operating with one of my own, and was separated by the character of the ground from the corps to which it belonged. The officers and men of both brigades displayed a courage and coolness which could not have failed to win success in a less unequal struggle. The active operations of the day were closed by an impetuous assault of the brigade of General Mower, of General Tuttles division, in your army corps, which rushed forward by the flank on the same road which had been attempted in the morning by the brigade of General II. Ewing. The attack was made with the greatest bravery and impetuosity, and was covered by a tremendous fire from our batteries, and by the sharp- shooters of Ewings and Giles A. Smiths brigades, and its failure only served to prove that it is impossible to carry this position by storm. I have omitted to mention that one regiment, the Fifty-fifth Regi- nient Illinois Volunteer Infantry, from the brigade of Col. Thomas Kilby Smith, participated in the charge made by the brigades of Col. Giles A. Smith and General Ransom, and that the balance of that brigade gave as efficient a support to the movement as the nature of the ground admitted. I desire to mention iu terms of the highest commendation the con- duct of the three officers commanding the brigades of my division throughout the two affairs of the 19th and 22d, and the almost contin- uous fighting which intervened. Col. Giles A. Smith deserves to be especially distinguished, and his thorough soldiership brought to the notice of the Government in order that he may receive promotion for his distinguished gallantry and meritorious conduct. In the affair of the 19th, Col. Giles A. Smith received a slight wound in the hip from a musket-ball. He remained, however, at his post at the head of his brigade throughout that day and the ensuing days of combat up to this time, leading his brigade to the assault, and attending to every detail of duty under circumstances which you know to have been most trying. I understand that Col. Giles A. Smith has heretofore been recommended for promotion by his commanding officers on account of his gallantry and good conduct in the field. I take this occasion to renew the recoin- inendation in the strongest terms, and trust that you will do this officer the justice to bring his conduct to the notice of the Government. I refer also, with the greatest pleasure, to the notices which have been made to the gallantry and good conduct of the following-named officers and men of the First and Third Brigades of my division by the commanding officers of those brigades, and have to express my regret that I have received no detailed report from the commanding officer of the Second Brigade, Col. Thomas Kilby Smith, which would enable me to do similar justice to the brave officers and men of that brigade: Col. George B. loge, One hundred and thirteenth Illinois; Col. K. W. Tupper, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois; Lient. Col. David C. Cole- man,E ighth Missouri; Lieut. Col. James P. Boyd, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois; Maj. Dennis T. Kirby, Eighth Missouri, who also de- serves especial mention for his gallantry and efficient services at the battle of Champions llgl, on the 16th instant; Col. Augustus C. Parry, Forty-seventh Ohio; Col. James II. Dayton, Fourth West Virginia; Lient. Col. Louis von Blessiugh, Thirty-seventh Ohio; Lieut. C ol. George II. llildt, Thirtieth Ohio; Lieut. Col. Ira Boutell, Sixth Missouri; Maj. George It. Clarke, One hundred and thirteenth Illinois; Maj. A. Fr Page 260 260 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVJ. man, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois; Maj. Charles Hipp, Thirty- seventh Ohio; Capts. B. C. Washington and Charles Ewing, Thir- teenth U. S. Infantry; Lient. George II. Stockman, Sixth Missouri; Lieutenant Geschwind, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois; Lient. Isaac B. Halsey, acting assistant quartermaster of the First Brigade; Capt. John H. Groce and Lieut. George E. ONeal, of the storming party; Sergeants [Joseph] Brooks [5th] and Davis, Thirtieth Ohio; Capts. Gordon Lofiand, Theodore Foges, J. W. Cornyn, and Lients. A. C. Fisk, Henry McIntyre, James H. Odell, and Emmett lleadington, of General Ewings staff, and Corporals [Francis M.] Clendenin and [John W.] Boley, Fourth West Virginia, and Sergeant Hilton and Private Trogden, of the Eighth Missouri. Of the bravery and efficient services of the above-named officers and men I can speak in the highest terms, as many of them came under my personal observation, and I cordially indorse the recommendation of their respective commanding officers, hoping they will speedily receive the promotions which are so well merited; and I would recommend that the medal of honor voted by Congress be presented to all the enlisted men mentioned, also to all the non-commissioned officers and privates composing the storming party on the 22d. I append a recapitulation of the casualties in my command to date, full lists, giving name, company, and regiments of officers and men, having been forwarded to your headquarters. I inclose herewith reports of brigade and regimental commanders as far as received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK P. BLAIR, JR., Major- General, Commanding Second Division. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. P. S.I will forward a snpplemental report as soon as I have re- ceived a detailed report from the commanding officer of the Second Brigade of my division. Recapitulation of the Casualties in the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, in the assault on the works near Vieksburg, Miss., May 19 and 22, 1563. Killed. Wounded. Missing. 9 9 0 Command. 8 5 5 u . 5 ~ 9 ~5 9 U~ ~ 9) o ~ ,,, ~, o .. 9 -~ 0 15 -~ 15 5 15 o r~ o ~i 0 ~ -~ Staff 1 First Brigade 53 28 210 2 294 Second Brigade 4 I~ 10 149 1 201 Third Brigade 5 69 24 282 6 386 Company A, 1st Illinois Light Artillery 1 1 2 Company B, 1st Illinois Light Artillery 2 1 3 Company H, 1st Illinois Light Artillery 1 1 8th Ohio Battery (section) Theilemanus [Jllinoi~] cavalry - 1 1 Company C, lOth.Missouri Cavalry Volunteers 1 1 Total 10 163 65 643 9 89 Page 261 ChAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 261 [Thdorsement.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp, Walnut Hills, Miss., June 6, 1863. In reviewing and submitting the report of General Blair, I can only say the facts are so fully and clearly stated that nothing can be added. I take great pleasure in indorsing all he says of the conduct of his men and officers during both assaults of May 19 and 22, for, from my position on both days, I had this division in full view. If any troops could have carried and held the intrenchments of Yicksburg, these would. I recommend to the notice of the President the names enumerated by General Blair as worthy of promotion in their line of profession; and the storming party that volunteered to scale the works, and did do so, and remain on the exterior slope amid that fierce conflict, merit not only the medal of honor, but more substantial reward. In justice to Col. T. Kilby Smith, who commanded the Second Bri. gade, the absence of whose report is noticed by General Blair, I explain that I know he prepared a report, and showed it to inc about May 24, at the time General Blair was absent, detached toward Yazoo City, and, now that General Blair has returned, Colonel Smith happens on de- tached duty at Millikens Bend, by order of General Grant. His report will be sent in to department headquarters with this, if Colonel Smith can be heard from, and the officers and men named by him as worthy of special notice will be entitled to the same honors as are accorded to those of the other brigades. In making special mentipn of Col. Giles A. Smith, commanding First Brigade, I but repeat former expressions of praise. An officer who is always present with his command, who carries a severe wound without a flinch or the loss of a minutes duty, and who takes a pride in study- ing his chosen profession, deserves the special notice of his command- ers, without a just cause for the envy of any other. Being in command of a brigade, and worthy of it, he should have the rank. W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commandin~q. No. 30. Report of Capt. Samuel P. Barrett, Batte~y ~, First Illinois Light Artillery. HDQRS. COMPANY B, FIRST ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY, Walnut Hills, Miss., May 25, 1863. LIEUTENANT: I herewith respectfully submit to you the part taken by my command in the series of engagements lately undertaken for the reduction of Vicksburg. My battery left Millikens Bend, La. (marching wi~ the Second Brigade, Second Division), on the 7th instant, arriving at Hard Times Landing, La., on the 11th, and crossing the same afternoon to Grand Gulf Miss. On the 12th instant, we took up a line of march, making Raymond, on the 15th, and, proceeding toward the Big Black River, on the were in position on the left of the line of battle, engaged in action at or near Chapel [Champions] Hill. Toward evening of this day, Page 262 262 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. was ordered by Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair, Jr., commanding division, to re- port to Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps, with my battery, but was not brought into action. On the 17th, the pursuit of the enemy was commenced at an early hour, and we crossed the Big Black at dusk, encamping about 2 miles west of that stream that night. Marching early on the morning of the 18th, we came in sight of the enemys works about Yicksburg at 4 p. in., and immediately opened upon them with three guns, firing but a few rounds. On the 19th, I took a new position near the rebel intrenchments, and at 11 a. m. commenced firing, expending 200 rounds of fixed ammuni- tion during the day. On the 20th, I was ordered to put two of my pieces in position on the right of the Yicksburg road, the rest of the battery (four pieces) re- maining in the position occupied on tht previous day. Firing was kept up at intervals during the day, mostly directed at the enemys fort opposite us. My loss on this day was 1 man killed and 1 wounded. May 21.During the forenoon my pieces remained in same position as on the 20th, at noon the two pieces on the right of the Yicksburg road rejoining the balance of the battery to the left. firing during a part of the day. Casnalties, 3 horses wounded. At 3 a. m. of the 22d, in obedience to orders from Major-General Sherman, I moved my battery to the next ridge in our front, distant from the enemys works about 400 yards. We intrenched ourselves as well as possible, and during the day were engaged in action for a large portion of the time. Twice during this day the works of the enemy were unsuccessfully stormed by our infantry,, and my practice was in a great measure directed by its movements. My loss this day was 1 man killed by the enemys sharpshooters. May 23 and 24, remaining in same position, improving our defenses, and firing a few rounds at nightfall of each day. During the series of engagements before Vicksburg, my battery ex- pended 1,400 rounds of fixed ammunition. My casualties thus far are 2 men killed, 1 wounded, and 3 artillery horses disabled by the enemys fire. The behavior of my officers and men under fire and during the fatiguing labors of the past few days merits, with out exception, my entire approbation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL E. BARRETT, Captain, Gomdg. Company B, First Regt. Illinois Light Artillery. Lieut. G. MooDIE WHITE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Second Brig., Second Div., Fifteenth A. C. No. 31. Report of Col. Cues A. Smith, Eighth Missouri Infantry, commanding First Brigade, including operations si~zce May 16. IIDQRS. FIRST BRIG., SECOND DIV., FIFTEENTH A. C., Walnut hits, Miss., May 26, 1863. GENERAL: Phave the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the brigade under my command in the different actions near Vicksburg, from the 16th to the 22d instant: The brigade being most of this time under your own eye, I shall bu Page 263 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 263 briefly allude to its principal and most important movements. Early on the morning of Saturday, the 16th instant, I took up my line of march in conjunction with other forces of your command from Raymond, Miss., to Edwards Station, on the Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad. After proceeding some 9 miles from Raymond, the division in our front (General A. J. Smiths) encountered the enemy, who retired from one position to another as we advanced on this road. A road from Bolton, a station on the railroad I have mentioned, in- tersects the road upon which I was moving, a few miles from Raymond, and troops were also moving upon that road in the direction of Bolton. Sharp skirmish firing was heard on my right and front in the direction of this column, which soon deepened into the roar of heavy Volleys of musketry. Soon afterward, by your order, I moved my brigade through the fields on my right, and formed on the left of General Oster- hans division, which was then moving up to engage the enemy. As soon as this position was reached, I deployed one company from each regiment as skirmishers, placing Maj. ID. T. Kirby, Eighth Missouri In- fantry, in command of the whole line of skirmishers, with orders to ad- vance and push the enemy vigorously. I then moved forward, keeping my brigade in close supporting distance, the line of skirmishers steadily driving the enemy from every position, and pressing him so closely as to compel him to abandon caissons, ammunition wagons, and large quantities of camp and garrison equipage. The pursuit continued until night, when the nature of the ground, being broken, cut up by deep ravines, and covered with trees and dense underbrush, rendered my farther advance impossible. During the day some 200 prisoners were taken by my command, most of them being stragglers from the enemy. At daylight the next morning (17th), I again moved forward, the ground everywhere evidencing the haste with which the retreat of the enemy had been made, it being strewn with ammunition, muskets, wagons, caissons, and, in a field near the road, eleven pieces of artillery were found, which had been abandoned by the enemy. By 12 m. I had reached Bridgeport, 12 miles distant, on the Black River, on the road leading to Yicksburg. Here a small force of the enemy had intrenched themselves on the opposite bank of the river and ol)ened a sharp fire upon my advance. I immediately deployed skir. mishers for the purpose of dislodging them, but the strength of their position was such as to render them secure from sharpshooters. Capt. P. P. Wood, Company A, First Illinois Light Artillery, then placed two pieces in position on the bank of the ~river, and close to their in- trenchinents, and opened so vigorous a fire upon them as to cut off their retreat and compel theni to surrender, they raising the white flag, the officer in command of the rebel force crossing the river in a dugout and delivering his sword to Captain Wood. A pontoon bridge was immediately constructed, and before dark I had effected the crossing of my command, which I moved out some 2 miles, where we bivouacked for the night. Early the next morning (18th), I again moved for-Ward, and by 5 p. m. had my brigade in line of battle before the works of Yicksburg. At 12 midnight, I sent Capt. Charles Ewing, First Battalion Thir- teenth IJ. S. infantry, forward with skirmishers to reconnoiter the ground in my front. jie drove in the enemys pickets and reached within 100 yards of the line of intrenchments, when I ordered them to fall back before daylight some 200 yards, to secure cover from a hill. At 3 p. in. (19th), after some heavy cannonading, our whole line was ordered to advance. My command moved in the following order: Th Page 264 264 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX VI. Sixth Missouri Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Bontell, on the right; the First Battalion Thirteenth U. S. Infantry, Captain Washington, on the left; the One hundred and Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, Colonel loge, on the right center, and the One hundred and sixteenth Illinois In- fantry, Colonel Tupper, on the left center, with the Eighth Missouri Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Coleman, in reserve. The ground over which I had to move to reach the enemys intrenchments was a succes- sion of deep ravines and precipitous hills. Lieutenant-Colonel Cole- man was directed to open a heavy fire from the crest of the hill next to the enemys works, while the other regiments were crossing the ravine in his front. My line then advanced under a heavy fire over almost impassable ground, many pushing themselves up under the parapets of the enemys works, while others, becoming entangled in the brush and fallen timber, took such shelter as the ridges, stumps, and logs afforded, and persist- ently held their ground until darkness closed the engagement. The 20th and 21st were occupied in advancing my line, throwing for- ward sharpshooters, with instructions to intrench themselves as they gained ground. Desultory skirmishing was thus kept up until 10 a. m. of the 22d, when my brigade, with the other brigades of your division, was massed in a ravine near the road, several hundred yards to the left of our former position, the Third Brigade, General Ewing, being in the advance. Fifty men from my command, with two officers, Lient. George II. Stockman, Sixth Missouri lufantry, and Lient. Nicholas Geschwind, of the One hundred and sixteenth Illinois Infantry, volunteered, with an equal number from each of the other brigades of your division, as a storming party. Capt. P. P. Wood, Company A, First Illinois Light Artillery, having placed his battery on the summit of a hill near the enemys works, ren- dered great assistance by opening a heavy fire to cover our movement. At the signal given the storming party gallantly advanced to the works, but found it impossible to surmount them. I was then ordered to form my brigade on the left of General Ewings, and try the strength of their works at that point. In conjunction with Brigadier-General Ransom, commanding a brigade on my left, I again advanced, but met so severe a fire from my front and left by both musketry and artillery that I found it absolutely necessary to order the brigade to fall back behind the crest of the hill, which was done slowly and in good order, and where we still remain. My commandofficers and menexhibited the greatest daring and bravery, and behaved themselves diirin~ these engagements with a spirit and courage that called forth my highest admiration. As I have not received the reports from the different regiments, I will only cite such acts of individual gallantry and bravery as came under my own observation. Captain Washington, commanding First Battalion Thirteenth U. S. Infantry, was twice wounded while gallantly leading his men to the assault. The command then devolved upon Capt. Charles Ewing, who ~~arried the colors of his battalion close under the parapets of the enemy after three color-bearers had been successively either killed or wounded. He was himself slightly wounded in the hand and received another bul- let through his hat. Captain Washington is a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. I eamestly recommend both these officers for promotion for gallantry on the field as well as their eminent fitness for higher commands. Col. George B. loge, commanding One hundred and thirteenth 1111 Page 265 CHAr. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 265 ibis; Col. N. W. Tupper, commanding One hundred and sixteenth Illi- nois; Lieutenant-Colonel Coleman, commanding Eighth Missouri, and Lieutenant-Colonel Boyd, of the One hundred and sixteenth Illinois, were wounded during the assault, the three former slightly and the latter seriously. They were all conspicuous for their gallantry through- out. Two color-bearers of the One hundrd and sixteenth Illinois were killed, 2 of the One hundred and thirteenth Illinois were wounded one instantly after the otherand 1 ([John B.] Bartholomew), of the Eighth Missouri, killed, and Sergt. A. E. Hilton, of the same regiment, wounded, after which the colors of the Eighth Missouri were borne by Maj. D. T. Kirby, whose conduct deserves especial mention. Lieutenant-Colonel Boatell, commanding the Sixth Missouri. led his regiment with great credit. Major Clarke, One hundred and thirteenth Illinois, and Major Froman, One hundred and sixteenth Illinois were very active and efficient. Lieutenant Stockman, Sixth M issouri, au(l Lieutenant Geschwind, of the One hundred and sixteenth IllinOis, in command of a storming party, acquitted themselves with great honor, and were both wounded. Private Howell G. Trogden, Eighth Missouri, one of the storming party, was appointed color-bearer, and planted his flag on the berme of the works, where it floated until after dark, and was brought off by him, being perfectly riddled with bullets. Lieut. Isaac B. Halsey, my acting assistant quartermaster, voluntarily came on the field, displaying a total disregard of danger, and rendered me the great- est assistance. He was twice severely wounded, refusing to leave the field until receiving the second shot. I earnestly recommend his pro- motion to assistant quartermaster, a position he is in every way compe- tent to fill, as a reward for his distinguished services. Appended you will find a list of the casualties in my command dur- ing the engagements I have mentioned.* I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GILES A. SMITH, Cot. 8th Mo. Vol. Infty., Comdg. 1st Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR, Jr., Commanding Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 32. Report of Gol. Thomas Kilby Smith, Pmfty-foKrth Ohio Infantry, com manding Second Brigade, including operations since May 6. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND DIV., FIFTEENTH A C In Camp on Walnut hits, near I7icksburg, May 24, 1863. MAJOR: Iii compliance with orders of even date, I have the honor to make the following report: The Second Brigade is composed of the Fifty-fifth Illinois, com- manded by Col. Oscar Malmborg; Fifty-fourth Ohio, IAeut. Col. C. W. Fisher; Fifty-seventh Ohio, Col. Americus V. Rice; ~Eighty.third In- diana, Col. Belljamin J. Spooner; One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, Col. H. N. Eldridge; and Company B, First Illinois Light Artillery, Capt. S. E. Barrett, a battery of four 6-pounder brass field pieces and two 12-pou~ider howitzers. On the 6th instant, at Milhikens Bend, I received an order from * Nominal list, omitted, embraced in revised statements Page 266 266 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. General Blair to break up camp, and, with ten days rations and am- munition, marching light, without tents or baggage, take up the line of march for Grand Gulf. On the 7th, at daybreak, with the Fifty-fourth Ohio, the Eighty- third Indiana, and battery, we were on the road, the other three regi- ments having been detached fo repair roads and bridges from Millikens Bend to Richmond and beyond. These were picked up en route, and, on the evening of the 7th, the whole brigade was closed in due order of march, with transportation. On the evening of the 10th, we reached Hard Times Landing, 63 miles. On the 11th, we crossed to Grand Gnlf. On the 12th, resumed march, via Willow Springs, Rocky Springs, Caynga, and Auburn, and arrived at Raymond, 53 miles, on the 15th, and in the evening, 1 mile from Raymond, on the road to Bolton, biv- ouacked in line of battle. On the morning of the 16th instant, having the advance of the di- vision, and following the command of General A. J. Smith, I marched toward Edwards Station. Firing was heard in front as early as 8 oclock. About noon I received orders to hold my command in readi- ness for an engagement. At 1 oclock I found my left resting on the road, and shortly afterward, by order from General Blair, moved by the left flank of regiments, but without artillery, the broken and woody nature of the ground rendering the transit of the pieces impossible. I advanced three-quarters of a mile. Before I had changed front, a bat- tery from the enemy opened fire upon me, and, by orders from General Blair,I fell back to near my first position, where I placed Captain Barrett in battery, supporting him by my entire brigade. Here we remained some two hours, when, by order from General Blair to support General A. J. Smith, we moved forward by the left flank on the road, the battery following the Fifty-fourth Ohio, till we reached a portion of General A. J. Smiths command, deployed, and under fire from a battery, within 600 yards. Here I again formed, and reported to General A. J. Smith. Shortly afterward General Blair, in person, ordered me to connect my lines with those of the First Brigade, Col. Giles A. Smith, which had been maneuvering on my right and General Smiths. This was done by flank and forward movement, and accomplished by 10 oclock. The men rested upon their arms till daybreak, when we marched without opposi- tion to Edwards Station, the enemy having precipitately retired under cover of the night, leaving the gronmLstr~wn with small-arms and am- munition. I omitted to mention that we captured some 200 prisoners during the afternoon and night. We crossed the Jackson railroad at Edwards Station at 9 a. in., and marched to Bridgeport, where we joined General Sherman, and crossed Black River over pontoons at twilight, and proceeded 2 miles upon the Yicksburg road and bivouacked. On the morning of the 18th, the Second Brigade followed the First upon the road to Vicksburg, until, arriving at a point where the road forked, within 14 miles of these headquarters, I w~ ordered by General Sherman to press forward upon the Graveyard road, and relieve the Thirteen~th Regulars, who were deployed as skirmishers. About 4 oclock I formed in line of battle within 700 y rds of and opposite to the enemys works, tlren, however, veiled from my view by the thick woods, and deployed seven companies of skirmishers, the woods in front being filled with the enemy. Shortly afterward General Sherman advanced in person. Within brief space of time General Steeles command wa Page 267 CHAr. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OP VICKSBURG, MISS. 267 ordered upon my right, and my line of skirmishers connected with him and the forces of General McPherson, 1~ miles to my left. Captain Bar- rett was placed in battery by Major Taylor, chief of artillery of the Fif- teenth Army Corps, in my front and center, supported by two companies from the Fifty-fifth Illinois. As night fell, I ordered the Fifty-fourth Ohio, with three companies from the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois as a reserve, to deploy far to my left, with a view of connecting with General Ransoms picket. Col. Giles A. Smith meanwhile had advanced and relieved my pick. ets on the right. Thus we remained resting on our arms till daybreak, when, by orders from General Sherman, I threw the pickets, as skir- mishers, forw ard within close range of the enemy, advancing the brigade in line of battle on either side of what is called the Graveyard road, leading to what was supposed to be a sally-port in the fortifications, the right wing, Eighty-third Indiana and One hundred and twenty-sev- enth Illinois with its left, the left wing, Fifty-fifth Illinois and Fifty- fourth Ohio with its right, upon the road till we reached the crest of a hill, 500 yards from the enemys works, Company B, First Illinois Ar- tillery, Captain Barrett, in position in front, still supported by details from the Fifty-fifth Illinois. At9a. in., the signal being given by Battery A, five shots were fired to get range, when a vigorous fire was opened along the line, skirmish- ers and sharpshooters pouring in most destrnctive volleys from sheltered points along the range of hills and close under the parapets. At 11 oclock the following order was received from department headquarters, viz: Corps commanders ill push forward carefully, and gain as close position as possible to the enemys works, until 2 p. in.; at that hour they will fire three volleys of artil- lery from all the pieces in position. This will be the signal for a general charge of all the army corps along the whole line. When the works are carried, guards will be placed by all diyisiszu commanders to prevent their men from straggling from their companies. By order of Major-General Grant, & c. At 1 oclock I assembled my pickets, calling in the Fifty-fourth Ohio. A reconnaissance of the ground over which I should pass had developed the fact that it would be impossible to advance my whole brigade in line of battle, the hills and knobs being exceedingly precipitous, in- tersected by ravines in three directions, the bottom treacherous, filled with sink holes, concealed by dried grass and cane the whole covered by abatis of fallen timber from a dense forest cut six months or more ago, affording spikes and olteveaux do frise most difficult to surmount. The roadway alluded to is cut and filled, slightly winding upon a ridge nearly perpendienlar to my line of battle, and at its point of intersection with the fortifications makes an embankment some 18 feet high. There- fore I placed my right wing, Eighty-third Indiana and One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, in command of Colonel Spooner, its senior officer, in whose ability and dauntless courage I repose fullest confidence, on the right of the road, with instructions to press forward as rapidly as possible, and in such order as he could best get o~er the ground. 