TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 31 (Part I) 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, 1890 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 Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IRECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBflRT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. REDFIELD PROCTOR, Secretary of War, BY MAJ. GEORGE B. DAVIS, U. S. A., MR. LESLIE J. PERRY, MR. JOSEPH W. KIRKLEY, Board of Publication. SERIES IVOLUME XXXIIN THREE PARTS. - PART IREPORTS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT -PRINTING OFFICE. 1890 Page R002 Y~}Jz~6 ( ~7(j k I~ \ Page R003 r PREFACE. By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress mad6an appropriation to enable the Secretary of War to begin the publication of the Offi- cial Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Con- federate Armies, and directed him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not hereto- fore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronologic4 order. Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Confederate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said number 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Repre- sentatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments. ~ * Volumes I to V distributed under act approved June 16, 1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distri- buted as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now pro- vided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three hundred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organiza- tions, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Forty-seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceed- ing twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the publication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Dele- gates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals.~ The Secretary of War shall report to the first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. Page R004 Iv PREFACE. This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. The publication will present the records in the following order of arrangement: The 1st Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the South- ern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the corre- spondence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed, is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the cam- paigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be immediately followed by the Confederate accounts. The correspond- ence, & c., not embraced in the reports~~ proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military autliorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the national and the several State authorities. The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the corre- spondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major Third Art., and Bvt. Lient. Cot. WAR DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, Secretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XLIIL Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, North Page. Alabama, and North Georgia. October 20-December 31, 1863 1852 (v) I Page R006 Additions and Corrections Page A001 A COMPILATION OF THE TIlE WAR OF THE REBELLION A: /~,, \~ / / OFFICIAL IUECO1RD ~ OFTHF. 4, CONFEDERATE ARMIES. UNION AND ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO SERIES IVOLUME XXXI. (To he insei:ted in. I he volu~rne. iPor explanation. see 0-eneral Index voinme, Serial No. 130, page XXVLII.) PTJIILISFIED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTH, CHIEF OF THE RECORD AND PENSION OFFICE, WAR DEPARTMENT, AND MR. JOSEPH W. KLRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOODEY, Indexer. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902 Page A002 2 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. TEXT. PART i. Page y~. Complete foot-note by adding p. 27. Page 239. Sixteenth line, top, for Birch read Burek. Page 341. Date of Benjamins report, for [1863] read [i864]. Page 448. Second communication, date line, for Nancys read Nances. Page 574. Brownlow to Campbell, first line, insert yesterday after dispatch. Page 674. Foot-note, for Part 3, p. ,read Part 4, p. 430. Page 68. Foot-note, for Part 3, read Part 4, p. ~t8. Page 713. Foot-note, for Part 3, p. , read Part 4, p. ~ Page 748. Foot-note, for Part 3, p. , read Part 4, p. ~ Page 854. For Boyds (Carlisle) read Boyds (Carlile). Insert Barteaus ((1 R.) Cavalry. See Tennessee Troops, confederate. Page 864. After Mortons (G. H.) Cavalry, for H. M. Ashbys (avairy, ante, read C. R. Barteaus Cavalry, ante. Page 866. For Robinsons (George J.) read Robinsons (George I.). Pages 871963. Strike out foot-note No circumstantial reports on file, wherever it appears. PART 2. Page 19. Third Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Corps, after 78th Pennsyl- vania, for Ma]. Augustus B. Bonnaffon read Lieut. Cot. Archibald Blakeley. Page 127. Foot.note, for pp. read Part s,pp. 642,643. Page 154. Ninth line, top, for Avoirdich read Averdick. Page i88. Foot-note, for p. read ~. 384. Page 6i8. Burtons report, fifth line, insert after Battery the following: [Battery K, First Ohio Artillery]. Page 66i. First foot-note, for p. read p. 6i8. Page 684. Grand total of aggregate in Report of Casualties, change 6,667 to 6,687. Page 784. For Bonnaffons (Augustus B.) read Blakeleys (Archibald). Page 8~8. Erase Taylor, Samuel W., and insert For Correspondence as A. D. C., See Joseph Hooker, under Taylor, Samuel W., page 857. PART 3. Page 125. Smith to Goddard, second line, for Sixteenth Illinois read Sixtieth Illinois. Page i6i. First foot-note, for p. read p. 522. Page 174. Hooker to Goddard, first line, for First Regiment read First Tennessee Regiment. Page 208. Dodge to Sawyer, second line, insert * after spies and add foot-note, * Samuel Davis. Insert before address of letter following [Mrs. Dan. M. Nelson]. Page 209. Sixth line, bottom, after Vi W. insert [Levi White]; also in last line, after Colonel S. insert [Searcy] , and after Jimmie R. insert [James D. Richardson]. Page 210. Tenth line, top, for Lew read Len and insert [Leonard Peebles]; also, after signature to communication, insert [Dan. Al. Nelson]. Page 280. Foot-note, for p. read ~. 271. Page 487. Bowler to Stanton, date line, for December read September. Page 552. First Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Corps, battered type should read soist Illinois Page A003 3 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Page 563. Last foot-note, for Henry McNeil read Henry M. Neil. Page 575. Gilmer to Wright, third line, erase the word cubic. Page 581. Special Orders, No. 38, date line, erase 23 and insert 22. Page 717. Special Orders, No. 23, for more, in first line, read no more. Page 725. Bufords Brigade, for 3d Missouri Cavalry read gd Battalion Missouri Cavalry. Page 726. MeNairs Brigade, insert [31st?] after 35th and before Arkansas. Page 734. Third line, top, for have read leave. Page 8o6. Finleys Brigade, for First Florida Cavalry ~ read First Florida Infantry, and for First Florida Infantry read First Florida Cavalry. Page 809. Third line, bottom, insert * after received and add foot-note, * See Series I, Vol. 52, Part 2, p. ~ Page ~oi. Eighteenth line, top, after Davenports Home Guards, for See Georgia Troops read See Alabama Troops. Page 916. Eighteenth line, bottom, for 3d Regiment read 3d Battalion. INDEX. Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and Corrections to the text should be consulted. Refer- ences are to parts of volume. Part. Alabama Troops (C.), CavalryRegiments: 4th (Roddey), [445, 453] 4th (Russell) 445, 453 Miscellaneous: Home Guards (Davenport) 530 3 Allen, Robert. Correspondence with Q. M. Gen.s Office, U. S. A. [Meigs, Montgomery C.] 3 Anderson, General, Steamer I Anderson, George T., 519 [Anderson, G H., 5191 Anderson, William P. Correspondence with Goddard, Robert H. I. [1,.] 3 Arkansas Troops (C.). InfantryRegiments: 31st [35tbl, 726* Ballard, Bland [Judge] 3 Bancroft, Eugene A., 8o~ Banks, Nathaniel P., 781, 782 I Barber, Gershom M., 802 I Barclay, E. S., 451 Barker, 36 Barker [Baker], John D 3 Bartons Station, Ala. Skirmishes [Skirmish] at. Oct. s6, 1863, i6 Beacb, Edwin C 2 Beatty, WilliamH. [Surgeon] 3 Bell, Tyree H., 839 [Bell. 839] Blakeley, Archibald, 59* 2 Blang, Joseph S. A. [A. El 3 Bogue, Roswell G. [R. 3.1 2 [Bonnaffon. Augustus B., 19]* 2 Bowler, R. B. [Bowles, Theodore C.] Bowler, R. B. [P.] 3 Boyd, Carlile [Carlisle] Brewer, I~. A. [H.] Campbell, John [James] A. (Asst. Secy of War) . Iart. Carpenter, Daniel [David] A 3 Carr,Jonathan [Johul I Carter, John C. Mentioned, 454, Carter, James E., [4541 ... Case, Charles F. [T.] 2 Charleston, Teun. Skirmishes at. Dec. s8 [x8], 863 2 Cobb, Ferdinand D Cockerill, Joseph R., 256 [Cockerill. J. C., 256] I Cogswell, William (Ill. Art.), 8s~ Cogswell. William (2d Mass.), [8231 Conrad, fharlesM. [ ] 3 [Conscription. Communications f r o in Stephen A. Iluribut, i6o, 470, 522] 3 Crook, George. Correspondence with Robinson, George L Li.] 3 Curlew, U.S. 5.485 [No. 12, U. S. 5.485] 3 Dameron, W. H. Correspondence with Johnson [Johnston], W. H 3 Dana, N. [U.] 3. T 3 Darling, Benjamin F. [F. Benjamin] 2 Davis, Samnel[ (C.)],so8* 3 Denis, Jules [Isaac] C 3 Dod, Albert [Alfred] B 3 Donaldson. 3. I,. Correspondence with Q. M. Gens Office, U. S. A. [Meigs, Mont gomery C.] ~. 3 Fitch, Henry S I Forbes, Henry C. [5.1 I Foster, John G. Correspondence with Q.M. Gens Office, U. S. A. [Meigs, Mont gomery C.] 3 Gannett [Gannet], Isaac General A nderson, Steamer, 839 Georgia Troops. Miscellaneous [Davenports Home Guards, 530] Page A004 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Gerald, C. B. [Gerold, Major] 3 Giesy [Geisy], H. H 2 Goddard, Robert H. I. [I,.] 3 Goodhue, A. F [B.] Goodloe, Calvin [ ] Gowen [Cowan], George w Grant, U. S. Correspondence with Perkins, S.,jr 3 Q. M. Gen. s Office, U. S. A. [Meigs, Mont gomery C.] 3 Graves, William P. [H.] 3 Griffith, John, 727 [Griffin, John, 727] 3 Hammond, John W. [M.] Hansen [Hanson], Ferdinand 3 Harding, JamesL. [S.] 2 Harvie, Edwin J. Mentioned, 693 [Harris, E. J., 693] 3 Hatchitt,James [T.] G Henry von Phul, Steamer, 422 3 Hiestand [Heistand], P Homer, 7. D., Steamer Johnson, Bushrod R. Mentioned, 492 [Johnson, W. E., 492] Johnson ~Johnston], W. H 3 Johnston, Joseph E. Correspondence with Mississippi, Governor of, 584, ~88 [Rives, James H., 584, 588] 3 Johnston, William M. [W.] 2 Jones, T. M. [W.] 3 [King, J. B., Correspondence with Moses H. Wright, 792] 3 King, J. R. Correspondence with Moses H. Wright, 792 3 I,ackey, Robert S. [G.] 2 I,amar, C. B.,jr I,atrobe, Osmun [Osman] 1,3 I,ightner, Isaac [Isaiah] 2 MeCallum, Daniel C. Correspondence with Q. M. Gen. s Office, U. S. A. [Meigs, Mont gomery C.] 3 McElroy, Joseph C. [0.] McKeaig [McKeaige], George W McLean, N. C. [H.] McNeish [MeNish], Thomas 3 Marden [Mardon], Charles F Mavity, Ephraim P., 289 [389] 2 Meigs, Montgomery C. Correspondence with [Allen, Robert, 8~] 3 [Donaldson, J. I,., 476] 3 [Foster, John G., 476] 3 [Grant, U. S., ~6, 182] 3 [MeCallum, Daniel C., 422] 3 [Smith, William Sooy, 176] 3 War Department, U. S., [io6] For correspondence, etc., as Q. M. Gen., see Quartermaster-Generals Office, U. S. A. Metzgar, JohnJ. [G.] 2 Meyers [Myersl, Ernest J 3 Michigan Troops. Artillery, ].,ightRegimenes [Batteries].... Middleton, J. Izard, jr. [J.] Miles, Milton F [M.] 2 Miller, Samuel S. [E.J Part. Mississippi, Governor of. Correspondence with Johnston, Joseph E.. 584, g88 3 Mississippi Troops (U.). CavalryRegiments: [3d (Colored), 824] InfantryRegiments.. 3d (Colored), 824 Missouri Troops (C.). CavalryBattalions: 3d 725* 3 CavalryRegiments: 3d, [725] * 3 Moose, U. S. S., .rg~ [No.34,U.S.S.,135] 3 Morlan, Jonah [John] 2 Mossy Creek and Dandridge, Tenn. Operations near, Dec. 2428, 1863 Reports of Miller, Samuel S. [E.] Munitions of War. Supplies of, etc. Communications from Johnson [Johnston], W. H Neil [McNeil], Henry M 3 Nelson, Dan. M. Correspondence with Mrs. D. M Nelson, 208* 3 Nelson, Dan. M., Mrs. Correspondence with D. M. Nelson, 208* 3 Ohio Troops. Artillery, TightRegiments: [ist,618]* 2 ist (Batteries), K, 6,8* S InfantryBattalions: 1st Sharpshooters (Companies), gth, 6th, 7th, 802, 8th, 8i6 [Companies: 5th Sharpshooters, 802; 8th Sharpshooters, 8i6] ist Sharpshooters (Companies), ~th, 6th, 7th [Companies: 5th Sharpshooters] 2 ist Sharpshooters (Companies), ~th, 6th,. 7th,549 8th, 68 [Companies: 5th Sharp- shooters, 549; 8th Sharpshooters, 68] 3 Orcutt, Newell [Theovel] E Organ, James 7. [F.] Peebles, Leonard, 210 * 3 Phul, Henry von, Steamer, 422 3 Pillow, Fort, Tenm. See Fort Pillow, Tenn... Powell, William T~lewellyn 3 Price, Frederick G. [V.] Quartermaster-Generals Office, U. S. A. Correspondence with Allen, Robert, 8~ 3 Donaldson, J. L., 96, 476 3 Foster, John C., 476 3 Grant, U. 5., 96, 582 3 McCallnm, Daniel C, 422 3 Smith, William Sooy, 176 3 War Department, U. 5., 106 3 Ray,Andrew W [ ] 2.3 Reilly, James W., 562 [Reilly, John W., 562] 3 Richardson,JamesD., 209* 3 Rives, James H. [Correspondence with Joseph E. John- stoii, 584, 5881 3 For correspondence as A. D. C., see Missis- sippi, Governor of 3 Robespierre, MaximilienJ. F I. [] .... Page A005 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. Robinson, George I. [J.] .3 Sanford [Sandford], R. A Searcy, Anderson, 209 * 3 Sexton, Elbert [Albert] C 3 Sheldon, Ralph [ ] 3 Shenango, Steamer [Chenango, U. S. S.] 3 Smith, George H. [Major] Smith, Orlow [Brewer] S Smith, William Sooy. Correspondence with Q. M. Gen. 5 Office, U. S. A. [Meigs, Mont- gomery C.] 3 Spears, James C. Correspondence with Carr, Jonathan [John] Stinson, Harry [Henry] M 2 Sumner, Samuel S Talcott, R. H. [ ] Tanner, Matthew W 2 Taylor, Samuel W. For correspondence as A. D. C., see Joseph Hooker, 858 * 2 Tennessee, Department of the (U.). Impressment of citizens into military service, s6o, z6i, 375, 376, 170, 471, 522 3 Tennessee Troops (C.). CavalryRegiments: Barteaus [Ashbys] InfantryBattalions: 23d, 724 2 InfantryRegiments: 23d, [~~] 2 Part. Transportation, etc. Communications from Bowler, R. B. [P.] 3 Upton, Edward [Edwood] N 2 Vance, McDuff [M. D.] 3 Vaughan,A.J.,jr., ~ Vaughn, John C., [659] 2 Wallace, Campbell [B.] Wallace, Caniphell [M. B.] 3 Wallas [Wallis], J. R 3 War Department, U. S. Correspondence with Bowler, R. B. [P.] 3 Meigs, Montgomery C., [106] 3 Q.M. Gens Office, U. SA., so6 Watson, Samuel H. [Henry S.] 2 Weigel, Eugene F West Tennessee. Operations in, Dec. 1831, 1863. See North- ern Mississzppi and West Tennessee [West Tennessee, Department of (C.)] 3 NOTETransfer entries and insert under West Tennessee above. White, Levi, 209* 3 Whitenbnrg [Whiteburg], Elizabeth Wilson, James [M.] 3 Wright, John W 2 Wright, Moses H. Correspondence with King, J. II. [B.] 3 Yoe, George P 1,3 Yost, Theobold [Thobald] D i Ziegler [Zeigler], George M 3 Page A006 Special Index Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER I. Page. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April 14, CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 3-26, 1861 318-325 CHAPTER m. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 4-20,1861 326-330 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6-August 31, 1861 331473 CHAPTER V Page. The secession of North Carolina. Janu ary 9-May 20, 1861 474-488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of Louisiana. January 10- Februarlr 19,1861 489-501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and New Mexico. February 1-June 11,1861.. 502-636 CHAPTER VIIL Operations in Arkansas, the Indian Terri- tory, and Missouri. February 7-May 9, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page Operations iz~ Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16-July 31,1861.. - 1-1012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10-November 19,1861... 1-749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. CHAPTER XIII. Page. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and Operations in North Carolina and South- Arizona. June 11, 1861-February 1,1862. 1-174 eastern Virginia. August 1, 1861-Janu- CHAPTER XII. ary 11,1862 566-721 Operations in Kentucky and Tennessce. July 1-November 19, 1861 175-565 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. Operations in Maryland, Northeru Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1,1861-March 17,1862.. 1-1108 VOLUME VI. CHAPTER XV. . Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operationson the coasts of South Carolina, Operations in West Florida, Southern Al- Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou- August 21, 1861April 11,1862 - -. 1-435 isiana. September 1,1861-May 12,1862. 436-894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabama, and S. W. Virginia. Nov. 19,1861-Mar. 4,1862.. 1-946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER xvm. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19, 1861-April 10, 1862. 1-834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTIIR XIX Page. CHAPTER XXI. Page. Operations in Southeastern Virginia. Jan- Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and uary 11-March 17, 1862 1-71 Arizona. February 1-September 20, CHAPTER XX 1862 481-780 Operations in North Carolina. January 11-August 20,1862 72-480 VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-927 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-642 VOLUME XIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 24 1-1077 PaW IlReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part 111Correspondence, etc 1-691 VOLUME XIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 17-September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 25 1-818 Part 11Reports, June 25-September 2 1-820 Part 111Correspondence, etc 1-966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. April 10-November 20, 1862 1-981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVI. Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862-June 11, 1868 1-1~ ~ VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi (embracing all operations against Vicksburg, May 18-July 27,1862), and Louisiana, May 12,1862-May 14, 1863; and oper- ations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. September 20, 1862-May 14, 1863 1-113 Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. IX VOLUME XVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. Operations In Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest VirginIa. June 10-October 31, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1-1168 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-1017 VOLUME XVIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. Jnne 10, 1862-January 20, 1863. Page. Part II~eports 1-807 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-916 VOLUME XVIII. CHAPTER XXX. Page. Operations in North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia. August 20, 1862-Jnne 3,1863 1-1104 VOLUME XIX IN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Nc item ber 14, 1862. Pare. Part IReports, September 3-20 Part IIR~ports, September 20-November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3-Novem. ber 14 1739 VOLUME XXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No vember 1,1862-January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIII. Page. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. November 15, 1862-January 25,1863 1-1152 VOLUME XXIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest. November 20, 1862-December 31,1863. Page. Part IReports 1-926 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-116 Page R010 X CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXIJIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. Jan uary 21-August 10, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1-858 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-985 VOLUME XXIVIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Operations in Mississippi and West Tennessee, including those in Arkansas and Louisiana connected with the Siege of Vicksburg. January 20-August 10, 1863. Page. Par IReports, January 20May 15, including the General Reports for whole period, January 20-August 10 1-787 Part IlReports, May 16-August 10 1-685 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-107(~ VOLUME XXVIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVII. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. January 26-June 3, 1863. Page. Part I Reports - -.. 1-111~ Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-862 VOLUME XXVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Now Mexico. May 14December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports, Union Correspondence, etc 1-985 Part IlConfederate Correspondence, etc 1-581 VOLUME XXVIIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIX. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Department of the East. June 3-August 3, 1863. 0 Page. Part IReports 1-105~ Part IlReports 1-100~ Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1-1092 VOLUME XXVIIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XL. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, and in Middle and East Florida. June 12 December 31,1863. Page Part IReports 1-755 ~ Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-609 VOLUME XXIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XLI. Operations in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia. Maryland, and Pennsylvania. August 4-De. cember 31, 1863 Page. Part IReports ~ 1-lois Part lICorrespondence, etc 1-93 Page R011 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. XI VOLUME XXXIN FOUR PARTS. CHAPTER XLII. Operations in Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, MississiPpi, North Alabama, and North Georgia. August 11-October 19, 1863. Page. Part !Reports P4071 Part IlReports 1-821 Part 111Union Correspondence, etc i-10i7 Part IVUnion and Confederate Correspondence, etc 1-76 Page R012 4 p p 1 1 ~~-~oc~: ~ ~ Tuesday. Monday. O~3. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. ~: ~ o~~e~: ~e~c~: ~ ~ Thursday. ITJ C, ~V~: ~ Sunday. ~ .L ...L . ~ ~ . ~ Friday. ~ . ~ . . O~O~C~: ~ ~ ~ ~ Saturday. 0 0 .4 . ~. ~ ~ ~ ~o~O~: ~ ~ Sunday. ~ OC)~O~OW. ~~: ~ ~ ~ Monday. ~ ~ ~O~O~: ~A~.+: ~ ~ Tuesday. o~o~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday. ~ ~ Thursday. ~ i~~: ~ ~ ~ ~ Friday. ~3 ~.L :~ ~.. : ~ -~ ~ ~3 Co Saturday Page 1 CHAPTER XLIII. OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA. October 20December 31, 1803. PART I.* SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS.t Oct. 20, 1863.Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. (len. William S. Rosecrans in command of the Army of the Cum.. berland. Action at Philadelphia, Tenn. Reconnaissance from Bridgeport toward Trenton, Ala. Skirmish at Treadwells Plantation, Miss. Skirmish at Warm Springs, N. C. 20-29, 1863.Operations on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. 21, 1863.Skirmish at Sulphur Springs, Tenn. 22, 1863.Skirmish at New Madrid Bend, Tenn. Skirmish at Brownsville, Miss. Destruction of the steamer Mist on the Mississippi River. Skirmish near Volney, Ky. 22-24, 1863.Scout from Germantown, Tenn., to Chulahoma, Miss. 23, 1863.Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, transferred from the Army of Tennessee to the Army of Mississippi, vice Lieut. Gen. William J. Hardee, reassigned to the Army of Tennessee. Skirmish at Sweet Water, Tenn. 24, 1863.Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Army of the Tennessee, vice Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, commanding the Military Division of the Nississippi. 24-25, 1863.Skirmishes at Tuscumbia, Ala. 24-Nov. 10, 1863.Expedition from Goodrichs Landing, La., to Griffins Landing and Catfish Point, Miss. 2526, 1863.Skirmishes at Philadelphia, Tenn. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Jones Hill, Tenn. Skirmish at Warm Springs, N. C. Skirmish at Vincents Cross-Roads, near Bay Springs, Miss. * Embraces the Union and Confederate reports of all operations October 20- December 31, 1863 (excepting the Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign, NQ~ember 23- 27), and the Union Correspondence, etc., October 2031, 1863. t Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary, no circumstant4[~p.rto are on file. All such are designated in tl~ Index. (1) 1 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 2 * 2 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. EC~~AP. XLIII. Oct. 26-27, 1863.Skirmishes at and near Sweet Water, Tenn. 26-29, 1863.Reopening of the Tennessee River, including skirmish (27th) at Browns Ferry and engagement (28th and 29th) atWauhatchie, Tenn. 27, 1863.Skirmish in Cherokee County, IN. C. Skirmish at Clinch Mountain, Teun. Scout from Columbia toward Pulaski, Tenn., and skirmish. 28, 1863.Maj. Gen. John M. Palmer, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Fourteenth Army Corps. Skirmish at Clarksville, Tenn. Skirmish at Leipers Ferry; Tenn. 29, 1863.Maj. Gen. Frank P. Blair, jr., U. S. Army, assumes command of the Fifteenth Army Corps. Skirmish at Cenfreville, Tenn. 29Nov. 2, 1863.Scout from Winchester to Fayetteville, Tenn. 30, 1863.Skirmish at Salyersville, Ky. Skirmish at Leipers Ferry, Holston River, Tenn. 31, 1863.Skirmish at Bartons Station, Ala. Skirmish at Yazoo City, Miss. Nov. 1, 1863.Skirmish at Fayetteville, Tenn. Skirmish at Eastport, Tenn. Skirmish at Quinn and Jacksons Mill, Miss. Scout from Bovina Station to Baldwins Ferry, Miss. 2, 1863.Skirmish at Corinth, Miss. Skirmish at Centreville, Teun. Skirmish at Piney Factory, Tenn. 3, 1863.Skirmish at Lawrenceburg, Tenn. 3 5, 1863.Operations on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. 4, 1863.Skirmish at Maysville, Ala. Skirmish at Motleys Ford, Little Tennessee River, Tenn. 4Dec. 23, 1863.The Knoxville (Tennessee) Campaign. 5, 1863.Skirmish in Loudon County, Tenn. Skirmish at Holly Springs, Miss. 6, 1863.Action near Rogersville, Tenn. 8, 1863. Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, C. S. Army, supersedes Lieut. Gen. Daniel H. Hill in command of the Second Corps, Army of Tennessee. 10-13, 1863.Expedition from Skipwiths Landing to Tallulah Court-House, Miss. 11, 1863.Skirmish near Natchez, Miss. 12, 1863.Skirmish near Cumberland Gap, Tenn. Skirmish at Corinth, Miss. 13, 1863.Skirmish at Blythes Ferry, Tennessee River, Teun. Skirmish at Palmyra, Tenn. 14, 1863.Brig. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, C. S. Army, assigned to command of West Tennessee. 14-15, 1863.Skirmishes at Danville, Miss. 14-17, 1863.Expedition from Maysville to Whitesburg and Decatur, Ala. 15, 1863.Skirmish at Pillowville, Tenn. 18, 1863.Skirmish at Trenton, Ga. 18-22, 1863.Expedition from Skipwiths Landing to Roebuck Lake, Miss. 19, 1863.Skirmish at Meriwethers Ferry, near Union City, Tenn Page 3 Cw. XLIII.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 3 Nov. 19, 1863.Skirmish at Mulberry Gap, Teim. Skirmish at Coiwells Ford, Tenn. Scout from Memphis, Tenn., to Hernando, Miss. 20, 1863.Skirmish at Sparta, Tenn. 21, 1863.Expedition from Island No. 10 to Tiptonville, Tenn. 21-22, 1863.Scout from Fort Pillow, Tenn. 22, 1863.Skirmish at Camp Davies, Miss. Skirmish at Fayette, Miss. Skirmish at Winchester, Tenn. 28-27, 1863.The Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign.*. 24,26, 1863.Skirmishes at and near Sparta, Tenn~ 25, 1863.Skirmish near Yankeetown, Teun. 26, 1863.Scout from Cohunbia, Ky., to the south side of the Oumberland River. 27, 1863.Skirmish at Monticello, Ky. Skirmish at La Fayette, Ky. 28-Dec. 10, 1863.Operations against the Memphis and Cha~1eston Rail- road, in West Tennessee. 29, 1863.Skirmish near Jonesville, Va. , 1863.Skirmishes on the Cumberland River, Ky. 30, 1863.Skirmish at Salyersville, Ky. Skirmish at Yankeetown, Teun. 30Dec. 3, 1863.Scouts to New Madrid Bend, Tenn. Dec. 1, 1863.Skirmish at Salyersville, Ky. Skirmish near Jonesyille, Va. Scouts from Pulaski, Tenn., and skirmishes. 110, 1863.Operations about Natchez, Miss., and skirmish (7th). Affairs at Mount Sterling and Jackson, Ky. 2, 1863.Lieut. Gen. William J. Hardee, C. S. Army, supersedes General Braxton Bragg in command of the Army of Tennessee. Skirmish at Philadelphia, Tenn. 3, 1863.Skirmish at Greenville, Ky. 5, 1863.Skirmish at Crab Gap, Tenn. Reconnaissance from Rossvile to Ringgold, Ga. 510, 1863.Scouts from Columbia; Ky. 6, 1863.Affair near Fayetteville, Tenn. 7, 1863.Skirmish at Eagleville, Tenn. Skirmish at Independence, Miss. 8, 1863.Skirmish near Scottsville, Ky. 9, 1863.Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, supersedes MaI. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside in command of the Department of the Ohio. Affair at Cumberland Mountain, on road to Crossvffie, Tenn. Skirmish at Okolona, Miss. 10, 1863.Scout from Memphis, Tenn. 11, 1863.Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, U. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. frank P. Blair, jr., in command of the Fifteenth Army Corps. 1117, 1863.Scout from Pulaski, Tenn., to Florence, Ala., and skirmish (12th) on Shoal Creek, near Wayland Springs, Tenn. 12, 1863.Skirmish at La Fayette, Ga. 13, 1863.Skirmish at La Grange, Tenn. Skirmish at Ringgold, Ga. * For reports, field dispatches, etc., see Part II Page 4 4 XY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ECHAP. XLIII. Dec. 13, 1863.Skirmish at Powells River, near Stickleyville, Va. 14, 1863.Capture of Union wagon train, near Clinch Mountain Gap, Tenn. Reconnaissance from Rossyille to La Fayette, Ga. 15, 1863.Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Hiudman, C. S. Army, supersedes Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge in command of the Second Corps, Army of Tennessee. Skirmish near Livingston, Tenn. Affair near Pulaski, Tenn. 16, 1863.General Joseph E. Johnston, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Department of Tennessee, leaving Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk in command of the Army of Mississippi. 17, 1863.Skirmish at Rodney, Miss. 1831, 1863.Operations in Northern Mississippi and West Tennessee. 21, 1863.Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, supersedes Brig. Gen. Malibu D. Manson in command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. Skirmish at McMinnville, Tenn. 2123, 1863.Scout from Rossville to La Fayette, Ga. 22, 1863.Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, assigned to command of the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana (tempo- rarily in command of the Department of Tennessee). Skirmish at Cleveland, Ten.~ Skirmish at Fayette, Miss. 23, 1863.Lieut. Gen. Leonidas Polk, C. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of the Southwest (Mississippi and East Louisiana). Skirmish near Corinth, Miss. Skirmish at Mulberry Village. Tenn. Reconnaissance from Blains Cross-Roads to Powder Spring Gap, Tenn. 24, 1863.Skirmish in Lee County, Va. Skirmish at Rodney, Miss. 24-25, 1863.Operations near Mossy Creek and Daudridge, Tenn. 26, 1863.Skirmish at Sand Mountain, Ala. Skirmish at Port Gibson, Miss. 27, 1863.General Joseph E. Johnston, C. S. Army, assumes command of the Department of Tennessee. Skirmish at Huntingdon, Teun. 28, 1863.Action at Calhoun and skirmish at Charleston, Tenn. 28, 1863Jan. 4, 1864.Expedition from Nashville, Tenn., to Creelsbor. ough, Ky. 29, 1863.Action at Mossy Creek, Tenn. Skirmish at Talbotts Station, Teun. Skirmish at Cleveland, Tenn. Skirmish at La Vergne, Tenn. 2930, 1863..~cout to Beans Station, Tenn Page 5 CHAP. XLIII.) ACTION AT PHILADELPHIA, TENT{. 5 OCTOBER 20, 1863.Action at Philadelphia, Teun. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Ambrpse E. Burnside, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Ohio. No. 2.Brig. Gen.Julius White, U.S. Army, commanding Second Division, Twenty- third Army Corps. No. 3.Col. Frank Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry, commanding Cavalry Bri- gade. No. 4.General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Tennessee, with congratulatory orders. No. 5.Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson, C. S. Army, commanding division, including skirmishes at and near Sweet Water, October 23, 26, and 27, and at~ Leipers Ferry, October 28. No. 6.Col. George G. Dibrell, Eighth Tennessee Cavalry (Confederate), command- ing Cavalry Brigade, including skirmishes at Sweet Water, October 23 and 26. No. 7.~Jol. J. J. Morrison, First Georgia Cavalry, commanding Cavalry Brigade. No. 1. Report of 31aj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, U. S. Army, command ing Department of the Ohio. KNOXVILLE, TENN., October 23, 18639 a. m. GENERAL: On the 20th instant, Colonel Wolfords cavalry brigade, at Philadelphia, was surprised by enemys cavalry and driven back to Loudon, with a loss of six mountain howitzers and a considerable number of ~nen. Colonel Wolford reports his loss at 100. The en- emy has been driven back again beyond Philadelphia. and are said to be concentrating at Sweet Water a heavy force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. The reports of the number of the enemy are indefi- nite, except as to the presence there of Stevensons division of infan- try and of some 3,000 or 4,000 cavalry. I have re-enforced the gar- rison of Loudon, and shall leave for there at once; from there I will endeavor to telegraph you more definitely. We have had a good deal of rain. Trains late, and I fear much of our supplies will be very badly delayed by high water and bad roads. It is reported from several sources that a considerable force, under Joe Johnston, has left Braggs army. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General GRANT. .Llfajor-General. No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Julius White, U. S. Army, commanding Sec ond Division, Twenty-third 4rmy Uorps. LOUDON, October 20, 1863. GENERAL: The skirmishing contYnued till dark, the infantry I sent out holding him in check. Lieutenant-Colonel Adams, of Colonel Wolfords command, brought in 50 prisoners. About 100 in all hav Page 6 6 KY., SW. vA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [~iP. XLUL been brought in. My fighting will be done to-morrow, if any occurs, within the range of the cannon in our defenses. I shall be able to use Wolfords men to-morrow. They. were a good deal confused and scattered to-day The enemy are reported within easy artillery range. I shall take measures to know their position within the next three or four hours. Colonel Wolford says he thinks there are about 200 prisoners. Prisoners say Wheelers cavalry are moving to our rear, on the north side of the river. There is rio other authority for statement. Major Delfosse, of the Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry, is reported killed. JULIUS WHITE, General. General BURNSIDE. LOUDON, October 21, 1863. We have driven the enemy through Philadelphia; they [the enemy] had destroyed his [Wolfords] camp equipage and furniture, and the wagons they captured. It does not appear that many lives were lost yesterday. We have lost none to-day. Have captured a number of prisoners. No report yet from the left flank. JULIUS WHITE, General BURNSIDE. Brigadier-General. No. 3. Reports of Col. Frank Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry, com manding Cavalry Brigade. LOUDON, October 20, 1863. About 10 oclock this morning I got information that about 1,200 or 1,500 rebels had attacked my wagon train, 6 miles from camp. I sent Colonel Ada~ns with the First and Eleventh Kentucky, who got into the rear of the enemy and were cut off by some 3,000 rebels. I soon afterward got information that a large body of the rebels were coming up from Sweet Water. I then mustered up thp rest of my men, amounting to about 700, and attacked them and drove them back several times. After driving them they re-enforced, and came u on us from every side. Our artillery fired their last round. I rallies my men and charged through, saving most of my men and several of my prisoners. We had several men killed and wounded, and several taken pris- oners. I am confident we killed more of them, and took more prisoners, than they did of us. We have lost some of our wagons and baggage, and some of our artilleryperhaps all of it. The enemy are in large force, ~both infantry an~ artillery, with several heavy pieces of the latter. WOLFORD, - Colonel. General BURNSIDE Page 7 Cur. ILIILl ACTION AT ?rnLADELPIIIA, TENN. LOUDON, October 20, 1863. The artillery officer, when I last saw him, reported to me that rwe] had fired our last round. I ordered him to follow me, and if lie could not bring in his pieces to abandon them. I do not think the guns will get in. Most of the cannoneers are killed, I think. The artillery officers are here, and will report in a few minutes. About 50 of the prisoners have just come in; there will be more in soon. I am pretty sure we have from 300 to 400 of them pris- oners. WOLFORD, Colonel. General BURNSIDE. ADDENDA. Return of Casualties in the Union forces engaged at Philadelphia, Tenn., Octo ber 20, 1863. [Compiled from nominal list of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. at a Command. Sj 8 8 .5 a ,~ a a ,~ a ,., a i~ a a ~ .~ a a .3 a .~i a .3 ~ 18 8 18 ~ 18 ~ o ~ o r~i o -~ 1st Kentucky Cavalry I 3 124 127 ~l~hKentuckyCavalry 1...:: 1 88 ~ 12th Kentucky Cavalry 1 1 13 97 112 45th Ohio (mounted) Infantry 4 1 8 3 131 147 Total 1 6~ 1 247 440 479 Officers killed or mortally wounded.Maj. Julius N. Delfosse, Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry; Capt. Comfort E. Stanley, Forty-fifth Ohio (mounted) Infantry. No. 4. Report of General Braxton Bragg, C. S. Army, commanding Army of Tennessee, with congratulatory orders. CHICKAMAUGA, October 21, 1863. The following dispatches received from Major-General Stevenson: CHARLESTON, TENN., October 20, [1863.] The cavalry under Morrison and Dibrell attacked the enemys cavalry in force at Philadelphia to-day7 capturing about 400 prisoners, their artillery, small-arms, camp equipage, & c. Our loss nothing. They are in pursuit of the enemy, who are com- pletely routed. CHARLESTON, TENN., October 21, [1863.] The enemy were pursued to their defenses at Loud6n. Arrived there after dark. The force there not known. Their loss is 700 prisoners, 50 wagons loaded with stores, 10 ambulances, 6 pieces of artillery, a lot of horses, mules, and other property. BRAXTON BRAGG. General S. Oooprj~ Page 8 S KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CIIAI.. XLIII. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE, No. 193. Missionary Ridge, October 22, 1863. I. The general commanding announces to the army with pride and satisfaction two brilliant exploits of our cavalry: * * * * * * * H. On the 20th instant, the cavalry under Colonels Dibrell and Morrison attacked the enemy in force at Philadelphia and captured 700 prisoners, 50 wagons loaded with stores, 6 pieces of artillery, 10 ambulances, and a lot of mules, horses, and other property. The enemy was driven to his defenses at Loudon, and is reported as com- pletely routed. Too much praise cannot be given Colonels Dibrell and Morrison and the brave command under them for the dash and daring displayed in the expedition so completely successful. Such blows dealt the enemy in quick succession are no less honorable to our army than indicative of future success. By command of General Bragg: GEORGE WM. BRENT, Adjutant-General. No. 5. Report of Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson, C. S. Army, commanding division, including skirmishes at and near Sweet Water, October 23, 26, and 27, and at Leipers Ferry, October 28. HEADQUARTERS STEVENSONS DIVISION, Near Tyners Station, November 12, 1863. COLONEL: Agreeably to orders received from army headquarters on the 17th ultimo, I proceeded to Charleston, Teun., arriving there with a jPortion of my command about 2 p. m. on the 19th ultimo. The fai ure of the railroad officials to carry out the arrangements and obey the orders relative to the transportation of the troops, and the delay caused thereby, have been made the subject of a special communication to the commanding general. Immediately upon my arrival at Charleston I gave the following directions to Colonels Morrison and Dibrell, commanding brigades of cavalry: Colonel Morrison with his whole effective force, re-enforced by Colonel Mc- Kenzies and Major Jessees commands, will move so as to reach the rear of Phila- delphia by daylight to-morrow morning and be prepared to co-operate with Colonel Dibrell, who, with his effective command, will advance so as to attack the enemy, supposed to be at that point, at daylight. Should the enemy not be found at Phila- delphia the commands will seek and capture, or drive him across the Tennessee. Having routed the cavalry they will move on London, and should the force of the enemys infantry there be small, will attack and carry that place. In that event Loudoa will be held by a sufficient force, and suitable scouts be sent up the river for ~ information with regard to the enemy in that direction. Colonel Morrison will send a selbct force of 150 men, in command of a suitable officer, to destroy the ferry at Kingston. He will also detail from his command two companies to picket the river on our left flank. The movement directed was at once commenced, but owing to the difficulty in crossing the Hiwassee at the ford by which Colonel~ Morrison moved, the attack was not made until as late as 1 p. in. on the 20th ultimo. For a timgthe resistance was stubborn, the enemy making a gallant fight, but finally they broke and fled in the greates Page 9 CHAP. XLIII.] ACTION AT PHILADELPHIA, TENN. 9 confusion to their defenses at Loudon. The fact that they had there a fortified position, with an infantry support, the approach of dark- ness, and the exhaustion of our cavalry after their long march and severe fight, decided Colonels Morrison and Dibrell not to make an immediate attack upon London. Our loss amounted to 15 killed, 82 wounded, and 3 missing. That of the enemy was greater in killed and wounded, and by capture about 700 prisoners, 6 pieces of artillery, and all their wagons, am- bulances, and camp equipage. On the next morning the enemy advanced in force (infantry and cavalry) from London, and Colonels Morrison and Dibrell withdrew their commands to Sweet Water, there to await the arrival of the infantry. The enemy fell back to London that night. I reached the front on the morning of the 22d; moved the infan- try to Mouse Creek that day, and soon afterward to Sweet Water. On the evening of October 23, the enemy advanced in considerable force and engaged the cavalry for a short time, retiring at dusk. Their loss is not known; ours was 5 wounded. The same movement was again made by them on the evening of October 26. In this affair our loss was 3 wounded and S missing. Thp ei~emy are known to have had 3 commissioned officers and several privates killed, and a number wounded. On October 27, I was informed that the notorious bushwhacker and robber, Bryson, had been sent with his command by Burnside to get in my rear and obtain information as to our movements and intentions. I immediately gave Brigadier-General Vaughn a detach- ment of about 100 men, and directed him to intercept, and, if possi- ble, destroy the party. He suc6eeded in dispersing them, killing several, and taking among the prisoners a captain. During the pur- suit Bryson himself was killed. On October 27, Cheathams division, commanded during the exp e- dition by Brigadier-General Jackson, reached Athens, and by this accession my force, before so weak as to be entirely inadequate for a decided movement against the enemy at London, was strength- ened to such an extent as would have enabled me to actively assume the offensive, but the enemy, informed doubtless by disloyal citi- zens of the arrival of these re-enforcements, evacuated London on the night of the same day. On October 28, I sent Brigadier-General Vaughn, with a force of cavalry, across the Little Tennessee River at Morganton, with orders to make a demonstration upon Knoxville, and gain all the informa- tion he could of the enemys force, movements, arid intentions. He found a force at Leipers Ferry, attacked, and drove them across the river, after quite a sharp engagement, inflicting considerable loss upon them. He also went to Lenoirs Ferry. The sudden and heavy rain that fell at this time raised the Little Tennessee so rap- idly that it became exceedingly hazardous for him to remain on that side, and he accordingly returned to Morganton. On November 3, Colonel Dibrell crossed the Little Tennessee with about 700 men, but found the enemy in too great force in his front to permit him to make any decided move. The results of these scouts in eliciting information were promptly communicated to you by telegraph. On November 4, I received orders by telegraph to send two of the brigades of Cheathams division to Tyners by railroad on the 5th Page 10 10 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. XLIII. and the remaining two on the 6th, and immediately thereafter to send the two brigades of my own division. On the 8th instant, I received orders from the commanding general to leave Brigadier-General Cumming to bring on my division, and report in jperson at army headquarters as soon as possible after the arrival of Lieutenant-General Longstreet at Sweet Water. He reached that point on the night of the 9th, and, as directed, I left Sweet Wa- ter on the morning of the 10th, arriving at Tyners upon the same day. I am, colonel, respectfully, your obedient servant, C. L. STEVENSON, ]Ilajor-General, Commanding. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of Tennessee. No. 6. Reporis of Gol. George G. Dibrell, Eighth Tennessee cavalry (con- Jederate), commanding Cavalry Brigade, including skirmishes at Sweet Water, October 23 and 26. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, Philadelphia, October 20, 18635 p. m. DEAR SIR: The colonel commanding instructs me to say that he engaged the enemy in front of this place at 1 oclock to-day. After a sharp artillery duel of an hour or more the guns of Colo- nel Morrisons brigade were heard in the enemys rear. Colonel Dibrell immediately charged into the town. The enemy was completely routed. We captured all his wagons, ambulances, tents, and cooking utensils, all his artillery, about 400 prisoners, and at least that number of small-arms. The colonel cannot speak too highly of the conduct of his officers and men. The rout is not yet over; prisoners, horses, and mules are hourly coming in. Our loss nothing. By order of Col. G. G. Dibrell, commanding Second Cavalry Bri- gade: DIXON A. ALLISON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Major-General STEVENSON. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, Philadelphia~, October 20, 18638 p. m. DEAR SIR Our forces pursued the enemy to within sight of their camps at London, when darkness ended the pursuit. It is thought they have their infantry in rifle-pits. Our victory is much more complete and decisive than was thought when you were first dis- patched. The enemys loss in killed and wounded was considerable, and the. number of prisoners will not fall short of 700. We captured 50 wagons loaded with stores, f 0 ambulances, 6 pieces of artillery, a large lot of commissary stores and beef cattle, together with a larg Page 11 CRAP. XIJII.1 ACTION AT rHILA]?ELPIIIA, TEI{K. 11 lot of horses and mules. Colonel Wolford, who was in command here, told the gentleman with whom he boarded this morning that General Burnside, with his whole army, left Knoxville on yesterday for Loudon. The story is not credited. We are lying in line of battle to-night, and expect to advance early to-morrow. Prisoners, stock, & c., have been sent forward toward Charleston. It is confi- dently hoped you will move up your forces immediately. By order of Col. G. G. Dibrell, commanding Second Cavalry Bri gade: DIXON A. ALLISON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Major-General STEVENSON, Charleston. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, 2j Miles from Sweet Water, October 21, 18632 p. m. The colonel commanding directs me to say the enemy is advanc- ing on us with infantry and cavalry. Their cavalry is threatening our left and rear. We have a strong position here, and can hold it unless flanked. Colonel Morrison is protecting our left. We skir- mished with them before retiring from Philadelphia, and sent one regiment toward their rear, near up to London, which we suppose has checked the advance of their infantry, as it has not developed itself in our front here. All the captured property has already been sent forward. Two regiments are still holding Philadelphia, with instructions to fall back here if hard pressed. By order of Col. G. G. Dibrell, commanding brigade: DIXON A. ALLISON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. General STEVENSON. HEADQUARTERS SECOND OkVALRY BRIGADE, 2~ Miles from Philadelphia, October 21, 18636 p. m. The enemy failing to advance upon us this side of Philadelphia, I ordered forward our skirmishers, who drove them back through the town. Our advance vedettes stand just out this side of Philadelphia. I think their main force has fallen back to London. In the Federal mail captured yesterday one letter states that there was a division of infantry at London to fall back on when pressed too hard. Another, dated yesterday, that Bnrnside was advancing with his whole force to London; that it was impossible for them to subsist in East Tennessee unless they held the line of the railroad through this end of the State. Our best information is, there ~rere only three regiments of Federal infantry out from London to-day. We this evening forwarded to your commissary about 75 head fine Kentucky captured beef cattle. If possible, we will be obliged if a few can be reserved for us. I have jnst heard from Colonel Morrison that he is encamped to-night to my rear, between this and Sweet Water. All the roads are well picketed. By order of Col. G. G. Dibrell, commanding brigade: DIXON A. ALLISON, Acting Assistant Adjatant-General. Major-General STEVENSON Page 12 12 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. LCXIAP. lUlL HDQRS. SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, ARMSTRONGS Div., Sunday, October 27, 1863. SIR: According to previous orders received, I moved with my brigade and a detachment of General Morgans command from Charleston on the 19th at 12 in.; crossed the Hiwassee River and traveled all night. By an agreement with Colonel Morrison, com- manding brigade, I was to be in front of Philadelphia by 12 m. of the 20th. He was to cross the Hiwassee below me, and move to the rear of the enemy. Subsequently, Colonel M[orrison] notified me that he could not be at the appointed place before 2p. m. Meantime, I advanced my forces, drove in the enemys pickets, kept up a skirmish at a respectable distance, keeping all of my command out of sight of the enemy except two regiments arid one section of artillery until Colonel Morrison could get in position. As soon as this was known, I moved rapidly forward and opened upon the enemy with my artillery, and charged them with cavalry held in readiness for that purpose, completely routing the enemy and scat- tering them through the woods in every direction, capturing in all six pieces of artillery, all their wagons, ambulances, stores, & c., and a large number of horses, equipments, & c., 500 to 600 prisoners. In this engagement I only claim for my brigade that they did their part most admirably, and are entitled to the reputation they had previously so richly merited, and I fully accord to Colonel Mor- r~sons brigade an equal share of all the glories won for the gallant part acted by them in the engagements. Without their co-operation so brilliant a success would have proven a failure, as the enemy were but a few miles from a large infantry force to support them. My loss, 1 man killed and 3 captured. A few horses wounded. Brigadier-General Vaughn had kindly volunteered his services, which were invaluable to me, and his gallantry and daring charge upon the enemy has endeared him to my brigade and caused them all to regard him as one of the bravest of the brave. In the engagement of the 23d my loss was 5 wounded. The loss of the enemy not known. In the engagement of yesterday my loss was 3 wounded and S missing; 2 horses wounded. The enemy left some 12 or 15 dead and wounded horses upon the field, and are known to have had 3 com- missioned officers and several privates killed and a number wounded. The conduct of the men and officers, both cavalry and artillery, was very fine during all the engagements. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. G. DIBRELL, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Maj. J. J. REEVE, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 7. Reports of Gol. J. J. ]!Ior~ ison, First Georgia Cavalry, command ing Cavalry Brigade. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, Lenoirs House, Philadelphia, October 20, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to state that, ag~eably to your in- structions, I succeeded in getting between London and Philadelphia, after making a march of 50 miles in fifteefi hours. Found the enem Page 13 C~.& p. XLIIL1 ACTION AT PHILADELPHIA, TENY. 13 (Colonel Wolfords brigade) in line of battle. Sent one regiment to London to make a demonstration at that place to prevent Colonel Wolfords force being augmented by the forces at London. I attacked him at once with the remainder of my force, numbering 1,200. After a very severe fight, with twice my number pitted against me, supported by six pieces of artillery, I succeeded in com- pletely routing him, capturing all of his artillery (six pieces), entire wagon train, with many fire-arms and ammunition. Captured 400 prisoners. My loss will foot up 10 killed, 68 wounded, and 70 missing. The whole command acted very gallantly. I will report in full at the earliest opportunity. I am, general, your obedient servant, J. J. MORRISON, Colonel, Commanding Second Cavalry Brigade. P. S.Colonel Wolford fell back in great confusion upon four regiments of infantry at Loudon. Night prevents me from pursuing him. HEADQUARTERS MORRISONS BRIGADE, Ballards, October 21, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your dispatch. Have ordered the wagons, artillery, & c., back as directed. I have been skirmishing with the enemys advance this morning. They have advanced their infantry, about 3,000 strong, this side of London. The last I have heard of them, their cavalry have been trying to execute a flank movement. I think it very probable that we will have to fall back nearly to Sweet Water, where there fine natural advantages, as it would not be prudentso Colonel Dibrell, General Vaughn, and myself have concludedif the enemy advances, to remain here, as ho was re-enforced last night by the Ninth Army Corps, of Burusides command; so I have learned from a very reliable Southern man from London this morning. I con- sider the information reliable. I do not think it possible to move them from Loudon without a stronger force than I have. When Mr. Ballard left London the Ninth Corps was on the opposite side, but preparing to come to this side of the river. General White is in command. Loudon is not fortified yet by the enemy. I have thorough scouting parties in the neighborhood of London and will push the enemy as far that way as possible. Will keep you con- stantly advised of their movements. I am, colonel, your obedient servant, J. J. MORRISON, c~ommanding Second Cavalry Brigade. Major-General STEiTENSON, Commanding Expedition, Athens or Charleston. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY FORCES, Owens, near Sweet Water, Tenn., October 27, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, agreeably to instructions frQm General Stevenson, I succeeded in getting my entire command, numbering about 1,800 men, across Hiwassee River at and above Kencannons Ferry by 10 oclo6k on the night of the 19th instant. I immediately took up the line of march for the rear of Philade Page 14 14 xx., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. phia, the distance to the point where I expected to strike the Phila- delphia and Loudon road being 50 miles. The weather was very disagreeable and the roads were in very bad condition, rendered- worse and worse every hour by the incessant showers that had been falling since I left Harrison. Men and officers bore up astonishingly under the circumstances, having in crossing the river and making the march lost two nights sleep in succession. On arriving near Philadelphia, I communicated with Colonel Dib- rell, suggesting that he had better move up and make a demonstra- tion in the front, so that I could, without interruption and undiscov- ered, make the enemys rear; and reaching Pond Creek, a point to the left of and opposite Philadelp~hia, I intercepted and captured a forage train and 40 prisoners. From this point I sent a party on each of the roads lea in in o town, with instructions to drive in the enemys pickets and hold their positions if possible, and thus pre- vent his learning the direction taken by the main part of my com- mand. I finally reached the rear of Philadelphia, after a hard march of 50 miles in fifteen hours, unobserved. I caused the telegraph wire to be cut, and sent as rapidly as possible one regiment to Loudon, a distance of 4 miles, there to make a feint and prevent General White from re-enforcing Wolford at Philadelphia with his infantry from that point. The surprise was complete and the feint on Lon- don a success. I now hastened on to Philadelphia, a distance of 2~ miles, and soon had a view of the enemys line of battle, whereupon I dismounted my men and commenced the attack, Colonel Dibrell having opened an artillery duel in the front some time before. The enemy, on dis- covering me in their rear, at once turned their whole force, with six pieces of artillery, against my command, which was now reduced to about 1,000 men. Afterward ensued one of the hardest cavalry fights of the war, both sides struggling vigorously for the mastery. I was made to fall back twice, but with little effort each time rallied my men and soon had the enemy completely routed and fleeing in confusion toward London, capturing their artillery (six pieces), wagon train, ambulances, stores, and between 500 and 700 prisoners. A portion of the latter was captured by Colonel Dibrells command. The officers and men of my command conducted themselves hand- somely from the commencement of the march to the rout of the enemy at Philadelphia, but credit is especially due to Colonel Hart, of the Sixth Georgia; Colonel Rice, of the Third Confederate, and Colonel Harper, of the First Georgia Cavalry, who lost a leg while leading his men in a gallant charge. Colonels Rice and Hart occu- pied the left, and nobly did each do his duty. From an intrepid charge on the enemys rear, his artillery, wagons, and stores, with most of the prisoners, fell into their hands. Lieut. George Yoe, Capt. Davidson Lamar, and Adjt. John W. Tench, acting on my staff, have my thanks for their assistance, effi- ciency, and~gallantry on the field. Although the victory was complete, the fruits of it fell short far of what they would have reached if I had had the prompt co-opera- tion of the forces in front. The casualties in my command are 14 killed, 82 wounded. Those of the enemy much larger. J. J. MORRISON, Gotonel, G6~rnrnanding Second cavalry Brigade. Maj. J. J. E~EVE, Assi6tant Adjutant-General Page 15 Ow. XLIII.] RECONNAISSANCE TOWARD TRENTON, ALA. 15 OCTOBER 20, 1863.Skirmish at Warm Springs, N. C. Report of Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Wilicox, U. S. Army. GREENEVILLE, TENN., October 20, 1863. GENERAL: The rebels made a fresh attack on Warm Springs this morning at daylight, and were repulsed after a skirmish of two hours; 1 killed and 5 wounded on our side. Adjutant Grace, Sec- ond North Carolina Infantry, supposed to be captured. Last night our men captured a picket of 10 men on the Marsh~l1 road. Colonel Smith still calls for arms, and asks for re-enforce- ments. The attack was made on Spring Creek road. Do you wish any more troops sent there? 0.B. WJLLCOX, General BURNSIDE. Brigadier- General. OCTOBER 20, 1863.Reconnaissance from Bridgeport toward Trenton, Ala. Report of Lieut. Col. Edward S. Salomon, Eighty-second Illinois Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTY-SECOND REGT. ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS, October 20, 1863. SIR: Pursuant to orders, I left Long Island at 12 oclock to-day with 180 men of the Eighty-second Illinois, Forty-fifth New York, One hundred and forty-third New York, on a reconnaissance to as- certain the whereabouts of the enemy. We marched on the Moore Gap road toward Trenton. On the road I obtained the information from several citizens that two brigades rebel cavalry were stationed at Trenton, and that small squads of this cavalry were infesting the mountains. At the top of the mountain my advance noticed a vedette of the enemy, who, after firing at my men, turned his horse and fled. I deployed some men as skirmishers, throwing them out to the right, left, and front, and captured 1. I then pushed forward as rapidly as the bad mountain road ahd heavy rain allowed, and after consider- able skirmishing along the road we captured 2 more; we were then about 8 miles from Bridgeport and 9 miles from Trenton. After a careful and separate examination of the prisoners and a citizen named Potts, I found that the rest of the rebel cavalry company which had been out there had fallen back on Trenton, and as it was getting dark, and on account of the bad roads and weather it was impossible for me to push on any farther, I considered it best to re- turn to camp, which I did. I also captured 3 horses and the arms of the prisoners. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD S. SALOMON, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Eighty-second ill. Vols. Lieutenant-Colonel MEYSENBURG, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 16 16 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., 2I~T. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. OCTOBER 2029, 1863.Operations on the Memphis and Charleston Rail road. SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Oct. 20, 1863.Skirmishes at Bartons and Dicksons Stations and Cane Creek, Ala. 21, 1863.Action at Cherokee Station, Ala. 26, 1863.Skirmishes near Cane Creek and at Bartons Station, Ala. 27, 1863.Skirmish at Little Bear Creek, Ala. 29, 1863.Skirmish at Cher~ee Station, Ala. REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps, of skirmish at Bartons Station, October 20. No. 2.Brig. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, U. S. Army, commanding First Division, including operations October 20November 4. No. 3.Brig. Gen. Charles R. Woods, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, of skirmishes near Cane Creek and at Bartons Station, October 26. No. 4.Lieut. CoL David J. Palmer, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, Second Brigade, of action at Cherokee Station. No. 5.Col. George A. Stone, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, of skirmishes October 2627. No. 6.Maj. Gen. Stephen D. Lee, C. S. Army, commanding Confederate Cavalry in Mississippi. No. 1. 1~Qort of lIIaj. Gen. William T. Sherman, U. S. Army, com- manding Fifteenth Army Corps, of skirmish at Bartons Sta- tion, October 20. MEMPHIS, TENN., October 21, 1863. (Received 8.40 p. in., 23d.) Major-General HALLECK: General Sherman telegraphs from Bear Creek: IUKA, October 21, 1863. My advance found Forrests Cavalry, 400 strong, at Bartons Station, and whipped them handsomely yesterday, killing 2 and taking 9 prisoners. Our loss, 1 killed and 3 wounded slightlyall of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, which acted most handsomely. The Tennessee River is up 8 feet on the shoals. I must cross over to communicate with Nashville and Chattanooga, and must have a steam ferry-boat. I ~vi1L keep a regiment at Eastport. Wheeler, 10,000 strong, is near Decatur. I hope he will oppose my advance, but think he will swing up on my flank. My advance is at Cane Creek. SHERMAN. I send by this boat dispatch to Porter and Colonel Allen for a ferry-boat to be sent up, and hope it may be hurried forward; other- wise, after crossing, Sherman will be beyond reach of supplies, of which he has now fifteen days on wagon train. S. A. HURLBUT, .A[ajor- General. (Copy to General Grant.) No. 2. Reports of Brig. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus, U. S. Army, command ing First Division, including operations October 20November 4. HDQRS. FIRST DIv.. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, -. Cherokee, Ala., October 20, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my advance to-day found the rebel pickets near Dicksons Station, and drove them fo Page 17 Cu.& p. XLIII.] OPERATIONS ON MEMPhIS AND CHARLESTON B. B. VT several miles, until they reached the open fields at Bartons Station, where Colonel Forrests cavalry (about 400 men) had formed. The colonel was in command himself. On this intelligence, I immedi- ately brought all the cavalry and one section horse artillery forward. Before I came up two companies of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry had made a brilliant saber charge, but could not cause the enemy to yield his very strong position. After the re-enforcements were deployed, the Fifth Ohio advanced gallantly, driving the rebels from every inch of the first and a second position they had fallen back on on the east side of Cane Creek. Posting the artillery, supported by the Third Regulars, on a slight elevation commanding the road, I pushed the Fifth Ohio forward and succeeded in scattering the enemy completely. The cavalry and one section artillery is encamped in the rebel camp. Our loss is, 1 seriously wounded (since dead) and 3 slightly wounded, all of the Fifth Ohio. The names I will send in as soon as possible. Of the enemy, 2 dead, 4 wdunded, and 6 prisoners fell into our hands. The Fifth Ohio Cavalry, under command of Colonel Heath and Major Smith, did glorious y. I am sorry to be unable to give you the name of another officer, who, although shot through the left wrist, remained with the command during all the fight. I will send in the nominal list of casualties to-morrow. I am, general, with great respect, your obedient servant, P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, Brigadier- General of Volunteers. Maj. Gen. FRANK P. BLAIR, Jr. Commanding Advance Fifteenth Army Corps. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cherokee, Ala., October 21, 1863. MAJOR: In consequence of your orders of last morning not to move forward, I deemed it prudent to withdraw the small. force which I left after yesterdays engagement at Cane Creek, in the expectation to close up on them by this morning. I only left two companies of cavalry as picket at the creek. About noon the commanding officer of this picket sent me word that he was hard pressed by a large rebel mounted force. I ordered the division to fall in at once, and advanced a part of Second Brigade and one section of Missouri Horse Artillery to support the retreating picket. When I came up with these troops to the advance infantry }Sicket, I met the retiring cavalry and the rebel mounted infantry hard on them. I ordered Col. J. A. Williamson, commanding Second Brigade, to deploy one battalion of infantry on each side of the main road and then ad- vance; the remainder of Second Brigade was to follow in supporting distance. The First Brigade, General Woods commanding, and batteries were placed so that they could be thrown forward on either flank. The two leading regiments of the Second Brigade advanced steadily and forced the rebels to fall back into an open field on the east side of the timber. I then brought the whole of the Second Brigade up; while I ordered them to deploy, the enemy made an impetuous charge, and for a short time succeeded in occupying the skirt of the timber again. Colonel Torren~~e, of the Thirtieth Iowa Infantry, was killed there at the head of the regiment. 2 R BVOL XXXI PT Page 18 This advantage lasted but a very short time, when the brave men of the Second Brigade drove them back across the open field I men- tioned above. Forced back in front, the enemy pushed his cavalry forward around my left, but the Twenty-ninth and Thirty-first Missouri Infantry, and a part of the Twelfth Missouri Infantry, of First Brigade, was soon brought into position and in readiness to repulse any attempt of the enemy. I now advanced the Fifth Ohio Cavalry and Third Regulars on the right, and a section of First Missouri Horse Ar- tillery took position abreast of Second Brigade on the east skirt of the timber. The artillery dislodged, by very good practice, the enemy, who had formed again out of range of the artillery, and occupied several plantation houses, about 600 yards in my front. Seeing the effect ot this section, the second section of First Missouri Horse Artillery was ordered forward and caused the rebels to yield their position again. The movement of the cavalry on the right and the advance of the whole line of infantry caused the enemy to abandon his attempts on my left. They withdrew rather promptly out of the [range of the] artillery and infantry and the flanking maneuver of the cavalry. Following them up by advancing both my lines of infantry and the artillery, preceded by the cavalry, I drove the rebels for about 5 miles, when night set in and I withdrew my command, leaving only very strong pickets on the ground we had taken from the enemy. Only the Second Brigade, under Colonel Williamson, Landgrae- bers battery, and the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, and Third U. S. Cavalry, participated in the fight, and they all di~1 their whole duty. Thecasualties are, since yesterdays report, 8 killed and 24 wounded. Some prisoners were made, and I learn that the enemy had quite a number of casualties. The force attacking us was several thousand strong, mostly in- fantry and cavalry. I inclose nominal list* of killed and wounded, as far as ascertained to-night. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, Maj. ~. ~. GREEN, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. Assi#ant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure.] List of killed and wounded in action at Cherokee, Ala., October 21, 1863. Killed: Officers Non-commissioned officers Enlisted men Total Wounded: Officers 7 Non-commissioned officers 9 Enlisted men 12 Total 28 Total killed and wounded 35 * Omitted Page 19 Ci~. XIJII.1 OPERATIONS ON MEMPhIS ANT) CIIARJ2ESTON R. R. 19 Many of the wounds are of very severe character; four capital operations of the lower ektremities have alreadLy been performed. iVt. W. ROB BINS, & ~rg. Fourth Iowa inf., Surg. in Chf., First Div., lath A. C. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTR ARMY Coups Bridgeport, Ala., December 15, 1863. MAJOR: I have the honor to report on the operations of my divis- ion consequent on your order (received in camp, Cherokee station, Ala.) to push the enemys forces then in my front toward and into Tuscumbia, without, however, going beyond that place. Before entering on the narrative, however, I beg leave to refer the general to my reports on previous engagements with the enemy on October 20 and 21, copies of which I now inclose. * The very signal repulse of the enemys attack on our position at Cherokee, October 21 (see inclosure marked B), made him extremely careful, and all the information we could receive showed that lie was receiving consider- able re-enforcements, and occupied a very strong position on both sides of Cane Creek. In compliance with your orders we left cam p in the lightest possi- ble marching order at 3 a. in., October 26, and arrived at the ceme- tery near Bartons Station (Memphis and Charleston Railroad) at 4.30 a. m. The rebel pickets stationed there fled very hastily on our approach and gave the alarm in their camp. As it was too dark to push my advance forward and endeavor to intercept them, I awaited daybreak, and then deployed the First Bri- gade (Brigadier-General Woods commanding) behind a slight eleva- tion in the ground to the~ri~t and left of the graveyard mentioned above, and placed the First issouri Horse Artillery (Captain Land- graeber) in the cemetery itself. The cavalryFifth Ohio, and Third Regularswere formed on both wings of the First Brigade, while the Second Brigade (Col. J. A. Williamson commanding) was kept in reserve in column near Bartons Station. The distance between my front line and the enemys position was from 800 to 1,000 yards. (The cavalry engagement, reported on the inclosure marked A, was fought on the same ground.) The enemys position was on a pretty steep ridge and well masked by timber, while my troops occupied the open fields, which extended, almost prairie-like, all the way from Cher.okee Station to the hilts in posses- sion of the enemy. A wet weather branch of Cane Creek ifows at the foot of the hills. The first rays of the rising sun gave us some light as to the enemys forces. He opened on us with artillery (rifle pieces) planted on the hill in my immediate front, and deployed a large column of cavalry on my rio~ht. The skirmishers of the First Brigade engaged those of the re~els in front and exchanged a brisk fire, while I dispatched Colonel Heath to the right with part of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry and two bat- talions of infantry of First Brigade. My instructions to the former were not only to check the advance of the enemy on that flank, but to attempt to gain his flank in tu movements of the cavalry. in; to the latter, to support the *See pp. 16, 17 Page 20 20 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Cm. XLIII. The heavier metal of the enemys artillery, against which the 12-pounder howitzers of Landgraebers battery at about 1,000 yards were inadequate, caused me to order one section of 20-pounder Par- rotts, of Fourth Ohio Battery, to relieve Land~raebers pieces. Under cover of the Parrotts, the whole line of General Woods was ordered to advance; I also brought forward the Second Brigade, and deployed it on the left of First Brigade. The extreme left flank was guarded by the Third U. S. Cavalry. General M. L. Smiths division had, in the meantime, come up to Bartons Station, and acted as reserve. Landgraebers battery fol lowed the advancing infantry, and was brought into action on the right, exposing, with the Parrotts in the center, the enemys artillery to a cross fire. The skirmishers on the right (Third and Twelfth Missouri) advanced gallantly over the undulations of the ground, and the Fifth Ohio Cavalry pressed the rebels back into the timber, bringing them under the fire of my artillery. The rebels, both artil- lery and cavalry, yielded after a weak resistance, and hastily retired to Cane Creek. Cane Creek is a pretty deep stream. A muddy, swampy bottom skirted the same on our side, while the opposite bank, which was occupied by the rebels, rises gently, and offered a splendid field for maneuvering his large cavalry forces. Our in- fantry pushed forward as fast as the very bad, rough, and muddy nature of the ground admitted. Dismounted rebel cavalry held on my right the skirt of timber along Cane Creek. Five of their pieces (mostly rifled) opened on my infantry as soon as it debouched, but their defense was by no means equal to the impetuous advance of my infantry, who hardly awaited the arrival of artillery and cavalry, but plunged into and forded Cane Creek, and, delivering a furious fire, made the enemys artillery limber to the rear, and the dis- mounted cavalry look for their horses. They retreated very rapidly, not, however, without showing, as a matter of form, a rear guard of about 200 cavalry, but at a very safe distance. Our cavalry, ordered forward again, drove these observing squads before them, and kept them at a very lively gait, the in- fantry skirmishers following in almost double-quick time. We came to Little Bear Creek without a halt of any consequence. This creek is only 4 miles from Tuscumbia, and, once in our possession, gave us control of that town. The creek runs in a narrow bed of rock, and the banks are very abrupt and high. The Tuscumbia road, over which we were marching, crosses the creek and ascends the opposite cliffs through a very narrow gap. The defile thus formed is rendered, in a military point of view, more available by the semicircle formed by Bear Creek, which is bor- dered on the west bank by an open plateau, thus giving an oppor- tunity to a defender on the eastern bank for a well-secured move- ment against the flank of any column attempting to cross by tho~ main road.~ When I reached this plateau on the west bank of the creek, I saw the enemys entire force in line of battle on the high prairie on the opposite bank; he opened with his rifled guns at once, and his prac- tice at a distance of at least 2, 500 yards was perfect, but he had omitted to avail himself of the ground on my right and thus to threaten my flank. As soon as my infantry came up, I ordered skirmishers to be thrown a6i~oss the creek on that exposed flank with instructio~is to guard it against an apprehended attack. My infantry was formed across the plateau and & cheval of the road. The ski Page 21 CHAP. XLIII.] OPERATIONS ON MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON B. B. 21 mishers thrown across the creek were supported by the Third and Twenty-seventh Missouri Infantry, which regiments occupied the high bank along Little Bear Creek, forming an obtuse angle with the main line, and were covered by a narrow skirt of timber. All these preparations were completed while the enemy continued his artillery practice onmy deploying infantry. I had to await the arrivalof the Parrotts of the Fourth Ohio Battery (Captain Froehlich) to attend to them. When they arrived they participated in the artillery duel. Landgraebers howitzers were unlimbered on the right in support of the skirmishers whom I had put across the creek. The enemy, seeing too late his neglected opportunity on his left (my right), made a most vigorous effort to redeem this fatal mistake; a full brigade of cavalry (commanded, as I learned afterward, by Forrest) was formed, and, advancing against our skirmishers, drove them back to the timber skirting the creek. Their leader, rendered sanguine by the retreat of the skirmishers, ordered them to charge; I could distinctly hear his command. They approached the creek at a furious gallop, when Lieutenant-Colo- nel Meumann, commanding Third Missouri Infantry, opened on them, delivering a fire by rank, volley after volley, with admirable regularity, into the gray cloud below. This fire scattered them in every direction. They lost their leader in this fire, and Landgraebers battery assisted handsomely in keeping them at a proper distance. It was now too late (5 p. in.) to undertake anything decisive, and, in compliance with Major-General Blairs orders, we bivouacked a little in rear of our position, a strong line of pickets holding the ground we had gained. On the morning of the 27th of October, I received the generals order to delay my attack until a brigade of the Second Division, which was to cross the creek farther up, in order to get on the en- emys left flank, could co-operate with me; the Third Regular Cav- alry was detailed to assist in this flank movement. We consequently took up our position of last night, excepting that the Parrott sec- tion of Fourth Ohio Battery (Captain Froehlich) was ordered to the right, with Landgraebers battery of howitzers, while four 20-pounder Parrotts, of the Second Division, took the position occupied by Cap- tain Froehlichs guns the day previous. The enemys line likewise appeared in the same order as yesterday. We, however, soon observed a commotion on their left, and it did not last long until I heard musketry fire in that direction. I immedi- ately ordered my batteries to open and my whole line of infantry to advance. The practice of the Parrotts was brilliant, and the rebel sharpshooters along the creek in front gave way before the fire of my skirmishers. The fire on my right became very brisk and approached very steadily. The enemy, seeing his left flank ex- posed, repeated his maneuver of Cane Creek, that is, he retreated, pursued vigorously by the Fifth Ohio Cavalry (Colonel Heath), which I had ordered forward. A rebel force seemed inclined to make a stand on the west side of Tuscumbia, and formed in front of some high timber; the Fifth Ohio Cavalry formed and advanced through the open fields on both sides of the Tuscumbia road, supported by one section 6-pounder field pieces of Griffiths (First Iowa) battery. The rebels, however, disappeared and we pushed on, Tuscumbia being in our possession by 110 clock. In all these engagements both offi- cers and men behaved most gallantly. Our losses were very slight Page 22 22 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [C~zix. XLIII. for the latter I refer to the nominal lists which I forwarded some time ago. On the 28th of October, we left Tuscumbia for Cherokee, at 6 a. in., in compliance with orders received. In order to facilitate this movement, I ordered Colonel Heath to advance toward the enemy, which he did, but finding no en~iny, he remained in Tuscumbia until noon, when he followed the command. The rebels, finding out that they were not pursued, turned round and made their appearance again near Cherokee Station, on October 29, exhibiting a very respectable strength, but at great distance. I made my arrangements to receive them, leaving my right on a very steep hill, thickly timbered, and protecting my camp en & ~he1on. I was, however, unable to entice the rebels within range, and toward evening they fell back. Next morning we left for Chickasaw Land.. ing (on Tennessee River), where we arrived, after a very tedious march over exceedingly bad roads, on 31st of October. Rebel cav- alry followed us very closely, but without molesting us in any way. Colonel Heaths cavalry was sufficient to hold them in check. On the morning of November 4, the First Division (the last of your corps) crossed the Tennessee River. I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant, P. JOS. OSTERHAUS, Brig. Gen., U. S. Vols., Comdg. First Div., 15th A. C. Maj. R. M. SAWYRR, Headquarters Fifteenth Army corps. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. Charles 1?. Woods, U. S. Army, command- ~ng .IIi~rst Brigade, of skirmishes near Cane creek and at Bar- tons Station, October 26. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST Div., 15TH ARMY Conis, Cherokee Station, Ala., October 28, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that at 3 a. m. of the 26th instant, I left camp at this place with my brigade, having the ad- vance of the division, and proceeded in the direction of Tuscumbia, Ala. The brigade is composed of the Twelfth Missouri Infantry, Col. Hugo Wangelin commanding; Thirteenth Illinois Infantry, Col. A. B. Gorgas commanding; Twenty-seventh Missouri Infan- try, Col. Thomas Curly commanding; Third Missouri Infantry, Lietit. Col. Theo. Meumaun commanding; Seventy-sixth Ohio In- fantry, Maj. W. Warner commanding; Thirty-second and Twenty- ninth Missouri Infantry, forming one battalion, Lieut. Col. H. C. ~ Wa.rmoth (Tjhirty-second Missouri) commanding; Seventeenth and Thirty~first Missouri Infantry, forming one battalion, Lieut. Col. S. P. Simpson (Thirty-first Missouri) commanding. It was accom- panied by the First Missouri Horse Artillery, Capt. C. Landgraeber commanding, and the Fourth Ohio Battery, Capt. George Froehlich commanding, and was followed by the Second Brigade of this. division. When I reached Bartons Station I found that the cavalry had driven the enemy to a strong position. I deployed two regiments Page 23 Ca.t~. XLIII.] OPERATIONS ON MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON B. B. 23 the Thirteenth flhinois and Seventy-sixth Ohioon the left of the railroad and the remainder of my brigade on the right, taking the two battalions, composed each of two regiments, to a position three- qnarters of a mile to the right, and posting them in a piece of woods. Having completed these dispositions, and thrown skirmishers well. to the front, ordered the brigade to advance. The Second Brigade, with skirmishers in front, advanced at the same time on my left. The skirmishers moved forward in o~allant style, driving the enemy from their position and pushing t~em back to Cane Creek, a dis- tance of 1 mile. Here they reformed, having five pieces of artillery posted on high ground, with open fields intervening, and skirmishers strongly posted along the creek bottom. After reconnoitering, I pushed my right forward in the edge of the woods. The skirmishers soon reached the creek, and succeeded in crossing. At this point the fir- ing was very heavy, but of short duration. The enemy, abandoning their positions, fell back to the Little Bear Creek, 3 miles from Tus- cumbia. They made a stand upon a hill which commanded the val- ley between us I posted my brigade on the right of the road upon a hill. About the time the first two regiments were posted the enemys cavalry made a charge across the open field on my right, with the evident intention of getting possession of the hill. They were checked and driven back by a volley from the Third and Twenty-seventh Missouri, by which Colonel Forrest was severely, if not mortally, wounded by a Minie ball through both thighs. It being late, nothing further was done than to take a position and to hold it until dark. The troops, except three regiments, which were left on picket duty, were then withdrawn into a ravine. On the following morning, the 27th instant, I deployed the Seventeenth Missouri, Co. John F. Cramer commanding, as skirmishers, sup- ported by the Third Missouri on the opposite side of the creek. At the same time the Second Brigade moved up on my left and the Second Division on my right. The movement was successful, and by 12 m. the troops were in Tuscumbia. I append a list of killed and wounded. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. R. WOODS, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. W. A. GORDON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., First Div., 15th Army corps. No. 4. Report of Lieut. Gol. David J. Palmer, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, Second Brigade, of action at Cherokee Station. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH IOWA INFANTRY, Cherokee, Ala., October 22, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit you th~ following report of the p art taken by my regiment in the engagement of yesterday: We formed in line of battle at the earliest intimation o the res- ence of the enemy, and, by order of General Osterhaus, we moved forward in line of battle, oui~ left resting on the road near the open field, at the end of the woods. We engaged the enemy, and briskly returned their fire, holding the position for more than an Page 24 24 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XL~. hour, when we advanced across the fields, still occupying the right, but had no more engagements with the enemy. The following is a full list of our casualties: John B. Fidlar, second lieutenant, D Company, gunshot wound in left forearm; Lewis Hill- yard, private, D Company, contusion in left shoulder; Charles L. Renz, private, E Company, flesh wound in left leg below the knee. All of which is respectfully submitted. By order of D. J. Palmer, lieutenant-colonel commanding: SAM. W., SNOW, Capt. GEORGE E. FORD, Adjutant. A. A. A. G., Second Brig., First Div., 15th A. 0. No. 5. Report of Gol. George A. Stone, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, of skirmishes October 2627. HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH IOWA INFANTRY, Bridgeport, Ala., December 19, 1863. GENERAL: In consequence of our being constantly on the wing for the past sixty days, I liave not been able to report you promptly the p art taken by my regiment in the engagements of last month. On Sunday evening, October 25, at Cherokee, our division received marching orders for 4 a. m. next day, and accordingly the division moved at the hour indicated in the direction of Tuscumbia, in light marching order, and in fine fighting condition. The First Brigade, Brig. Gen. C. R. Woods commanding, had the advance; and ours, the Second Brigade, Col. James A. Williamson commanding, the rear. General Osterhaus orders were very imperative and strict concern- ing the tactical arrangement of battalions, as the enemy, but some 3 miles in front of us, was composed entirely of cavalry, and equal fully in numerical strength. About 2 miles from camp we met the enemys skirmishers, and here formed our line of battle, the First Brigade on the right and the Second on the left, with one of the other divisions of our corps as reserve. My position was on the extreme left, and, in accordance with orders, I formed a square to repel cavalry, first, however, hav- ing covered my front properly with skirmishers. Our skirmishers pushed the enemy so vigorously and our lines followed so promptly that after a short resistance he fell back to another position some 4 miles to his rear, and made another stand. The same disposition was again made by our division, the same sharp, short fighting, with the same resultthe hasty retreat of the enemy. We continued this skirmishing during the entire day, and renewed it on the 27th, literally fighting them from Cherokee to Tuscumbia. ~ We entered the town at 3 p. m. on the 27th. Sergt. Nehemiah M. Redding, of Company D, was killed while skirmishing on the 26th. I have no other casualties to mention. Officers and men behaved handsomely. Very respectfully, general, your obedient servant, GEO. A. STONE, Colonel, Comdg. Tz:~nty-fifth Iowa Volwnteers. Adjt. Gen. N. B. BAKER,~ Davenport, Iowa Page 25 C~ip.. XLIII.] OPERATIONS ON MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON R. R. 25 No. 6. Reports of Maj. Gem. Stephen D. Lee, U S. Army, commanding Gor~federate Cavalry in Mississippi. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN Mississippi, Camp 19 Miles East of Tuscumbia, October 20, 1863. COLONEL: For the information of General Johnston, I have the honor to report that np to the 19th instant General Wheeler declined to cross the Tennessee River with me, not deeming his command in condition to do so and feeling it incumbent on him to await instruc- tions from General Bragg. On the 17th, the inclosed copy of a commnnication from General Bragg was received, which indicates orders for a move in conjunc- tion with my command will be sent. The communication was a re- ply to one from General Wheeler, written before the general was aware of my being near South Florence. No reply has yet been re- ceived to my communication to General Bragg, but it is expected at any moment. I feel it incumbent on me to remain here some days longer till something more is heard from General Bragg, as General Wheeler feels confident the general intends an offensive move. The river is now too high for fording (since 17th), but is falling slowly, though I fear will not fail sufficient for fording for six or eight days, if at all this season. The enemy are in the vicinity of Huntsville. General Roddey is over the river, and cannot cross to this side. I fear my expedition will be of no avail, as the enemy certainly are aware of the presence of so large a cavalry force in this vicinity by this time. General Wheelers command was much demoralized by plunder, and officers and men behaved unbecomingly on the trip, thinking more of their plunder than of fighting the enemy. The enemy are certainly re- p airing the road from Corinth in this direction, and have repaired beyond Inka. They have made several offensive moves across Bear Creek, but have been repulsed. I hope to report soon having crossed the river on my return to Mississippi. Forage is scarce in this valley. General Wheelers command is in the vicinity of Courtland. The last report from Huntsville gives a rumor that Rosecrans is sending troops back to Murfreesborou,gh. I am, colonel, yours, respectfully, STEPHEN D. LEE, Col. B. S. EWELL, Major-General. Asst. Adjt. Gem. to General Johnston, Meridian, Miss. [Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY O]f TENNESSEE, Major-General WHEELER, October 14, 1863. Courtland: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of the 9th, reporting your operations in Middle Tennessee, the general commanding de- sires me to say that he wishes you will without delay get your com- mand in readiness for active movement in conjunction with Major- General Lee Page 26 26 KY~7 sw. v%., m~., MISS., ~. ALA., A~TD ~. GA. LCHAP. xr~m. In the meantime, you xviii make inquiry as to the best means of crossing your command at some point between your present position and Bellefonte. Should the enemy, previous to orders for your move- ment, lay himself open to attack, strike him at once. His Excellency President Davis has been here and read your report. He requested the general commanding to make known to you and your command his satisfaction and appreciation of your services. Horseshoes can be had at Rome. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE WM. BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General. P. S.The general directs that you order Col. J. K Forrest, com~ manding North Alabama, to have the Memphis and Charleston Rail- road effectually torn up from the nearest point to the enemy. Respectfully, KIINLOCH FALCONER, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CAvALRY IN MississiPPi, Cane Creek, 10 Miles West of Tuscumbia, October 21, 18635 p. m. SIR: I received this morning your communication of the 17th in- stant. On its receipt my command was then in motion to meet the enemy advancing from Big Bear Creek. The enemy was attacked about 11 a. m. and his cavalry driven back to the vicinity of Chero- kee Station, 14 miles from Tuscumbia. Here we encountered a large cavalry force, which I find to be Osterhaus and Blairs divisions, of Shermans corps, which is advancing, repairing the road as they ad- vance. Shermans headquarters are at Juka. From a prisoner taken I find that Shermans corps has been increased, and the supposed destination is Chattanooga. I will check the command as far as is in my power. Their cavalry force is about two regiments, and they keep close to infantry supports. I do not consider it prudent to go to Middle Tennessee with my commahdat any rate until the cavalry which pursued. General Wheeler has returned to its original position. Scouts now report it in the vicinity of Shelbyville. I will destroy the railroad as rapidly as possible. General Roddey is across the river at Rogersville. I will order his brigade to this side, as otherwise it will soon be cut off. I do not think the river will be fordable again this season. I had no time specified to be absent from Mississippi. Was sent for a specific purpose, viz, to cut the road between Chattanooga and Nashville. Will remain at least until I hear from General John- ston. I am, major, yours, respectfully, STEPHEN D. LEE, Major- General. Maj. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of Tenn., near Chattanooga. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN Missrssi~~i, Ten Miles West of Tuscumbia, October 22, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose copi6s of communications from General Bragg to General Wheeler and myself Page 27 cirix. XLIII.] 0PERA~TI0NS ON MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON R. R. 2T On the night of the 20th, my command was put in motion to repel the enemy at thi~s point. We attacked and drove the enemy to Cherokee Station, 4 miles west of this, where a large infantry force was encountered, and last evening I withdrew to this point. The force of the enemy consists of Osterhaus division, and another, re- ported as Blairs, of Shermans corps. Shermans headquarters are said to be at Thka by a prisoner captured. The enemy are gradually advancing, with an infantry force repairing the railroad. Their cavalry cojisists of about two regiments, and keeps close on their infantry. I do not anticipate a rapid advance of the enemy, as they are now in advance of their work. I am thoroughly destroying the railroad, and will impede their advance as much as possible. General Roddey is over the Tennessee River. I have ordered him to cross at once, and so soon as he crosses will commence interfering more materially with the enemys work. I do not consider it pru- dent at present to attempt to cross the Tennessee, as the cavalry of the enemy is in the vicinity of the railroad, and outnumbers my command. I shall remain in this valley until I hear from the gen- eral, and would suggest that General Chalmers be kept active on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad to impede the work of the enemy as much as possible. Have ordered an escort to be in readiness at Okolona to come with some ammunition I need and send for. It may be necessary for the train to come into the valley opposite Courtland, as the route by Russellville I do not consider safe. The enemy are without doubt rebuilding the railroad, and have the cars running to Bear Creek. Their force is nearly altogether infantry. My loss yesterday was 3 killed and 12 or 15 wounded. I am, colonel, yours, respectfully, STEPHEN D. LEE, Col. B. S. EWELL, Major-General. Assistant Adjutartt- General, Meridian. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY o~ TENNESSEE, iilissionary Ridge, October 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. S. D. LEE, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: The general commanding instructs me to say that he desires you will remain in this department as long as you can con- sistently with your instructions, and operate against the advancing columns of the enemy, checking and impeding him, breaking his communications, and, if possible, throwing a force north of the Ten- nessee, and to strike at the enemys rear. Our cavalry in North Alabama will report to and act under you. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE WM. BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TENNESSEE, Major-General WHEELER, Missionary Ridge, October 17, 1863. Commanding Cavalry Corps, Courtland, Ala.:, GENERAL: The general commanding instructs me to say that he wishes you to move with your command in that direction, and tha Page 28 28 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. you will receive orders at or near Guntersville. You may be re- quired to cross the Tennessee at that point, and you should, there- fore, provide yourself with the means of doing soif it be practicable. You will open communication, if possible, with General Roddey, from whom no report has been received. Major-General Lee has been re nested to remain in this department as long as his instruc- tions wi permit, and to operate against the advancing columns of the enemy. Be good enough to have the letters for Generals Lee and Roddey delivered. IL am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE WM. BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN MISSISSIPPI, Six lLfiles East of Tt~scumbia, October 28, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that the enemy were held in check at Bear Creek, 3 miles west of Tuscumbia, till 9 a. m. yesterday morn- ing, when my position was flanked, and I was compelled to withdraw. The enemy displayed about 6,000 infantry in line of battle. From prisoners captured I learn that Osterhaus division is in front, Blairs next. The rest of Shermans corps is still beyond Big Bear Creek. Grant now commands all west of the Alleghanies, Sherman com- manding the Department of the Tennessee, Blair commanding Sher- mans corps. The enemy have retired from opposite Decatur. I cannot account for the enemy allowing me to destroy so much of the railroad, as they have seen the work and are aware of it. General Ferguson has not been heard from yet. General Roddey returned in time to join me yesterday morning. I sent him in the rear of the enemy again last night. My scouts have captured the medical wagon attached to Osterhans headquarters full of ~valuable supphes. The enemy do not seem disposed to advance to-day. Their pickets are 2+ miles from Tuscumbia. I shall annoy them in every way, and break their communications. I am, major, yours, respectfully, STEPHEN D. LEE ]liajor-Generat. Lient. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Tennessee, near Chattanooga. P. S.I regret to state that the gallant Colonel Forrest was se- verely wounded while leading his regiment against the enemy on the 26th. He had to be left in Tuscumbia, as also some 16 or 20 men too severely wounded to be moved. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY IN MISSISSIPPI, Tuscumbia, October 28, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor tQ report that yesterday zorning, about 9 a. in., I was forced from my position on Little Bear Creek, the enemy attacking with-several brigades. I retired to a point 6 miles east of Tuscumbia. Tuscumbia was occupied by the enemy at 12 m. yesterday Page 29 CHAP. XLIII.] OP~RATIONS ON MEMPHIS AND CHAIll~ESTON R. fl. 29 About 1.30 p. m. to-day I discovered the enemy retiring. My com- mand is following closely. Their rear guard left the town about 12 in., my advance arriving at 3 p. m. General Roddey left with 600 men at 3 a. m. this morning for their rear, and is now on their flank, I sup- pose, about Cherokee Station, 16 miles west of this point. The en- emys force consisted of two divisions, commanded by Osterhaus and Morgan L. Smith, Blair commanding all. They evacuated in conse- quence of finding the railroad so destroyed. Their intention was to rebuild the road or to cross at this point, but received orders to re- turn last evening. The commanding 6fficer of the provost guard stated to the gentleman at whose house he staid that they were re- turning to Eastport to take transports, and that the Tennessee and Cumberland were in good boating orderthe latter to Nashville. The general impression among them was that they were going to Nashville and to re-enforce Thomas army at Chattanooga. The Memphis Bulletin of the 24th states that Grant has been as- signed to the command of all departments west of the Alleghany with plenary powers. Thomas takes Rosecrans place, who is or- dered to Cincinnati to report to Washington by letter. It is sup- posed Grant will go to Chattanooga. They acknowledge a loss of 100 killed and wounded on ~the 22d [21st] and put my force at 8,000. General Ferguson has not been heard from yet. I will report further as soon as their movements indicate their intentions clearly. I regret to report that the gallant Colonel Forrest was severely wounded on the 26th. He had to be left in Tuscumbia and is now paroled. I am, colonel, yours, respectfully, STEPHEN D. LEE, Major-General. Lieut. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Asst. Adjt. Gem.. Army of Tennessee, near Chattanooga. HEADQUARTERS, CANE CREEK, Ten Miles West of Tuscumbia, October 30, 18637.30 a. m. COLONEL: I have the honor to report, for the information of the general, that my command attacked the enemy at daylight yester- day morning, and after a brisk skirmish I discovered that the enemy were in force at their camp near Cherokee Station. Their tents were standing, and my scouts could see no movement indicating breaking up of their camp. My scouts report (and I consider it per- fectly reliable) that about a division of the enemy have crossed at Eastport, and last evening their advance was within a few miles of Florence. Two steamers and flat-boats were at Eastport crossing troops. There is but little doubt now that a column of the enemy will march north of the Tennessee, via Florence and Huntsville. I am in doubt whether the entire force will go by that route; will in- form you as soon as reliable information is received. The force in my front is probably covering the crossing. Some of my scouts still report the enemy working on the railroad east of Bear Creek, and the cars have crossed the Bear Creek Bridge. Brigadier-General Ferguson attacked and routed the Tory Ala- bama Regiment, and thoroughly scattered it over the country, cap- turing two pieces of artillery, some 40 prisoners, a number of horses Page 30 30 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Ciui~. XLIIL small-arms, & c. * Brigadier-General Roddey is still on the flank and rear of the enemy between this point and Big Bear Creek. I am be- coming short of ammunition; have sent for a supply at Okolona. My command is not in a condition to remain long from Mississippi, having lQft prepared only for a two weeks scout against the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, when their destination was changed in this direction. They are n~uch in need of clothing, shoes, & c. I will, however, remain as long as I can be of service, or until I receive orders from General Johnston. If I am to remain in this depart- ment, I should be informed as early as practicable, though I am of opinion that a large cavalry force will not be needed in this valley very long. I am, colonel, yours, respectfully, STEPHEN D. LEE, Lient. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, A8sistant Adjutant-Genera4 Army of Tennessee. HEADQUARTETLS, Tuscumbia, .~1a., October 31, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report that on the 26th instant the enemy advanced in force, and after severe skirmishing on the 26th and 27th occupied Tuscumbia. On 28th, the enemy evacuated Tuscumbia and moved back toward Big Bear Creek. I attacked his rear guard 15 miles west of Tuscumbia on the morn- ing of the 29th, and after a severe skirmish retired before his main force. The enemys force consisted of two divisions of infantry, under Osterhaus and Morgah L. Smith, the whole commanded by General Blair, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. The force of the enemy was about 8,000. They rebuilt the bridge over Big Bear Creek and run the cars to Cherokee Station, 8 miles east of that point. The thorough destruction of the railroad and the stubborn resistance made to their advance have deterred them from this route, and they are now crossing at Eastport and moving on the north side of the ~1L ennessee River. They intended rebuilding this road to IDe- catur. The enemy acknowledge a loss of 100 killed and wounded on the 22d [21st] instant. Their loss has been heavier since. My loss so far is 6 killed and 40 wounded. On the night of the 25th, I sent Brigadier-General Ferguson with two regiments after a raiding party from Corinth. He succeeded in meeting the enemy, routing him and scattering his entire force over the county, capturing 2 pieces of artillery, 4 guidons, 30 prisoners, a~.. considerable quantity of small-arms, & c. Prisoners are still being caught over the country. The raiders were mostly cornposed of the Tory regiment from North Alabama. My scouts captured a valuable medical wagon attached to Osterhaus headquarters, full of medi- cines, & c. The enemy are marching through Florence, and I think toward Huntsville. There is little doubt that the enemy inter~1 another flank movement on General Bragg via Wills Valley. There is lit- * ~ee Skirmish at Yiucents Cross-Roads, October 26, 1863, p. 37 Page 31 XLUL] SKII~MISH ~EAI~ VOL~EY, KY. 31 tie further use for cavalry in this valley, and, unless I receive orders to the, contrary, will leave for Mississippi in about a week. My horses need shoes and resting. Am having my command filled up as rap- idly as possible. It would not be prudent for me to cross the Ten- nessee now with my present force and the dispositions of the enemy. Their main cavalry force from what I can learn is in the vicinity of Huntsville, and at last accounts the cars were running from Steven- son to Paint Rock, and the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad was strongly guarded by troops from Meades army. I am, colonel, yours, respectfully, STEPHEN D. LEE, Col. B. S. EWELL, Major-General. Assistant Adjutant- General, Meridian, Miss. OCTOBER 22, l863.-.-.Skirmish near Volney, Ky. .1?epori of Gol. Cicero Maxwell, Twenty-sixth Kentucky Imfaniry, commanding District of Southwestern Kentucky. HDQR5. U. S. FORCES, SOUTHWESTERN KENTUCKY, Bowling Green, Ky., October 24, 1863. CAPTAIN: On Thursday morning last I received information at Russeliville, where I was, on my way to Hopkinsville, that 45 or 50 guerrillas were a few miles south of that place, robbing loyal people. I started immediately with a small squad of the Third Kentucky Cavalry, sent to accompany me to Hopkinsville, and some mounted men of the Twenty-sixth Kentucky Volunteers and Sixth New Hamp- shire Volunteers, numbering in all about 40, in search of the guer- rillas. Shortly after leaving Russellville, we learned that they had gone to Gordonsville, a small village west of Russellville 6 miles~ early in the morning, robbed several stores, shot and badly wounded an old citizen named Criswell, and had started back with their booty toward Tennessee by the same route they had come. We soon got on their track, and came up with them a short dis- tance southeast of Volney, in Logan County. Our men fired on them, but without waiting to return the fire, the guerrillas fled in great disorder, throwing away their booty, guns, & c., and many of them leaving their horses and escaping into the woods. We pursued them for 30 miles without stopping, our men overtaking and firing on them occasionally, until just below Mitchellsville, in Tennessee, all that then remained together scattered into the woods and eluded far- ther pursuit. They were completely routed and dispersed, several being killed and wounded. Our men also captured several prison- ers, a number of horses, guns, pistols, & c. In their flight the thieves threw away their ill-gotten booty, and the road for miles was strewn with boots, shoes, hats, and various other articles of merchandise. They were under the command of one Captain Dyer. One of our men, Jack Anderson, Twenty-sixth Kentucky, who be- haved with great gallantry and bravery,was pretty severely wounded, but I hope not dangerously. Our men all behaved very well. Lieutenant Poindexter and [Corpi.] Thomas R. Blakey, formerly of the Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, though out of service, volunteered Page 32 32 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [CEAP. XLIIL and acted with great gallantry. I would respectfully commend Lieut. J. Redfearu, Twenty-sixth Kentucky, especially, for his reck- less daring and bravery. He was in command of the squad of the Twenty-sixth Kentucky, and for many miles led the pursuit, fre- quently with I or 2 men only charging upon a dozen of the flying enemy. They, however, scarcely ever returned the fire of our men, relying on the fleetness of their horses for safety, and seemed to be intent only on getting away. I went from Mitchellsville to Franklin on Thursday evening, and returned here yesterday. Very respectfully, CICERO MAXWELL, Colonel 26th Ky. Vols., Gomdg. U. S. Forces, S. W. Ky. Capt. A: C. SEMPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.I sincerely regret to say that one of our men got into adiffi- culty with a citizen named Dinning, near the State line, and unfor- tunately killed him. The men had been instructed to seize horses when theirs gave out. We were in hot pursuit of the robbers, and the horse of one of our men gave out. He undertook to seize Din- nings horse. Dinning resisted and, the soldier says, drew a knife, and he shot and killed him. Dinning was a sympathizer with the rebellion, but I understand, generally, a harmless man. I will have the matter investigated. In our pursuit of the guerrillas, I was more than ever convinced of the utter malignity and treachery of the sympathizers with treason in the southern part of Logan County. Some severe measures, in my humble judgment, will hav~3 to be adopted with them before the daily and nightly robberies of their friends can be stopped. OCTOBER 22, 1863.Destruction of the Steamer Mist on the Mississippi River. Report of Brig. Gen. Napoleon B. Buford, U. S. Army, command rtng District of Eastern Arkansas. HDQRS. DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., October 23, 1863. SIR: For the information of General Hurlbut, I report the steamer Mist, Captain Calhoun, was burned by a party of 20 guerrillas, com- manded by Dick Holland, at the foot of Ship Island, on the Mississippi shore, yesterday at 3 p. in., the captain robbed of a large sum, which he states to have been over $17,000, and the boat rifled. The captain and crew, of 10 men were allowed to go free. Captain Calhoun ~- ports his engine was out of order. He was anchored in the stream; took a skiff and went ashore to get four bales of cotton; the boat was blown ashore The cotton he said had been purchased from a man named Cole, by McDonald, who had a permit to ship 50 bales. Captain Cal- houn states his pilot, E. Wood, was also robbed of $5,000 of Confed- erate money, which was~~ in the safe with the boats funds. The guerrillas did not burn Coles cotton. The captain further states that the steamer Evansville landed at the same place the day pro Page 33 CH~. XLIIL] EXPEDITION TO GRIFFINS LANDING, MISS., ETC. 33 vious, and took on board about 20 bales of cotton without the pro- tection of a gunboat. There are inconsistencies in this story which are a p parent. I am informed by Col. Silas Noble, who is here, that when he commanded at Paducah, Captain Calhoun was disloyal. Your obedient servant, N. B. BUFORD, Capt. T. H. HARRIS, Brigadier-General, Gommanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. OCTOBER 2224, 1863.Scout from Germantown, Tenn., to Chulahoma, Miss. Report of Lieut. 17o1. Reuben Loomis, Sixth Illinois Uavalry. HEADQUARTERS SIXTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Germantown, Tenn., October 24, 1863. COLONEL: In compliance with your instructions, I started on the 22d with the effective force of my command and a part of S~rniths battery, south, crossed the Coldwater at Quinns Mill, took the road to Chulahoma, met teams going to Memphis with cotton from beyond and south of Holly Springs; learned that some 25 of Rich- ~rdsons command had passed through there going north on Tues- day. They report Chalmers at or near Water Valley; no rebel force this side of Oxford; contrabands report about the same. Before I got to Chulahoma I met Ma~. S. Forbes, of the Seventh Illinois Cav- alry, with 50 men. He had been within 4 or 5 miles of Wyatt; found no force except scouts. I scouted the country thoroughly in that vicinity. From all that I can learn, there is about a battalion scat- tered through the country in small squads this side of Tallahatchie. We charged through Byhalia and run out 8 rebels, but they were too well mounted to be caught; that was the greatest number I saw together. The weather bei~ng inclement, the mens clothing, and in many cases ammunition, being thoroughly soaked with the rain of the night of the 22d and forenoon of the 23d, and no force of the enemy to be found this side of the Tallahatchie, I returned to camp. Hoping what I have done may meet your approbation, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient sorvant, R. LOOMIS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Sixth Illinois Cavalry. Col. EDWARD HATCH, Commanding Cavalry Division. OCTOBER 24NOVEMBER 10, 1863.Expedition from Goodrichs Landing, La., to Griffins Landing and Catfish Point, Miss. Report of Lient. Col. George E. Currie, Mississippi Marine Bri gade. ON BOARD STEAMER B. J. ADAMS, Napoleon, Ark., November 19, 1863. GENERAL: Agreeably to your~written instructions of the 23d ultimo, I left Goodrichs Landing, La., on the 24th ultimo, after be- 3 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 34 34 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CaLP. ~. ing relieved from duty at that place by General Hawkins, and pro- ceeded up the Mississippi River with four steamers, viz, Adams, Fairchild, Baltic, and Homer. A detachment of 125 cavalry, 160 infantry, and one section of Captain Wallings light battery ar- rived at Griffins Landing, in as ington County, Miss., on the 26th ultimo. On the 27th, I ordered Captain Brown with 100 cavalry to make a reconnaissance in the Deer Creek country, lying about 23 miles east of Griffins Landing. The expedition left the boats at 6 a. m. and returned at 10 p. in., having marched over 45 miles in one day. They arrested and brought in 1 captain, G. C. Price, an agent of the Commissary Department for the purchase of stock in that country, with about $12,000 in Confederate money; also 1 sergeant and 6 enlisted men belonging to the Sixth Texas Cavalry, detailed to drive stock. From the prisoners I learned that a brigade of Jacksons cavalry was em route for that country to protect the stock drivers. Having but a small command mounted, I immediately impressed mules and horses to mount my infantry for the purpose of meeting 1;he rebel brigade, and accordingly on the 1st day of November I landed all my available force, numbering about 200 cavalry and infantry, mounted, one piece of artillery, and two days rations, and started at an early hour. About the time of starting the rain began to fall, which rendered the roads through the swamps almost impassable. At 3 p. in., however, I reacl~ed the plantation of Mrs. Buckner, on Deer Creek, where I was compelled to go into camp on account of the impassable condition of the roads for artillery, and having made a march of 23 miles, I posted my pickets and put the artillery into position, and made inqttiry of the citizens concerning the rebel force, but was assured by them that there was none in that country. Relying somewhat upon their information, and finding it out of my power to go farther with artillery, I resolved at once to send it back, guarded by the mounted infantry, leaving me a command of only 125 cavalry. On the following morning, at 5.30 oclock, I divided my force, one half returning, by way of Greenville, to Griffins Landing, and with the cavalry I proceeded down the creek, intending to reach the river at Carolina Landing, a distance of 60 miles, where I had previously ordered the ram Homer to meet me on the 4th. We had gone but about 1 mile beyond my picket post, when the advance guard began skirmishing with rebel pickets. Here ensued a run- ning fight for some miles until we came upon a portion of the enemy, supposed to be about 120 or 140 men, drawn up in line on the oppo- site side of the creek to prevent my command orossing on a bridge at that point, the only means of crossino~ in that vicinity. I in- structed the advance to press them closely, intending to hold the .enemy in p osition until the arrival of the artillery, which I ordered up immediately after encountering their pickets, but finding the enemy intended to fall back before the artillery could reach me, I directed a portion of the dismounted