1 ordered Captain Kili, of Company A, Fifty-fourth Ohio, to take charge of his line of skirmishers, and Captain Moore, Company D, of the Fifty- fourth Ohio, brigade officer of the day, to aid him. I formed the Fifty- fifth Illinois with its-right upon the road; the Fifty-fourth Ohio on line with the Fifty-fifth ,with orders to guide upon it; and the Fifty-seventh Ohio imMediately in the rear but not in reserve. At the appointed hour the signal was given, and at the comman Page 268 268 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL forward the troops advanced gallantly and without hesitation. It was almost vain to essay a line, owing to the nature of the ground, yet three times, under a most galling and destructive fire, did these regi- ments halt and dress upon their colors; the nerve and self-possession of both officers and men perfect; not a man flinched from his post. Having advanced some 400 yards, I discovered that the men were thor- oughly exhausted, and halted the left wing under the crest of a hill, from 65 to 75 yards from the ditch and parapet, and where they were comparatively sheltered from the small-arms of the enemy. Returning to reconnoiter the position of my right wing, hid from my view by the embankment of the road, I perceived their colors advanced to the very base of the parapet, and also that my brigade was alone, unsupported on the left or right, save by a portion of the Thirteenth Regulars, who had advanced to a position under the parapet, near the Eighty-third Indiana and One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois. To the left, as far as I could see (and from an elevated point I had great range), not a soldier to be seen, and only an occasional puff of smoke from the rifle of a sharpshooter, concealed far away among the hills, revealed the fact that we had friends near us outside of our di- vision. Therefore I determined to halt my command, report, and wait for further orders, especially as from the position my left wing occu- pied (that which General Ewing is now fortifying) great execution could be done by my men upon the sharpshooters of the enemy, who, from the trees close behind the works, were picking off our officers with devilish skill. Returning to the front, I sent an aide-de-camp to General Blair with report. I received in answer orders from General Sherman to get my men as close to the parapet as possible, and be ready to jump in when they began to yield, coupled with the assurance that McPherson was well engaged, and that General Grant was on the ground, and that the artillery of the enemy, which began to enfilade us, would be silenced. I ordered my men to cease firing and fix bayonets, with intent to charge, when, upon closer view, I discovered the works too steep and high to scale without proper appliances; a few men could have been got over by the aid of a ladder of bayonets or digging holes in the embankment, but these would have gone to destruction. I could not make a demon- stration with my isolated command that would have resulted perma- nently; therefore I determined to maintain the position and await developments. The sequel to the attempt at assault is my guarantee for the course I[ pursued. Meanwhile details were ordered back aiid ammunition furnished in abundance; the most accurate marksmen were thrown forward, with carte-blanche to select the best cover. Companies were advanced from each regiment and relieved as ammunition gave out or guns became foul. A most deadly fire was kept up, and none of the enemy ventured his head above the wall who failed to pay the penalty. At the same time the right wing, with stern determination, maintained their ground. Their loss had been fearful, falling upon their best line and non-com- missioned officers. Captain after captain had be~ti shot dead; field- officers were falling; still, there was no flinching. I communicated through my aides. As night fell, I received a verbal order, through an unusual source, to fall back to my original position. This order was in immediate conflict with two received from General Sherman, and gave me no little sur- prise. I had won by severe loss the best position to fortify in our whole front. Already I had made arrangements to plant batteries upon the Page 269 CHAr. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, Miss. 269 hill I occupied. Reluctantly I left the command with Colonel Rice, Colonel Malmborg, senior officer, having been most painfully wounded in the eye, and went back in person for report and explanation. At General Blairs headquarters I received the following written orders: Brigade commanders will collect the forces of their respective regiments, and occupy the last ground from which they moved to the assault to-day, where their men will be well covered, advancing a line of skirmishers as near as possible to the enemys works, for the purpose of occupying his attention. They will be prepared to assault at daybreak in the morning. By order of Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair, & c. At this time it had become quite dark, when suddenly the whole scene was brilliantly lighted by the flames of certain wooden houses within the works, ignited by simultaneous action of the enemy for the purpose of discovering our change of movement. This purpose had been an- ticipated by Colonel Spooner, who, with skill and good judgment, with- drew from the ditch beneath the parapet to shelter. A few moments later, and hand-grenades and the grave would have been supper and bed for his men. Jn pursuance of the last order, I quietly withdrew.my command by details. At 3 oclock in the morning they were in their old position. Here we remained till the morning of the 22d instant, when orders issued to all the army corps for a simultaneous attack were received. My instructions were to march by the right flank doxvn the road before mentioned, following the First Brigade, the right of the division being led by Brigadier-General Ewing, commanding the Third Brigade, by right of rank, the position of my brigade being upon the left; a storm ing party of 150 men to precede. Volunteers of 50 were called from each brigade, and promptly furnished pro rata of regiments. Of these I shall have occasion to report hereafter. As soon as the First Brigade had formed, I closed behind it in the following order of regiments: Fifty-fifth Illinois, Eighty-third Indiana, Fifty-seventh Ohio, One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, and Fifty-fourth Ohio, moving forward through a winding and covered road- way, constructed through the ravines near my line the night previous. As we emerged upon the high ground from the cover of the woods and hills. I discovered that the programme had been changed. Instead of a dense column marching by the flank down the road, as I had ex- ])ected, the ground I had passed over in the first assault on the 19th instant was covered by scattered masses~ The flag of General Ewing was flying from the hill from which I had been withdrawn. I reported in person to General Blair, and received an order to support Col. Giles A. Smith, who was endeavoring to make a position somewhere between General Ewing and General Ransom. This movement I could not have anticipated. Nevertheless, discovering cover, and knowing the ground well, I threw the brigade in column of regiments, and, by regiments, moved rapidly over the brow of the hill, massing them as best I could under cover from the enemys musketry and a Whitworth gun, waspish in its annoyance. They went over under heavy fire, but fortunately, owing to the promptitude and gallantry of the men, without having one killed or wounded, the volleys in each instance passing over their heads. Thence, defiling down a long ravine that skirts the main chain of bluffs, I overtook and again massed by column of regiments in the rear of the Eighth Missouri, of the First Brigade, whichhad the most ad- vanced position. Shortly I threw out the Fifty-fifth Illinois in line wit Page 270 270 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. the Eighth Missouri, and communicated with Col. Giles A. Smith ill person. His report will suffice for the operations of that afternoon. I maintained the position till 10 oclock the following morning, when, by intimation from Col. Giles A. Smith that orders had been issued to that effect, I fell back to the position now occupied by the troops, and reported in person to General Blair for further orders. I shall make no apology for undue length of my report nor stint with measured praise the meed of the officers and men of the Second Brigade. I only regret my own inability in language to do them full justice. With Colonel Malmborg, of the Fifty-fifth Illinois, I have been side by side in seven battles have stood with him literally amid heaps of slain. He is always cool, prudent, and of dauntless courage, and in the recent engagement, although wounded twice, and, by strange fatality, first in the right and next in the left eye, displayed these qualities with the ardor and cheer so necessary in a charge. Lieutenant-Colonel Chandler and Major Heffernan, of the same regi- ment, were constantly in the front ranks, doing their full duty with high bearing, setting a brave example for their men. Colonel Fisher, ever ready, zealous, and watchful, keeping his men well in hand, led his charge most gallantly. His flag was foremost. He sought no shelter save nuder its folds. Colonel Rice maintained his position exactly and handled his regi- ment as he would upon reviewcalm, coilected, but fail of daring. Should his severe wound prove fatal, as is feared, the service will suffer irreparable loss. Colonel Spooner has displayed in this last campaign soldierly quali- ties of the highest order. Indefatigable iii his zeal for the welfare of his men, he fights them as he handles them upon the march. Always alert and ready, he can well share with them his own laurels. What I have said of Colonel Spooner equally applies to Lieutenant-Colonel Myers; both scorn danger and both have skill to apply their courage. Colonel Eldridge won for himself a conspicuous place. Among so many heroes it is hard to be distinguished; yet he was first with the foremost. The richest honors of a grateful country should be showered upon him. The following list of line officers I make special mention of for cour- age, and not only for courage, but patient fortitude and endurance of horrible heat in the ravines and hillsides, and fatigue; exposed by night and day on pickets and with advanced companies of skirmishers, unmurmuring, uncomplaining, only carefql that their soldiers should suffer as little as possible. I make special mention of Maj. Frank S. Curtiss, of the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, who exhibited courage and great zeal during the first assault particularly. He was ever in the foremost ranks, and even exceeded his duty in assisting sol- diers with their guns when from frequent firing they became foul; also of Captain Barrett and his admirable battery. His gnus were splendidly served. He and his company are veterans, and have won imperishable honor on many a hard-fought field. His discipline and drill are perfect. Lieut. Col. Samuel R. Mott took command of the Fifty-seventh Ohio after Colonel Rice had been carried wounded from the field. He handled his regiment with consummate skill and daring, proving that he was well worthy of his recent promotion. I desire to compliment Capt. G. M White taut-general, and my aides-dc-camp, . , my acting assistant adju- Lients. John Enoch, of the Fifty- fourth Ohio, and--Edward E. Root, of the Fifty-seventh Ohio, and to express my obligations to Captain Gillett, of the One hundred an Page 271 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 271 twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, and Lieutenant Dorchester, of Thielemanns cavalry, who were my volunteer aides. Each one of these discharged his duty with the utmost promptness and gallantry. Each one is intelligent, brave, and meritorious. I have to regret that I do not possess the power to advance them, but earnestly recommend their l)romotion, and ask that the commanding general secure it. I also men- tion the names of my orderlies, James L. Sherer and Henry Leibrandt, as worthy of great commendation for faithfulness and courage. Herewith I submit a list of the casualties in battle,* and with a request to hereafter make a supplementary report, inasmuch as commanding officers of regiments and batteries composing my brigade, having been ordered from the battle-field upon the march, have had no opportunity to make formal report, and respectfully calling attention to the reports of commanding officers of the storming party, Colonel Malmborg, Lieu- tenant-Colonels Mott and Fisher, now filed. I have the honor to be, with highest respect, your obedient servant, THOS. KILBY SMITH, Col., Comdg. Second Brig., Second Div., Fifteenth Army Corps. M4 W. D. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 33. Repo t of Col. Oscar Malmborg, Fifty-fifth illinois Infantry, including operations since May 5. TN THE FiELD, BEFORE YICKsBuRG, Miss., May 25, 1863. Sin: I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by the Fifty-fifth Regiment Illinois Volunteers in the operations against Yicksburg since leaving Millikens Bend, La.: May 5, the regiment iTlarched 6 miles to a plantation, where it remained in bivouac thirty-six hours. Thence it marched, having been joined by the rest of the brigade May 7, to Hard Times Landing, where it ar- rived May 10; crossed the river to Grand Gulf in the afternoon of May ii, and resumed the march on the Jackson road the next day. lt reached Raymond, Miss., May 15, and in the battle of Champions Hill on the 16th maneuvered with the brigade, beixig for a short time nuder fire of the enemy and experiencing no loss. May 17, the regiment crossed the Big Black on the pontoon bridge, and, leading the brigade, on the following day marched to the vicinity of the first line of fortifications around Vicksburg, skiruxishers being thrown forward, who engaged the enemy in front. A general assault having been ordered on May 19, at 2 p. m. the regiment advanced in line under a heavy fire to within 30 or 40 yards of the enemys works, when the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteers, being the only regiments in the line with me, were halted by command of the brigadier. lu this position they held their ground, keeping up a constant fire until dark. At 3 a. m. of May 20 they wete withdrawn by order to their original position. May 22, the regiment again took part in the assault, supporting the First Brigade, and remaining in position near the enemys rifle-pits until ordered back, on the ihorning of May 23. Since that time the regiment has remained in bivouac in its present position. The whole number of * Nominal list, omitted, embraced in revised statements Page 272 272 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CIIAL. XXXVL casualties in both actions was 42, a full report of which has been be- fore forwarded to the brigade headquarters. With three or four exceptions, which will hereafter be reported, the regiment has, during its recent marches, fatigues, and assaults upou the enemys works, fully sustained its well-earned reputation. I feel, never- theless, constrained to mention a few particular cases of skill and brav- ery on the part of officers and men of my command. Maj. James J. Heffernan, who, especially during both assaults, dis- played all the coolness, bravery, and capacity required of a field officer on such important occasions. Capt. Jacob M. Augustin, who, during all our advances upon the enemy, and especially during these assaults, with coolness, skill, and discretion covered our advance with his company. Capt. Francis H. Shaw, who, during the protracted action before the enemys works on the 19th, did all an officer conid do to encourage the men and increase the effect of their fire. In regard to Capt. N. S. Aagessen, I can make the same report. Sergt. Maj. Joseph Hartsook deserves especial praise for bravery and constant effort to encourage the men during action. The following non-commissioned officers and privates I have also to report as especially deserving honorable mention: Sergt. W. H. Burnaugh, color-bearer; Corpls. Joseph (Jorby, James Gay, and Henry Hart, of the color-guard; Corpl. Frank Fisher, of Com- pany B; Corpls. Amos Sanford and Jacob Sanford, of Company F; Corpls. John Warden, John Smith (wounded), and Christian Leibun- garth, of Company E; Sergt. J. W. Larabee, of Company I (wounded); Corpls. Robert M. Cox, Robert A. Lower, and Jerome Morford, of Com- pany K, volunteers in the storming party. A full report of the conduct and casualties of the 12 meu composing the contribution of the Fifty-fifth to the storming party of the 22d has already been submitted by its brave and daring leader, Lieutenant Por- ter, Company E, whose valuable services 1 Peed but allude to here. Among the killed who distinguished themselves in the two assaults; I feel it my duty to the friends and relatives of the deceased to make particular mention of Lient. Levi Hill, Orderly Sergt. John C. Glass, and Sergt. John Burns, of Company A; Corpls. Michael Ainsbury and R. A. Hamer, of Company C; Corpl. James W. Curry, of Company D; Sergt. Richard Haney and David A. Sullivan (my_orderly, killed at my side in the charge of May 22), of Company F; Milton Bellwood and James Donehue, of Company K. The wounds I received on the 19th and 22d being of a slight nature, I have remained with and in command of the regiment without inter- ruption. 0. MALMBOIIG, Colonel, Commanding Dfty-ftfth Illinois TToluntccrs. Capt. G. MOODIE WHITE, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brig., Second Div., Fifteenth A. C. No. 34. Report of Lieut. William C. Porter, Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry. IN THE FIELD, BEFORE YICKSBURCf, May 23, 18G3. Sr~: A call for volunteers was made, to act as a storming party in our recent charge on the enemys works. The call was made in ou Page 273 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, Miss. 273 regiment by Col. 0. Malmborg (Fifty-fifth Illinois Infantry), and re- sponded to promptly by 12 men and myself. Being the ranking lieu- tenant, I assumed command of the different volunteer detachments from the brigade. and reported to Captain , Thirtieth Ohio Volunteers, in charge of the storming party. At 10 a. m. precisely we started, and proceeded rapidly, occupying but three minutes from the ravine to the bastion. Just as we entered the ditch, a captain and a lieutenaat from the Sixth Missouri were shot by sharpshooters on our flank, severely wounding both. I immediately assumed command, and, with the colors firmly planted in the parapet by a private of the Eighth Missouri, all I could then do was to prevent the rebels from carrying them in (which they tried), and wait for support, which we did not succeed in get- ting. Some men of Ewings brigade came up, but not sufficient to warrant my thrusting them over the ramparts, to be either slaughtered or taken prisoners. We remained in this position, exposed to the fire from the flanks of the enemy, and a direct fire from the skirmishe~s of the First Brigade, till 4.30 p. in., when about 30 of the Eleventh Missouri, with their colonel, major, and 2 lieutenants, succeeded in reaching us with their colors, which they planted alongside of ours. The bearing of the two color-bearers was all that bravery and true coura~,c could do, wavino their colors in defiance of enemies and traitors, marching straight and unwavering to the fort through the most murderous fire I ever experienced. The rebels, in tryino to disledge us, commenced to use 12-pounder shells, burning Urn fuse nd then rolling them into the diteb. We succeeded in throwing back three with our bayonets, which burst on the inside, causing the same effect they intende for us. inc shell, however, exploded, killing Sergt. Richard Haney, Company F, Fifty-fifth llhinois Infantry, and wounding 4 privates severely. At abort 7.30 p. in. I received a verbal order from Major-General Blair to fall bt ek, which we did, but not till I LA all my wounded safely removed.. Feeling the disappointment that all naturally felt in the division at our ill-success in carrying the enemy~s works, I cannot but k~ay that the assailing party was in no way attributable for its failure. All the men and officers behaved gallantly and well, save one, and would have cleared the ramparts had they seen one particle of support. Not belig furnished with the names of the p rty, I cannot give the due r eed of praise to those who disiThguished themselves during our passage to the fort and duriu~ the time we remained there. The lieutenant of the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois In- fantry did not reach us till dark, remaining about 4 rods from the fort, on the road, protected by its hi~h banks, without attempting the march to the fort. I now inelose the list of casualties of but four regiments, the One hun- dred and twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry being absent on detail, and not having time to visit the other regiments in the division. Number Command. who volun- te~,ed. Licut. Men. 55th Illinois Infantry - - 1 12 1 hid Indiana Infantry ii ~4th OLo Infantry -- - 57th Ohio Infantr I - - - I Total. 1 40 5 10 1 18 H HVOL XXIV, PT I Page 274 274 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX VT. The report of casualties is not complete, as it was almost impossible to get through the ravines anti hills to where the regiments were. Hoping our seryices and efforts are appreciated by our commanding officers, I remain, your obedient servant, WILLIAM C. PORTER, Second Lieutenant E~fty-ftfth Illinois Infantry, Company B. Capt. G. MooDIE WHITE, Assistant Adjutant. General. P. S.1 forgot to mention that the lieutenant of the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry kept back from the assailing party 10 men, who remained where he did during the entire day on the road. No. 35. Report of Cot. Hamilton N. Ridridge, One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry. HuQn~. 127TH REGIMENT ILLINOIS YOLIJNTEER INFANTRY Chiekasaw Bayou, Miss., May 28, 1863. CAPTAIN: In accordance with instructions from you, I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my regiment since crossing the Big Black River on the 17th of the present month: On the morning of May 18, my regiment was ordered to march on the main road to Vicksburg, which was said to be about 16 miles dis- tant. Abont 3 oclock in the afternoon, musketry, apparently from skir- inisliers, ~~as heard in the advance, and soon after I was ordered to halt and throw out two companies of skirmishers, to connect with the line of skirmishers of other regiments of the brigade. I immediately de- tached Companies H and I, and, under the direction of Adjutant Keyes, they made the connection as above ordered, and moved about 600 yards in advance of the main body, at which point the timber was cut away, and the skirmishers were in plain view of the enemy, his works some 300 yards ahead. Having a good position to observe any advance of the enemy, my skirmishers were ordered to remain in their l)osition that night, acting as a picket. On the 19th, about noon, orders were received for an advance, with the intention of charging and carrying t)ie enemys works by storm. About 1 oclock the skirmishers were called in, and at 2.30 the ad- vance was ordered in line of battle on the double-quick, my regiment following the Eighty-third Indiana. in crossing the brow of the hill. just beyond the point from which we started, we received a murderous lire from the enemy, which killed and wounded many of my men. The unevenness of the ground, added to the fact that it was thickly covered with brush and fallen trees, soo IT broke our lines and scattered to a considerable extent the men. The most of them, however, worked their way up close nuder the enemys works, whei~ the regiments colors were planted. We maintained our position, under a galling fire, nntii after dark, when orders were received for us to fall back, which I did without losing a man. I had 14 officers and 202 enlisted men when I advancedone com- pany (D) of 36 men, which had been out skirmishing, not having re- turned in time to advance with usand out of these 8 were killed and 30 wounded Page 275 CIIAIX XXXVI] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 275 Among the killed I have to regret the loss of First Lient. Hiram Mc- Clintock, of Company H, a brave and meritorious officer, who was killed about 2.30 oclock in the afternoon, and Sergeant [Jesse] Curran, of Com- pany E, a young man of great promise, and one of the most competent non-commissioned officers in the regiment. First Sergeant [Henry] Newby, of Company H, has since died of his wounds, an other brave and excellent officer. Capt. J. S. Riddle, of Company C; Capt. 1. W. Chandler, acting major; Lieutenant SeweD, of Company G; First Ser- geant [Harvey L.] Mason, of Company B; First Sergeant [Ora B.] Douglass, Company I, and Color-Sergt. F. S. Shemmerhorn are among the wounded. On Friday, the 22d, another advance was ordered. Before falling iu for the advance, volunteers to the number of 11 were called for from my regiment, to form a part of the storming party which was to pre- ce(le the main body and be the first to scale the works of the enemy. It would have been an easy matter to have raised quadruple the num- ber called for, so anxious were the men to distinguish themselves and be of service to their country. The names of these brave volunteers I have already forwarded to you in another report, and I would most earnestly suggest, what I have no doubt will be doiie, that suitable notice be taken of their gallant action. At 2.30 a. m. the order came for us to advance; this time by the right flank, we following the Fifty-seventh Ohio. We advanced this time to the left of the Vicksbnrg road, and then around through a sheltered ravine to a hill to the left and close to the enemys works, where we lay until the morning of the 23d, when we were ordered to Chickasaw Bayou, to guard the commissary stores and furnish details for unload- ing boats. My loss in the engagement on the 22d was slight3 men killed and 8 wounded. In both engagements officers and men, with very few exceptions, behaved with great coolness and courage, and, I think, fully sustained their reputation as Illinois volunteers. Where all did so well, it is impossible to discriminate. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, H. N. ELDIIIDGE, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. G. MOODIE WHITE, Acting A ssistant Adjutant- General, Second Brigade. No. 36. Report of Lieut. Col. Cyrus W. Fisher, P~fty-fourth Ohio Jxi~fantry, in cluding operations since Miay 6. IIDQRS. FIFTY-FOURTH IiEG-T. OHiO VOL. INFANTRY, In Bivouac, before Vicksburg Works, Miss., May 24, 1863. CAPTAIN: In obedience to Colonel Smiths circular of to-day, calling for a report of the movements of the Fifty-fourth Ohi,p Volunteer In- fantry since it left Millikens Bend, La., I have the honor to submit the following report: On the evening of the 6th instant, while in camp at Millikens Bend, La., I received an order from Col. T. K. Smith, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to break up camp, and with two days cooked rations in haversacks and eight days rations in wagons, to march on the 7th on the road to New Carthage Page 276 276 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. Accordingly, at 7 a. m. on the morning of the 7tb, the regiment was on the road. On the evening of the 10th, we arrived at Hard Times Landing, on the Mississippi River, having marched 63 miles in four days. On the afternoon of the 11th, we crossed the Mississippi River to Gran(l Gnlf on the gunboat Louisville. Laid in bivouac that night. The next morning we were again on the march on the road to Au- burn, Miss., arriving at the latter place on the afternoon of the 15th instant, having marched 53 miles in three days and a half. On the morning of the 16th, I was ordered by Colonel Smith to follow the One hundred and twenty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteers on the road leading to Bolton, bringing np the rear of the brigade. Be- tween 8 and 9 a. m. we heard heavy skirmishing in front and soon afterward the discharge of artillery. About 12 m. I received an order from Colonel Smith to deploy the regiment on the right side of the road we were then marching on, my left resting on the road, in which position we remained an hour, when I received an order to march on the road as before, except that I should keep to the right of the road, marching by the left flank, and holding the regiment in readiness to change front forward on the left company and at a moments notice. In this order I marched the regiment perhaps three-fourths of a mile, passing on the road a brigade belonging to General A. J. Smiths division, when one of the enemys batteries fired upon us at a range of 800 to 1,000 yards to the right of the road. Colonel Smith ordered me to halt, march back, and assume the position I had left on the road before the order to move by the left flank. When I had reached the point where my left should rest, by order, I crossed the road and formed the line perpendicular to, and the right resting on, the road. We lay in this position until about 4 p. in., when, by order of Colonel Smith, I again moved down the road, by the left flank, about 1~ miles, when we came upon the division of General A. J. Smith deployed in line of battle and under a heavy fire from the enemys artillery. I immediately formed in line of battle, my left resting on the road, and ordered the men to lie down until I should receive further orders from Colonel Smith. A short time afterward Colonel Smith ordered me to move by the right flank, and then forward until the left of the regiment should join with General Smiths right, which was ac- cordingly executed, a strong line of skirmishers having been in the mean time deployed to cover the front of the regiment. At dark I ordered the regiment to lie down in llne~of battle on their arms. Here we remained during the night. In the morning the enemy had disappeared from the front. At an early hour on the 17th, we were again on the march, bringing up the rear of the brigade. About 10 a. m. we crossed the Jackson Railroad at Edwards Station, and took the road to Bridgeport, where we arrived at 12 m. At 8 p. m. we crossed Big Black River upon a pontoon bridge, marched 2 miles on the Vicksbnrg road, and filed into an open field, stacked arms, and lay down for the night, no fikes being allowed until daydawn. At an early hour on the morning of the 18th, the regiment was on the march, bringing up the rear of the brigade, on the main road to Vicks- burg. Arrived near the works before which we are now lying late in the afternoon. The regiment was ordered to form line of battle on the left of the road and on the left of the brigade. Soon after the regiment was in line, I received an order to send out one company of skirmishers, and at dusk Colonel Smith sent an order that the regiment be deployed a Page 277 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 277 skirmishers, and extend the left until the right of General McPhersons line should be found. The regiment was deployed, but I could not find the line sought for until early in the morning of the 19th; they were then joined. I was then ordered to advance the line as far as possible which was accord- ingly done, the whole line resting within easy musket range of the enemys works, when I receivad an order to a.ssemb~le on the right of the regiment, which, being accomplished, I was ordered to form in line of battle on the left of the Fifty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, supporting Bat- tery B, First Illinois Artillery. The ammunition having been nearly expended in skirmishing, cartridges were furnished, butt found too large, though the boxes were marked .69 caliber. About 2 p. m. you came to me yourself and said an order was to forward, and be governed by the movements of the Fifty-fifth Illinois Regiment. I so instructed the color-bearer, and when the Fifty-fifth commenced moving, the Fifty-fourth promptly moved with them, and kept with them during the engagement. I had no previous notice of the forward movement, or an idea that the regiment was the front of an assaulting column, which was to charge through fallen timber, over at least four ravines, very steep and difficult to pass over under the most auspicious circumstances. The line halted under the brow of a hill 150 or 200 yards from the enemys works, breathless, but kept up a brisk fire on the parapet for a short time, when the company commanders reported to me that the cartridges were nearly expended. I ordered them to reserve one round in the piece, fix bayonet, and lie down until ammunition could be sent, or we should be relieved. I sent Adjutant Saxton to Colonel Smith to make the proper statement. Soon after- ward the Fifty-seventh Ohio Regiment came forward and relieved the Fifty-fourth. I withdrew the regiment 10 or 15 paces, and ordered them to lie down until ammunition could be furnished. Lieutenant Bell, of the Fifty-fourth Regiment, in charge of the ammunition train, upon notice, promptly supplied us. The firing soon subsided into mere skir- mishing, and we lay down upon our arms. A 2 a. in., Lieutenant-Colonel Rice, Fifty-seventh Ohio, came to me and said Colonel Smith had ordered him to order the regiment out of there, and that the Fifty-fifth Illinois had already gone, the Fifty-seventh would move out immediately, and the Fifty-fourth would follow, and regain our position before the charge. The order was obeyed by send- ing out one company a.t a time. The regiment lost iii the engagement of the 19th 1 killed and 13 wounded. On the morning of the 20th, I received an order to move to the left, and form line with the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Vol- unteers, supporting two guns of Harts battery. Placing the men nuder cover, we lay here until the morning of the 22d, when notice was given that the enemys works were again to be as- saulted. The regiment was called upon for seven volunteers to go with the storming party leading the head of the column. Eleven men offered their services. I think it fit that the names of such daring, gallant fel- lows should be named in the official report. Their names were: First Sergt. James Jardine, Company F; Corpl. William Kinsley, Company H; and Privates William Radtke, Company A; David Jones, Com- pany C; Edward Welsh, Company D; Samuel Crooks, Company E; Edward McGinn, Company F; John Gardner, Company F; Henry Buhrinan, Company H; Martin Ford, Company II, and Jacob Sweihei- mer, Company I. Every volunteer who accompanied the stormin Page 278 278 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. party from the Fifty-fourth Regiment, except Buhrman, whose gun was broken in two by a grape-shot, reached the top of the enemys works. William iRadtke was killed, Edward McGinn severely wounded, as many as three bullets striking him in the head, and four others passing through his hat. I received a circular from Colonel Smith, instructing the Fifty- fourth Regiment to march by the right flank, and follow the One hun- dred and twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers. Some time after 11 oclock I put the regiment in motion, keeping close upon the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois. Filing through a ravine, we neared the crest of the hill immediately in front of the enemys works, and over which a perfect storm of lead and iron was passing. I halted the regiment, and ran to the top of the hill to see where we were going. In the ravine, 50 yards below, I saw the other regiments of the brigade lying down, and, as I thought, in confusion, to increase which I did not desire to rush my regiment among them. 1 so reported to Colonel Smith, who was standing under the brow of the hill. He replied that I was mistaken; that there was not a man in the ravine below. I returned to the brow and a~,ain saw the regiments as before, and again reported to Colonel Smith, who gave no answer, but gave the order to rush over the hill, which the regiment did in good order. As soon as we were over, I discovered that the enemy had a battery oppo- site the mouth of the ravine, completely enfilading the position in which we were lying. I sent such word to Colonel Smith by Lieutenant Fisk, aide-dc-camp on General Ewings staff, but I think he did not get it. Fortunately for the regiment and brigade, the enemys fire was inaccurate, and passed over ns, doing no damage. In a few minutes the regiments tiled down the ravine by the left flank, in the same order as indicated in Colonel Smiths circular of that morning, i. e., Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteers following the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, until we were within a very short distance of the enemys works, when Colonel Smith ordered me to form the regiment in line of battle imme- diately behind the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, on the side of a very steep hill. In this position we lay until about 2 oclock in the morning of the 23d, when I received an order to withdraw by the left flank down the ravine, filing up another about 100 yards to our left, and to continue up that ravine until we should pass the rear of the First Brigade, which had been withdrawn during the night. The order was obeyed. I moved the regiment to the ground nQw occupied by the regiment. While taking the position in the rear o~ the One hundred and twenty- seventh Illinois Volunteers, Private William R. McKibbin, Company D, was killed, and Corporal [Thomas] Coddington wounded, which were the only casualties the regiment met with during the day. I desire here to mention the names of Assistant Surgeon Baggs, who accompanied all our movements, and was most assiduous in the care of the wounded and in having them cared for at the earliest moment pos- sible, never leaving his post for a moment, and Adjutant Saxton, who was constantly at his post in the discharge of hiR duty. Of the company officers I will only say that they did all brave men are expected to do, i. e., obeying all orders promptly and energetically. In detailing the events of the engagement of the 19th instant, I omitted to mention the fact that Sergt. Alexander Kuhl, color-bearer of the regiment, was the first man on the brow of the hill, where the regiment was halted. In every engagement he has been eagerly anxious to do all he was called on to do. I hope Colonel Smith will mention him i Page 279 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURQ MISS. 279 his official report, and recommend his promotion he is worthy and competent. Col. T. Kilby Smith was on the field in both engagements, and dis- played the same reckless personal bravery for which he has long since (listingmshed himself. Accompanying this report you will please find a list of the killed and wounded since the morning of the 19th insta,nt.* I am, sir, respectfully, & c., C. W. FISHER, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunicers. Capt. G. MOODIE WHITE, Aety. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 2d Brig., 2d Div., 15th Army Corps. No. 37. Report of Lient. Col. Samuel P. Mott, E~fty-seventh Ohio Infantry, in. ciuding operations since May 4. HDQRS. FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOL. INFANTRY, In Bivouac before the Vicksburg Works, May 24, 1863. CAPTAIN: In obedience to Col. T. K. Smiths circular of to-day, call- ing for a report of the movements of the Fifty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer infantry since it left Millikens I3end, La., I have the honor, in the absence of Lieut. Col. A. V. Rice, then commanding the regiment (since wounded in an assault upon the enemys works before Vicksbnig on the 22d instant), to submit the following report On the morning of the 4th instant, while in camp at Millikens Bend, the colonel received an order from Col. T. K. Smith, commanding Sec- ond Brigade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to move to Rich. inond, La., a distance of 12 miles, with two days cooked rations in haversacks and three days rations in wagons, there to await orders. On the afternoon of the 7th, at 3 oclock, the brigade coming up, we were ordered to move forward to New Carthage, and on the road we received orders to leave New Carthage to our left and proceed to Hard Times Landing, on the Mississippi River, at which place we arrived on the evening of the 10th, having marched a distance of 51 miles in three days and a half. On the evening of the 11th, we crossed the Mississippi River to Grand Gulf on the steamer Forest Queen. Laid in bivouac that night. The next morning we were again on the march to Auburn; from thence we marched to Raymond, Miss., arriving at the latter place on the afternoon of the 15th instant, having marched 53 miles in three days and a half. On the morning of the 16th, we were ordered to follow Captain Bar- retts battery on the road leading to Bolton. Between 8 and 9 a. m. we heard heavy skirmishing in front, and soon after the discharge of artillery. About 12 m. we were ordered to form line of battle, with the right resting on the Eighty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At 1 p. m. the regiment was ordered to march by the left flank, file right, and move perpendicular from the line of battle. Having moved half a mile, we came in contact with a masked battery of the enemys. Nominal 1i~t, omitted, embodied in revised statements Page 280 280 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. We were then ordered to fail back to ~here our line of baffle had pre- viously been, ind support Captain Barretts battery, in which position we remained until sundown, ~vhen we were ordered to rejoin the bri- gade, which we (lid, our left resting on the One hnndred and twenty- seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, where we bivouacked for the night, the men lying on their arms, the enemy retiring from our front during the night. On the morning of the 17th, we resumed our march for Big Black River. About 10 a. m. we crossed the Jackson Railroad at Edwards Station, and took the road to Bridgeport, where we arrived at 12 m. At S p. m. we crossed Big Block River on the pontoon bridge, marched 2 miles on the Vicksburg road, and bivouacked for the night. On the morning of the 18th, a~t 4 a. in., we resumed our march, fol- lowing the Eighty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and arrived in front of the enemys works about 3 p. in.; formed line of battle to the left of the road, and were ordered to send out one company as skirmishers, to ascertain the position of the enemy. The skirmishers advanced within easy musket range of the enemys works, driving in the enemys skirmishers. On the morning of the 19th, we received orders to assault the enemy~s works, which was promptly executed at 2 p. in., Fifty-fifth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry leading, followed by Fifty-fourth and Fifty-seventh Ohio Volunteers. The charge was made over steep hills and deep ravines, which are difficult to pass under the most auspicious circum- stances. The line halted under the brow of a hill 100 or 150 yards from the enemys works. The Fifty-foufth Ohio Volunteers having expended their ammunition, we we~e ordered to relieve them, which was immedi- ately done, and kept up a brisk fire upon the enemys parapets for some time, when the firing subsided into mere skirmishing. At 2 a. in. of the morning of the 20th, we received an order to retire to the position we had advanced from to make the assault. This order was obeyed by sending out one company at a time. The regiment lost, in the engagement of the 19th, 5 killed and 12 wounded. After retaking our position of the previous morning, we again formed line, our right resting on the Eighty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where we remained until the morning of the 22d instant, receiving an order that there was to be a second attack on the enemy~s works, and with the order a call for 9 men, volunteers, to go with a storming party in advance of the attacking force. Fourteen men at once responded to the call. As but 9 men could be takep, die first that reported were ac- cepted until the number wis completed. I believe it to be prudent in inc to give the names of these men, and but an act of justice to them that it should be done. Their names are as follows: Company A, Sergt. David Ayers and Private Marion D. Tate; CGIZU- pany D, Privates Joseph litchell and David Day; Company I, Sergt. Peter N. Gabriel; Comn~~any K, Sergt. William Kotestine and Corpi. Joseph I. Smith; Company G, Sergt. Ezra llipsher and Corpl. John H. McKinley. Of the number which accompanied the storming party, 2 were killed and 2 wounded. Sergt. Peter N. GabrM and Private Marion D. Tate were killed. Sergt. Ezra Ilipsher and Corpl. John II. McKinley were wounded. The other five, by the aid of Divine Providence, returned to their comrades and regiment. At 10 a. m. w~ were ordered to fall in and follow the Eighty-thi~~d Indiana Volunteer Infantry, marching by the flank left in front, which was done promptly. When we had advanced 50 yards we were com- pelled to halt for a moment, the ravine through which we had to pas Page 281 ChAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICI{SBURG, MISS. 281 being blocked up by the troops in our front. While here, the gallant Colonel Rice received a severe wound from one of the enemys sharp- shooters. He was in a half sitting position at the time he was struck, the ball entering below the knee and passing through the leg, entering a second time above the knee, ranging upward, lodging near the abdo- men, thereby rendering it impossible for him longer to command his regiment; consequently I assumed the command of the same. We were again ordered forward, moving as before, the enemy pouring into us a most terrific fire of shot and shell. When within easy range of the works, we were halted and ordered to return the fire of the enemy, which we did; remaining there in line until the following morning, when we were ordered into the position we now hold. The regiment lost in this assault 15 in killed and wounded3 killed and 12 wounded. Of the conduct of officers and men I can but say they did all that officers and soldiers could dotheir whole duty. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, S. It. MOTT, Lieutenant. Colonel, Corn dg. I)fty-seventh Reyt. Ohio Vol. Infantry. Capt. G. MooPIE WHITE, A. A. A. U., Second Brig., Second Div., Fifteenth Army f7orps. No. 38. Reiwrt of Brig. Gem Hugh Ewing, U. S. Army, commanding Third Bri gade. IIDQRS. THIRD BRIG., SECOND Div., FIFTEENTH A. C., Battle-field, near Vicksburg, ]lfiss., May 27, 1863. Sin: I have the honor to submit the following report of the march of my brigade from Millikens Bend to this field, together with the part taken by it in the late actions: We moved to Shermans Landing the 9th, assisted in making a road from thence to Bowers Landin~,, finished it within two days, and on the 13th, being relieved by fresh troops, marched to the lower landing; reached Grand Gulf the evening of the 15th, and encamped on the Ray- mond road. On the 17th, at noon, at the junction of the Gibson road, we took 203 prisoners, captured partly by the head of my column, chiefly by several gentlemen of General Shermans staff, Cols. J. Condit Smith, Morton, and others. They were stragglers of Lorings division, which had taken the Gibson road during the night. Here, receiving orders from General Sherman, we took cross-roads for Bolton, and again, on falling into the track of our army, changed our course for Edwards Station, camping at night on the battle-field of the day before. During the night of the 18th we rejoined our division. On the morning of the 19th, we took position on the right of the division, resting on General Steeles left, and, at the ~gnal, at 2 p. in., charged the works of the enemy in line of battle the Thirty-seventh Ohio on the right, the Forty-seventh Ohio on the left, the Fourth West Virginia in the center, and the Thirtieth Ohio in reserve. The left of our line, under Colonels Parry and Dayton, reached the enemys intrench- ments, and the colors of the regiments waved near them until evening. The right, on account of obstacles, was unable to cross the ravine, bu Page 282 282 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [GuAm XXX VT. covered the left in its advanced position by a heavy fire. Later, the re- maining regiments were moved to the left, on the brow of the hill, pre- pared, on the agreed signal from the brigade on our left, to move over the track of the preceding portion of the brigade, and, joining them, re- new the assault. I instructed the artillery to open on the works when our line began to ascend the opposite hill. They, however, opened heavily before the signal was given, and the troops already over, sup- posing the fire was to enable them to retire under cover, moved back; and the signal not being given, the charge was not renewed. From this to the 22d my front skirmished along the enemys intrencliment. At 10.04 a. m. of the 22d, a storming j)arty, composed of 50 volunteers from each brigade of the division, bearing the colors of my headquar- ters, and followed by my troops in column, charged down a narrow, deep- cut road npon a bastion of the enemys works. They were instructed to bear to the left, and cross the curtain if the ditch at the salient could not be bridged. They made a foot-path at the salient, by which Cap- tain [Johil II.] Groce, commanding, Lieutenant ONeal, [Private] Trog- den, the color-bearer, and others, crossing, climbed half way up the ex- terior slope, and planted the flag upon it unfurled. The Thirtieth Ohio, next in order, moved close upon the storming party, until their progress was arrested by a front and double flank fire, and the dead and wounded which blocked the defile. The second company forced its way over the remains of the first, and a third over those of the preceding, but their perseverance served only further to encumber the impassable way. The Thirty-seventh Ohio came next, its left breaking the column where the road first debouched, npon a deadly fire. After the check, a few passed on, but were mostly shot. They fell back, and, with the remainder of the brigade and division, came over a better route. I formed my troops as they came up on the brow of the hill running from the road to the left, parallel to and 70 yards from the intrench- ments. Here we protected our advanced men and wounded until they were gradually withdrawn, and, with a heavy and well-directed and sustained fire, covered the after attempt to char~,e over the intrench- ments made down th~ same road by the brigade of General Mower. At night the wounded, dead, and colors were brought 70 yards back to the hill, where the brigade remains, intrenching and skirmishing with the enemy. I have the honor to call your attention to the accompanying reports of regimental commanders, and bear testimony to the bravery of the following officers, in addition to those mentioned therein: Colonels Parry and Dayton, of the Forty-seventh Ohio~ and Fourth West Virginia; Lieutenant-Colonels von Blessingh and flildt, of the Thirty-seventh and Thirtieth Ohio, and Major Hipp, of the Thirty-seventh. Lieutenants [Emerson P.] Brooks and Davis, of the Thirtieth Ohio, badly wounded in the charge of the 22d, deserve especial mention and promotion. Captain Hayes, of the Thirtieth, killed near the iutrenchments at the head of his men, was the model of a Christian soldier. He fell in time front rank of honor, where he lived and still live~. I inclose a list of the volunteer storming party t~rom this brigade, and ask that Captain Groce, who led the division party and was wounded on the parapet, and Lieutenant ONeal, who charged by his side and was likewise wo1~ded, receive such high promotion as their gallantry merits. I recommend that First Licut. J. H. Ralston, of the Fourth West Virginia Infantry, be reduced to the ranks, for absence without caus Page 283 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OP VICKSBURG, MISS. 283 on the day of battle, and that Corporals Clendenin or Boley~ who saved their colors, be commissioned in his stead. Dr. [Joseph 113.] Potter, brigade surgeon, earned high commendation by untiring attention to the wounded. Captain [Theodore] Voges was completely successful ill forwarding ammunition and supplies. Captain Lofiand, Lieutenants Fisk, McIntyre, and Odd discharged their duties with gallantry and energy. Captain Cornyn and Lieutenant lleadington I have the honor to rec- oinmend for promotion, for their gallant conduct in the second charge. The brigade reached the field from Grand Gulf, by a forced march of 85 miles in three days, the midnight before the battle. The troops bore themselves throughout with gallantry and spirit. Their general commandinb believes that nothing but the broken and entangled nature of the ground over which they charged, with a want of previous knowledge of its condition, prevented them from success- fully entering the enemys works. Our loss in killed and wounded is as follows :* ~ Engagements. Battle of 19th 50 190 0 Battle of 224 24 116 Total 74 306 6 0 H 246 140 386 A complete list -of the killed, wounded, and missing in action, by name, company, and regiment, is herewith inclosed. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HUGH EWING, Brigadier- General. Maj. W. D. GREEN, Asst. Acljt. Gem, & eond Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. No. 39. Report of ]liaj. Charles flip , Thirty seventh Ohio Ljantry. lInQn~. THIRTY-SEVE~TII OHIO YOLIR~TEER INFANTRY, May 23, 1863. Sin: The regiment went into position on the right of the brigade on the morning of the 19th day of May, 1863, nnder command of Lient. Col. Louis von Blessingh. Three companies, Maj. Charles flipp command- ing, were ~)reviously detached to reconnoiter on the right flank and form connection with the left of General Steeles division, near the evacuated barracks of the enemy. Major flipp, witk his detachment, rejoined the regimenat the opening of the fight, when the assanlt on the enemys works was in progress. The regiment was then formed for the assanlt, with skirmishers in front, who, by order of the general com- manding, moved forward slowly, when the Fourth West Virginia and Forty-seventh Ohio Regiments rushed forward, carrying with them some * Nominal list omitted Page 284 284 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL of our skirmishers and others on the left of the regiment. The three com- panies then arriving, with Major Llipp, were ordered to deploy on the crest of the hill, the balance being already over, and all were ordered to halt and open fire on the enemy. The regiment remained in the same position the whole day, constantly firing, withdrawing after night. The loss of the regiment this day was 8 killed and 36 wounded. At noon of the 20th, the regiment opened fire again from the crest of the hill until night, when it was relieved by the Fonrth West Virginia. The loss this day was 3 killed, amongst whom were 2 officers, and 3 wonnd ed. On the 21st, the regiment had 1 wounded; since dead. The night following, two companies (G and C) of the regiment were on picket on right of the brigade ~, ronnd, joining the left of General Steeles division, and Company D and part of Company F on fatigue. Leaving these, with the exception of Company C, to occupy the enemy on the right, the rest of the regiment marched with the brigade, being the second in front, to the assault of the enemys works on the left of our former position, commanded by Lient. Col. Louis von Blessingh. The progress was soon retarded by some of our men of the first three companies blocking up the way with some men of the previously ad- vanced regiment. The following companies forced their way over them, and caine forward in good style; then deployed on the crest of the hill, next to the enemys works, and opened fire on them, which was kept up dnring most of the day. Lient. Col. Lonis von Blessiugh was here wounded, and the ccmmand of the regiment devolved on Maj. Charles flipp. Our loss on this day was 8 killed and 31 wounded. The gallant conduct of the 13 men who volunteered for the storming party deserves particular mention. Several of them were among the first to the enemys works. The conduct of the officers was, withont any exception, praiseworthy and brave, and they, as well as the non-commissioned officers and men, have done their duty to my entire satisfaction. CHAItLES IIJPP, Mc~jor, Comdg. Thirty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Lient. II. J. VOTTELER, Acting Adjutant Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer infantry. Xo. 40. Report of Lieut. Joseph R. Reed, AS~eeofld Iowa Battery, Third Division. HEADQUARTERS SECOND IOWA BATTERY, Camp near Bear Greek, Miss., July 27, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by the Second Iowa Battery in the campaign just ended: On May 2, I left my encampment ~t Duckport, La., and marched with the Second Brigade, Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, to which I was then attached, to Grand Gnlf wher~ I crossed the river and moved with the brigade toward Jackson, Mi~s. On approaching that place, on May 14, being near the head of the column, I was or- dered by General Mower to move to the front and engage a batter~ of the enemy, which~had opened from a position commanding a bridge and its approaches. I succeeded in getting a commanding position, and engaged the enemy briskly for twenty minutes, when he withdrew hi Page 285 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 285 battery. Advancing immediately in rear of the line of infantry, I was ordered to place the battery in position near a house on the right of the road, and from this position I opened a brisk fire in the direction of the town of Jackson, which I continued but for a few moments, when I ceased, by order of General Tuttle. I soon afterward moved forward with the division to the town, where I remained until the 16th instant. Jn this affair my loss was 1 man severely wounded. On the 16th iustant, I moved back with the division in the direction of Vicksburg, and on the 20th instant I occupied a position near the center of General Blafrs line. This position I occupied until June 5, when I was advanced to another, much nearer the enemy~s lines. On May 21, 22, and 23, from our first position, a vigorous fire was kept up on the enemys lines. At one time on the 22d I was ordered by Major Taylor, chief of artillery, Fifteenth Corps, to advance two of the guns to a position outside of the intrenchments. For timely and vigor- ous assistance in getting these guns to this new position (for they had to be moved by hand) I am indebted to Colonel Judy, of the One hun- dred and fonrteenth Illinois Infantry, who gallantly came to my assist ance with a squad of his men at a time when my own men were almost exhausted with their exertions. Soon discovering that the position was very much exposed, and that I could accomplish nothing by holding it, I asked and obtained permission to withdraw my guns. On the night of May 23, by order of Maj. Ezra Taylor, chief of artil- lery Fifteenth Army Corps, I detached Second Lient. Charles F. Reed, with one section of the battery, to accompany the brigade of General Mower on the expedition to Mechanicsville. He was absent until June 3. On May 27, Major Taylor turned over to me and ordered me to man one 30-pounder Parrot gun. With this gun I was enabled to do a great deal and very effective service. I worked it until June 22, when. with the division, I moved to the vicinity of Big Bear Creek,where Ire- mained until July 4, when, with the division, I moved again toward Jackson. In the siege of that place I took no very active part, as I only got into position on the night of the evacuatiofi by the enemy. I append a list of casualties in the battery during the whole cam- paigni killed and 6 wounded.* I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant, J. Ii. REED, First Lieutenant, Co inrnaizdi1~g Second Iowa Battery. Lieut. N. E. DUNCAN, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem., Third Brig., Third Div., Fifteenth A~ C. No. 41. Report of Lient. Col. Jefferson Brumback, Nincty-ftfth Ohio infantry, First Brigade. CAMP NEAR YJGKSBURG, Miss., June 20, 1863. GE1~ERAL: I have- the honor to submit the following report of opera- tions last night on the picket line in front of your brigade: I had under my command four companies, two from the Seventy- * Nominal list omitte4 Page 286 286 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXYL second Ohio, one from the Ninety-fifth Ohio, and one from the Ninety- third Indiana, in all, about 100 men. I attach hereto a very rough pencil sketch of so much of the ground as was the theater of the prin- cipal operations,* which may facilitate the understanding of this report, and aid in conveying distinct ideas of what I was ordered to do and what was actually done. Just before night, I was ordered to take pos- session of the right hill, on the left of the road, and advance the picket lIne to, or far enough beyond; the brick-pile and loose board shed to cover and protect the fatigue party that was to commence throwing up some works in the vicinity of the brick and boards about 10 or 11 oclock at night. From the base of the hill the road going toward the works of the enemy ascends rapidly to the turn to the left, from which point the as- cent is more gradual to the level of the brick and boards. The gully on the right-hand side of the road at the turn to the left is quite deep. The distance from the crest of the hill, across to the road and toward the enemy, at the narrowest poiut near the brick and boards, does not exceed 3 or 4 rods. The face of the hill toward your brigade is abrupt and steep, and very difficult of ascent by men. From the highest points of the hill, beginning just beyond the large green tree and stretching off to our left, the ground descends gradually toward the ro~ d. There is growing corn on the top of the hill, in the bottom, and on the sides where it is possible to cultivate the soil. For several nights back our pickets have been stationed on the highest points of the hills just back of the brick and boards, and to the right and left. There has also been a strong picket on the road at the turn to the left, with two or more single sentries farther in advance up the road. Until last night no effort was made to prevent the posting of our pickets at these points. I was ordered to post the pickets at an early hour, and as soon as it became dark enough to be safe, I moved the four companies by the flank to the foot of the hill on the left of the road. I sent Captain Nuhfers company (Seventy-second Ohio) Pi the right, to picket the line in the valley from the old stump to the left of the line of pickets of General Thayer. The company of the Ninety-third Indiana I formed in line between the road and old dead tree, directing the captain to. send 10 men, under charge of a lieutenant, to form a picket post at or near the turn in the road, advancing a sentry or two up the road, if practicable, the residue of the company to be held in reserve under charge of the captain. Captain Stansburys company (Ninety-fifth Ohio) and Captain Snyders company (Seve~ty~econd Ohio) I then moved by the left flank (Stausbury in a(lvance) from the road to the left along the base of the hill, distributing the men in squads of 5 or 6, so as to be properly divided for picket posts when we reached the top of the hill. My left squad was advanced far enough to pass in, advancing near the right of General Lightburns picket line when l)osted. These dispositions being made simultaneously, Stausbury and Snyder and the Ninety-third Indiana pickets commenced advancing, the two former directly up the steep hillside, the latter up the road. As my men began to appear cautiously on hands and kn~es, and lying down, omi or near the crest,the enemy rose up a short distance in front and in considerable force, and suddenly and unexpectedly fired a volley. As few only of my men had gained the top, they discharged their pieces and then slid a sfiort distance down the hill, the whole of the two coin- panies resting secure just under the brow of the hill, to which the enemy Not found Page 287 CHAL. XXXYI.J THE SIEGE OP YICKSBURG, MISS. 287 did not advance. At the same time the advancing picket of the Ninety- third Indiana was fired on, near the turn of the road from their left and front, and compelled to fall back on the road to the reserve. After this firing, I passed along my line to assure myself of the then position of my command. The Ninety-third Indiana advanced its picket np the road, but not so far as the turn in the road. It was surmised that the enemy had fallen back to or beyond the road and brick and boards after delivering their first fire. Captain Snyder, with 5 or 6 men, was then directed to advance cautiously np the spur to, and if practicable beyond, the large green tree, to reconnoiter and ascertain whether the enemy still occupied the ground just beyond th~ crest. The captain and two or three.of his men reached the tree and crawled a few feet beyond, very nearly to a point from which a view of the ground sloping beyond could be commanded, when a number of the enemy rose up to their left and front, and, advancing rapidly, delivered, as they came, a volley. The captain could only reply with tbree or four muskets, and, being largely outnumbered, removed his men a few feet down below the brow of the hill, nuder cover, where they remained. From the nature of the ground near the large green tree, and to the left in the road, it was impracticable for me to bring enough of my small command into action at these points to dislodge the enemy, and I de- termined to make a demonstration on the next spur on my left, where the ground was more favorable for advancing a number of men, so that they could co-operate in attack or defense. Up to this point none of the men nuder my command had been harmed, though I regret to state that Major McClure, of General Tut- tles staff, while seconding and aiding the various operations, was wounded. I then collected Captain Stausburys company and a portion of Captain Snyders on the spur on my left, just under the brow of the hill,in line. The whole line, in loose order, with bayonets fixed, was then advanced, the men moving forward on their hands and knees. My object was to turn the position of the enemy, if possible, and, after re- ceiving their fire, if they confronted us in line to return it and charge if there was any prospect of success. My men, without opposition, got to, and some on, the crest; but at this point the enemy rose up in line a few feet in front, the slight rise before us and the corn having con- cealed them before that from view, and in numbers apparently exceed- ing my force. Each side fired a volley very nearly at the same instant. The fire of the enemy, delivered at such short rangethe muzzles of opposing guns in some instances nearly or~quite crossing each other told with terrible effect on my small force. My men were ordered to and did fall back to secure places just under the brow of the hill, after which my attention was turned to the wounded, who were all removed from the field, as it is thought. It was now evident that I did not have sufficient force to take the top of the hill and advance my line to the front as far as ordered. I held Captains 5tansbury~s and Snyders men under the brow of the hill, and at no time did they descend to the foot of the same until ordered so to do. During these operations officers and men under my command acted with great coolness, courage, and bravery, and they have my thanks for the hearty manner in which they carried out my orders. A very few panic-stricken stragglers, perhaps, passed to the rear, where they put in circulation, it may be, such exaggerated reports as only this class can during an encounter between hostile forces. During these operations I kept upon the road a guard taken from the Indiau~ company a short distance from the base of the hill, and th Page 288 288 MISSISSIPPI, \VEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Cu ~r. XXXVI. commanding officer of the reserve was always advised of my where- abouts and contemplated movements. About 3 oclock the bulk of my command was called back, only a very few men remaining under the brow of the hill, because they did notby reason of being misled by the messengerreceive the order to fall back, when the artillery threw a few shells at the enemy. The list of casualties is, as far as I can now ascertain or state, as follows: Eight wounded, 2 badly, and 1 missing (it is feared killed) in Captain Stausburys company; 2 wounded, 1 severely, in Captain Sny- ders company. From cries as of wounded men on the side of the en- emy, it is supposed that they also suffered, but how much it is impos- sible to guess. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BRUMBACK, Lieutenant-Colonel and Officer of the Day, June 19. Brig. Gen. 11. P. BUCKLAND. No. 42. Report of Go!. James L. Geddes, Eighth Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade. TN CAMP NEAR YICKSBURQ Miss., ]Jiliay 30, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general commanding the brigade, the number of casualties in the Eighth Iowa Infantry from the 6th up to the 23d of May, 1863, including the taking of Jackson, Miss., and the assault on the rebel works in the rear of Vicksburg on the 22d instant~ Lient. James C. Maxwell, Company C, wounded in left arm slightly; Corpi. Thomas Harris, Company B, wounded in left hip severely, and Corpl. Amos L. Graves, Company K, wounded in left arm slightly. The cool, unflinching behavior of both officers and men of my regiment under a very heavy artillery fire, both at the taking of Jackson and daring the assault on the 22d, was wit- nessed by our commanding general; I shall, consequently, make no re- marks on the subject, but, trusting to his just appreciation of what constitutes good soldiers, I remain, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. L. GEDDES, Colonel Eighth Iowa Infantry. Lieut. N. E. DUNCAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 43. Reports of Brig. Gen. Jacob U. Lauman, U. S. Army, commanding Fourth Dirision, Sixteenth Arm? Corps. IIDQRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRps, Near Vicksburg, June 27, 1863. COLONEL: I ~ave the honor herewith to forward list of casualties in my (ornlnaud on the nights of 23d, 24th, a~~(l 2~itIi ultimo,- when the en- ciny came out of his works aIl(l attempted to drive o~r working party See revised statements of casualties Page 289 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 289 from our trenches. On the night of the 23(1, the Fourteenth Illinois was driven from the trenches, and the enemy captnred the coniinandiug offi- cer (Lieutenant-Colonel Cam) and 5 men, killed 4 and wounded 5 of our men, besides capturing a number of our spades and picks. He held possession of a small portion of the line of our advanced trenches during the night and all day on the 24th, but die Thirtythird Wisconsin at night drove him from there with a charge and a yell, and made him seek refuge behind his works, capturing twelve guns and a number of cartridge-boxes. Our men are reported to have charged him to the very ditch of his works, and the trench officer is of the opinion that a force could have gone in without much difficulty. We lost on the night of the 24th 1 man killed and 11 wounded. Our work was very much advanced during the night. The enemy on the night of the 23d had filled up the portion of the trenches he captured. and when this was retaken by the Thirty-third Wisconsin, our working party. under command of Colonel Gresham, of the Fifty-third Indiana, cleaned it out and found one of our men and one of the enemy buried within it, who had been killed in the fight on the night of the 23d. Our working parly were permitted to proceed on the night of the 25th without molestation, and extended our line of trench- work considerably, as will be showim by the reports of our engineer offi- cer. They were fired upon by the enemy from behind his works on the night of the 25th, killing 1 and wounding 2 of our men, but the firing did not seriously iffterfere with the work. During our firing on the afternoon of the 25th, we dismounted one of the enemys guns with a shot from our siege gun on the right, which is the only serious dama~e we know our firing to have done. For the gradual approaches we made upon the enemys works from night to night and the amount of work we accomplished, I refer you to the report of Captain Freeman, our engineer officer; to Captain Comstock, engineer officer. Very respectfully, ~. G. LAUMAN, Brigadier- General. Lieut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant- General. lin QRS. FOURTH DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Near Vicksburg, June 27, 1863. COLONEL: From our officer of the trenches we learn that our work- ing party opened the trenches heretofore constructed, of about 280 yards, to an average width of 6 feet, constructed new trenches about 100 yards, 2 feet deep and about 2~ feet wide, making the work contin- uous from the Halls Ferry road to the right, in front of the large rebel works. Owing to the deficiency in picks, the work was not forwarded as much as desired. An approach to the rebel work was commence(I and put in condition to be prosecuted during the day. The casualties of yesterday and last night, as far ~s ascertained to this time, were 3 men wounded (one fatally). Very respectfully, ~-. G. LAUMAI, Brigadier- General. Lent. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant- General. 19 R RVOL XXIV, PT I Page 290 290 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. No. 44. Report of Cot. Aaron Brown, Third Iowa infantry, First Brigade, in cluding operations since May 18. HEADQUARTERS THIRD IOWA INFANTRY, July 6, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the action of the Third iowa Infantry on board the steamer Crescent City, May 18, 1863, with guerrillas, and the part taken by it during the siege of Yicksburg: The regiment left Memphis, Tenn., May 17, 1863, in company with the other regiments composing the First Brigade, Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. Nothing of interest occurred until about 1 p. m. of the 18th, when we were fired upon by guerrillas from the left bank of the river, near Island No. 82, and about 3 miles above the town of Green- ville, Miss. The Crescent City, on which the regiment was embarked, ~ at the time about I mile in advance of the fleet. The enemy opened on the boat, when within 150 yards of the shore with three pieces of artillery and a heavy fire of musketry. Two companies, who were on guard at the time, promptly retnrned the fire, but so sudden and unex- I)ected was the attack, and so short its duration, that the regiment had but a poor opportunity to do much execution until the boat had got be- yond musket range. We had one section of [A.] Schwartzs battery on board, one piece of which was used with good elThct on the battery on shore. We were at the time under the convoy of one of the boats of the Mosquito fleet, which came up to our assistance, but not until the enemy were in full retreat. In this aft~iir we lost 14 men wounded, a list of whom you will find appended. On the morning of the 19th, the regiment disembarked at Youngs Point, and sta~ted toward the inte- rior, but were immediately ordered back to re-embark for Snyders Bluff, where we landed on the morning of the 20th. Here we remained until the 24th, when we received marching orders, and with the rest of the brigade proceeded to the rear of Yicksbnrg, and took l)osition on the left of the besieging line, and became part of the investing force. From this time up to the surrender of the place, on the 4th of July, the reg- iment took part in all the siege operations carried on in our front. The duty now was of the most arduous character, and calculated to put to the severest test the bravery and fortitude of the men. I shall only instance a few of the most important operations in which the regiment was engaged during the siege. On the night of the 1st of Jnne, Companies F and (~x were support- ing a section of the Fifth Ohio Battery, which had been posted early in the evening in an advanced l)OsitiOn. The enemy had detected the movement, and about 11 oclock made a sortie in considerable force, to capture the guns and their small support. Our men were on the alert for them, and twice repulsed them; the last time when they had got up within 10 feet of the guns, which played havoc in their ranks with canister. On the evening of the 4th of 4une, a pqrtion of the regiment on picket duty on the left of the brigade line, consisting of l)arts of Companies A, B, D, F, and H, with 20 men and 1 com- missioned officer of the Thirty-third Wisconsin Regiment, numbering in all about 15~, were ordered to advance and drive the enemy from .his line of rifle-pits on the crest of a ridge soutlm of the Halls Ferry road and about 300 yards in our front. At the signal, the men rushed forward with a deafening cheer, under a heavy fire of musketry and Page 291 CHAP. XXXVI.] 291 THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. artillery, and in less than fifteen minutes we had gained the crest and driven the enemy from their pits and into their works beyond, from which five pieces of artillery continued shelling us for about half an hoar; but from the advantageous position we had gained, their missiles fell harmless, owing to the fact that the enemys aim was too high. We lost but 2 men wounded in the engagement. On the night of the 24th of June, 200 men of the regiment were sent to the trenches, nnder the command of Maj. G. W. Crosley, as a working party. On their arrival at the trenches, about 10 p. in., the guards were stationed in advance of the rifle-pits to guard the working party, which was en- gaged in digging a sap toward the main fort in our front. The night was dark, and a slight rain falling just as the men had got fairly to work, the guard in front were fiercely attacked and driven in, and the enemy advanced in force and demanded a surrender. Our men seized their arms, sprang to their places in the trenches, and delivered a ten ific fire, can sing the enemy to falter and then fall back about 75 yards, from which they continued to fire with both musket and artillery for about three-fourths of an hour, our men responding with energy, and getting the last shot. Our loss was 1 man killed and 2 slightly wounded. The enemys loss, as we afterward ascertained, was 15 killed and wounded, including the colonel commanding, who was killed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AARON BROWN, Colonel Third Iowa Infantry. Col. N. B. BAKER, Adjutant-General of Iowa. No. 45. Report of Cot. Benjamin Dornblaser, Forty-sixth illinois Infantry, Second Brigade. IN THE FIELD, June 7, 1863. LIEUTENANT: In compliance with orders from division headquarters, with reference to a capture of a portion of the Forty-sixth Illinois in- fantry, I have the honor to report that, on the afternoon of the 25th of May, the regiment was detailed to relieve the Sixty-third Illinois In- fantry, on picket duty. At 4 p. m. the regiment reported at brigade headquarters, but, owing to unavoidable difficulties, the regiment was not fully posted until alter 7 p. m. Five companies, a portion of which were captured, were posted by Lient. Cob Joiin J. Jones, ot my regi- ment, under the guidance of the major of the Sixty-third illinois In- fantry, and upon the same ground, in the same manner, that the Sixty- third was posted at the time we relieved them, which line extended from and near a cotton-gin on the Warreriton road westward to a swamp w-hich we supposed, and had been informed, was impassable. The other portion of the regiment was posted from the Warren ton road eastward to the l)ickets of the First Brigade, by myself, but owing to the lateness of the hour when I arrived at the center of our lines, and having implicit confidence in the ability and skill of Lieutenant-Colonel Jones and other officers on that portion of the line, I deemed it entirely unnecessary to visit it. The first alarm occurred at about 9.30 p. m. I heard several sharp volleys of musketry. I immediately strengthened the several posts nearest the point of alarm, and proceeded in person to the point from whence the alarm, came, to discover, if possible, the cause. I had gon Page 292 292 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. but a short distance, when I discovered a body of troops moving rap- idly along a skirt of timber toward the river, which proved to be rebel soldiers. Owing to the extended line of rickets, I had only men enough to hold that portion of the line east of the Warrenton road. Unable to hear anything from the l)ickets on the west side of the road, and fearing some disaster had befallen them, I immediately deployed skirmishers along the Warrenton road, which afforded them a full view of the ground between it and the river binif, in order to guard against a flank movement of the enemy with a view to cut us oft and capture us. At the earliest opportunity I notified the brigade commanders, Colonel Hall and Colonel McCowii, cornman(ling brigades in General MeArthurs division, who both rendered me prompt assistance. For wore full and complete particulars, I refer you to the reports of officers of my command inclosed herewith. As to the degree of vigilance exercised by the officers and men of my command, I can only speak of those under my own control, which met with my entire approbation; and from the known character of the offi- cers in charge of the captured portion of the regiment, with possibly one exception, which I have not yet sufficient information to report~ I be. lieve the disaster to be more attributable to the injudicious posting of the pickets than a lack of vigilance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. DO1iNBLASER, Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Lient. L. P. BOURGUIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 46. Report of ]lfaj. Charles J. Stolbrand, & cond Illinois Light Artillery, Chief of Artillery Third Division, & v~nteenth Army Corps. VICKSBIJRG-, Miss., July 16, 1863. MAJOR: In obedience to orders, I have the honor to submit the fol- lowing report of the part taken by my command in the siege of Vicks- burg from the 19th day of May, when it commenced, until the 4th of July, when it terminated in the capitulation of the garrison and the city: To follow and state the different movements and stations occupied by my command and parts thereof during the forty seven days men- tioned would be a very laborious task, wjiich, I l)resurne, is neither nec- I Mhall therefore co essary nor expected. , , afint m~ self to a few of the most important f~cts. At about 3 oclock of M~v~ 19, I had l)laced in position the Third Ohio Battery, Capt. W S Wmili ims commanding, the Eighth Michigan Battery, Capt. Samuel Do Golyer commanding, and Battery L, SecOn(l Regiment Illinois Lioht ~rtillery, Capt. William H. Bolton commanding, at about 2,500 yards dm~ant from the rebel works. The batteries op~imed fire, and soon thereafter the rebel artil- lery in their works modified and niaterially slackened fire. About two hours afterward, having previously reconnoiter~l the ground, and re- ceived Major- General Logans assent, I directed Captain 1)e Golyers two howitzers to advance about 1,800 yaAs to the line subsequently occupied by ~il the light batteries. Fire was immediately opened with good effect, vigc~onsly though not very effectively replied to by the rebel artillery for a short space of time. At dark, however, these pieces were withdrawn about 500 yards to the rear, owing to the fact that no infantry support came up with the pieces. In the morning of the 20th Page 293 Oar. flEYLJ TEE SIEGE OF YIOKSBUEG, MISS. 298 the batteries above mentioned were all drawn forward to the ground occupied the evening beibre by the howitzers, and gradually intrenched by earth thrown up in front. Battery D, First Illinois Light Artillery, was, on the 20th, placed in battery within intrenebments near the white house, and performed during the siege valuable ad important sear- ices at different places and stations in that vicinity. The siege h~ing been successfully terminated, I cannot but refer with pleasure and gratification to the willingness, endurance, ad zeal with which ail my subordinates submitted to all the hardships incident thereunto. Throughout, from the captains down to the bugler, the same hearty co-operation met me, and, were ib not for a few lamented dead, I should remember with pleasure for the balance of my natural life the devotion to the national cause so unmistakably exhibited by my men., The untimely death of the truly brave Capt. Henry A. Rogers mars the pleasantries of my recollections of the siege, and his late command will long mourn his lose. The expenditure of ammunition at the siege has been as follow: a~a Battery D, First IlUnois Light Artillery 6,900 Battery L, SeeS mluolsCght Artillery 3,305 Battery, Third Ohio 3,591 Battery, Eighth Miehigan 3,409 Total expended 13,4W S S S S S S Respectfully submitted. ~. ~. STOLERAIID, Major, and (Jkicf of Artillery. M~j. B. B. Towns, Aeeietant A4jstant-GeeraL No. 47. Report of Brig. Get.. NorUser D. .Leggett, U. S. Army, eomwusemulisg Firet Brigade. VIonnunG, Mms., July 6, 1863. EA.ToE: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the First Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, consisting of the Twenty-third lndiana Volunteer Infantry, Twentieth, Thirty-first, Forty-fifth, and One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in~ the siege of Vicksburg, from the 4th of June (the date at which I was assigned to its commpnd) to the 4th of July, 1863, inclusive: Until the 25th of .Tune, nothing Qccurred to call the brigade from its regular routine of dutiespicketing, sharpshooting, and working the trenches being the duties to which it was assigned and at which it was engaged night and day. By the annexed list 01 casualties, you will see that I lost only an occasional man while in the discharge of these duties, though during the whole time bivouaAed within short musket range of the enemys works. As the trenches progressed, I advanced my sharpshooters, thus pro- tecting as much as pq~ssible those at work in the trenches. After run- ning the main trenches up to the enemys works, I was ordered to with- draw 15 paces and open a sap to the left, running nearly parallel with the enemys works. The saps and trenches were constructed under the direction of Captain Hickenbooper, of General McPhersons sta Page 294 294 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVJ. While in the discharge of this duty, a mine was opened at the mouth of the main trench, penetrating the enemys fort, known as Fort Hill, and on the 25th of June I was ordered to hold my coinm~nd in readi- ness to charge and take said Fort Hill as soon as the iriine should be sprung, to hold the breach made by the explosion at all hazards, and, if practicable, to charge over and drive the enemy from his works. At 3.30 p. m. of said day my comrnan(l was in readiness, the Forty- fifth Illinois being in the front, supported by the other regiments of the brigade, and Lieut. H. C. Foster, of the Twenty-third Indiana, with 100 men, being placed in the left-hand sap before spoken of, with or(lers to charge with the Forty-fifth Illinois, l)rovided they attempted to cross the enemys works. At 4.80 oclock the mine was sprung, and before the dirt and smoke was cleared away the Fortyfifth Illinois had filled the gap made by the explosion and were pouring deadly volleys into the enemy. As soon as possible, loop-hole timber was J)laced upon the works for the sharpshooters, but the enemy opened a piece of artillery at very close range on that point, and the splintering timbers killcd and wounded more men than did balls, and I ordered the timbers to be re- moved. Hand-grenades were then freely used by the enemy, which made sad havoc amongst my men, for, being in the crater of the exploded mine, the sides of which were covered by the men, scarcely a grenade was thrown without doing damage,and in most instances horribly man- gling those they happened to strike. The Forty-fifth Illinois, after hold- ing the position and fighting desperately uI]til their guns were too hot for further use, were relieved by the Twentieth Illinois. During this time hand-grenades were freely used on both sides, Private William Lazarus, of Company I, First U. S. Infantry. being detailed to throw them, who, after throwing about t~venty, was mortally wounded, after which a detail of 3 men from the same command were (letalied tbr that duty. The Twentieth Illinois was relieved by the Thirty-first Illi- nois, and they in turn by the Fifty-sixth illinois, of the Third Brigade, but their ammunition being bad they were unable to hold the position, and were relieved by the Twenty-third Indiana. The Seventeenth Iowa, of the Third Brigade, then relieving the Twenty-third Indiana, and the Thirty-first Illinois relieving them, held the position until day- light, when the Forty-fifth Illinois relieved them and held the position until 10 a. m. of the 28th. The One hundred and twenty-fourth Illinois then relieved the Forty-fifth Illinois, and held the position until 5 p. m. of the same day, when I received orders to withdraw to the left-hand gap, where I maintained the position until the surrender on the 4th of July, when, by order of Major-General Eogan, my brigade, led by the Forty-fifth Illinois, was honored with the l)rivilePe of being the first to enter the garrison, and the flag of the Forty-fifth the first to float over the conquered city. The troops under my command, though for forty-eight days and nights un(ler a harassing fire of musketry and artillery, and constantly subject to duty the most exliaustimig and fatiguing, hore their part with a courage and patience and persistent energy never excelled. I inio-ht with justice and truth name many inst~iices of great personal bravery upon the l)art of officers and men, but I should not know where to stol) namino when all did their duty so bravely. It is prol)er, I)erhal)s, that I should especially name Licut. J. W. Miller, of the Foity-fitth lhlinois, who, as one of my staff, was assigned to the immediate command of the pickets an(l sharpshooters, and in the discharge of this responsible duty was, during the whole siege, in the most exposed position, almost without sleep or rest, exhibiting a per Page 295 ORAL mini 295 THE SIEGt OF VIOSSEtIEG, MISS. sonal courage and physical endurance seldom asked for or found in any officer. Inclosed find a tabular list of the killed and wounded. I have the satisfaction of reporting none missing. K. D. LEGGETT. Maj. B. IL Towns, Aesietet A4jnta.t-GnwGL i Report of VoL Manning F. Force, !Zwentietk Ohio Infantrij, CoSflISd ing Second Brigade. BDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THin Div., SNVnTEENTH A. C., Yiekaburg, Mi.., August 10, 1863. CoLonL: I have the honor to report that the Second Brigade, then under command of Brig. Gen. K. D. Leggett, took position in front of Vicksburg on May 19. In the morning of the assault of May 22, the Twentieth and Seventy- eighth Ohio were ordered to march in reserve to the First Brigade; the Sixty-eighth Ohio and Thirtieth Illinois in reserve to the Third Brigade. In the afternoon, the Twentieth and Sixty.eighth Ohio and Thirtieth Illinois were ordered to march in reserve to the First Brigade, to rush into the works if the assault should succeed, and, if it failed, to keep a firm front, and hold the enemy at bay until the First Brigade should be withdrawn. The companies of the Twentieth Cihio in turn were told that upon entering the enemys works a line of troops, or a second line of works, would be found close at hand, which must~be promptly charged. They all earnestly promised to keep closed ranks and make the charge. The other regiments, by their conduct, manifested the same spirit. We re- mained on Fort Hill, close to the parapets, partly in the road leading by the white house, until dusk, when the force was withdrawn. At 12 p. m. of May 26, the brigade set out upon an expedition, under command of Ihior-General Blair, to Mechanicsbnrg, 45 miles, to re- connoiter General Johnstons position and force. Mechanicsburg was reached, and a small force of the enemy dispersed on the 29th. Next day we began the return, by way of 5atartia,~eachiiig Snyders Bluff the second day. After a halt of a few days, time brigade marched to the old position in rear of Vicksburg, June 4. General Leggett was that day transferred to the command of the First Brigade and I appointed to command the Second. On June 22, at 10 p. in., the brigade moved out in a division, coin- manded by General MeArthur, to take part in the force under Ms~jor No. 48 Page 296 296 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Own. XXXV?. General Sherman. General Johnston was supposed at the time to be crossing Big Black with 80,000 men. We bivouacked on the 23d at Straus, on the Birdsong Feny road, and moved on the 30th to Tiffin, which General Sherman called a key- point, where earthworks and rifle-pits were constructed. At this biv- one the great Fourth shone with new glory upon the tidings of the surrender of Vicksburg. While the brigade was not engaged in these expeditions it took its share and furnished full details in the trenches, pickets, sharpshooters, and all fatigues along General Logans front. Staff officers of division an(l corps headquarters remarked that the working parties from the Second Brigade were conspicuous for their assiduity and the amount they performed. During the siege every order was obeyed with alacrity, every duty required was performed with prompt cheerfulness, and privations were turned into Jests. The entire brigade is actuated by an earnest and intelligent desire to put a final end to the rebellion. I may add that the day after the brigade took position near Jackson with General Sherman, leaving the Seventy-eighth Ohio at Clinton, intbrmation was received of a heavy cavalry force having been sent to cut off our communications with Vicksburg. The brigade was ordered back to Clinton. Part of this cavalry force felt Clinton and withdrew, after skirmishing, in which Lieutenant-Colonel Wiles handled the 5ev- enty.eighth very skillfully. The other regiments, by a hasty march, reached Clinton after the close of the skirmish, but before Lieutenant- Colonel Wiles had recalled all his deployed companies. A statement of casualties is annexed. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. F FORCE Colonel Twentieth Ohio Yolssteen, (Jous.naesding Brigade. Lient CoL W. T. CLinK, Ant A4jt. Ga, Seventeenth Army Coqie. No. 49. Brig. (ha. Thousae B. a Bassos, U. S. Army, eomma.sd& sg rEgaLe, Siflh Division, ineinding operation ainee April26. HDQRs. SEbon Burn., San Dry. SEvMrTnNTH A. CL, Bear r.eiieL erg, Alias., If ag 26, 1868. COLONEL: In compliance with Paragraph m, Special Orders, No. 92, dated Headquarters Seventeenth Army Corps, near Yicksburg, Miss., May 24,1863,1 have the honor to report that I moved my brigade from Millikens Bend, La., with the division of General McArthur, on the 26th, and encamped at Smiths plantation, on Bayou Vidal, on the 28th ultimo, where I remained, employing my troops in. guarding the line of communication and repairing the rqads from Richmond to Perkins plantation, and, with the aid of. the Sixth Division pioneer corps, under Captain Bosh, Seventeenth illinois Infantity, constructed a bridge across Bayou Vidal and a road to James plantation, thus shortening the line of land communication 10 miles. While lying at this point, I collected and forwarded to Grand Gulf a large number of stragglers and convalescent soldiers, and gathered up and forwarded an immense quan- tity of ammunition, subsistence stores, camp equipage, and Intrenching tools, cleaning up the whole dAvis of the army in advance of me. Nominal list, omitted, embodied in revised statements Page 297 CHAP. XXXYT.1 THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 297 On the 10th instant, having received information that a new line of communication froni Youngs Point had been opened, and that the route I was ~)ro(ecting was abandoned, I moved my brigade, under the orders of General M cArthur, enCanipin g successIvely at Perkins plantation, Lake Saint Joseph, Gi41~d Gulf; Bower Cicek, Miss., Big Sandy, Pow- ells plantation, and reached Raymond, Miss., at 8 a. in. on the ~6th in- stant. I was delayed at this point until 9 a. in. by General Blairs division, which bad come in by the Cayuga road and occupied the road north of me, in the direction of Bolton. At Raymond I could (listinetly hear the firing at Champions Hill, and would have pressed forward in that (lirection as soon as General Blair was out of my way, but was de- tained until near 1 p. m- by the orders of General McArthur, and was then, at my earnest reqnest, permitted to move forward, on leaving the Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry to strengthen the garrison at Raymond, and the Eleventh Illinois Infantry to take care of my train, reducing my infantry force to three regiments. With my remaining force I pressed forward in the direction of the heaviest firino and arrived at the battle-field just at the close of the desperate fighting which had already given us the victory. I reported to General McPherson, and moved, under his orders, with the Seventeenth Army Corps, in the pur- suit of the retreating enemy. At noon on the 17th, I reached the Big Black River, and at once commenced the construction of a floating bridge, which I completed and commenced crossing my command upon at 8 oclock on the morn- ing of the 18th, and encamped the same night three-fourths of a mile from the earthworks of the enemy in the rear of Vicksburg. On the morning of the 19th, 1 advanced a strong line of skirmishers, which at once engaged the enemys skirmishers, and drove them back to their works. I then cautiously advanced ray line, under cover of the ravines, to the crest of a hill within 500 yards of the enemy~s works, without loss. At 2 p. in., a general assault by the Seventeenth Army Corps having been ordered, I advanced my brigade in two lines as rapidly as possible toward the enemys works, under a terrific fire of musketry in my front and an enfilading artillery fire on my left flank. After advancing 200 yards, with severe loss, to the first line, I found the ravines in my front, which I had not had time to reconnoiter, impassable for troops, and the expected snpport on my flanks failing to come up, I threw my troops under cover of the ravine in their vicinity. The Ninety-fifth Illinois, Colonel Humphrey commanding, reached a ridge within 100 yards of the enemys works, and, though exposed toan enfilading fire of artillery, maintained that posi(ion until night, when I withdrew them to a safer position. Early in the action Colonel Humphrey was severely wounded in the foot, but would not leave the field. His loss was much heavier than that of any other regiment of my command. I have maintained my command, with some slight changes, on the ground gained on that day up to the present, constructing rifle-pits and constantly advancing my sharpshooters to positions where they can harass the enemy. On the 22d instant, in compliance with the order for a simultaneous assault at 10 a. in., I moved my command, nuder cover of my sharp- shooters, through a network of ravines filled with fallen timber and canebrakes to a point within 60 yards of the enemy~s works, massing my troops as well as the nature of the ground would admit. Col. Giles A. Smiths brigade, of General Shermans corps, took position at the same time on my right, and the two brigades moved together to th Page 298 298 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. charge. The enemy had in the mean time massed troops behind their works in our front, and poured into my ranks one continuous blaze of musketry, while the artillery on my left threw enfilading shot and shell into my columns with deadly effect. Almost at the first fire two of my leading colonels fell, Colonel Kevins, of the Eleventh Illinois, killed, and Colonel Humphrey, of the Ninety-fifth Illinois, stunned by the concussion of a shell. Fearing that the loss of their leaders might prove disastrous, I redoubled my efforts to press my colnmn forward, ably assisted by Captain Dickey and the other officers of my staff. They moved onward, and planted fonr stand of colors near the base of the earth~ works. The Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry moved with the greatest rapidity, approached nearest the works. planted the first flag near them, and held the position with a determination which entitles this little band and its gallant commander to a most prominent notice in the recorded history of this contest. The contest there was desperate for perhaps twenty minutes, when, finding that I was not sufficiently supported to enter the works under the raking fire of artillery and in the face of a sul)erior force of the enemy, massed behind their works in my front I placed the Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry in position to cover my movements, and removed my command in perfect order to the cover of the ravine about 40 yards to the rear, except six companies of the Fourteenth Wisconsin Infantry, which occupied a position of compara- tive safety directly under the rebel works, and from which it was unsafe to move, except under cover of the night. Under the direction of General McPherson, leaving a strong picket on the ground, I with drew my command to the position I now occupy, bringing most of my dead and all of my wounded from the field under cover of the night. On the 19th instant, two companies of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, one company of the Ninety-~fth illinois, and one company of the Seven- teenth Wisconsin, und erthecommand of Captain McKee, of the Eleventh Illinois Infantry, were detached as skirmishers and sharpshooters, and, as such, occupied the heights in front of the large white house to my left, commanding the large fort in front of General Logans division, until the morning of the 22d instant, and successfully kept the guns of that formidable work almost silent during that time. These companies rejoined their regiments just in time to participate in the charge of the 22d instant. I desire to mention in terms of high commendation the soldierly con- duct of the troops of my command. Straggling and skulking were almost unknown. Both officers and men in every re~ iment of my com- mand moved as coolly and obeyed orders with the same promptness and alacrity under fire as in ordinary drill; and in this connection I wish especially to mention Colonel Kevins, Eleventh Illinois; Capt. L. P. Waddell, Eleventh Illinois Infantry; Colonel Humphrey, Ninety- fifth Illinois; Lieutenant-Colonel Wright, Major Stockton, and Adju- tant Whittle, Seventy-second Illinois; Colonel~ Ward and Captain Smith, Fourteenth Wisconsin; Lieutenant-Colonel MeMahon and Cap- tain McCauley, Seventeenth Wisconsin; Ma.jor Worden, Fourteenth Wisconsin, acting aide, who, on every occasion, regardless of personal danger, pre-eminently distinguished themselves and rendered much valuable service. Captain [Cyrus E.] Dickey, Lieutenant [Guyon 1.] Davis, and Lieu- tenant [George S.] Doane, aides, performed their whole duty Page 299 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. I herewith submit a list of the casualties iu my command for the time covered by this report. I am, very respectfully, your obedient s~ervant, T. F. 0-. RANSOM, Brigadier- General of Vols., Comdg. Second Brig., Sixth Div. Lient. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General, Seventeenth Army Corps. [Inclosure.] Summary of Casualties i~ the Second Brigade, Si th Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, at the siege of Vicksburg, up to the evening of May 23, 1863. Severely Slightly Killed. wounded. wounded. Missing. a a Command. ~ -~ - Cs a ~ 52 a ~ a o. ~ a a a ~ a a a ~ -a 0 -a 0 55 -~ S ~ S -~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 0 ~ lithullinois 1 2 28 2 11 9 53 14th Wisconsin 1 14 2 41 3 :39 4 104 17th Wisconsin 5 1 14 5 28 5 58 72d Illinois 2 20 3 24 2 45. 5 100 95th Illinois 2 23 4 45 4 75 8 161 Total 64 10 152 16 197 31 476 T. E. G. RANSOM, Brigadier-Generel of Volunteers, Gomdg. Second Brig., Sixth Div., Seventeenth Army Corps. Cvaus E. PICKEY, Assistant Actjsetvnt-Genercel. No. 50. Report of Col. Thomas TV. Humphrey, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry. IIDQRS. NINETY-FIFTH REGT. ILLINOIS VOL. INFTY., SECOND BRIG., SIXTH Dim, SEVENTEENTH A. C., DEPARTMENT OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Natehez, Miss., A ugust 14, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that atil m in., May 19, when about 700 ~ lrdS in front of the enemys works at Vicksbnrg, Miss., I was shoxx n bx Brigadier-General Ransom a written order from Major-Gen- eral McPherson, ordering a simultaneous a(Ivanee upon the enemy at 2 p. in I was at the same time further ordered by General Ransom to secuie a 1)o~llion previous to that hour (2 p. in.) as near to the enemy as possible without unnecessarily exposing my command. Accord- ing1~ attcr rtconnoitering as much as time an(1 circmiinstaiices ~ ould perlillt 1 (rallied without loss a })OsitiOll in rear of tLLe secon(I ridge iu front of the enemys works (on the grounds afterward occupied by the Eleventh Illinois durin~ the siege). The Seventeenth WisconSin, Lieu- tenant Colonel MeMahon, on my right, starte(l Oil the charge before the Fourteenth Wi8consin, Eleventil and Seventy-second Illinois came in sight. Although, according to my time, the appointed hour had not arrived by seventeen minutes, yet the firing was so continuous as to render 29 Page 300 300 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. the signal of the volleys uncertain, and as the Seventeenth Wiscon- sin had started on what Lieutenant-Colonel McMahon deemed correct time, I deemed it my duty to support him, and ordering my command forward, we charged across the first ravine, over an almost impassable abatis of felled timber, exposed to a direct and concentrated fire of mus- ketry and a murderous enfilading fire from the enemys batteries of the redan on our right front, and the heavy works on the Jackson road (erroneously called Fort Hill) 6n our left. Being unsupported, I deemed it rashness to proceed farther, but held my position with colors planted within 100 yards of the enemys lines. Informing the general of my position, I received the following dis- patch: HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, SIXTH DIvIsION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 19, 1863. Colonel HIITMP1IREY: COLONEL: You have done well, nobly. I desire that you hold your position. Do not expose your men or waste ammunition. I occupy the rear of the ridge back of you. Will move forward as soon as we can be supported on the ri~ht and left. I expect to hear from General McPherson~ T. E. G. RANSOM, Brigadier-General. I accordingly held my position until ordered to fall back, which I did in good order at 4 a. in., May 20. My loss was, killed, 7 wounded, 54. Total casualties, 6115 per cent. of all engaged. May 22, in accordance with orders from Brigadier-General Ransom, I formed my command at 9 a. in., moving by the right flank, in com- pany with the balance of the brigade, through a network of ravines until within 100 yards of the enemys works, where, under the partial cover of a ridge, I formed column by divisions closed in mass. This position ~Vas obtained without loss at 11 a. in. The Eleventh Illinois was similarly formed on my left, the Fourteenth Wisconsin on my right, and the Seventy-second Illinois still farther to the right, with the Seventeenth Wisconsin held in reserve. The brigade remained in nearly this position, awaiting support on the right and left, until 2.15 p. m. Meantime the enemy had massed under cover of their breast- works in our front, and within short convergent range of a force supe- rior to the assaulting column. At 2.15 p. m. the order was given, Second Brigade, forward. My command simultaneously advanced to. th~ crest of the ridge, when they encountered the most sweeping and destructive fire to which troops were ever exposed. In vain did those brave men rally to the charge; to advance was but to meet certain death. All who made the effort, save - two, were humbled to the earth. When one bullet was not sufficient, two, three, four, and even five did the work, until, out of 367 officer8 and men in the column, upward of 100 men were rendered hors de corn bat. Colonel Humphrey (supposed to be killed) was so far in advance of his regiment as to be unable to return or render~4iis command any as- sistance. Maj. William Avery was severely wounded; Captains Corn- well, Company K, and Manzer, Company C, were killed; Captain Cook, Company D, mortally wounded, since died. June 12.Lien tenant Sponable, Company A; Lieutenant Pierce, Coin- panv I, and Lieutenant Smith, Company C, wounded; beIng 36 per cent. of the commissioned officers and 28 per cent. of the enlisted men dis- abled. I cannot speak too highly in commendation of the conduct o Page 301 CHAP. XXXV1.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 301 the officers and men of my command (luring those trying scenes; not a single instance of fear or cowardice was manifrsted; prompt and de- liberate obedience to orders was the characteristic of the day. All of which is most respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, T. W. HUMPHIIEY, Golonel, Commanding Regiment. No. 51. Report of Cot. William Hall, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. HEADQUARTERS THII~D BRIGADE, SIXTH DIYISI,oN, Vielcsburg, Miss., August ,1863. SIR: In accordance with Special Orders, No. 159, Angust 4, 1863, from Headquarters Seventeenth Army Corps, I have the honor to sub- mit the following report of the operations of the Third Brigade, Sixth Division, from the commencement of the siege of Yicksburg to the date of its fall, July 4: The Third Brigade, composed of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers, and being then as now under my com- mand, was at the time of the investment of Yicksburg stationed at Grand Gulf as the temporary garrison of that post, where it performed niuch efficient service in forwarding supplies to the army then investing Vicks- burg. While in command of that post I also caused an important bridge over the Big Black River to be destroyed, in order to prevent any sud- den incursion of the enemy from that point. This duty was executed by the Eleventh Iowa Volunteers, under command of Lieutenant-Colo- nel Abercrombie, assisted by the gunboat Louisville. My command, previous to its formiug the temporary garrison of Grand Gnlf, had been engaged in guarding a portion of the road from Millikens Bend to Hard Times Landing. In compliance with orders received from Brigadier-General McArthur, commanding the Sixth l)ivision, at 10 p. in. of May 19, I embarked my commaud on transports at midnight of the same day and proceeded at once up the river. On the afternoon of the 20th, I disembarked at a landing on the Louis- iana shore. 2 miles below Yicksburg, and marched to Youngs Point, 4 miles distant, where the command was immediately embarked on two transports. Early in the morning of the 21st, I proceeded to Haynes Bluff. Re- maining there a few hours, in obedience to orders from General Mc- Arthur, I returned to Youngs Point. Disembarking here, and being hastily supplied with two days rations, I returned to t.he landing below Vicksbnrg previously mentioned. From thence I proceeded by trans- l)0rts to Warrenton; disembarked; marched 4 miles on the road toward Vicksburg, and bivouacked for the night. Early on tlte 22d, I moved forward, and at about 9 a. m. discovered the enemys pickets ~u the extreme right of their defenses. Five com- panies of the Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers, under the command of Cap- tain Smith, were detached to drive them in, which was successfully ac- ~omplished, the companies remaining in front of the enemys batterie Page 302 302 MISSiSSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. and being engaged with their skirmishers during the entire day. At the same time I sent the remaining ~ve coml)anies of the Sixteenth, under the command of Major Purcell, to the right, to cover the entire front of my advance, and proceeded along the direct road from Warrenton to Vicksburg, which runs nearly parallel with the rebel line of defenses. About 11 a. in. I took up my position within range of four rebel bat- teries on the right of the enemys works. Here I remained during the day under fire from the batteries, and with companies from the Eleventh, Thirteenth, and Sixteeuth Iowa Volunteers engaged constantly along the lines with the enemys sharpshooters. There 1 succeeded in driving them to the protection of their works, my skirmishers getting within 40 yards of the batteries. The evening of the same day, in consequence of orders received, I abandoned the position, marched 4 miles toward the center of our lines, and bivouacked for the night. Early on the ~3d, moved nearer to the center, and at noon halted near the headquarters of the Thirteenth Army Corps. On the afternoon of the same day returned to the position on the left which I had occupie(1 on the 22d. Here I performed picket duty until the ~Gth, in a position much exposed to the fire of both the enemys batteries and sharpshooters. On the 26th, being relieved by troops under the command of Briga~ dier-General Lanman, I again moved toward the center, and the same evening bivouacked near the headquarters of the Seventeenth Army Corps. Early on the morning of the 27th, the brigade being assigned a posi- tion in the Black River Expeditionary Corps, under command of Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair, the line of march was taken up, and I joined the ex- pedition at Bentons Cross-iRoads. On the morning of the 29th, arriv- ing at Mechamiicsburg (my brigade being in advance), I found a detach- ment of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, which had just been engaged by the enemy and driven into town. Passing through the town, 1 placed three regiments (the Eleventh, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth Iowa) in line of l)attle (the Sixteenth Iowa being held in reserve), arid, with skir- mishers thrown out on the front and flanks, advanced up the hill held by the enemy, who, after a few shots, fell back. The entire brigade pursued them for 2 miles beyond Mechanicsburg, the enemy making re- peated stands, but always giving way as soon as a regiment was thrown into line of battle to attack them. Having followed thiem for 2 miles, they made a more decided stand than they had before done, and brought up a battery to their assistance. A se~tH)n of artillery (Company C, First Missouri Light Artillery) which accompanie(l my command at once ol)ened on them and caused them to retreat very rapidly. Having no cavalry, we pursued them no fa flier, but bivouacked on the field that night. At 7 a. m. on the 30th, the march back to the main army was com- menced, ~ taking the Yazoo Valley road, 1 reached Snyders Bluff late in the evening of the 31st, after an extremely fatiguing and severe march. On June 4, I moved to a point near the headquarters of the Seven- teentli Army Corps, amid there, on June 6, Col. Alexander Chambers, Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers (having returned to the command from leave of absence4, assumed command of the brigade. The command being encamped in an inconvenient locality, was, on the 11th, moved back about a mile, where it remained until the 23d, sending heavy details of both fatigue men and sharpshooters iutQ thC trenches both night ~i Page 303 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 303 day, where, it is believed, they did much effective service. Nine days of this time the Eleventh Iowa Volunteers was stationed 4 miles in the rear of the brigade, doing picket duty on the Bridgeport and adjacent roads. On June 20 (the day of the general cannonading), three regiments of the brigade (the Thirteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth) were placed on the left of Brigadier-General Ransoms brigade, in or(ler to co-operate in any movement that might be required. No movement of the in- fantry taking place, however, the command returned to camp in the evening. On the 23d, the brigade moved 12 miles to the rear, near Strauss plan- tation, on the road to Jackson, one regiment (the Thirteenth Iowa) being sent 4 miles to the front, to picket the roads leading to Messingers and Birdsong Fords. On the 27th, th~ remainder of the command moved to Foxs planta- tion, 4 miles distant from Messingers Ford, where the brigade was em- j)loyed in doing heavy picket duty on four roads leading across the Big Black River. Remained there until the evening of July 3; then moved to Messin- gers Ford, one regiment (the Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers) being posted on the immediate bank of the river, and the other three on a hill about half a mile back, in support of the Tenth Ohio Battery, then attached to the command. Early in the morning of July 4, a detachment, consistinb of Company G, Eleventh Illinois Cavalry (General McArthnrs body guard), and four companies of the Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers, crossed Big Black River for the purpose of clearing the road to Cowans house, a point some 2 miles from the river. Half a mile from the crossing they en- countered the enemys skirmishers, whom they drove before them in a slight skirmish until they reached the point designated. The enemy now- retired rapidly, and the detachment having orders to proceed no farther, placed pickets on the two roads leading from Cowans, and, with the main body near the house, held the position until about noon, when the enemy appeared in force with artillery, cavalry, and infantry, and opening fire on the detachment, compelled them to fall back to the river, and, finally, in the afternoon to recross it. The Tenth )hio Bat- tery opened on the enemy as soon as the detachment fell back, and, it is thought, did considerable execution. On the evening of the same day we received the news of the surrender of \Ticksbnrg, and at the same time Brigadier-General Lauman relieved the brigade with his own troops. I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the alacrity, cheerfulness, and gallant bearing which has been shown by the officers and men of the command through all the various and trying scenes of the late campaign. In long marches, under the heat of a burning Southern sun, in skirmishes with the enemy at all I)oints of the line of investment an(l with Johnstons troops at the rear, in the rifle-pits in front of Vicksbnrg, either with rifle in hand as sharpshooters or with spade throwing up additional works but one feeling appeared to animate them, and that was the desire to do their whole duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. HALL, 4Jolonel Eleventh Iowa Volunteers, Commanding. bent. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 304 304 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. No. 52. Report of Maj. Charles Poster, Eleventh Iowa Infantry. CAMP ELEVENTH IOWA iNFANTRY, Near Poxs Plantation, June 29, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith the following report of the action of my corn inand this day at Messingers Ferry: In accordance with your orders and instructions, received of Col. Alex- ander Chambers, I marched at 10 a. m. with four companies Eleventh Iowa Infantry, viz, Companies F, G-, II, and 1; a small squad of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry (General MeArthurs body guard in part), and two pieces of the Tenth Ohio Battery, under Lieutenant Newcomb, to Big Black River, near the old Messingers Ferry. On our arrixral we found the enemys cavalry pickets posted behind an~ld corn-crib near the crossing on the eastern side of the river, and also in the timber beyond and to the left of the corn-crib, in numbers nearly equal to our own force. Our cavalry and Company F, of the infantry, were (leployed as skirmishers at once near the bank of the river, and our artillery planted on the hill, about one-third of a mile to the rear of the infantry, and after some skirmishing, with the aid of well-directed shots from the artillery, we drove the enemy back from their first position, and I saw nothing of them after 4 l~ m. At 5 p. m. I sent back all our force, save two companies of infantry, to induce the enemy to cross over to us if possible, having first concealed the two companies, but in vain. At 6 p. m. we returned to camp without any loss. The officers and men of my command all behaved well. Respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES FOSTER, Major, Commanding. Lient. 0. D. KINSMAN, Aety. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Brig., Sixth Div., Seventeenth A. C. No. 53. Report of Miaj. William A. Walker, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. CAMP THIRTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Poxs Pld~tration, Miss., July 1, 1863. SIR: As commander of the detachment sent out by order of Colonel Chambers to Messingers Ferry, at Big Black River, on the morning- of June 30, I beg leave to make the following report, & c.: The detachment consisted of four companies of the Thirteenth Iowa, viz,A, B, F, aiid II, and a section of the Tenth Ohio Battery, under com- mand of Lieutenant Zane, and proceeded as follows: An advance guard of 20 men from Company A~ under Lieutenant Platner, and a rear guard of 15 men from the same company, under comman~of Lieutenant Kepler. We left camp at 1 a. m. After passing our advance pickets, we moved very cautiously, expecting to find the enemy at any moment, and arrived on the hill about 150 yards beyond the second creek we passed. I ordered the adTammce guard to deploy as skirmishers to the left of the road, with their right resting on the same, and one platoon of Company F to the right, with their lett on the road an(l connecting with skir- mishers on the left, the battery remaining at this point to I)revent th Page 305 Gnaw. XflYL1 THE SIEGE OF VIOKSBUEG, MISS. 806 rebels from hearing us, had there been any. The rear guard also re- mained with the artillery. The skirmishers moved forward slowly, with the main force rollowing at a proper distance, until we arrived on the bluff overlooking the river, and about 500 yards from it, and halted while the skirmishers moved on, who, not seeing anything of the enemy, took up their position on tbe banks of the river. I sent Company H to the road on our left as pickets, to prevent surprise or a flank movement of the rebels from the direction of Jones Ford. The battery was now brought forward and planted on the bluff commanding the river for a mile or more above and below the ford. All things being now arranged, and it just getting daylight, we proceeded, in accordance with orders, to throw up blind earthworks, consisting of a fort of a semicircular form, with three embrasures, with rifle.pits extending from each flank about 4 or 5 rods each. Could see nothing of the enemy until about noon, when a small squad made their appearance on the hill beyond the river, the distance of if miles from us, and then disappeared, not making any demonstration whatever toward us. We saw nothing more of them until about sun- down, when we could see two or three watching us from an old cabin beyond the river. There was no firing done all day, not being in mus- ket range, and I did not deem it expedient to use the artillery on so small a squad. We remained until after dark, and then withdrew without accident Very respecttblly, Major Thfrte.nth Iowa IVan, WI!. A. WALKER, Corassandlng Detachment. Lient. 0. D. KInxnr, Acting Assistant A4jaetant-Gen.raL Ho. 54. Ecyorte of GeL William V. Belionap, Fifteenth Iowa Iujfantry. Hixaus. FInnNTH IowA. VoLuziTna INPAYTEY, Gasp near lows Plantation, Jim. 28, 1863. Sn: In obedience to orders received from Col. Alexander Chambers Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, commanding Third Brigade, I proceeded, od the morning of the 27th with the F fteentht4iment Iowa Infantry, to Messingers Ferry, on Black Biver,with instructions to obstruct the ford at that point, and also to remove within our lines Mrs. Messinger and family, together with all other persons upon the place not too ill to be moved. On arriving atMessingers, Brigadier-General McArthur, who, with Colonel Chambers, was with the expedition, sent a portion of his escort company, under Lieutenant Tripp, across the river to examine the country and disperse a squad of rebel cAvalry which was observed on the opposite side, the crossing being protected by two companies of the regiment (D, First Lieutenant Buchanan, and E, Captain Rogers), Company K, Captain Hedrick, being at the same time sent about one-half mile up, and Company 0, Captain Miller, about the same distance down the river. The few rebels, some 15 or 20, as far as could be seen, imme- diately disappeared, and on the return of Lieutenant Tripp, Company G, First Lieutenant Bye, was ordered to obstruct the ford, Company I, Captain Reid, being detailed to protect the working party. The bot- 20 3 3VOL XflY~ PT Page 306 300 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVJ. torn of the river being extremely soft, and there being no trees of any size ft i some djstance to be used for the purpose, the obstruction at that point ixas deemed impracticable, especially as it was found that for a long ri stance the liver could be crossed with little difficulty, and the work in ~ party was withdrawn. Mrs Mssinger and family, together with four other families of white pei~ons on the pThce, numbering in all 14 persons, and the colored peo- p weic removed and brought within our lines, the rear guard, under t iphin Edwards, leavino there only 3 black persons, who were unable to travel; four wagon loads of property being also brought. On the departure of the regiment for camp, which we reached about 8 p. in., a smal[ squad of rebels again made their appearance on the opposite side. In addition to this report, I inciose herewith, for the information of the brigade commander, a slip from the Yicksburg Sun, of May 4, 1861, which paper was found at the residence of Colonel Messinger, with the extract inclosed marked. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W BELKNAP, Colonel Fifteenth Iowa, Commanding lhpedvition. Lient. 0. D. KINSMAN, Actg. Asst. A4it. Gem, Third Brig., Sixth Div., Seventeenth A. C. [Iiiciosure.Extract.] LIBERAL PATRIOTISIxI.COI. George Messinger, a citizen of Warren County, has contributed. 5,000 to uniform and equip our volunteer corn- panics, and says that his whole estate, worth ~l,000,0(i0, if necessary, will be expended to mintain Southern rights, honor, and independence. This is what we call showing a mans faith by his works. There are a number of others in our midst who will do likewise, among wllo~i we may mention the name of another millionaire, who resides within a few miles of our city, Stephen l3arefield. With such patriots as Captaiu Willis, Colonel Messinger, and Stephen l3arefield, we have no fears of success in all needful financial aid for the South. CITIZEN. CAMP NEAR VICKSBURQ MISS., August 7, 1863. SIR: In accordance with Special & rd~rs, No. 7, Headquarters Third Brigade, I submit the following report as to the operations of the Fif- teenth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry from the coin inencement of the siege of Yicksbng to July 4: On April 26, the re oimeut lnove(l from Millikens Bend to Holmes plantation, Louisiana, the march being an exceedi ugly disagreeable one. (in May 13, we ariA ved at Hard Times Landing; thence I)roceeded across the river and encamped at Grand Gulf, remaining there until time night of May 19, when xve were ordered to ptocee(I imme(liately to Youngs Point, which we reached at about 12 iii. ~lay 20. Marchiimg across the l)oint, the re~inmemmt embarked on the Crescent Cit\ ctn(i a iix (d at H ~ nes Bmuff on the 21st, remaining there until 3 p ma., x~ tma n xx ~ r ttirmmod to X eung~s L~oint, and, marching to a point nearly o~)p9~1t~ ~Yiu coten, eumbarked for that place; upon reaching xxhxcb tmmnc o nan It was taken up for the rebel lines, an(l at about 10 ma on t1me ~ ~d we xrmx ed in front of the rebel works, some distance to the tmett of the post~m0n ~)ci~upled oy tile Thirteenth Army Corps Page 307 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VJCKSBURG, MISS. 307 Here we were severely shelled by the enemy, wit hout loss on our part, au(l that night moved toward the position occupied by the larger portion of Major-General McPhersons corps. and on the 23d were ordered to resume the old position on the left. After 1)icketing here in an exposed position for several days, on the 26th the Fifteenth was relieved by a regiment of General ~ (livision, and was marched to General McPhersons headquarters, from which, on the morning of the 27th, it moved as a part of the expedition of General Blair, which was ordered to scour the country in the direc- tion of Yazoo City. Mechanicsburg was reached at noon on the 29th, where we were de- ployed in line of battle to meet the enemy, who opposed our progress. The enemy retreating, the regiment bivouacked about 1~ miles beyond the town, and at 7 a. m. on the 30th we moved toward Ilaynes Bluff, arriving there on the night of May 31, after a wearisome and extremely severe march. On June 4, we were moved toa point near Major-General McPhersons headquarters, where we remained until the 23d, furnishing heavy details for fatigue parties to dig rifle-pits and erect fortifications, and every evening sending a detachment of sharpshooters to the front, who fre. quently engaged portions of the enemy with much effect. On the 23d, we were moved 12 miles to the rear, an(l on the 27th to Foxs plantation. This regiment, immediately on its arrival, being sent on a scout to Messingers Ferry, was stationed near the ferry and Black River, in view of Johnstons army at the time of the surrender of Vicks- burg on July 4. The men of this regiment have endured the hardships of these severe marches and the trials of the campaign without a murmnr. Whether at work in the trenches or acting as sharpshooters, they have evinced an alacrity, zeal, and courage which deserves full commendation, and in every movement I have had the full cooperation of every officer of the command. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. BELKNAP, Golonel, Commanding Jftfteenth Iowa Infantry. Lient. 0. D. KINSMAN, A. A. A. C., Third Brig., Sixth Div., Seventeenth A. C. No. 55. Report of Lieat. Cot. John 11. Iledrick, I~fteenth iowa Infantry. CAMP FIFTEENTH IOWA, THIRD BRIGADE, SIXTH DIV., Near Big Black River, i11ii88., July 5, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with orders from Col. A. Chanib~rs, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, comman~hng Third Bri- gade, Sixth Division, I took four companies from the Fifteenth Iowa InP~ntr~, at ~ p eu., the 3d instant, went to the fortifications on the hill near Messingcr s Ford, finding Company G, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, on duty guardino- or p~keti ng this point. From there moved to Mes- singers house the One hundred an(l iburteentli Illinois infantry, Colo- nel Juu comininding, arriving at the same time. from there patrolled the ron) up to a point at or near Bear Creek Ford. Darkness overtak- ing us theic I icturned with the command by way of Messingers an Page 308 308 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CtIAP. XXXVJ. the fortifications, relieving Company G, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and, taking them with my cominmd, reported to my regiment at Bear Creek, em route to Messingers Ford, at 9.30 p. m. same evening, not having seen any indications of the enemy on the entire route. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. id. IIEDIMCK, Lieutenant- Colonel F~fteenth Iowa Volunteer infantry. Lient. 0. P. KINsMAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade. No. 56. Report of Capt. Romulus L. Hanics, Fifteenth Iowa Ifantry. CAMP FIFTEENTH IOWA I~FANThY, Near illessingers Ford, Miss., July 4, 1863. SIR: In pursuance of an order received from Colonel Chambers, coin- manding the Third Brigade, on July 2, I left camp at 11.30 p. in., with my company and one piece of the Tenth Ohio Battery, an(l proceeded out on the Mes~in~ers Ford road about 3 miles, to within o~ c-half mile of the ford, and there remained till daylight, when I moved (lown to the ford, and found the enemys pickets and scouts on the opposite bank. I ordered the gun to give them a shell. The shell had the de- sired effect, sending men and horses flyingmen in one direction and horses in another. The piece being ordered back at about 10 a. m. on yesterday, at about 3 a. m. the enemy, about 100 strong, passed up the river on the opposite bank, but not quite in range of on1 tuskets. We remained here until dark, and then returned, in accordance with or(1Cr5, to the regiment. Very respectfully, ~. L. flANKS, Captain Company U, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Lieut. 0. D. KINSMAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 57. Report of Licut. Col. Addison 11. & mders, & xteer~th iowa infantry. CAMP NEAR VICKSBUIIG, August 7, 1863. SIR: In complk nec with Special Orders, No. 7, demanding a report of the opetations of this regiment from the commencement of the siege of Vicksburg to the date of its fail, July 4, 1863, I have the honor to make the following report: When Yicksbmg was first invested by ot troops, in May, the Six- teenth Ilegiment iowa infantry was with its brioade at Grand Gulf. May 19, we received orders to ei~bark on transports to go up the - g, and the emb~rkation was river, our snpposed destination Vicksbur made that night. At this time Colonel Chambers was absent and I was sick in bed. Th regiment started off under the command of Major Purcell. it went to ilaynes BiufL ud afterward rcturne(l to Warrenton, below Vieksburg, wiere iL disembarked on ihe niTht of May 21. On the 22d, it moved out and occupied a position on the left of th Page 309 CHAr. ZIXYLJ TEE SIEGE OF YICKSBUEG, lass. 809 investing line. That day the regiment was engaged in continuous skirmishing with the enemy, and was complimented on having per. formed brave and efficient services, fortunately without any loss of men on our part. On the 23d, I joined the regiment, finding it near the center of the line, and at once took command. That afternoon the brigade was moved to the left, at one time on the march subject to the fire of a rebel battery, We remained in this position until the 26th instant, always expect. lug and ready for action, but never called upon On the morning of May 26, the brigade started toward the center again, and that evening encamped near General McPhersons Seven- teenth Army Corps headquarters. Early the 27th, we started for Mechanicsburg with the understood ob. ject of intercepting the rebel General Johnston. The march was hot and dusty. On the morning of the 29th, we arrived at Mechanicsburg, the enemy being reported a short distance beyond. The Sixteenth Regiment being in the rear in this days march, it was left for a time at Mechanicsburg as a reserve, while the other regiments proceeded on. We were soon ordered to join them, and eventually, with them, thrown into line of baffle; but no enemy appearing2 changed our position and went into camp 2 or 3 miles from Mechanicsburg, where we remained till next morning. On the 30th, we started on our return, marching through the Yasoo VaJley, and arriving at Haynes Bluff the afternoon of the 31st Went into camp several miles beyond, toward Vicksburg. Remained in this camp till June 4, when we proceeded to join our corps, at the center of the Investing forces, encamping that afternoon on a ridge covered with a dense canebrake. This camp proved unhealthy, and on the 12th we were moved about a mile farther back to better quarters. During this interval our regi- ment did heavy fatigue duty, much of it at night in the works. All calls upon the regiment were not only promptly but cheerfully responded to, officers and men exhibiting hearty and patriotic enthusiasm in the great object of taking Vicksburg. But ~ey were not called on while in this camp, or at any other time during the investment, to actually engage with the enemy. We remained in the rear camp till June 23, employed as before, at times on heavy fatigue duty. On the 20th, a general bombardment beink made on Vlcksburg, we were marched to the front, and took a position near General Ransoms brigade, but our services not being called for, we returned to our camp that p. m. On the morning of June 23, we started on a march in the direction of Big Black River, as part of a force to repel any attempted rebel re- enforcements to Vicksburg. March hot aRd dusty, but men in excellent spirits. Remained in the camp we made that evening till Vie 27th, when we moved a few miles farther on, and encamped near Poxs plantation, about 4 miles from Messingers Ford, on Black River. On the 28th, our regiment was ordered to proceed to Jones Ferry, a couple of miles abo* Messingers, to destroy the ford & c. They had a little skirmish with a mall body of rebels, supposeS to be outposts of a larger force across the river7 and returned that evening. On the night of July 8, the brigade was moved to Messingers Ford Page 310 310 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. The Sixteenth being in advance, was encamped near the ford, while the other regiments took a position nearly a mile in the rear. On the morning of the 4th, by order of Colonel Chambers, command- ing brigade, I sent four companies, under Captain Smith, senior captain of the regiment, and a company of cavalry, across the river, with direc- tions to clear a road about 2 miles back to a position state(l. Major Purcell shortly afterward joined the regiment, and, following the de- tachment across the river, relicved Captain Smith of his command. They had skirmishing with the enemy, and were finally driven back to the river. During the afternoon Major Purcell deemed it advisable to recross the river with the four companies of infantry, the cavalry having already returned, and no other movement from our camp was made that day. On the afternoon of the 4th, we received the gratifying news of the surrender of Vicksburg. During the interval covered by this report we had no men killed. Private William Vontrees, of Company K, was shot in the leg by a rebel sharpshooter while with others viewing a rebel battery. JIisleg was amputated, and he afterward died in the division hospital. First Lieutenant Purcell, of Company C, was slightly wounded by a piece of shell in the skirmish of May 22. Have no men to report as missing during this interval. Very res~)eetfa1ly, your obedient servant, ADD. H. SANDERS, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Sixteenth Iowa Infantry. Lient. 0. D. KINSMAN, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade, cQe. No. 58. Report of Capt. John H. Smith, Sixteenth Iowa Infaa4ry. HnQns. SIXTEENTH IOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, June 28, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the result of the expeditiou of six companies of the Sixteenth iRegimnent Iowa Volunteer Infitutmy to Jones Ford. We left camp, according to orders, about 6 a. in.; marched direct to Messingers Ferry. When near this place, I found the enemy occupied the opposite side of the river with aTofee of from 40 to 50 cavalry. The negroes on the Messinger farm reported to me that the enemy were making preparations to l)lant a battery on the opI)osite side of the river. I took some pains to satisfy myself as to this, but saw nothing that would justif~v such a report. I found a negro to gui(le us to Jones Ford, and marched for that place, leaving one company to keep the enemy from crossing at Messingers Ferry. We found Jones Ford about 2 miles above Messingers. I found that we could do nothing in the way of obstructing this ford. It is not possible to e~oss this foid with ar- tillery or wagons without first expending such an amount of labor as would make a crossing anywhere on the river near this ford. I there- fore ordered my command back, and, when we arrived at Messingers place, I found that during my absence the enemy had thrown out skir- mishers, and opened a brisk but harmless fire on the company left by me, which was returned with spirit by this company. Having complied as nearly as possible with the instructions received Page 311 ChAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 311 I gave orders to return to camp, where we arrived at 6 p. m. Justice to my command makes it my duty to report-to you that parties from other cornman(15, under command of corn misSioIIe(l officers, did, during the day, enter the Messinger house and take articles of furniture and clothing. Having had orders not to allow my command to disturb any- thing on this place, I thought it best to inform you of this, so that you would be able to find out, it necessary, those who are guilty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. SMITH, Captain, Commanding Sixteenth iowa ITobLnteer Infantry. Col. ALEXANDER CHAMBERS, Commanding Third Brigade, Sixth Division. No. 59. Report of Maj. Edward J. Wood, Forty-eighth Indiana Tnjhntry, First Brigade, Seventh Dirision. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-EIGHTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, August 6, 1863. SIR: In compliance with Special Orders, No. 31, Headquarters First Brigade, I have the honor to report that the Forty eighth Indiana, under command of Col. Norman Eddy, participated in all the labors and duties incident to the sie~e of Vicksbnrg, from May 22 to July 4. The regiment also made the march with the brigade on the Black River expedition from the rear of Vicksburg to Mechanicsburg, Miss., leaving their p051- tion in the investing line on May 26 and returning on June 4 without loss or casualty. I have the honor to report the following list of casualties on the skirmish line during the siege: May 24killed, Private Nathan J. Smith, Company D. Jnne 13wounded, Corpi. James Anderson, Company F; Private Elijah B. Brown, Company D. The regiment not having been under my command during any of this time, must be my apology for the brevity of this report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD J. WOOD, Major, Commanding Forty- eighth Indiana. Capt. JOHN E. SIMPSON, Acting Assistant Adjutant~Ueneral. No. 60. Report of Lient. Col. John B. TonrteUotte, Fourth Minnesota Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FOURTH MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS, Camp in Vieksburg, Miss., August 1, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report, in obedience to Special Orders, No. 31, of date July 27, 1863, from your headquarters, that on May 26 we moved from our position in front of the enemys works around Vicks- burg, and proceeded on the road to Mechanicsburg, xvhich place we reached May 29. Thence we marched down the valley of the Yazoo River, passing near Satartia, via Haynes Bluft to Snyders Bluff; when we bivouacked and remained three days Page 312 312 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. June 4. we marched into a ravine near our first position in front of the enemys fortifications around Vicksbnrg. ilere we remained until after the surrender of Vicksburg. when, on July 6, my regiment moved inside of the rebel breastworks. On July 25, my regiment was ordered to report to General John 13. Smith for post duty, on which duty we still remain. After our return from the expedition to Mechanicsburg, the follow- ing-named persons were wounded while on duty in front of the rebel works, viz: Lient. I. N. Morrill, Company K, slightly; Private [Or- lando] Lindersmith, Company E, slightly; Private 13. V. Robinson, Company C, slightly; and Private R. A. Wheeler, Company D, slightly. Summary: I officer and 3 enlisted men wounded; total, 4. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. 13. TOUIITELLOTTE, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding. Capt. JOHN 13. SIMPSON, A. A. A. U., First J~rig., Seventh Div., Seventeenth A. C. No. 61. of Report Go?. Green B. Baum, Fifty-sixth illinois ii~fantry, command- ing Second Brigade. VICKSBURC+, MISS., August 11, 1863. COLONEL: In compliance with extract 7, Special Orders, No. 159, from your headquarters, 1 have the honor to report that this brigade (except the Eightieth Ohio Volunteers) took position as l)art of the be. sieging force against. Vicksburg on the 20th day of May, 1863. During the assault on the morning of the 22d of that month, this bri. gade was in the rescrve, and was not immediately engaged with the enemy; a few casualties, however, occurred. Late in the evening of that day the brigade was ordered to report to General Osterhaus, to sup- port him in a movement upon the enemy. The day being far spent, the position to which he assigned the brigade was not taken until the morn- ing of the 23d. At I p. m. of that day, the brigade, in pursuance of orders, returned to its encampment with the division. On the 4th day of June, the Eightieth Ohio Volunteers rejoined the brigade, having been detached to escort prisoners to Memphis. From the 23(1 day of May until the capitulation the brigade furnished the advance line of pickets and skirmi~hei~ every alternate forty-eight hours. Heavy (letails for flitigne duty were made from time to time for the construction of enrthworks, rifle-pits, roads, & c. On the 25th of June, in pursuance of directions from General Smith, commanding the division, 1 had the Seventeenth Iowa and Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteers, under command of Col. Clark 11. Wever, to report to Major-General Loo-an. During part of the night of that day those two regiment. occupied the partial breach made in the enemys works by the explosion. The two regiments lost 54 o~icers and men killed and wounded on that occasion. The Eightieth Ohio Volunteers during that day and the Tenth Missouri Volunteers during the night were in position at. Battery Archer. The brigade in arched into the city on the evening of the ~apitnlation. and the Fifty-sixth illinois Volunteers, Eightieth Ohio Voinuteers, and two companies of the Tenth Missouri Volunteers, on th~. night of that day, colnj)osed a part of the guard along the rebel works Page 313 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 313 In conclusion, I will add that during the siege, on all cccasons. the officers and soldiers of this brigade conducted themselves with jnst de- termination, and have reflected credit upon themselves, our common country, and the cause which we have espoused. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GREEN 13. RAUM, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Lieut. Col. W. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 62. Report of Maj. John F. Walden, ASeventeenth Iowa Iifantry. BEFORE YIOKsBuRG, Miss., June 26, 1863. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to submit the following report of the ])art borne by the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry in front of the rebel fort (Hill) on Jackson road, on the night of the 25th of June, 1863: At 3 oclock of that day I was directed by Col. Clark H. Wever, com- manding detached regiments, to l)lace my regiment in the gap running parallel with the enemys line, which I accordingly did, and remained in this position till 10.30 p. in., when I received an order from Colonel Wever to relieve a detail of the Fifty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infim- try, then occupying the breach made by General Logan in Fort Hill. 1 moved my regiment thi-ough the gap that ran from the white house to the breach, and halted when my right was within a few yards of its entrance. I made the necessary detail of 70 men, and relieved a small detachment of men from the Thirty-first and Fifty-sixth Illinois Regi- ments. It was then 11 oclock, and I could only judge of the position we were expected to take by the glare of the bursting shells which were constantly thrown over the broken parapet by the enemy, and behind which he seemed safely lodged. I put as many men as could fire to advantage upon the broken wall that separated me from the enemy, and directed the balance of my men to load for them. In this way we were enabled to keep up a constant fire. I relieved this detail in an hour with another relief of 70 men, and they, in their turn, were relieved. During the three hours that the Seventeenth Iowa occupied the breach, the entire battalion (by relief) were engaged in successfully foil- ing, with musketry alone, the rebels in their attempts to occupy the crater of the blown-up fort, whilst they were incessantly throwing gre- nades (6 and 10 [pounder] shells) in our midst, which, instead of intirni- dating our men, serve(l to make them fire more rapidly and fight with greater determination. At 2 a. in. of the 26th, we were relieved by the Thirtyfirst Illinois, and returned to the gap first occupied, where we remained until 12 in., when we returned to camp. Inclosed find list of casualties.* -~ Very respectfully, J. F. WALDEN, Major, 6ornrn anding Seventeenth Iowa Infantry. Lient. M. NIdlluLstN, Aetg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Brig., Third Div., Fifteenth A. C. * Nominal list, omitted, shows 3 men killed, and 3 officers and 31 men wounded Page 314 314 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. No. 63. Report of Lient. Col. Ezekiel S. Sampson, Fifth Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, including operations since April 25. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH IOWA INFANTRY, Before Vicksburg, Miss., May 25, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the boi~or to submit, through you, to the colonel commanding this brigade, the following report of the part taken by this regiment in our recent marches and engagements: On the 25th of April, 1863, we left Millikens Bend, La., reaching Surgets plantation after two days march, a distance of 30 miles, where we remained one day, and on the 28th resumed the march, reaching Perkins Landing, below Carthage, on the 29th. The bad condition of the roads from Millikens Bend to Perkins~ Landing, and our limited means of transportation, rendered it necessary to send back teams each night to bring forward supplies, which we were compelled to leave be- hind each morning. Marching over bad roads, under a scorching sun, and with heavy knapsacks, after so long inactivity, exhausted many of my men, whom I also managed to bring forward each night in ambu- lances. On the 30th, we marched from Perkins Landing to Hard Times Land- ing (distance 18 miles), and mustered on the night of the 30th. On the 1st of May, I took my regiment on board the gunboat Pitts- burg, crossed the Mississippi River to Bruinsburg, Miss., and marched the same day 9 miles into the interior, in the direction of Port Gibson, which place we reached at noon oii the 2(1 of May, and camped on Willow Bayou, 8 miles distant, same night. On the 3d, after crossing Willow I3ayou, our advance was checked by a battery of the enemy in front. Our brigade was formed in line of battle on right of the road, my regiment supporting the Tenth Iowa Infantry, deployed as skirmishers in our front. Intelligence of the flight of the enemy was soon brought us, and we resumed our line of march, reaching Big Black same night. On the 5th, made reconnaissance with my regiment, in company with the Tenth Iowa Infantry, three companies of cavalry, and two pieces of artillery, the whole under command of Colonel Boomer. My regiment being in advance after crossing the stream, I threw out two companies as skirmishers, and pushed them forward, supported by my regiment, some 5 miles in the direction of Yicksburg, until I came U~Ofl the enemy in force, occupying a higlr ratinge of hills in our front, when I was ordered to fall back, and recrossed Big Black to our former camp. The reconnaissance was entirely successful and satisfactory, withont a single casualty. On the 9th, we resumed the narch in the direction of Jackson, Miss., reaching Raymond on the 12th. On the 13th, resumed march on road leading through Clinton, and my regiment being iii advance, I threw forward four companies as skir- mishers, who in a few miles caine upon the pick~ts of the enemy, and, after a sharp skirmish, drove them from their position. I continued to advance my skirmishers until they reached and occupied Clinton, about 4 p. in., when we halted for a few hours, and camped at night from latter place about 2 miles, on the road to Jackson. On the 14th, marched at 8 a. in., and, after a few miles march in a drenching rain, were brought to a halt by the enemy in front, who were found in force occupying the height about ~A miles from Jackson. Ou Page 315 CHAP. XXXVI.] TilE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 315 brigade was in a few minutes ordered forward into position under fire of the en~mys guns, and formed in two lines of battle on left of the road, my regiment occupying the right of the front line, the Twenty- sixth Missouri in my rear, and the Ninety-third Illinois on my left. As soon as formed we were ordered forward, and advanced in perfect order, under a brisk fire from the enemys sharpshooters, until they abandoned their l)osition and fell back. We, however, continued to advance in line of battle, the enemy fleeing before us, until we reached the railroad depot at Jackson. I am happy to bear testimony to the universal good conduct of both officers and men in our advance upon Jackson, and to report a loss of but 4 men wounded. On the 13th, at 8 a. in., we took up our line of march in the direction of Yicksburg, making 15 miles on the first day, and on the 16th, at about 11 a. in., had our advance again checked by the enemy in force in our front. Preparations were immediately made for battle, and in a few minutes, everything being in readiness, we awaited the advance of the enemy upon our line. The enemy, however, having massed a heavy force to our left, caused our line in that direction to give way, al]d our brigade was ordered with all possible haste to their support. We came up to the mmcdi. te scene of action, marching by the left flank at double-quick, under the protection of a high ridge, over which our overpowered forces, with broken ranks, were already retreating. The imminent peril of the moment caused us to be ordered immediately forward upon the enemy. We came into order of battle on the run, an(l poured over the bridge shoutino- to the and ~ , ~ defiance enemy, under a heavy fire, in which many of my men were killed and my horse shot under me, owing to which I was compelled to abandon him, and con- tinue thu remainder of the (lay on foot. We planted our colors, and took our position rapidly behind the crest of the next slight eminence that I)ut down from the main ridge on the right, forming an excellent paral)et. Here we fought, loading a~n(l firing rapidly, every officer and soldier at his post, shouting and cheering each other, and almost entirely silencing the fire of the enemy along our front. lie theirmoved to the left, and concentrated his force and fire upon the m sore expose(l portion of the line higher up on the ridge, and succeeded in forcing back the regiment on our left. We still maintained our position, every man standing firm. In a short time the lieutenant-colonel of the Ninety- third Illinois (the regiment immediately on our left) succeeded in rally- ing a few of his men, and returned to oum- left. Here we remained fight- ing until I was infizrmed from three different sources that the enemy was passing completely around our left. 1 went to that portion of the line, saw them, and. ascertained that their fire would very soon com- pletely command our position from the flank and rear. I then ordered the regiment to retire to the next ridge. In falling back, the bearer of the banner became exhausted, and it became separated from the colors. Captain Tait, of the left company, l)laced it in the hands of a corporal of his company, and not seeing the colors, he rallied the greater portion of the three left companies under a galling fire from the flank, moved them to the rear;~ind was about to rejoin the regiment, when a general, not of our division, ordered him to the support of a battery farther in the rear. 1 moved the regiment a short distance to the rear, refusing the left, in order to avoid the flank fire of the enemy, ar~1 reformed the line. Here, although the enemy, encouraged by his apparent success, l)ushe(l forward, we held him at bay, the men loading an(l firing, while their comrades were continually falling around them, with a coolness and deliberation almost incredible Page 316 816 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Ow. flflt determined to yield their position only with their lives. Every officer at his post, some cheering the men, others opening the cartridges and tearing them to facilitate loading. Here our ammunition was exhausted, and some fired away what they could obtain from the cartridge-boxes of the dead and wounded lying around them. I still held the regiment about thirty minutes after being unable to fire, the enemy being too much exhausted to press us. I then moved back intoanopen field, where General Logan had a supply of ammunition along his line, and refilled the cartridgeboxes. Before this was completed, our artillery commenced firing grape and shell over our heads, and we were able to return without being In immediate range of our guns. But we soon saw the enemy fleeing from the field, not one having reached the line where we made our determined stand. We can make no distinction for heroism and skill among officers when all were so conspicuous, but I cannot forbear to remember the eminent assistance I received in the most frying moments from Adjutant Mar- shall and Captains Lee and Pickerell. I went Into this battle with an aggregate of 350 officers and men, and lost 19 killed and 75 wounded. On the evening of the 16th, after the battle, we marched 2 miles, and camped for the night; on the 17th marched 5 miles, and camped on Big Blacks on the 18th crossed Big Black, and on the 19th arrived before Vicisburg. We were soon assigned a position, where we remained for the day, and on the 20th advanced our lines nearer the enemys works; on the 21st continual skirmishing was kept up with the enemy, and on the ?J2d again advanced to the range of hills nearest to the enemys works, on the left of the large fort commanding the entrance to Vicksburg, my regiment leading and clearing the way to the latter poin% where we were formed in line of battle, my regiment oceupying the nght of the front line, the Twenty-sixth Missouri in my rear. Here we remained,. beneath a burning sun, and exposed in a measure to the fire of the enemy, until 8 p. in., in readiness to charge upon the works of the enemy, during which time skirmishing was continually kept up. In this position I have to report a loss of 1 man killed and 2 wounded. At 3 p. in., the division being ordered to reenforce General MeCler- nand, on our left, we were withdrawn from our position, and with our brigade were reported to General Can at 5p. m. Preparations were immediately made by the brigade t6 charge upon the Intrenchments of the enemy on the third range of hills iza1our front, and about 120 rods distant. The brigade was formed in two lines of battle, my regiment again occupying the right of the front line, the Twenty-sixth Missouri in my rear and Ninety-third illinois on my left. In a few moments an advance was ordered2 and in the most perfect order at common time, and with arms at a iight shoulder shift, and exposed to a most galling and deadly fire from the whole line of the enemys worksright, left, and in frontw9 passed the first and principal range of hills, halted in the ravine beyond, under cover of the second range, dressed my lines, and were in readiness for a farther advance Here a new disposi- of the troops being found necessary by the brigade commander to enable him to direct his march to the point desired. my regiment was marched by the flank to a new position, again exposed to the enemys fire, where I agafin dressed my line, and was in readiness to advance. Just at this juncture our noble and brave brigade commander, Colonel Boomer, was shot through the head, and instantly expired. This cir- cuinstance caused a momentary delay, and before an advance wa Page 317 Czar. mYLI THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 817 effected we received orders to maintain our position until after dark, and return to our original position nuder cover of the first range of hills, which was acco in ly done. In this advance I have to report a loss of 2 killed and 17 wounded, out of aggregate of 250. On the 23d, we were ordered back to our former position with our own army corps, where we still remain. I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the uncom- plaining and self.sacrificing spirit that has continually manifested itself among the men of my command during all of our marches, trials, and sufferings. Many of them without shoes, all frequently without pro. visions, except sugar and meat, pushed forward through rain and sun- shine, without a murmur or complaint, willing to endure every hardship and peril for the success of their cause. Hoping that they may be abundantly rewarded for their sacrifices and labors, I beg leave to subscribe myself; very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. S. SAMPSON, IAentenastCoiosel Commasdisg .flftl. Iowa I.ifnfl. ROBERT 0. OfonLL, Capt. and Ant. Adjt. Get, Third Brigade, Seventh Divides. No. 64. Reports of Maj. Ge.. Fraud. J. Servos, U. S. Army, eomssauMsg Jun 22, 1863. Have pushed my left farther up, and occupy a position within 200 yards of their left works. Have taken two rifle-pits and 10 prisoners alive and 1 wounded. No loss on our side. HERBON, Mqjor-GesersL General GRANT. HERRONS, Jun.. 23, 18632 a. m. Have just taken another rifie.pit and43 prisoners in moving up my right line of skirmishers. wiu be ready for your final orders.to move. I believe I can go into the en~my~s works *ut this position to-morrow night. HEBBON, Major-GeneraL Major-General GRAM. HERRONS HEADQUARTERS, June 24, 1863. Nothing of special importance has occurred on my nt since yester- day. I am still working up my sharpshooters, havinf them within 150 yards on the left. This morning my right was advanced to within 400 yards of the heavy works. We are constructing deep rifie.pits at.every advance, to make tht positions perfectly safe. To-night I will finish a heavy battery within 400 yards of the works. F. 3. HEBBON. Major-General Gr.A1T Page 318 818 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TEflESSEE, ETC. [Czar. XZZvL HEnONS HEADQUAETflS, June 24, 1888. We had a sharp little skirmish this evening while moving farther, but succeeded in gaining the desired position, and captured a lieutenant and 9 men. Our loss, 1 killed and 1 wounded. Several of the enemy were killed and wounded, in addition to those captured. The enemy used light artillery and musketry from their first line of works. P.3. HEERON, Major-General GnaT. HansoNs, July 1, 1863. Nothing especially new on my front to-day. I opened this morning with myadvanced battery of 42-pounder rifle guns, and used theenemys worksbadl. The enemys mortar was fatally brought to bear on the battery and exploded one shell between the two guns, killing 2 and badly wounding 4 mpn, but not interfering with the further work of battery. F. 3. HEBEON. HansoNs, July 1, 1863. Colonel Logan, commanding at Warrenton informs me by messenger that Major Wilson, commanding cavalry pickets on Big Black River, has just come in, and reports that he was attacked by 60 of the enemys cavalry, and fought them some time, when a force of about 200 infantry attempted to flank him, and he fell back. The rebel cavalry crossed at Hankinsons Ferry, and negroes report a force of 2,000 men with artillery crossing at same place. Major Wilson also states that the cavalry sent to examine the crossings betWeen Hankinsons Ferry and Grand Gulf have arrived, and report no signs of enemy below. Colonel Logan desired to have this forwarded to General On!, and I also send copy to you. F. 3. HERBOIt General Ga& n. HawQuaznns HansoNs DIvIsION V& ikeburg, Mi..., July 6,1868. CoLonL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command since coming into this department: On the2d of June last, I received orders from Major-General Schofield, commanding Department of the Missdbrl to prepare the infantry and artillery of the Second and Third Divisions of the Army of the Frontier, then under my command, for Immediate transportation to Vicksburg The Third Division was encamped some 10 miles from the railroad, at Rolla, Mo., and the Second Division at Pilot Knob. The latter was directed to cross the country to Saint Genevieve and embark, while the troops of the ihiti Division, after marching to Rolla, went to Saint Louis by rail During the night of the 4th of June, all the trodps were embarked on transports, and at once started down the river. At New Madrid I was joined by the Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry. My command then consisted of the First Brigade (Twenty-sixth Indiana, Thirty-seventh Illinois, Twentieth, Thirty4ourth, and Thirty-eighth Iowa Infantry with Bat- teries E and F First Missouri Light Artillery), commanded by Briga- dier-General Vandever, and the Second Brigade (Twentieth Wiscon- sin, Nineteenth Iowa, and Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry, with Batter Page 319 Oil Ai~. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 319 B, First Missouri Light Artillery), commanded by Brig. Gen. W. W. Orme. On the 13th of June, we arrived at Youngs Point, where I received orders to cross the river below Yicksburg and take up position on the extreme. left of the investing line. Owing to a want of transportation, this was attended with a little delay, but on the morning of the 15th the troops crossed, and, after reconnoitering the enemys works and driving in their l)ickets, my lines were established within 1,200 yards of the enemys main line of defense. The first parallel was opened the following night and preparations made for conducting the siege in proper form. Considerable difficulty was experienced in collecting engineer tools, and also in obtaining a supply of ammunition for my light batteries. It is only just to say, howeve~, that this arose from the caliber of the guns being unsuited to the am- munition in the ordnance depot, and not from any negligence on the part of the officers of the ordnance department. The ground in my front, as you are aware, was unfavorable for siege operations, being a level plateau interspersed xvith ravines, which af- forded little shelter for troops, on account of being commanded in many places by the guns of the enemys works. The trenches, however, were pushed forward as rapidly as possible, and by the 25th were within 600 ~ards of the enemys line of forts. In front of my left center I had es- tablished a battery of 42-pounder rifle guns, which were-loaned front the Navy. This battery, under the command of Actin9 Master [J. Frank] Reed, of the Benton, did excellent service, and I cannot speak too highly of the bravery and energy of this young officer. Indeed, during the whole of my ol)erations, I received valuable assistance an(l a hearty co-operation from the Navy. During the siege several of the enemy~s rifle-pits in my front were carried by assault, and quite a number of prisoners taken. These have been forwarded, as directed, to depart- ment headqnam-ters. On the evening of the 3d instant, I received notice that terms of ca- pitulation were being considered, with orders from the major-general com- manding to cease firing, but to be extremely guarded against a sortie, or attempt of the enemy to cut his way out. My troops were under arms during the night, but nothing unusual occurred, and at 9 oclock of the morning of the 4th, my division being one of the three selected to occupy the city, and the signal agreed upon having been displayed along the enemys line, I marched in and took possession of the works in my immediate front. Several of these wei~e well built, and from their strength could not have been carried by assault without heavy loss. Considering the unavoidable delays before mentioned, and the length of my line (something more than 3 miles), I have reason to be proud of the progress made by my troops during the short time they were en- gaged in the siege. Their conduct has been admirable in all respects. I am under special obligations to Brigadier-Generals Yandever and Orme, commanding brigades, to Captains Comstock and iloeppuer, engi- neers in charge of the works, and to the several officers of my staff. I inclose herewith a list of casualties which have occurred during the siege.* I remain, colonel, your obedient servant, F. ~i. IJERRON, liThjor General, Commanding. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS. A. A ~4 iihpt. of the Tenrie%ee. * List not found Page 320 820 wISSISSIrri, WEST TEINESSEE, ETC. [CEO. XXXVL No. 65. Report of CoL George V. Clark, Thirty-fourth low. lufestry, Rivet Brigek YIoxsnnG, Miss., July 9,1868. Ilnox: I have the honor to make the following rejiort of the part taken by the Thirty.fourth Itfantry in the late siege or Vicksburg: Arrived on the line of encampment below the city on the 14th day of June, 1863. Details were made at once for fatigue and picket duty. In these details from day to day consisted the principal work performed by my regiment. One-half my men who were able for duty were on duty all the time, and not unfrequently I was compelled, in order to fill the details, to send men who had just been relieved, thus keeping the same men out in the ditches forty-eight hours without rest. They went un- complainingly, and from the uniform accounts [have had of their con- duct, they behaved well on picket, and worked faithfully on fatigue. Unaccustomed as they were to such duty and such a climate, and having to use water of inferior quality, 1 think they have exhibited powers of endurance seldom surpassed by men under anycircumstances. Sergeant [David] Finley, of Company E, than whom I never saw a better soldier received a sunstroke when on duty, from the effects of which he died this morning. Many others were overcome by heat and heavy duty, resulting in fever and other diseases, from which they have not yet re- covered. My regiment, as such, was not engaged in action during the siege, but was frequently taken to the front to support batteries and prevent sorties from the enemy. On the 29th of June, by order of Major-General Herron, I moved my regiment wound on the levee, to a point immediately on the bank of the river? 3 miles below the city, and took charge of the picket line between the river and the Big Bayou. Rebel deserters were brought in every day in large numbers by my pickets and sent at once to brigade head- quarters. My casualties during the siege were 4 killed and 1 officer and 5 enlisted men wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ Colo.s$ Oosasesdiug Thirty-forth Iowa Infantry Ma~J. Wu& ux HYDE CLAUS, A.. West Adjutant-GeneraL No. 66. Report of VoL John Moffulta, Xiesetyfourth IU*soi. Infantry, 5*ond Brigade. HDQEs. Nlnn-iiouaTH REGIMENT 1LL5015 INFANTRY, Veiny, Viek.liurg, Miss., July 10, 1868. GENERa: I respectfully offer Ibe following report of the part taken by my command in the siege of Vicksburg: We marched from camp, Lake Springs, Dent County, Missouri, to Rolla, a distance of 13 miles, on June 3 and embarked on board of a train on the Pacific Railroad, and startek for Saint Louis at 10 a. m. the same day, and arrived at Saint Louis on the 4th, at noon Page 321 Cwu~. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OP YICKSBURG, MISS. 321 We embarked on board the steamer Minnehaha May 5, and moved off from the wharf at 7 p. m. Arrived at Youngs Point at 6 P. in. June 12; marched across the Point, and crossed the river on board the steamer J. W. Cheeseman on the 13th, and encamped at Warrenton, Miss., that night. Marched up near the enemys works on the 14th, and went into camp south-southwest of the court-house, and went on duty June 15, by re- lieving the Twentieth Wiscousiu Infantry from picket duty, and six companies were on duty every third day, and 75 men on fatigue twelve hours out of each thirty-six during the remainder of the siege, an(l in addition to which was detail for making gabions, camp guards, and fatigue parties for digging ride-pits and shelter for the pickets and re- serves, and other duties that were very laborious. My command was relieved on the morning of July 4, when it was marched to this caml). The officers and men of my command behaved with great courage and coolness throughout, and some of them performed some very gal- lant little feats, among which was the taking of a rifle pit on the after- noon of June 24, by Capt. William H. Mann and 10 men, which act you witnessed. Another was the taking of a very troublesome work of the enemy, which was afterward used to place the new position of Captain Fousts heavy guns, and known as the Cane Pit. It was taken with the bayonet on the night of June 15, by a volunteer party of 31 men, under command of Lient. James Butler, of Company D, accompanied by Lient. David Moore, of Company II. They worked their way between the enemys forts and rifle-pits, and took one of the latter, with 4 l)ris- oners, without firing a shot. The enemy made frequent and determined efforts to dislodge us by shot and shell from the advanced positions we had gained, and before the completion of the rifle-pits. My command withstood this fire with only such shelter as they could by logs and irregularities in the ground, but never lost an inch of ground that was once gained. On June 24, during one of these shellings, we lost a brave soldier, who chose rather to die at his post than to leave it. Frederick Schlagel, of Company A, was struck by a piece of shell, which tore away his right hip and part of his bowels, and died in a few hoursdied cheer- fully, like a good soldier and a brave man. Corpl. William Clark, of Company A, was upon this post, and again displayed that courage for which I took occasion to mention his name in my report of the last battle. I herewith give the casualties of my command from June 15 to July 4, inclusive: Killed, 1; wounded, 7. Tot~d, 8. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. MCINULTA, Colonel, Commanding Ninety-fourth Illinois. No. 67. Report of Lient. Col. Daniel Kent, Nineteenth Ioi~a Infantry. IIDQRS. NINETEENTH iOWA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, July 5, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report to you the part taken by my regiment in the late siege of Vicksburg. We landed below Youngs Point, La., on the 11th day of June, 1863; 21 R HVOL XXIV, PT I Page 322 322 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL marched across the Point, and crossed the river to Warrenton, Miss., on the Lth. On the 13th, we marched out 3 miles and bivouacked for the night. On the 14th, we were assigned position on the right of our (General flerrons) division, and in front of the enemys works; since that time we have been actively engaged in filling details for picket and fatigue duty. Our picket duty was mostly performed from rifle-pits, and there was constant skirmishing between our advance and that of the enemy in his rifle-pits. Under cover of the night we advanced oar lines, and prior to the surrender we had driven the enemy from his advance lines and occupied them. Our fatigue duty consisted in digging rifle-pits and planting batteries and siege guns to bear npon the ~n~my~5 works. This was continued and unremitting (well named fatigue duty) until the morning of the ever-glorious Fourth Day of July, when the glad news came to us that Vicksburg had surrendered. We were then ordered to join in the march of the triumphant army, which we did, and now occupy a I)art of the enemys works. There being no general engagement, onr casualties were few. Pri- vate Thomas Pender, of Company I, received a slight flesh wound in the thigh. The proml)tness and fidelity with which the officers and men of my command performed their duties, which were indeed onerous, is worthy of commendation, espe& iially Major Bruce, whose constant and untiring energy is worthy of emulation. I have, general, the honor to be, your obedient servant, B. KENT, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Brig. Gen. W. W. ORME, Comdg. Ormes Brigade, Left Division, Army of the Tennessee. No. 68. Report of Col. Henry Bertram, Twentieth Wisconsin Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTIETH REGIMENT WISCONSIN VOLUNTEERS, Camp near Vicksburg, Miss., July 5, 1863. GENERAL: In compliance with Gen~era,l Orders, No. 10, dated Head- quarters ilerrons division, July 7, I hav~ the honor to report that, on June 15, the Twentieth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers took its place in line of investment in front of Vicksburg, on the right of this division, and took active part with the balance of the division in picket duty and throwing up intrenebments, erecting batteries, & c. On the night of June 22, while six companies of this regiment were on picket, Captain Gillett, of Company D, with about 12 men of CoLn- panies ID and B, charged upon a rifle-pit of the rebels in front, and captured 13 and killed 1. The casualties of the regiment during the investment are 2 wounded. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. BERTRAM, L1okmel, 61ommanding Twentieth Wisconsin Volunteers. Brig Gen. W. W. ORME, Commanding Brigade Page 323 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 323 No. 69. Report of Capt. illiartin Weifley, Battery B, First Missouri Light Ar tillery. CAMP, BATTERY B, FIRST MISSouRI LIGHT ARTILLERY, Vieksburg, Miss., July 8, 1863. CAPTAIN: In pursuance of General Orders, No. 10, Division Head- quarters, I here by transmit to you a brief report of the part taken by the battery under my command in the siege of Yicksburg. On June 14, the battery arrived in our lines in the rear of Vicksburg, and encamped on a hill on the main road leading from Warrenton to Yicksburg. On the 16th, a position was selected for one of the 12-pounder guns of the battery, and on the coming night, under shelter of intense dark- ness, a breastwork was thrown up. The gun was in position at 2 a. m. and fire opened at daybreak. The position was such that the gun could not be brought to bear on more than one of the rebel forts, armed with one siege gun. At the second shot from our piece this rebel gnu was withdrawn without having fired. As soon as the enemy ascertained our position, which was hidden from view by trees and branches, he opened a well-directed fire from four different forts or batteries, without doing any execution. Not being able to bear on any of these batteries, our fire was discontinued after the fifteenth round, the 12-pounder remaining in its position. On June 18, a more favorable position was selected on a hill about 800 yards from the nearest rebel battery. A fatigue party was imme- diately set to work digging out places for two 12-pounders and one 32pounder gun, thereby making the brow of the hill a natural breast- work for the pieces. On the morning of June 21, the two 12-pounder gnus of the battery, including the one above mentioned and one 32-pounder gun from the gunboat Benton, were in position, ready for action. Meantime one of the 12-pounder howitzers of the battery had been placed in the position before occupied by the 12-pounder gun. At daybreak I opened fire with the four pieces in position under my charge, five of the enemys forts and batteries being within range. The enemy first replied with vigor, but was finally silenced. From this time on I always awaited orders from headquarters or the fire of the enemy before opening with my guns, and in the latter was generally successful in silencing the rebel pieces. Although the enemys shot and shell fell very close, the latter generally exploding in our imme- diate front, nor of my men were struck and no damage done to the pieces. Ou the morning of July 4, the welcome intelligence of the surrender of XTicksbnrg was received, and in the course of the day the pieces were withdrawn to the camp of the battery. The total number of rounds of ammunition fired by the pieces under my charge is 910. The coolness and energy of the officers and men un~er my command deserve my highest compliments. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. WELFLEY, Capt., Comdg. Battery B, Firs ~ Ji~eflt. Missouri Light Artillery. Captain BURR, Assistant Adjutant- 9eneral Page 324 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. No. 70. Consolidated statement of prisoners of war captured and paroled, and of prisoners of war captured and sent North, by the Army of the Tennessee, during the month of July, 1863, by ]Fliaj. Gen. U. S. Cl ant, commanding. H . H - H ~ H 4~ H ~ H w H H H H -~ H H *3 H ~ H H H H H IL ~ 0 H u H U 0 H H Command. 4 IL H 8~ H H H A H -~ H H H ~ H H .8 H H H H IL H - H ~ U -~ H -~ H H H --~ H A ~ ~ -~ ~ ~ ~ H H H .,., IL 0 H 0 ~ ~Q~tI2HO~.Q RECAPITULATION OP THE VICKSBURG CAPTURE. Generals and staff Lieutenant-General Pembertons escort Major-General Stevensons division: First Brigade, Brigadier-General [S. Mi.] Barton. Second Brigade, Brigadier-General [S. D.] Lee. Third Brigade, Brigadier-General [Al- fred] Cumming. Fourth Brigade, Brigadier-General [A. W. I Reynolds. Wauls Legion, Signal Corps, and escort company. Major-General Forneys division: First Brigade, Brigadier-General [Louis] H*3bert. Second Brigade, Brigadier-General [J. C.] Moore. Major-General Bowens division: First Brigade, Colonel [F. Mi.] Cockrell. Second Brigade, Colonel fT. P.] Dockery. Major-General Smiths division: First Brigade, Brigadier-General [W. B.] Baldwin. Second Brigade, Brigadier-Genera] [J. C.] Vaughn. Third Brigade, Brigadier- General [F. A.] Shoup. Officers and men detached from their com- mands. Officers and men who refused to take paroles (sent North). Officers and men paroled in hospitals Total RECAPITULATION OF CAPTURES BY RXP DI- TIONARY ARMIES. Prisoners of war captured at Natchez, Miss., by Brig. Gen. T. F. G. Ransom, July, 1863 (sent North). Prisoners of war captured at and near Jack. son, Miss., hy Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, July, 1863 (sent North). Prisoners of war captured at Yazoo City, Miss., hy XIsj. Gen. F. J. Herron, July, 1863 (sent North). Prisoners of war captured and paroled at Yazoo City, Miss., by Maj. Gen. F. J. Her- ron, July 13, 1863; Total. RECAPITULATION OF PRISONERS OP WAR CAP- TURED BY THE ARMY OP TENNRSSEE. Vicksburg capture Captures by expeditionary armies 14 10 3 4 3 4 2 3 1 3 3 4 2 3 39 47 41 36 8 37 43 35 40 9 39 50 33 41 9 25 25 17 33 6 4 2 444484421 8 7 480957436 1 3 2 2 3 1 1 3 2 1 3 2 2 4 1 3 5 9 4 5 27 28 40 33 36 50 29 38 25 34 10 24 33 1 63 36 19 33 33 28 31 32 13 2 22 19 14 8 1 410493787588606513244 3 13 1 1 1 1 . 1 2 5 4 2 4 2 1 25107 1 4 10 49 37 37 89 593 616 87 388 606 513 244 3 2 5 10 7 Total 1~4 10 49 520 324 8 643494910. 13 1 1.... 1 2 1 1 9 13 1 13 Page 325 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE 01? VICRSI3IJRG, MISS. Consolidated statement of prisoners of war captured, 4~c.Continued. Command. H o ~ 0 o ~ RECAPITULATION OF THE VICKSBURG CAPTURE. Generals and staff 2 Lieutenant-General Pembertons escort Major-General Stevensons division: First Brigade, Brigadier-General 14 23 [S. M.] Barton. Second Brigade, Brigadier-General 16 32 [S. Th] Lee. Third Brigade. Brigadier-General 10 10 [Alfred] Gumming. Fourth Brigade, Brigadier-General 10 33 [A. W.] Reynolds. Wauls Legion, Signal Corps, and 3 4 escort company. Major-General Forneys division: Fii-st Brigade, Brigadier-General 21 37 [Louis] RObert. Second Brigade, Brigadier-General 12 50 [J. C.] Moore. Major-Geucral Bowens division: First Brigade, Colonel [F. M.] 14 2 Cockrell. Second Brigade, Colonel [T. P.] 23 I 5 Dockery. Major-General Smiths division: First Brigade, Brigadier-General 11 18 [W. E. I Baldwin, Second Brigade, Brigadier-General 15 10 [1. C.] Vaughn. Third Brigade, Brigadier-General 8 14 [F A.] Shoup. Officers and men detached from their 20 8 commands. Officers and men who refused to take 3 . -- - ~ aroles (sent North). O cers and men paroled in hospitals. - 23 6 Total 231 RECAPITULATION OF CAPTURES BY EX- PEDITIONARY ARMIES. Prisoners of war captured at Natchez, ... - 1 Miss., by Brig. Geu. T. E. G. Ransom, July, 1863 (sent North). Prisoners of war (-aptured at and near Jackson, Miss., by Maj. Gem W. T. Sherman, July, 1863 (sent North). Prisoners of war captured at Yazoo - - - - 4 City, Miss., by Maj. Gen. F. J. Her. ron, July, 1863 (sent North). Prisoners of war captured and paroled - -. - 1 at Yszoo City, Miss., by Maj. Gen. F. J. Herron, July 13, 1863. Total 6 RECAPITULATION OF PRISONERS OF WAR - CAPTURED BY THE ARMY OP TENNES- SEE. Vicksburg capture 231 252 Captures by expeditionary armies - . - - - - - - - 6 a a H 2 5 132 143 103 148 38 a 0 2 99 128 84 140 32 182 167 - - - - 280 283 1416 123 78 115 119 95 73 15 207 77 -- - - 60 - - -- 117 91 81 80 15 165 52 1,858 1,621 46 55 36 30 3 a S a 0 I 54 1, 681 1, 952 1427 1, 602 477 1, 611 3,388 1, 199 877 --1336 --1,216 -.1,170 --1,483 - - 675 3, 084 ]4~36 23, 233 3---- 0 1 -ii a, a 0 96 19 115 13 724 - - 115 4 22 148 -- --4,000 -- Total. u S g a eI~ a-u - S o rz ~ o 0 ~ 194 6 150 176 152 160 12 61 1, 952 2, 271 3, 634 1, 933 554 a H H H 199 67 2, 102 2, 447 1, 766 2, 093 586 167 - - -. 2, 019 2, 186 305 - - - - 8, 063 4, 308 123 78 137 125 97 129 1 134 2, 166 3 12 8 1 1,415 1,538 - -- - 1, 043 1, 123 96 19 115 4 22 1, 597 1,451 1,308 1, 671 708 3, 485 27, 230 14 800 124 159 1, 734 1, 576 1,465 1, 896 709 1, 638 9, 491 17 816 154 160 26 24 26 1,097 1,147 I = 1, 858 1, 621 [4flG2l 933 5 115 2, 166 115 27, 230 29, 491 55 56{. 1,000.- 26~ 24 26 1,097~ 1,147 Total 231 258 1, 913 1,657 14j16 24, 233~5 141 Approved. 2,190 141 28,327139,638 L. KENT, Lieutenent-Colenel and Provost-Marsha~-Generet. [ludorsement.] IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENN., Vwksburg, Miss., August 6, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to Headquarters Army, Washington, D. C. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. 32 Page 326 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. No. 71. fCHAP. XXXVL Organization of the Gonfederate Army of Viclcsburg, Licut. Gen. John 0. Pemberton commanding, July 4, 1863.* STEVENSONS DIVISION. Maj. Gen. C. L. STEVENSON. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. S. M. BARTON. 40th Georgia, Lient. Col. H. M. Young. 41st Georgia, Col. William E. Curtiss. 42d Georgia, Col. H. J. Henderson. 43d Georgia, Capt. M. M. Grantham. 52d Georgia, Maj. John Jay Moore. Hudsons (Mississippi) battery, Lient. Milton H. Trantham. Pointe Coup6e (Louisiana)Artillery, Com- pany A (section), Lient. John Yoist. Pointe Coup6e (Louisiana) Artillery, Com- pany C, Capt. Alexander Chust. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. ALFRED CIJMMING. 34th Georgia, Col. James A. W. Johnson. 36th Georgia, Maj. Charles E. Broyles. 39th Georgia, Lieut. Col. J. F. B. Jackson. 56th Georgia, Lient. Col. J. T. Slaughter. 57th Georgia, Col. William Barkuloo. Cherokee (Georgia) Artillery, Capt. M. Van Den Corput. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. S. D. LEE. 20th Alabama, Col. Edmnnd W. Pettus. 23d Alabama, Col. F. K. l3eck. 30th Alabama, Capt. John C. Francis. 31st Alabama, Lient. Col. T. M. Arring- ton. 46th Alabama, Capt. George E. Brewer. Alabama Battery, Capt. J. F. Waddell. Foarth Brigade. Col. A. W. REYNOLDS. 3d Tennessee (Provisional Army), Col. N. J. Lillard. 39th Tennessee,t Col. William M. Brad- ford. 43d Tennessee, Col. James W. Gillespie. 59th Tennessee, Col. William L. Eakin. 3d Maryland Battery, Capt. John B. Rowan. Wauls Texas Legion. Col. T. N. WAUL. 1st Battalion (infantry), Maj. Eugene S. Bolling. 2d Battalion (infantry), Lient. Col. James Wrigley. Cavalry battalion, Lient. Thomas J. Cleveland. Artillery company, Capt. J. Q. Wall. Attached. 1st Tennessee Cavalry (Carters regiment), Company C, Capt. H. S. Vandyke. Botetourt (Virginia) Artillery, ~ Lient. James P. Wright. Signal Corps, Lient. C. H. Barrot. FOflNEY~S DIVISION. Maj. Gen. JOHN H. FORNEY. Heberts Brigade. Brig. Gen. Louis HI~BEliT. 3d Louisiana, Maj. David Pierson. 43d Mississippi, Col. Richard Harrison. 21st Louisiana, Lient. Col. J. T. Platts- 7th Mississipp~i Battalion, Capt. A. M. mier. Dozier. 36th Mississippi, Col. W. W. Wither- 24 Alabama Artillery Battalion, Coin- spoon. pany C, Licut. John H. Sciater. 37th Mississippi, Col. 0. S. Holland. Appeal (Arkansas) Battery, Lieut. H. N. 38th Mississippi, Capt. D. B. Seal. Cotten. * The commanders are given as indicated by the paroles. tParoled as the Thirty-tlrst Regiment, arid so known prior to June 1863. t Assignment uncertain. 32 Page 327 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. Moorcs Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN C. MOORE. 37th Alabama, Col. J. F. l)owdell. 40th Mississippi, Col. W. B. Colbert. 40th Alabama, Col. John H. Higley. 2d Texas, Col. Aslibel Smith. 42d Alabama, Col. John W. Portis. Alabama battery, Capt H. H. Sengstak. 1st Mississippi Light Artillery,* Col. Pointe Coup6e (Louisiana) Artillery, William T. Withers. Company B, Capt. William A. 35th Mississippi, Lient. Col. C. R. Jordan. Davidson. SMITHS DIVISION. Maj. Gen. M. L. SMITH. Baldwins Brigade. Brig. Gen. W. E. BALDWIN. 17th Louisiana, Col. Robert Richardson. 31st Louisiana, Lient. Col. James W. Draughon. 4th Mississippi, Capt. Thomas P. Nelson. 46th Mississippi, Col. C. W. Sears. Tennessee Battery, Capt. Thomas F. Tobin. Vaughns Brigade. Brig. Gen. J. C. VAUGHN. 60th Tennessee, Capt. J. W. Bachman. 61st Tennessee, Lieut. Col. James G. Rose. 62d Tennessee, Col. John A. Rowan. Shoups Brigade. Brig. Gen. FRANCIS A. SHOUP. 26th Lonisiana, Lient. Col. William C. Crow. 27th Louisiana, Capt. Joseph T. Hatch. 28th [29th] Louisiana, Col. Allen Thomas. McNallys (Arkansas) battery, Capt. Joseph T. Hatch. Mississippt State Troops.t Brig. Gen. JOHN V. HARRIS. 5th Regiment, Col. H. C. Robinsoa. 3d Battalion, Lient. Col. Thomas A. Burgin. Aitached. 14th Mississippi Light Artillery Battalion, Maj. M. S. Ward. Mississippi Partisan Rangers, Capt. J. S. Smyth. Signal Corps, Capt. Max. T. Davidson. BOWENS DIVISION. Maj. Gen. JOHN S. BOWEN. First (Missouri) Brigade. Col. FRANCIS M. COCKRELL. 1st Missouri, Col. A. C. Riley. 2d Missouri, Maj. Thomas M. Carter. 3d Missouri, Maj. J. K. McDowell. 5th Missouri, Col. James MeCown. 6th Missouri, Maj. S. Cooper. Guibors (Missouri) battery, Lient. Cor- nelius Heffernan. Landis (Missouri) battery, Lient. Johu M. Langan. Wades (Missouri) battery, Lient. R. C. Walsh. Second Brigade. Col. T. P. DOCKERY. 15th Arkabsas, Capt. Caleb Davis. 19th Arkansas, Capt. James K. Norwood. 20th Arkansas, Col. D. W. Jones. 21st Arkansas, Capt. A. Tyler. 1st Arkansas Cavalry Battalion, Capt. John .1 Clark. 12th Arkansas Battalion (sharpshooters), Lieut. John S. Bell. 1st Missouri Cavalry, Maj. William C. Parker. 3d Missouri Cav~lry, Capt. Felix Lot- speich. 3d Missouri Battery, Capt. William E. Dawsou. Lowes (Missouri) battery, Lieut. Thomas B. Catron. * Batteries A, C, D, E, G, and I. Battery L (Vaiden Artillery) reported in Higgins command, and Batteries B, F, and K at Port Hudsou, La. IJuder Vaughns command. 32 Page 328 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. RIVER BATTERIES) Col. ED. HIGGINS. 1st Louisiana Artillery,t Lieut. Col. D. Beltzhoover, 8th Louisiana Heavy Artillery Battalion4 Maj. F. N. Ogden. 22d Louisiana,~ Capt. Samuel Jolles. 1st Tennessee Heavy Artillery, I Col. A. Jackson, jr. Tennessee Battery, Cal)t. J. B. Caruthers. Tennessee Battery, Capt. T. N. Johnston. Tennessee Battery, Capt. J. P. Lynch. Vaiden (Mississippi) Battery, Capt. S. C. Bains. MISCELLANEOUS. 54th Alabama (detachment), Lient. Joel P. Abney. City Guards, Capt. E. B. Martin. Signal Corps, Capt. C. A. King. No. 72. iS~ummary of the Casualties in the Confederate forces during the siege of Vicks burg. [Compiled from the reports, and incomplete.J 0 1 3 4 10 6 21 67 10 9 37 Killed. Command. Stevensons division: Bartons brigade Gummings brigade Lees brigade A. W. Reynolds ~ Waddells battery Texa8 Legion Total Forneys divisiou: ROberts brigade Moores brigade Total Smiths division: I Baldwins brigade Vaughns brigade Shoups bri~ade 12 95 107 Total . 12 95 107 Bowens division: Cockreiis brigade 113 Dockerys brigade Total . 24 166 190 Wounded. ii HO 6 22 70 14 9 47 4 10 2 37 0 0 0 20 70 137 25 28 153 0 20 74 147 25 30 190 Missing. 0 1 1 1,938 ....~. ...~i2912,872~ 1 S 0 0 5 6 13 7 a 0 84 5 7 14 8 S 11 96 224 53 39 245 18 150 168 53 433 486 3 31 34 688 25 194 219 39 116 455 .... 21 21 6.15 8 113 121 20 84 304 I 428 33 107 340 59 700 . 759 .... 21 21 Ii, 120 11 188 199 11 188 199 35 459 308 300 446 .... . 559 . .::zr:z ~ K...~ ~ 74 758 Remarks. Stevensons report. -J Wauls report. Nominal list. Nominal list.. Not reported Not reported. Slioups report. Cockrells report. Nov reported. Pembertons report. Graud total ... . ~.805 * The troops in this command paroled as of Moores brigade. Bonds, Bruces Butlers companies. , . , Capers, Graysons, 1-laynes, Lamons, and Robertsons Barrows. GrandprCs, and McCrorys companies. ~ P. A. Gomezs, MaThks, Morlors, and Theards companies. I! Dismukes, Neylands, Normans, and Parks companies; Caruthers, Johnstons, and Lynchs companies attached. Covering May 19June 13. 328 LCIIAr. XXXV Page 329 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICI{SBtJRG, MISS. OFFICERS REPORTED KILLED. Carnmiag8 BrigadeThirty-ninth Georgia, Lient. J. R. Redmond. Lees Brigade.Twentieth Alabama, Col. Isham W. Garrott; Forty-sixth Alabama, Lieuts. J. K. P. Cotton and J. T. House. Beysolds BrigadeThird Tennessee, Maj. J. C. Boyd, Capt. B. F. Gaddis, and Lieur. J. H. Cody; Forty-third Tennessee, Capt. Sterling T. Turner, Lient. Wilson Clepper, and Asst. Surg. W. B. Johnson~ Th borne. , ird Maryland Battery, Capt. F. 0. Clai IVau ls Texas Legion.Maj. Allen Cameron and Capts. Samuel Carter and J. A. Led- better. Beberts BrigadeSta if, Col. Charles H. Herrick; Third Louisiana, Capts. J. E. Johnson and John Kinney and Lient. A. S. Randolph; Twenty-first Louisiana, Capt. J.RyanaudLieut.G. H. Mann; Twenty-second Louisiana, Capt. F. Gomez and Lieut. R. E. Lehman; Thirty-sixth Mississippi, Maj. Alexander Yates and Capt. J. S. Tatom (CapI. T. J. Chrisman and Lieut. A. T. Murrell ded of wounds); Thirty-seventh Mis- sissippi, Lient. J. F. H. Trusseil; Thirty-eighth Mississippi, Capt. L. M. Graves and Lient. H. Lanehart (Capt.W. A. Seiph died of wounds); Forty-third Mississippi, Lient. M. D. L Hodo~ Sex euth Mi~sssippi Battalion, Capt. S. C. Pearson and Lient. J. C. C. Weihorn (Capt W r BaN us died of wounds); Appeal Battery, Capt. W. N. Hogg and Dent R S V~ tiher Lmannels l)attery, Capt. T. K. Emanuel; Pointe Coup6e Artil1er~, Lent 0 D ~nti ne Moot es Bi gade Pot~ second Alabama, Lient. Capers W. Bodie; Thirty-fifth Mis- sissippi Capts S R Coopxxood Cud H. M. Walsh and Lient. G. Moody; Fortieth Mis- sissippi M~j R B Campbell, Second Texas, Capt. A. F. Gammell and Lient. Robert S. Hemy (Lleut William I link died of wounds). Ba/dees Brigade rhirty first Louisiana, Col. S. H. Griffin; Fourth Mississippi, Capt. Vvdlisro H ~dnre Vaugha s Ri qade (No report.) Sheep s B yade Staff. Capts. Louis Florence and J. F. Spencer; Twenty-sixth Louisiqui M j Vi XV. Martin, Capt. Felix G. Winder, au(l Lien ts. M. Arnaux and Petet I es~ner twenty-seventh Louisiana, Lieut. Col. L. L. MeLaurin and Lient. George Harris (Col L. D. Marks mortally wounded) ; Twenty-eighth [Twenty-ninth] Louisiana Capt I Newman and Liouts. B. F. Millett and J. G. Sims. Cocks eli Bngadc.Second Missouri, Lient. Col. P.S. Senteny; Sixth Missouri, Col. Eu~ene Li win and Lieuts. John T. Crenshaw and John Roseberry. Docke, y s BrigadeBrig. Gen. Martin E. Green. No. 73. Reports of Maj. Samuel H. Jiockett, C. S. Engineers, Chief Engineer.* GAINESVILLE, ALA., July 26, 1863. Sin: I herein have the honor to submit my report of the engineer operations during the siege of Yicksbnrg. Our army fell back to the city on Sunday; M~y 17, and were put in the trenches in the following order, viz: Major-General Stevenson occupied the line included between the railroad and the Warrenton road, on the south, General Forney the line between the railroad and the Graveyard road, and General Smith the line from the Graveyard road to the river front, on the north. On the 18th, I made a careful examination of the entire line, and made the following dispositions of the engineer officers under my command, to facilitate the operations of strengthening and repa~ring the works: Captain [Powhatan] Robinson, Engineers, was assigned to the line com- manded by Major-General Stevenson, and had under him, as assistants, the following officers, viz: Capt. J. J. Conway, Twentieth Mississippi, detailed assistant eng~ieer; Actg. Lient. A. W. Gloster, assistant engi- neer; Actg. Lient. IR. R. Southard, assistant engineer; Capt. James The daily reports of Major Lockett, Captains Robinson and Wiutter, Lieutenant Donnellan, and Messrs. Ginder and Vernon, being covered by this report, are omitted. 3~ Page 330 330 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. M. Conper, commissary Fourteenth [Twentieth] Mississippi, acting as- sistant engineer; Mr. B. II. Saunders, office assistant. Capt. D. Wintter, commanding company of sappers and miners, was assigned to the line commanded by Major-Generals Forney and Smith, and had under him as assistants the following officers, viz: First Lient. E. MeMahon, company sappers and miners; Second Lieut. F. Gillooly, company sappers and miners; Capt. James [T.] Hogane, acting assistant engineer; Actg. Lient. S. McD. Vernon, assistant engineer, and Acting Lient. P. J. Blessing. Lieut. William 0. Flynn, of Captain Wintters company, was ordered to report for engineer duty to Col. E. Higgins, commanding the heavy artillery. This arrangement gave to each brigade one immediate assistant, whose duty it was to report directly to the brigade commander, and to each division an engineer to take general control. Lieut. George Donnellan, engineer, Provisional Army Confederate States, I kept in my office to take charge of the procuring and distribu- tion of materials. Mr. II. Ginder was employed as dranghtsman and Mr. G. C. Brower as clerk. The working force under my control was as follows: Twenty-six sappers and miners, of Captain Wiutters company; 8 detailed mechanics and foremen; 4 oversee negroes; 72 negroes hired, 20 being sick; 3 four-mule teams, 25 yoke of draught oxen. An accurate return of the intrenching tools was never obtained, from the fact that they were always employed and so much scattered. The number, however, was not far from 500 of all kinds. The work on the lines was generally done by fatigue parties detailed from each command to work within the limits of its own line. The line of defense around the city of Yicksburg consisted, as shown on the inclosed map,* of a system of detached works (redans, lunettes, and redoubts) on the prominent and commanding points, with the usual profile of raised field-works, connected, in most cases, by rifle-pits. These works, having been made during the fall and winter of last year, were considerably weakened by washing, and needed strengthening and repairing. Fatigue parties were immediately set to work making these repairs and completing the connection of rifle-pits from work to work. On the night of May 17, and the morning of the 18th, all the field guns, Parrott guns, and siege pieces at our disposal were put in position on the line, and platforms and embrasures prepared for them. Between the 18th and 22d, the enemy succeeded in establishing their line of circumvallation at about th& distance of 800 yards, extending from our extreme left to in front of the square redoubt (Fort Garrott) on the right of Brigadier-General Lees line. The fire of their artillery and sharpshooters soon became quite annoying, and showed the necessity of erecting numerous traverses to prevent enfilading fires, and the iinpor- tance of having covered approaches from the rear. All of these im- provements were made as rapidly as possible by the engineers, with fatigue parties working at night. On the 22d, the enemys artillery fire was very I~eavy along their whole line, and a determined assault was made on the Giaveyard, Jackson, and Baldwins Ferry roads, and along the whole of General Lees front on the right of the railroad. A breach was made in the redoubt near the railroad (Fort Pettus), and many other of the raised works were con- siderably battered. All damages were repaired, however, at night, and To appear in Atlas Page 331 CRAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG, MISS. 331 the morning of the 23d found our works in as good condition as at the beginning of the enemys operations. The enemy, being apparently satisfied with their attempts at carrying our works by assault, now commenced their regular approaches, and soon had possession of a line of hills on the main roads, not exceeding 350 yards distance from our salient points. These hills they crowned with heavy batteries and connected as rapidly as possible with their second parallel. On the 24th, some of the enemys sappers crept up a ravine to within 40 yards of the work on the Jackson road, and started a sap, appar- ently with the intention of mining. When they had reached within 20 paces of our work, they were dislodged by hand-grenades, and re- linquished this attempt for some time. On the 25th, the enemy appeared in force on the Warrenton road, and commenced establishing batteries in Getts field, at a distance of some 600 yards from our advanced redoubt. They also l)ushed their first parallel on toward onr right, and crossed the Halls Ferry road about 1,000 yards from the advanced redoubt on this road. Their line of cir- cumvallation was by this completed, and remained unbroken thencefor- ward. To prevent any approach of the enemy up the river flat, I at- tempted to construct an abatis from the hills to the river, and sent out a working party under Lieutenant Donnellan and Mr. Ginder for that purpose. The guard for the working party was driven in after a skir- mish and the capture of 100 of the enemy. The work was not accom- plished. On this day rifle-pits were started along the river front to connect the line of land defenses on the right with the heavy batteries. Along the rear line the engineers were engaged in general repairs, strengthening the parapets, extending the rifle-pits, placing obstruc- tions in front of the exposed points, consisting of abatis, palisades, ditches, and entanglements of pickets and telegraph wire. Sand-bag loopholes were also made along the whole line to protect our sharp- shooters. These sand-bags were made from tent-flies and old tents turned over to me by the quartermaster~s department, and from the same source I obtained a supply of material during the xvhole siege. A 32 ])ounder was moved from the river front and mounted on the left of General Smiths line, a new battery for three guns started in rear of General [S. D.] Lees, and a new battery for two guns built on the left of General [J. C.] Moores. On the night of the 26th, the usual work of repairs and improvements went on; the rifle-pits on the river front wer~ pushed ahead; the bat- tery in rear of General Lee was finished, and a 30-pounder Parrott put in position. On this night the enemy for the first time fired on our work- ing l)arties, and wounded a lieutenant commanding a fatigue party. On the 27th, the enemy attacked our river front with their gunboats, without, however, doing any serious damage. They were driven off, and the Cincinnati sunk by the upper battery. This battery was pro- tected by traverses from an enfilade fire from the enemys sharpshooters on the hills across Mint Spring Bayou. On the 28th, the artillery fire of the enemy was unu~ally severe, and several of our works were considerably damaged, especially the works on General Lees front, and on the Graveyard and Jackson roads. All damages were repaired at night, and a new battery made in rear of General Moores line,~on the right of the Baldwins Ferry road. On the 29th, the usual repairs and improvements continued along the whole line: a new battery made in rear of the line left of Halls Ferry road; the new battery in rear of General Lee improved, an Page 332 332 ~1rssrSSJw~I, WEST TENNESSEE, EtC. [CIJAI-. XxXvI. Whistling Dick (an 18-pounder rifled piece) I)llt in position, and a new battery started in rear of General Moores center, but the work- ing party was driven off by the enemys sharpshooters, and the work stopped. On the 30th, but little work was done on the line under Captain Rob- insons charge, excepting along General Lees front, and (luring the whole siege our works, from Fort Garrott to the right, were but little injured, the enemy being kept at a considerable (listance by a line of pickets kept in protected places along the ridge in front of our main line, excepting on the Halls Ferry road. Captain Wintter and his assistants were kept constantly busy putting obstructions on the Yazoo Valley and other roads, ~epairing the embrasures of batteries, and thickening the parapets, which had begun to show the effects of the enemys continual battering. The new battery in rear of General Moores center was commenced by running a covered approach to the position selected. On this day T also started a number of excavations on the Baldwins Ferry road, in a deep cut, for the purpose of scattering our ammunition, which was much exposed to the enemys fire at the depot magazine. These excavations were put under the charge of Mr. Ginder, with a working force of 25 negroes from the jail-gang, and were finished in about a week On the 31st, works of repair continued ~dong the whole line; the new works continued, and a breach in the redan on the left of Jackson road filled up and parapet repaired with sand-bags. From June 1 to the 4th there was no variation in the engineer opera- tions. By the 4th, the enemy had succeeded in establishing a third line of parallels not exceeding 150 yards from our salient works, and then commenced several double saps against the following works, viz, the stockade redan, on Graveyard road, the Third Louisiana redan, on left of Jackson road, and the lunette on right of Baldwins Ferry road. I had some thundering barrels and loaded shells prepared to be placed in these and all other exposed works, to be used in case of an assault. The stockade redan and the stockade on its left beginning to suffer a good deal from the enemys artillery, a new line of rifle-pits was started in front of the stockade, and the ditch of the redan was prepared for riflemen, to give a double line at this point. The enemy continued their saps against this and that of the Third Louisiana without much interruption until the night of the 8th, wheti their sap-roller was burned by firing pieces of T)ort-flre an(l cotton balls steeped in turpentine into it from m41sl~ts. Their sappers were thus exposed, and forced to retire and recommence their operations with an- othei- roller some distance back. In spite of all our attempts to stop them, the enemy steadily approache(l with these saps until the night of the 13th, when they had reached within 60 feet of the stockade e(lan and within 40 yards of the Thud Louisiana, and showe(l very evidently their intention to attack these sahients by mining. 1 accordingly or- dered counter-mines to be started from the (hitch of the former to oppose their progress. The lattem- work having- fl() (lit ~h, other arrangements had to be made. This work had also become cohsiderably 1)attered by this time, and the 01(1 parapets were nearly gone. A new one was ac- cordingly made a few feet in rear of the first, and the main body of the work was still preserved entire, and our men protected from the enemy~s fire. On the night of the 13th, a 10-inch mortar was placed in position in rear of General Moores center, and a 20-pounder Pam-rott in rear of General Greens left Page 333 CHAP. XXXVI.] THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG, MISS. 333 On the night of the 14th, a new series of rifle-pits was begun, running along a couple of spurs in the rear, so as to envelop the stockade and its redan, as a precaution against the contingency of the enemys carry- ing this point by assault, or rendering it untenable by his mining oper- ations. On the 15th. I discovered that the saps against the lunette on the right of the Baldwins Ferry road were making rapid progress, and also the one against the railroad redoubt. Countermines were immediately ordered and commenced from the ditches of these works. From this time till the end of the siege the main efforts of the enemy were directed against these salient works, viz: The stockade redan, the Third Louisiana redan, the lunette on the Baldwins Ferry road, the railroad redoubt, and Fort Garrott, on General Lees right, and later against the work on the Halls Ferry road, against all of which they ran regular double saps, and our principal operations consisted in en- 0 deavors to impede their progress, and in preparations to meet them when practicable by countermining. Retrenchments were also made in rear of all the threatened points, to provide against the possibility of the enemys being successful in their attempts. The rest of the line other than the works mentioned above was but little damaged, and was easily kept in repair by fatigue parties working at night. The Third Louisiana redan, being on a very narrow ridge, had no exterior ditch, and I found it impossible to get in its front to start a counter-mine with- out exposing our sa.ppers to a terrible fire from the enemys sharp- shooters and batteries, not more than 150 yards distant. A shaft was accordingly started from the inside of the work, but before it was com- pleted the enemy had succeeded in getting under the parapet and had prepared their mine under the salient. This mine was exploded on the 25th instant, but did no material damage, as a parapet had been made to meet such an event some 15 feet back of the salient. Five or six men engaged in sinking a shaft were buried by this explosion. An attempt was made to assault the work immediately after the explosion, but our men, having good cover behind the new parapet, repulsed the assailants with considerable slaughter. On the night of the same day two of our mines in front of the stockade redan were exploded, and completely destroyed the enemys sap-roller, filled up their sap, and two parallels they had started to envelop the r