men to deploy and charge across the bridge at a double-quick, in order to clear the way for cavalry. The rebels gave way almost without resistance, and fled in great confusion, my cavalry close upon them. We followed them some 2 miles at a rapid rate, and, finding no other alternative, they took to the woods and canebrakes. By this time the artillery came up, and, after shelling the woods thoroughly, I started on my retur Page 35 OW. 11211.] EXPEDITION TO GRIFFINS LANDING, MISS., ETC. 35 to the boats, which I reached at 11 p. in., having marched over 40 miles in the afternoon, on my return to the boats. I found 25 fat hogs at the plantation of Dr. L. L. Taylor, on Deer Creek, that had been purchased by Captain Price, for which he paid $1,250, but was arrested before getting them out of the pen. I also found a negro man with a large cotton wagon, drawn by six oxen, at this plantation, who had just returned from Catfish Point, having hauled a load of goods to that place for a rebel captain, for the pur- pose of having them taken across the river into Arkansas that night. I immediately took possession of the team and hogs, and brought them with me to the boats. At the same time sent a messenger to Captain Conner, of the ram Monarch, lying off Greenville, to run up the river as far as Catfish Point to look after the goods and ferry. On the following day he reported the capture of a large quantity of salt and the destruction of two large ferry fiats of sufficient capacity to cross artillery. These flats were entirely new, and were ingeni- ously hid from view by being sunk in about 4 feet water by means of barrels of sand, and never could have been discovered but for information received from a deserter from Prices army, who gave himself up. On the 5th, landed the mounted infantry, Maj. D. S. Talierday commanding, at Sunny Side, Ark., and directed him to proceed to Lake Village, county seat of Chicot Count , where he arrested one Captain Gaines, Company G, Twenty-third Arkansas Infantry, and 5 enlisted men belonging to the same regiment, who were e~dently engaged in burning cotton and enforcing the conscription. He also captured some valuable stock and met the fleet at Luna Landing the same night. I left the Monarch and Homer at Greenville to protect navigation. On the 6th, landed the cavalry, Capt. 0. F. Brown commanding, at Gaines Landing, and he proceeded out in the direction of Monti- cello, Ark., about 15 miles, and thence up the river and met the fleet at Cam p bells plantation at 5 p. in., having captured some mules. At 8 oclock the same night I learned that a party of soldiers were in camp about 5 miles back from the river, waiting for an oppor- tunity to cross over into Mississippi. I immediately sent out a party, in charge of Lieutenant Markle, Company E, First Infantry, and about 10 oclock they returned with Lieutenant Brailsford (with a rebel mail) and 1 enlisted man belonging to Whitfields Texas Le- gion. On the 7th, landed the mounted infantry at the same place, with instructions to operate isolated (as companies) and effectually scout the country as far back from the river as possible. The parties re- turned soon after dark, bringing in several prisoners, among whom was a rebel mail-carrier making his way to the river to cross that night. They also brought in some stock. On the 8th, landed the cavalry, Capt. 0. F. Brown commanding, at Glencoe, Miss., and put off the mounted infantry, Major Tallerday com- manding, on the Arkansas shore just opposite. The cavalry came in at Bolivar Landing late in the afternoon, having accomplished but little The infantry, however, continued on up the river to a o eon, where I met them with the fleet on the following day. They captured man prisoners and a rebel mail-carrier with over 200 pounds of mail, among which were a large quantity of official documetits from Rich- mond, directed to some of the most prominent generals in the Tran Page 36 36 KY., SW. VA., TENN.~ MISS., ~. ALA., AND ti. GA. LC~. XLIII. Mississippi Department. They also captured and brouglit in 2 men, Barker and Keefe, cotton card manufacturers, with a cotton ma- chine complete, which they had recently bought at Macon and Sa- vannah, Ga., which cost them $8,000. They crossed the river but a short time prior to their capture, and were en route to Camden, Ark., where the machine was to be used in making cloth for the army. On the 9th, learning that the guerrillas had burned the steamer Allen Collier that had landed opposite Laconia, Ark., a day or two previous, I immediately left Napoleon for that place, intending to ferret out the marauding party, landing at the mouth of White River for wood. I found a portion of the Allen Colliers crew that had been arrested and were subsequenily released, who informed me the boat was burned by Montgomerys guerrilla band, and knowing that Montgomery and a portion of his company, numbering about 40 or 60 men, lived on Bayou Phalia, in Bolivar County, Miss., and owned plantations, I resolved to return at once with m~ command to Beulah Landing and break up the party. On the following morn- ing, November 10, I left the boats at 7 oclock with a small cavalry force and proceeded to the bayou, a distance of some 10 miles, when I arrested one of the party and learned from him that the company was still some distance from there in the canebrakes, and knowing the impossibility of overtaking them I went to Montgomerys plan- tation, where I found the family of General Charles Clark, C.S. Army, also the family of Montgomery, and after removing the furniture from the house, I set it on fire. I also burned the cotton gin and out-houses; in fact, everything but the negro quarters. I informed Mrs. Montgomery it was done by way of retaliation for her husband burning the steamer Collier a few days previous. She replied, This is no more than I expected when I heard what my husband had done. I also obtained the names of some of his com- pany who own plantations in that vicinity and notified them, through the present occupants of the plantations, that if another overt act should be committed by that company I would serve them as I ~had Montgomery, their captain. We destroyed several yawls and flat-boats along the road that were being hauled to the river every night in a wagon and used in ferrying, then taken back in the woods, and came to their former hiding p lace before daylight in the morning. We a so arrested and brought in several prisoners, among whom were three citizens, mail-carriers, with each a small package of mail destined for Arkansas. We reached Bolivar Landing, Miss., about dark, where we met the fleet, having marched about 36 miles. I also have the honor to inform you that, large quantities of corn in cribs, of last years growth, and hundreds of acres g rown this year, and now standing in the field, can be proc~~ed within 6 miles of the river and in some places immediately on its banks. I also~ learn that parties with trading boats along the river are dealing in cotton and furnishing the citizens with supplies and other necessi~ ties. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, GEO. E. CURRIE, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Brig. Gen. ALFRED W.ELLET, Commanding Marine Brigadc~ Page 37 CHAP. XLIII.] SKIRMISH NEAR BAY SPRINGS, MISS. 37 OCTOBER 26, 1863.Skirmish at Vincents Cross-Roads, near Bay Springs, Miss. REPORTS. No. 1.Report of Capt. John W. Barnes, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 2.Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel W. Ferguson, C. S. Army. No. 1. Report of Capt. John W. Barnes, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. CORINTH, Miss., October 27, 1863. Spencer yesterday, at 2 p. in., was attacked some 40 miles south- east of Glendale, in the direction of Jones Cross-Roads. The messenger reports the rebel force, supposed to be Hanners [?] and others, at 2,000 strong. Spencer had about ~500.~ He is said to be getting the worst of the fight. Shall I send the cavalry at Corinth to his aid? Respectfully, JOHN W. BARNES, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 2. Report of Brig. Gen. Samuel W. Ferguson, C. S. Army. HEADQUAR~CERS BRIGADE, Near Courtland, Ala., October 31, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report, that, pursuant to verbal orders from yourself, I left camp at Cane C reek shortly after dark on the evening of the 25th instant with two regiments of my bri- gade (the Second Tennessee, Lieutenant-Colonel Morton and the Second Alabama, Colonel Earl), for the purpose of inteI~cepting a raiding p arty of the enemy reported to be on their return from Walker County, Ala. Traveled all night, and at sunrise next morn- ing halted and fed my horses at a ford of Bear Creek, about 2 miles above Manns Mills. After a delay of two hours for this urpose, I pushed the com.mand across Bear Creek and on to the on a luka road. Here, as there was no sign of the enemys having passed, I turned toward Fulton, and after reaching the intersection of this road with that to Bay Springs, I sent one squadron in the latter direction for the purpose of holding the enemy in check, should they move toward that point, and preventing their escape. With the remainder of my force (about 300 effective men) I moved toward the Bull Mountain country. After pursuing this road about 3 miles I received the first positive information of the position of the enemy from a scout I had sent out, who reported them advancing on the same road. I immedi- ately sent to recall the squadron ~Sieviously ordered to Bay Springs, * First Alabama Cavalry (Union) Page 38 38 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XI~I. and continued the march until the advance guards met and skir- mishing beganabout 1.30 p. m. The enemy were formed in thick woods across the road, with an open field in front, through which, swept as it was by two pieces of light artillery planted in the road, I had to advance to the attack. As rapidly as possible I formed my lines, had the men dismounted, and attacked the enemy, who were soon driven back by the Second Tennessee, undQr the able and gal- lant leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel Morton, and a portion of the Second Alabama. As soon as the horses could be brought up the fleeing enemy were hotly pursued and their retreat converted into a wild panic. The chase was kept up for some 10 miles through dense woods and over a mountainous country until dark. Their perfect knowledge and our ignorance of the country enabled most of them, however, to escape by separating into small squads and leaving the road. It may be proper to remark that before the engagement began I had met Major Moreland, with his battalion, and ordered him to get in rear of the enemy on a road leading from their left flank to Bay Springs, of the existence of which he informed me, stating it was the only road by which they could escape, except directly back into Alabama. Had my instructions been strictly and energetically fol- lowed, few of the enemy would have escaped. With a loss of 2 killed and 11 wounded, I have succeeded in effect- ually destroying the First Alabama Tory Regiment. U~ to the time I left, the enemys loss, as far as could be ascertaine , was 20 killed, including 2 captains, the adjutant of the regiment, and 1 first lieutenant; 9 wounded, including 1 first lieutenant mortally, and 29 prisoners. The woods was so dense and the fight kept up for so great a distance that many killed and wounded were not found. I do not think the number would fall short of 100 in all. I captured 2 pieces of artillery, 5 stand of colors, 60 elegant breech-loading carbiAes, with an ample supply of ammunition for present purposes, 25 Colt hostler pistols, 10 pack-saddles, 52 horses and mules, ~nd 56 saddles. I have received no report from Major Moreland, but understand he has collected a large number of pris- oners, horses, mules, & c. My force scarcely equaled that of the enemy. I am indebted to the officers and men of the command for gallant conduct and cheerful endurance of hardship and hunger on this scout; but to Lieutenant-Colonel Morton and Maj. H. W. Bridges more than a passing tribute is due. The former led his gallant band with a cool skill and determination, admirable in the extreme, until knocked from his horse by a spent ball. The latter was, as usual, foremost in the fight, everywhere inspiring and encouraging the men and officers. With his own hand he killed 1 and wounded and captured several other Yankees. His horse was shot under him and his coat pierced by a bullet, an evidence of the close character of the fight. To the officers of my staff who were presentCaptain Nugent, as- sistant adjutant-general; Captain Irwin, assistant inspector-general; Lieutenant Tomlinson, aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant Richardson, picket officerI am indebted for zealous and efficient discharge of duty in gallant style. -. ~. ~. FERGUSON, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. S. D. LEE Page 39 Cmii. XUII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 39 OCTOBER 2829, 1863.Reopening of the Tennessee River, including Skir- mish (27th) at Browns Ferry and Engagement (28th and 29th) at Wanhatchie, Tenn. REPOI~TS.* No. 1.Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Cumberland, with field dispatches and congratulatory orders. No. 2.Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War. No. 3.Return of Casualties in the Union forces at Wauhatchie. No. 4.Brig. Gen. William F. Smith, U. S. Army, Chief Engineer, Department of the Cumberland. No. 5.Col. Timothy R. Stanley, F4ghteenth Ohio Infantry. No. 6.Itinerary of the First Division, Fourth Army Corps. No. ~.Brig. Gen. William B. Hazen, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division. No. 8.Lieut. Col. James C. Foy, Twenty-third Kentucky Infantry. No. 9.Lient. Col. Bassett Langdon, First Ohio Infantry. No. 10.Col. Aquila Wiley, Forty-first Ohio Infantry. No. 11.Maj. William Birch, Ninety-third Ohio Infantry. No. 12.Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps, with congratulatory orders. No. 13.Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, commanding Eleventh Army Corps. No. 14.Surg. Daniel G. Brinton, U. S. Army, Medical Director. No. 15.Brig. Gen. Adolph von Steinwehr, U. S. Army, commanding Second Di- vision. No. 16.Itinerary of the First Brigade, Col. Adolph Buschbeck commanding. No. 17.Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Col. Orland Smith commanding. No. 18.Lieut. Col. Godfrey Rider, jr., Thirty-third Massachusetts Infantry. No. 19.Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Infantry. No. 20.Maj. Samuel H. Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry. No. 21.Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. No. 22.Itinerary of the First Brigade, Brig. Gen. Hector Tyndale commanding. No. 23.Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Col. Wiadimir Krzyzanowski command- ing. No. 24.Brig. Gen. John W. Geary, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps. No. 25.Col. George A. Cobham. jr., One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania In- fantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 26.Col. William Rickards, jr., Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 27.Capt. Frederick L. Gimber, One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Infan try. - No. 28.Lieut. Col. Thomas M. Walker, One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 29.Brig. Gen. George S. Greene, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. No. 30.Col. David Ireland, One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 31.Itinerary of the Third Brigade. No. 32.Lieut. Col. Herbert von Hammerstein, Seventy-eighth New York Infan- try. No. 33.Capt. Mio B. Eldridge, One hundred and thirty-seventh New York In- fantry. *$~e also General Grants report, Part II, pp. Page 40 40 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 34~Lieut. Col. Charles B. Randall, One hundred and forty-ninth New York Infantry. No. 35.Maj. John A. Reynolds, First New York Light Artillery, commanding Artillery Brigade. ,No. 36.Brig. Gen. John B. Turchin, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, with itinerary of brigade. No. 37.Record of a Court of Inquiry, and accompanying documents. No. 38.Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding corps, with field dispatches, & c. No. 39.Organization of Hoods division. No. 40.Brig. Gen. B. Mclver Law, C. S. Army, commanding brigade and Hoods division. No. 41.Col. James L. Sheffield, Forty-eight~ Alabama Infantry, commanding Laws brigade. No. 42.Col. John Bratton, Sixth South Carolina Infantry, commanding Jenkins brigade. No. 43.Brig. Gen. Jerome B. Robertson, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 1. Reports of lIIaj. Gem.. George H. Thomas, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the LYumberland, with field dispatches and congrat- ulatory orders. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., October 27, 186311.30 p. m. (Received 9 p. in., 28th.) General William F. Smith, commanding Hazens brigade, Sheri- dans division, Fourth Corps, and Turchins brigade, Bairds division, Fourteenth Corps, floated boats of pontoon bridges down the river from Chattanooga to Browns Ferry, 6 miles below; landed, sur- prised, and drove off the enemys pickets and reserves; took posses- sion of the hills commanding d6bouch~ of the ferry, on southwest side, and laid bridge and intrenched the command strongly enough to hold the bridge securely. By the judicious precautions taken by General Smith before start- ing, and the intelligent co-operation of Generals Turchin and Hazen, commanding brigades, and Colonel Stanley, of the Eighteenth Ohio, commanding boat party, this was a coinpiete success, and reflected great credit on all concerned. Our loss, 4 killed, 1~5 wounded; enemy, 8 killed, 6 prisoners, and several wounded. General Hooker, commanding troops composing Eleventh Corps and part of Twelfth, marched from Bridgeport at daylight to-day, to open road from Bridgeport to Chattanooga, and take some position protecting river. Two brigades of Palmers division, Fourth Corps, should have reached Rankins Ferry, to co-operate with General Hooker to-day. The Sixteenth Illinois reached Kelleys Ferry to co- operate with General Hooker. If General Hooker is as successful as General Smith has been, we shall in a few days have open com- munication with Bridgeport by water, as well as by a practicable road, running near the river on the northern bank. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, commanding Department. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK Generat-i~-Ohief Page 41 Ca& i~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF TILE TENNESSEE RIVER. ~ 41 CHATTANOOGA, TENN., October 28, 1863il p. m. (Received 3 p. in., 29th.) Hooker reached Browns Ferry to-day about 3 p. m. Met with no serious opposition. The enemy still hold Lookout Mountain in con- siderable force. The wagon road is now open to Bridgeport. We have, besides, two steam-boats, one at Bridgeport and one here, which will be started to-morrow. We have also another steam-boat here undergoing repairs; will be ready for work as soon as portions of her machinery (sent for to Nashville) arrive. By this operation we have gained two wagon roads and the river to get supplies by, and I hope in a few days to be pretty well supplied. Intend to repair roads leading to Tracy City and McMinnville, two termini of branch railroads. The importance of the position of Chattanooga is too great to neglect any means of supplying or re-enforcing it. GEG. H. TPHOMAS, JJfajor-Genercd, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Gerteral-in-Ohief. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., October 29, 186311.30 p. m. (Received 6.50 a. in., November 1.) In the fight of last night the enemy attacked Gearys division, posted at Wauhatchie, on three sides, and broke into his camp at one point, but was driven back in most gallant style by part of his- force, the remainder being held in reserve. Howard, while marching to Gearys relief, was attacked in the flank, the enemy occupying in force two commanding hills on the left of the road. He immediately threw forward two of his regiments and took both at the point of the bayonet, driving the enemy from his breast- works and across Lookout Creek. In this brilliant success over their old adversary, the conduct of the officers and men of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps is entitled to the highest praise. GEG. H. THOMAS, - .Miajor-General. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., October 31, 186311.30 p. m. (Received 10 p. in., November 7.) Since the fight of the night of the 28th, the enemy has not disturbed us. Hooker took prisoners 4 officers and 103 men, and captured nearly 1,000 Enfleld rifles. His loss, 350 officers and men, killed and woun4ed. I have 2 steamboats now r.unning between Bridgeport and Kelleys Ferry, from which point provisions are hauled to Chat- tanooga. We can easily subsist ourselves now, and will soon be in good condition. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General. Mai. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief Page 42 Kr., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Cap. XLUI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanoogcv, November 7, 186.3. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith the official re- ports of Major-General Hooker, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, and of Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith, chief engineer, Department of t7he Cumberland, commanding the expedition composed of Tur- chins brigade, Bairds division, Fourteenth Army Corps, and Hazens brigade, Woods division, Fourth Army Corps, and detach- ments of the Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, under command of Col. T. Stl and of the First Michigan Engineers, under command of Capti between . V. Fox, of the operations of their respective commands the 26th and 28th ultimo, to gain possession of the south bank of the Tennessee River and to open the road for a depot of sup- plies at Bridgeport. Preliminary steps had already been taken to execute this vitally important movement before the command of the department de- volved on me. The bridge, which it was necessary to throw across the river at Browns Ferry to gain possession of the northern end of Lookout Valley and open communication with Bridgeport by road and river, was nearly completed. On the 23d, orders were sent to General Hooker to concentrate the Eleventh Corps and one division of the Twelfth at Bridgeport, in- forming him at the same time what his force was expected to accom- plish, and that a force from this place would co~oVerate with him by establishing a bridge across the river at Brown s Ferry and seize the heights on the south, or Lookout Valley side, thus giving him an open road to Chattanooga when his forces should arrive in Look- out a ey. The force to throw the bridge was organized by Satu.r- day, the 24Lh, and the boats and bridge completed, giving General Smith two days to examine the ground with the two brigade com- manders, and to give all the necessary detailed instructions to insure success. Genera Hooker reported on the 26th that he would be ready to move on the 27th at daylight. He was instructed to move at the appointed time, with full instruc- tions how to provide for the defense of his flank, and to cover the ap- proaches to tb e road from the direction of Trenton. The bridge was successfully thrown across the river on the night of the 26th, and General Hooker reached Lookout Valley and communicated with this place on the 28th. The enemy attempted to surprise him the night after reaching his posit ion in Lookout Valley, and, after an obstinate contest of two hours duration, was completely repulsed, with a loss of upward of 1,~00 killed and wounded, over 100 pris- oners, and several hundred stand of arms. I refer you to the reports of Generals Hooker and Smith for the details of the operations of their commands, commending to favorable consideration the names of those officers specially mentioned by them for gallant and men- torious conduct. The skillful execution by General Smith of the~ work assigned him, and the promptness with which General Hqoker, with his troo p s, met and repulsed the enemy on the night of the 28th, reflects the greatest credit on both of those officers and their en- tire commands. I herewith annex consolidated returns of casualties. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS Major-Generat, U. S. Volunteers, cfommanding~ Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. A9~ Arrn~, Washington, D. 0 Page 43 CIA?. XLIII.] flEOPENING 01? THfl ~ IffV1~I~. [Inclosure.] Consolidated return of Gasualt~ies. Killed. Wounded. Missing. Troops. be a a a i~ a ~ a H 0~ H 0 ~ H -~ I Major-General Hookers command, 5 33 38 13 135 148 14 14 200 Eleventh Corps. Second Division, Twelfth Corps* 4 30 34 15 159 174 8 8 216 Brigadier-General Smiths command 4 4 2 15 17 21 Total 9 67 7030[ 309 339 22 22 487 A D D END A. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Major-General HOOKER, Chattanooga, October 23, 1863. Stevenson: The general commanding directs that one division of the Twelfth Corps will guard the railroad from Murfreesborough to Bridgeport, the remainder of the Twelfth Corps will concentrate at Stevenson to move with the Eleventh Corps on the south side of the Tennessee River. If transportation of the Eleventh Corps is at Stevenson, it will answer for t a corps and the division of the Twelfth. If trans- portation of Eleventh Corps has not arrived, prepare to use fiats and barges, which can be protected from the shore. General Howard has been telegraphed to prepare to move pontoon train by water, J. J. REYNOLDS, .Major-Genera~. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 24, 18632.30 p. m. Major-Geiaeral HOOKER, Stevenson: You will leave General Slocum, with one division of the Twelfth Corps, to guard the railroad from Murfreesborough to Bridgeport. The Eleventh Corps and one division of the Twelfth will be concen- trated at or in the vicinity of Bridgeport, preparatory to crossing the Tennessee River, and moving up the south side to take possession of Rankins Ferry, between Shellmound and Running Water Creek. Look well to your right flank, which may be approached via Island Creek, the Moore road, McDaniels Ga p road, and the Nickajack road. Two brigades, under General Pa mer, leave here this p. m. for Rankins Ferry, which point they will probably reach on Monday evening. It is reported that the steam-boat at Bridgeport will be completed by Monday evening. The railroad may also be available. If you can do so, it is better not to move wagons to the south side of the river at present. You will, however, exercise your judgment on this point. Report by telegi~aph when you are ready. We will *~e revised statement, p. 76 Page 44 44 KY., SW. VA., TESN., MISS., K. ALA., ANt) K. GA. LOHAP. XLIII. cooperate at Browns Ferry, as well as Rankins Ferry. Inform yourself with regard to the roads from Rankins Ferry, via White- sides, to Browns Ferry. The object of the movement is to hold the road and gain possession of the river as far as Browns Ferry. By command of Major-General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, .2liajor-General, and Chief of Staff. STEVENSON, October 24, 18636.10 p. m. Colonel GODDARD, Assistant Adjutant- General: Orders received for First Division, Twelfth Corps, to remain. The failure of the telegraph last evening caused delay in .informing General Granger of the change. The rear of the division of the Twelfth Corps, ordered to concentrate at Bridgeport, passed Decherd this a. m. Distance, 30 miles marching, in consequence of the interruption of the railroad. One regiment of the Eleventh Corps will be ordered to remain at Battle Creek. The rear (100 wagons) of the train furnished the Eleventh Corps, leaving Nashville on the 12th instant, arrived here to-day. From this you can judge of the roads. I should like to have a small cavalry force attached to this command that crosses the river; have none now. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General.. STEvENSON, October 24, 18637.16 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS: I am informed by people familiar with country on south side of Tennessee River, that the direct route from Bridgeport to Browns Ferry is not practicable for wagons, and in order to take 4rtillery to that point it will be necessary to take the road to within two miles of Trenton, and from there turn down Lookout Creek Valley; that there are several bridle paths leading from the crest of Lookout Mountain into the valley between Trenton and the river, and that infantry can descend the north slope of Lookout at many points. My informants are men who have grazed their stock on Lookout Mountain. From the official map furnished me, there appears to be an ascent to the south of what is called Hotel Institute. If this is the case, frQm my present knowledge of the means at hand at Chat- tanooga to prevent enemys infantry ascending the mountain from the south side, I can see no reason for his not detaching two-thirds of his force to thwart the execution of their purposed object. I may be incorrect in my views of this movement from the limited oppor- tunity I have had in comparison with others to gain correct infor- mation, and only state the foregoing with the hope that I may be in error9 JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General Page 45 C~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 45 STEVENSON, October 24, 18638.30 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: The following just received from Bridgeport: The steamer wrn probably be done next Sunday night. One or two necessary parts of the engine are not here yet. Every exertion will be made to have her fit to move Monday next. She will be launched to-morrow. 0. 0. HOWARD, Major-General. The roads being impassable, I have to depend on the cars for the movement of the Twelfth Corps. If they dont fail me, Ii can have one division, as ordered, of the Twelfth Corps there. The Eleventh Corps have one brigade at Battle Creek and an advance post at Sequatchie River. From the order, I take it these are to be concen- trated; also a portion of the pontoon bridge is in use at Battle Creek, crossing a portion at Sequatchie River. How much there is not in use at these points I am not informed. Detachments of the Pioneer Brigade, under the orders of chief engineer, I suppose have them in charge. They have never been reported to me or put under my command. JOSEPH HOOKER, ilIajor-General. STEVENSON, October 24, 1863. Major-General SLOCUM: No change in the movement as ordered by telegraph. Following copy of dispatch, from headquarters, is forwarded for your infor- mation and government: CHATTANOOGA, October 24, 1863. You will leave Generat Slocum, with one division of the Twelfth Corps, to guard the railroad from Murfreesborough to Bridgeport. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, and Chief of Staff. Acknowledge this and the dispatch of yesterday. The general desires the division that can be quickest at Bridgeport be placed there. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, and Chief of Staff. - STEVENSON, October 25, 186310.45 a. m. Major-General HOWARD: The major-general commanding directs that you hold your coni- mand in readiness to move at 9 a. m. to-morrow, .with three days cooked rations, without wagons. Those on south side of Tennessee can be picked up as you go along. The balance of your command concentrate in readiness for the move, except the regiment ordered to Battle Creek and battery to Rankins Ferry. DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, and Chief of Staff Page 46 46 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [O~A~. XLIII. STEVENSON, October 25, 18632.30 p. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Bridgeport: Hold your command in readiness to march at 12 m. to-morrow. We march with three days rations, without wagons. Will all your troops and batteries be up? If not, have word sent them not to lose a moments time. By looking at the map you will see that troops will save 10 miles marching by taking a direct road to Bridgeport from Anderson, avoiding Stevenson. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. STEVENSON, October 25, 18633 p. m. Major-General HOWARD, Bridgeport: I am surprised to learn that you have but one reliable battery out of five. We will march to-morrow if we go without any. One bat- tery will have to be sent, as ordered, and at once. Rations are at Bridgeport. Your troops will be up. Have direc- tions given for all your batteries to be put in condition for service without a. moments delay. JOSEPH HOOKER, .Miajor-General, Commanding. STEVENSON, October 25, 18635 p. m. Major-General hOWARD, Bridgeport: It will not be possible to bring all the force together in season to march to-morrow. Let everything be in readiness for an early start the following morning. JOSEPH HOOKER, ]lliajor-General. STEVENSON, October 25, 1863[10 p. in.] Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: All but two batteries and two regiments of the force for opera- .~ tions on the south side of the river are now at Bridgeport. These should be up to-morrow. My headquarters will be here after 12 to-morrow. The command assigned me will be in readiness to com- mence the movement sunrise of 27th. The steamer is launched and waiting a necessary piece of pipe. General Howard reports a woman coming in our lines who states Braggs forces fallen back 30 miles, but not confirmed by other .~eports. JOSEPH HOOKER, .2Itajor-GeneraZ Page 47 4 ~. ~LILL] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 47 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga. October 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, Stevenson: Your telegram of 10 p. m. last night received. Commence the movement to-morrow morning, 27th, and open and secure the rail- road and wagon road from Bridgeport to Rankins Ferry, and thence as far toward Chattanooga as you can. General Palmer will co- operate with you at Rankins Ferry. We will cross a co-operating force at Browns Ferry, and take possession of the south bank there. By command of Major-General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, and Chief. of St~xff. OCTOBER 26, 18631.20 a. m. General THOMAS: Beat the enemy off Williams Island twice to-night. Will hold it. Want no help. WHITAKER, General. OCTOBER 26, 186311.40 a. m. General WHITAKER: Did the enemy attempt to get on Williams Island in force? THOMAS, Major-General. OCTOBER 26, 186312.20 p. m. General THOMAS: I do not know how much force. It was night. They made two strong efforts. I can beat them off. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 26, 18634.30 p. m. Major-General HOOKER, Stevenson: The letter of General Wood forms no part of your instructions. It was simply sent as information from an officer who had passed over the road, and to be thrown with what other information you can gain from other sources. Your instructions are contained in two telegrams from these head- quartersone of October 24, 2.30 p. in., and the other the telegram of this morning, directing the movement to commence to-morrow morning. Answer. By command of Major-General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Chief of Staff Page 48 48 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N?. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHIP. XLIII. BRIDGEPORT, ALA., October 26, 18636.30 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: Telegram of 2.30 p. m. received. * Movement will commence at sunrise to-morrow. JOSEPH HOOKER. OCTOBER 26, 18636.40 p. m. General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: The enemys pickets have been doubled opposite Browns Ferry. Lookout can be taken. W. C. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. .ELDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Bridgeport, Ala., October 26, 18638.15 p. m. Lieut. Col. H. C. RODGERS, Asst. A~jt. Gen., Twelfth Army Gorps, Wartrace, Tenn.: I move at sunrise. Have only three regiments here and four effec- tive pieces of artillery. Please pnsh my troops forward. Those who do not arrive in time are to follow my route. JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. BRIDGEPORT, October 26, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS: Two citizens from Lookout Mountain report that there is no enemy except near the foot of it, near Chattanooga. Some pioneers were repairing roads leading toward Nickajack Gap, about 3 miles south of Summertown. Stevens, and Coopers Gaps held by small parties, not exceeding 200 in all, and a small force of cavalry. At Trenton, they say that 8,000 cavalry, under S. D. Lee, joined Wheeler at Muscle Shoals, with a view to strike our communications. If suc- cessful, Bragg intends to turn our right by roads below this point. If that expedition failed he should fall back nearer supplies. Bragg said to Jeff. Davis that it would take 10,000 lives to carry Chatta- nooga by storm. Davis objected to the sacrifice. There are rumors that a part of Longstreets force have been withdrawn to La Fayette. 0. 0. HOWARD, Kajor-General. CIRCULAR.] HDQRS. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Bridgeport, Ala., October 26, 1863. 1. The movement on the south side of the Tennessee River will commence at sunrise October 27. 2. The mounted men from Alabama will precede the corps of Ma- jor-General Howard (the Eleventh), which will have the advance. * See p. 43 Page 49 Ciw. XLIII.] RE0PEND~Cf OF THE TENKESSEE RIVER. 49 3. Brigadier-General Gearys division will follow immediately in rear of General Howards corps. The commands will carry 60 rounds of small-arms ammunition, 40 in the boxes, 20 in the pockets; the artillery 200 rounds of ammunition. The commands Will also carry their full complement of intrenching tools, three days cooked pro- vision, three days forage for the animals. In the event of General Gearys wagons not being here, he will arrange for transportatiou with Major-General Howard. 4. The regiment from General Williams division (Twelfth Corps) will remain, and after protecting the depots here by a proper guard, and furnishing the fatigue details, will hold the bridge head on the south side of the river. Brigadier-General Geary will promulgate this order to the regiments of the Twelfth Corps and cause them to take position at the time of his movement. 6. Brigadier-General Geary will move with such portions of his command as may arrive in time for the movement, leaving instruc- tions for the balance of his command to follow immediately upon their arrival. 6. The column will proceed to Shellmound, and from thence to Rankins Ferry. The commanding generals will look well to their right flanks, and guard against any injuries or annoyance from guerrillas. By command of Major-General Hooker: H. W. PERKINS, Lieutenant, and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, October 27, 18634.60 a. m. General WHITAkER: General Hazens fleet has just left. GEO. H. THOMAS, .Zlfajor-General, Commanding. OCTOBER 27, 18635.30 a. m. [Major-General THOMAS:] We hold the crest, and the attack has just commenced. My troops are crossing more slowly than I expected. I should like a brigade in reserve here to hold this bank. WM. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Commanding. [Indorsement.] OCTOBER 27, 18636.30 a. m. General Granger will send General Whitakers brigade to Browns Ferry immediately, to hold the crossing and be in reserve to Genera] Smith. - GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, Commanding. 4 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 50 50 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ECiW~. ~I4fl. OCTOBER 27, 18636.10 a. m. Major..General THOMAS, Commanding: A prisoner from the Fifteenth Alabama (Longstreet) states that his brigade is all thereis in this valley. Keep a close watch on the road over Lookout, and see that no troops get over there to-day. Send me some orderlies to communicate, as the smoke renders sig. nals impossible. WM. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Commanding Expedition. OCTOBER 27, 18637.02 a. m. Major-General THOMAS: 18 the horse-boat where it can be sent to me? My men are not all across, and I am just going over. Look out for the mountain road, to keep Qif the rebels for a few hours. I should like a brigade to hold this bank until I get seated. Send me half a dozen orderlies. Yours, in good spirits and without breakfast, WM. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Commanding Expedition. OCTOBER 27, 18637.20 a. m. General WILLIAM F. SMITH: The enemy are moving all their troopsinfantry, cavalry, and artilleryout of the valley, toward Lookout Mountain. W. B. HAZEN, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 14TH ARMY CORPS, October 27, 18638 a. m. General WILLIAM F. SMITH: The battery may be moved into the gorge or on the slope near the gorge. J. B. TURCHIN, Brigadier-General. OcToBER 27, 18638.40 a. nii. General REYNOLDS: We are as busy at abatis and breastworks as our supply of tools will allow. I think, to make the line quite sure, we ought to have a couple more regiments to hold the gorge and road. I really thiiik we are tolerably secure from all attempts to retake our position. Can Whitaker get in position to drive off this battery th~t is trying to get our bridge? SMITH. The fog has now cleared away, and communication will be mhch more rapid. JESSE MERRILL Captain, and Chief Signal Officer Page 51 O~p. ZUlU REOPE!~TN~G OF TRE Th~NESSEE RIVER. 51 BROWNS FERRY, October 27, 1863. (Received 10.30 a. in.) General J. B. Tui~ciw~r: When your flanks are well protected by slashing, please let me know. WM. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General, Gommanding. CHATTANOOGA, General SMITH, October 27, 186310.30 a. iii. Browns Ferry: Whitaker has troops at Browns Ferry. Call on them, if you want help. Have you ammunition enough? Will attend to the battery. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General. OCTOBER 27, 186310.45 a. m. General WHITAKER: Keep a close watch on the road passing over Lookout, and see that the enemy passes no troops over there to-day. If the horse-boat can be brought to General Smith, I wish you to have it done. THOMAS, General. CHATTANOOGA, October 27, 186311 a. m. General WILLIAM F. SMITH, Browns Ferry: Report the appearance of the country in front, after you are seated. Cannot one brigade hold the place? J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General. OCTOBER 27, 186311 a. m. General WIIITAKER: Go at once to Browns Ferry with the most of your brigade to hold the bank of the river on your side, and support General Smith in establishing his men on the opposite hills. THOMAS, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Shellmound, Tenn., October 27, 186311.10 a. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Gommanding DivisPn: The major-general commanding directs that you encamp your division at Shelimound to-night. A picket of 400 men is statione Page 52 52 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XL~. at the forks of the road from Shelimound to Gordon~s mines, with the road from Trenton via Warrens Mill; two companies at the fork near Warrens Mill. You will furnish a detail of 150 men to Gen- eral Morton, of the Engineer Brigade, at Shellmound. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL HOOKER, Sheilmound, October 27, 186311.10 a. m. Major-General HOWARD: The major-general commanding directs that you occupy and hold Whitesides with one brigade of your command, and encamp the balance of your corps, not otherwise ordered, at Running Waters to-night. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, and Chief of Staff. OCTOBER 27, 186341.15 a. m. General THOMAS: No troops can pass in sight of these guns. They have a road diverging from the main road over the mountain, by which, after they leave the main road, they can pass unseen. WHITAKER, General. OCTOBER 27, 186311.40 a. m. General WHITAKER: General Smith reports that the enemy is trying to hit his bridge with a battery. Cant you get in position todrive them off? J. J. REYNOLDS, .3lajor-Generctl. HEADQUARTERS BROWNS FERRY, October 27, 1863. (Received 12 in.) General TURcHIN: Report to me the result of your scout sent out toward the mount- ain. My headquarters are where the y were last night. W. F. SMITH Brigadier-General, Commanding. OCTOBER 27, 186312.40 p. in.. General THOMAS: The bulk of the brigade is at Browns Ferry; has been there for most three hours. The ferry-boat is probably filled with water ; sunk at one end. If not under the enemys sharpshooters she could b Page 53 Caip. XLIII.] REOPENIKG OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 53 brought up; she cannot now. A regiment and section of artillery went up the mountain toward the white house. This makes six or seven regiments that have passed where we could see them part of the way. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. Additional to General REYNOLDS: I will try and notify you when I can. W. C. WHITAKER, Brigadier- General. ON POINT OPPOSITE LOOKOUT, Captain LEONARD: October 27, 18631 ~. m. A heavy column of infantry is moving across Chattanooga Valley toward our left. S. A. THAYER,. Acting Signal Officer. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 14TH ARMY CORPS, October 27, 18631.20 p. m. General WILLIAM F. SMITH: The direction of the road is ascertained from the position. The breastworks were built and are manned by Hazens brigade, and they would not change it at the suggestion of any officer of the day. Have found a road by which artillery may be brought to the top of the ridge; will need some working. J. B. TURCHIN, Brigadier-General. CHATTANOOGA, General SMITH, October 27, 18631.30 p. m. Browns Ferry: Whitaker has troops at Browns Ferry. Call on them if you need help. Have you ammunition enough? Will attend to the battery. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General. .tiEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 27, 18632 p. m. Major-General HOOKER (Care Colonel Le Duc, Bridgeport): We have had possession of the south side of the river at Browns Ferry since ~ t~c1ock this a. m. Move forward with your force and take possession so as to command the road from Kelleys Ferry t Page 54 54 ~ sw. VA., PENN., MISS., N. ALA., ANi) N. GA. (CHAP. XLIII. Browns Ferry. Colonel Le Due has been notified to see that you are supplied with forage and rations. Prisoners report that but two regiments of the enemy were in Lookout Valley this morning. Cwo brio~ades have been seen to pass over the point of Lookout and into the0valley nearly out of range of our guns. So far as we now know, they have only six guns in the valley. By command Major-General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, and Chief of Staff. OCTOBER 27, 18632.20 p. m. General THOMAS: Two brigades, if not more, of mixed troops have passed over Look- out. They pass above the white house at the upper edge of the clearing. Shelling does not entirely prevent, though it greatly im~ peded their passage. There must be in Lookout Valley many more men of the enem~{ than General Smith has. p tfu y, WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. OCTOBER 27, 18632.30 p. m. General WILLIAM F. SMITH: Enemy have passed foot of mountain cliff on Lookout Mountain in heavy column in spite of my fire; coming this way. W. C. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. OCTOBER 27, [1863]3.30 p. m. General REYNOLDS: This p lace cannot be carried now. I shall come into headquarters unless flie general moves. A regiment has just gone up the mount- ain and all is quiet, so I suppose the sharpshooters have left the Suck. SMITH, l3rigadier-General. OCTOBER 27, 1863. (Received 4.40 p. in.) General THOMAS and General SMITH: General Howard is here, and Gen6ral Hooker is near in person. Howard had a slight skirmish, which detained them only a few moments. Had 5 or 6 wounded. Brigadier-General Page 55 C~. XLIII.] 1~EOPENIKG OF T1I~ ThM~ESSEE RIVER. 55 WHITESIDES, MG1 REYNOLDS, October 27, 18634.40 p. m. ia~or-enera Chief of Staff: Howards advance encamps to-night at Whitesides; the balance in rear along Running Water Creek. Gearys division, of Twelfth Army Corps, at Sheilmound. No enemy, save one company, Ninth Kentucky (rebel) Cavalry, which retired at our approach. Pontoons left at Shellmound. We march at sunrise to-morrow. JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. WHITESIDES, TEN~., October 27, 18637.30 p. in. Brigadier-General GEARY, Shelimound: The major-general commanding directs me to say that you will march your command at 6 a. in., instead of waiting until sunrise, as directed in previous order; that you will push on vigorously until you come up with the rear of the Eleventh Corps. Keep wel.l closed up. Have your ammunition, artillery, & c., all up and in hand, ready for any emergency. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, llfajor-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, 117hitesides, Tenn., October 27, 1803. Major-General HOWARD, Commanding Eleventh Corps: Orders for October 28, 1863: General Howards command will march in the direction of Browns Ferry, via Lookout Creek Valley. The detachment left at the forks of the Trenton and Gordons Mines road will remain. A force, to be hereafter designated from the Eleventh Corps, will remain at Whitesides. General Gearys division will march to come up with the rear of the Eleventh Corps, as early as practicable. All the commands will march at sunrise, prompt. By command of Major-General Hooker: DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. (Copy furnished Brigadier-General Geary.) HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, Sheilmound, October 27, 1863. Major-General HOWARD Commanding Eleventh Corps: GENERAL: I am directed by~the major-general ~commanding to request that you will detach a regit~aent to take position at the Juno Page 56 56 XY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. LCHAP. XLIII. tion of two roads leading from Trenton to Sheilmound, and about 1 mile from last-named place on the branch railroad to Gordons mines. Direct the officer in command to detach two companies from this regiment to picket the forks of road leading to the right at the point [where] it intersects the direct road from Trenton to Bridgeport. You will detach also a cavalry picket of 12 men to report to the officer in command of said regiment, and by him to be instructed to be thrown out at once in the direction of Trenton, extending their reconnaissance, if practicable, to that point. These men must be instructed to report all the information they can see and collect of the movements of the enemy. If they should discover a force at Tren- ton, they will endeavor to find out its strength, and report whether infantry or cavalry, or both, and, if important, to be communicated to headquarters (which will be at Running Waters to-night) with- out delay. The officer intrusted with the command of this detached force will be instructed to hold the position at which his main force is posted at all hazards, and the two companies detached their position as long as it is practicable to do so, and if forced back it will be in the direc ion o their regiment. By command of Major-General Hooker: H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-GeneraL SIGNAL STATION, BROWNS FERRY, October 28, 1863. (Received 6 a. in.) General TURCHIN: General Smith desires me to say that he wishes you to slash the isolated square piece of woods on your front center to-day. His headquarters are at this signal station. P. C. F. WEST, Aide-de-Gamp. CHATTANOOGA, October 28, 18638 p. m. (Received 1.50 a. in., 29th.) Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: General Thomas plan for securing the river and south side road hence to Bridgeport has proven eminently successful. The question of supplies may now be regarded as settled. If the rebels give us one week more time I think all danger of losing territory now held us will have passed away, and preparations may commence for o ensive operations. ~. S. GRANT, 3fajor-GeneraZ. HDQRS. SECOND~ DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Within Three Mules of Whitesides, October 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: My commaifd took up the line of march at the houi indicated, this morning, and lam progressing as rapidly as possible Page 57 C~. ILUL] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 57 By p lacing strong working parties at labor we had the bridge at Shellmound completed at 1 oclock this morning. Two regiments joined me this morning. Ii have detailed the Sixtieth New York, of Greenes brigade, to hold the pass leading to Trenton. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. ~. GEARY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. SHELLMOUND, October 28, 1863. Major-General REYNOLDS: The advance arrived here at 10 oclock. The gap leading toward Trenton is occupied, and troops have been moving toward Rankins Ferry for half hour. Morton has the pontoon bridge here half laid. No news from Palmer. No signs of the enemy. It will be difficult. in fact, I should say impossibleto get the bridge higher up the riv~r in season to be used by Palmer. C. A. DANA. OCTOBER 28, 186312 m. Captain MERRILL: The work I spoke of has four embrasures, and two guns have been fired from it. It is on this side of the ridge, about 200 yards from the point of rock. There is another gun just on the point toward opposite side, protected by high rock. Whitaker does not reach them. PUTNAM. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, October 28, 186312.50 p. m. General WHITAKER: Hold yourself in readiness to re-enforce General Hooker if he calls upon you. By command of General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major- General, and Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Near Whitesides, Tenn., October 28, 1863. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: General Hooker directs that you encamp your division to-night at the point where you were directed to halt, viz., the intersection of the road to Kelleys Ferry and the one from Wauhatchie to Browns Ferry. Headquarters to-night are about 1 mile south of Browns Ferry. Very respectfully, H. W. PERKINS, Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen Page 58 58 KY., SW. yA., TE1~N., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. (CRAP. XLIII. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Rowdens House, Tenn., October 28, 18631.20 p. m. Brigadier-General GEARY: General Hooker directs that you halt your command and await orders at this p lace (Mr. Rowdens house, at the junction of Kelleys Ferry road and Browns Ferry and Wauhatchie road). Very respectfully, H. ~. PERKINS, Lieutenant, Aide-de-Camp, and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem. OCTOBER 28, 1863..2.45 p. m. General THOMAS: The enemy are shelling something up Lookout Valley, and have fired the bridge across Lookout Creek. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL CORPS, October 28, 18632.50 p. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: Officers report that the battery on Lookout Mountain is throwing shells up Lookout Valley in direction of Wauhatchie Junction. My own observations agree with this, as their guns can be seen pointed in that direction. Respectfully submitted. JESSE MERRILL, Captain, and Chief Signal Officer. (Received 3.25 p. in., October 28, 1863.) GenerM THOMAS: The enemy are shelling down the road something upon Lookout Valley, and have fired the bridge across Lookout Creek. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. BROWNS FERRY, October 28. 18633.45 p. m. Generals SMITH and THOMAS: General Hookers column is coming up from Lookout Valley within a quarter of a mile of our position. ~. B. HAZEN, Brigadier-General. SIGNAL STATION, CRANES HILL, October 28, 18634.15 p. m. Captain MERRILL: The rebels have drawn their troops from their right for a mile. I cannot tell the effect of our shots from Fort Dunlap. FITCH Page 59 XLIELI REOPENING OF THE TEM~tSSEE RIVER. HDQRS. SECOND DIvIsIoN, TWELFTH ARMY CORPs, Rowdens House, October 28, 18634.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that my command has reached this point, where, pursuant to instructions, I will await orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Gommanding. FORT WOOD, October 28, 18634.30 p. m. Capt. W. LEONARD: Four regiments of infantry moved from crest of ridge to the enemys extreme right, where they went into camp. Wagons have been going up to crest of ridge on almost every road all the after- noon. Respectfully, L. M. DE MOTTE, Lieutenant, and Acting Signal Officer. STATION No. 2~, CRANES HILL, October 28, 18636.20 p. m. Captain MERRILL: The rebels have drawn their troops from their right, for the effect of our shells from Fort Dunlap. FORAKER, Lieutenant, Acting Signal Officer. BROWNS FERRY, October 28, 1863. General SMITH: The rebels have this afternoon thrown up a line of works between Lookout Creek and the foot of Lookout Mountain. W. B. HAZEN, Brigadier-General. HDQRS. SIGNAL CORPS, DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, October 28, 186~3. Capt. J. P. WILLARD, Aide-de-Camp: CAPTAIN: The officers on the point opposite Lookout Mountain say the enemys shells did no damage to us. I watched our own shells closely, and almost all of them fell short of the top of the mountain. One or two of them struck the crest, but not near their earth-works. The work has just been unmasked, and has three, or perhaps four, embrasures. Very respectfully, yours, JESSE MERRILL, Captain, and Chief Signal Officer Page 60 60 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [ORAl.. XLIII. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Whitesides, Tenn., October 28, 18636.30 a. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: The general directs that when your command reaches Whitesides you detach one regiment to hold the branch road leading to Tren- ton, and direct the officer in command to examine the pass and select that position that will enable him to hold it against any force that may~be sent against him. Press forward your own command, or we shall not be able to reach our destination to-night. Join the general with your command as soon as possible. Have your troops that are behind sent forward without delay. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. CHATTANOOGA, October 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. GEORGE H. THOMAS, Chattanooga: It seems to me the steamer Paint Rock should by all means be got down to Browns Ferry before morning, even if a house has to be torn down to provide the necessary fuel. There is every probability that the enemy will make every p reparation possible before to-mor- row night to prevent our accom~lish~g this. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., October 29, 18631 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: Major-General Hooker directs me to inform the major-general commanding that he has moved all his force to the assistance of General Geary, at Wauhatchie. No report has been received from General Geary, but heavy firing in that direction indicates that he has been attacked. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. OCTOBER 29, 18631.15 a. m. General THOMAS: Heavy fire raging between this and Wauhatchie. WHITAKER, Brigadier- General. OCTOBER 29, 18631.46 a. m. General TURCHIN: Leave one regiment of yoffr eight regiments in position and move the rest of the regiments down to the gorge, and go down there i Page 61 Ciw. XLIII.] REOPEKING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 61 person and take command of all the troops there. I will be at General Hazens lieadquarters. You can communicate with me by signal from this [pointj or by sending up the mountain. W. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General. OCTOBER 29, 18632.20 a. m. General THOMAS: A brisk engagement has been and is now going on in the vicinity of Wauhatchie, and General Hooker has moved part of his force down. W. B. HAZEN, Brigadier-General. OCTOBER 29, 18632.30 a. m. General THOMAS: Fight still raging furiously. Think we are being driven a little. W. C. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, October 29, 18633 a. m. General WHITAKER and Colonel MITCHELL Commanding Officers of Brigades, near Browns Ferry Bridge: Major-General Hooker directs me to say that, in accordance with instructions received from Major-General Thomas, you would be ready to move to his support. He desires that your commands move up and report to him. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD,. Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., October 29, 18633 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: General Hooker directs me to say that he has called up the bri- gades of General Whitaker and Colonel Mitchell; that the enemy has been foiled in his attempt thus far to break the line. We have prisoners from two brigades of Longstreets corps. They state that two divisions, or all of Longstreets corps that are hei~e, have crossed, their aim being to prevent the opening of this line. Reports come in of sounds and commands as if massing and forming troops. The general anticipates from this and what the prisoners say a renewal of enemys attack at daylight. He would like to have signal officers sent out. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff Page 62 62 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. 1Cm. ~III. OCTOBER 29, 18633 a. m. General TURCHIN: You need not remove that regiment if you have not already done so. W. F. SMITH, Brigadier-General. OCTOBER 29, 18633.30 a. m. Colonel MITCHELL, At Genera! TFhitalcers: You will hold your command in readiness to proceed at a moments notice to the support of General Hooker. THOMAS, General. OCTOBER 29, 18633.30 a. m. General WHITAKER: The general commanding directs that you move to Browns Ferry with your command, except your battery and proper support for it. Send this order also to Colonel Mitchell. Obey a call from General Hooker if one should come for aid. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major- General. DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, October 29, 18633. ~0 a. m. General WHITAKER: Send a staff officer to Browns Ferry to ascertain if you are needed, and if so move down at once. By order of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major- General. OCTOBER 29, 18634 a. m. General THOMAS: Fight abated. From sound enemy a pear to hold Kelleys Gap, our troops having been apparen y riven toward Wauhatchie. They have made an assault in direction of Smiths left, and have been repulsed. Do not know the troops. Judg~from the sund. Briqadier-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., October 29, 18634 a. m. Brigadier-General GEARY, Commanding Division: General Hooker directs i~ie to say that if you hear firing or fight- ing on your left, it will probably be General Schurz pushing out to join you. If you havQ to cliange position from the development Page 63 Ca~ ~LIiL] RBOPI~ING O~ TuB TBN ~SSBB RIVBR. e3 before or after daylight, aim to fight in this direction, but bear in mind if it should be necessary, which is not anticipated, that you have a line open via Kelleys Ferry to Browns Ferry Bridge and Chattanooga. Bchurz should be up with you by the time this reaches Y Very respectfully, ~ANL. BUTTERFIELD, MajorGeneral, Chief of Staff. OCTOBER 29, 18634.20 a. m. General WHITAKER: Send a staff officer to Browns Ferry to ascertain if you are needed, and if so move down at once. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., October 29, 18636.45 a. m. Major..General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: General Hooker directs me to say that the brigades of General Whitaker and Colonel Mitchell, ordered up at 3 a. in., have not yet reported. Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH ARMY CoRPs, Rowdens house, October 29, 18037 a. in. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Eleventh and Twelfth Army CorVs: GENERAL: My command is almost without ammunition. Please have some sent me, say 70,000 rounds. One brigade of General $churzs has reported to me and been placed in position; the balance of his division is located in the mountain, and, I believe, is going to remain there. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., October 29, 18637.10 a. m. Brigadier-General GEARY: Yours of 7 a. in. received. Another brigade of General Schurzs has been sent you. With these you can relieve some of your regiineut Page 64 64 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. that are exhausted and out of ammunition. Also another brigade from Chattanooga. What ammunition we have has been sent for- ward, and is by this time up to the mountains where General Tyn- dales brigade is posted, where you can get it. When all these troops arrive detach a regiment to go and escort up the supply train 3 miles back toward Whitesides. Is your rear toward Whitesides open? Can you send down in Lookout Creek Valley and find out anything for us concerning the enemy, with scouts or otherwise? Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., October 29, 18637.45 a. m. Major-General REYNOTJDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: The position now held and being intrenched by General Geary this side of Wauhatchie, at the forks of Kelleys Ferry and Chatta- nooga roads, should have the supervision of a competent engineer to locate lines and works in the most advantageous manner; the position is a very important one. I have no engineer officer in the command. I have to request that one may be sent out here at once. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., October 29, 18638.20 a. m. Major-General REYNOLDS, Chief of Staff, Chattanooga: General Schurz reports large columns of the enemy seen to march down along Lookout Creek, and then, turning to the right, march- ing up the mountain. Is it not possible to injure them from the Moccasin Point or other batteries on the north side of the river? The prisoners captured last night on the ridge carried by Smiths brigade are sent in herewith. Very respectfully, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, October 29, 186311 a. m. General WHITAKER: Report any change of pickets on Lookout Mountain. J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General Page 65 c~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 65 HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenr& ., October 29, 18632 p. m. Brigadier-General CRUFT: Major-General Hooker directs that you cross your command at Shellmound, if the bridge is still there, and move it up to this point. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, J~Iajor- General, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, October 29, 18632.30 p. m Brigadier-General CRUFT, Rankins Ferry: Please cross your command at Shellmound before bridge is re- moved, and march it to join General Hooker here, near Wauhatchie. A train of wagons will be to-morrow at Shellmound laden with sup- plies, for which you will please furnish an escort. If the bridge is removed at Shellmound before you can cross your force at Rankins by it, march your command to Kelleys Ferry, where the bridge is to b~ sent, and cross it there, moving up to join here. Very respectfully, & c., DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff. HDQRs. SECOND DIVISION, TWELFTH. ARMY CORPS, Rowdens House, October 29, 18633.30 p.m. Commanding Officer Advance Forces: SIR: Bring your command to this point as rapidly as possible. We need re-enforcements. Guard well your right flank. Rowdens house is at the intersection of the Chattanooga and Browns Ferry by the Kelleys Ferry road. By command of Brig. Gen. John W. Geary: THOS. H. ELLIOTT, Captain, Assistant Adjutant-General. OCTOBER 29, 18635 p. m. General REYNOLDS: See no change on the enemys front or picket lines. As many are visible now as this time last evening. I have sent for the Ninety- ninth Ohio from the island to strengthen my pickets. Shall I stay here or go to the regiments re-enforcing General Hooker? W. C. WHITAKER, Brigadier-General. 5 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 66 66 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. (Cz& ~. hART. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 29, 18636 p. m Brig. Gem CHARLES CRUFT, Shelirnound via Bridgeport (Care Colonel Le Due): Leave one company at Rankins Ferry to guard the supplies now there. Leave one brigade and your battery at Sheilmound, where you will cross your whole command to the south side of river. Go with one brigade and Hookers battery to Whitesides and report to General Hooker. By command of Major-General Thomas: J. J. REYNOLDS Major- General, Chief of Staff. DEPATLTMENT HEADQUARTERS, October 29, 1863. General HOOKER: General Cruft has been ordered to leave a battery and. a brigade at Shellmound, and to move to Whitesides with his other brigade and your battery. and report to you. ~ ~. REYNOLDS, Major-General. OCTOBER 29, 18637.05 p. m. General WHITAKER: You can remain at your headquarters to-night, but be prepared to cross the river in case of an attack. .THOMAS, General. OCTOBER 29, 18637.25 p. m. Signal Officer at General Whitakers Headquarters: In which direction did you see the rebel troops move this p. in.? Toward Missionary Ridge or Lookout Mountain? Answer imme- diately. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS SIGNAL CORPS, October 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. J. REYNOLDS: GENERAL: The officer on signal station opposite Lookout, at rort Whitaker, reports the following: Heavy columns of rebel- troops have been passing across Chatta- nooga Valley from right (our right) to left. Were seen to pass front of General Bairds division. They occupied half an hour in passin Page 67 ~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 67 one point. He estimates the number at about that of a di~ision~ No artillery with them. Battery No. 5 opened upon them. Could see them as they passed the different openings until they entered th@ woods at a point he judges to be opposite General Rousseaus com~ mand. This was at about 12 m, Respectfully, W. E. SHERIDAN Captain, and Acting Signat Oj~icer. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, TW~LW~~t ARMY CORPS, 1?owdens House, October 29, 18637.25 p. m. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps: GENERAL: Two brigades of Schurzs division are now here one having reported at 7 oclock. I have placed it in position. Have received 11,000 rounds of ammunition from General iElioward. Will send for more to the place where General Tyndale is located. M~r rear toward Whitesides is open. I am looking for two of my regi~ ments and the other section of my battery, which are repoi~ted near with the supply train. I will send out scouts down Lookout C reek Valley. Cavalry would be very usefuL I have the honor to be, general, very respecfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volun1eei~s, commanding. OCTOB1~R 29, iS6~3-.--7.60 p. in. General THOMAS: Rebel troops were moving about northeast. They were twenty- ~even minutes in passing a given point4 WOOD Lieutenant, and Acting Signal q4~cer4 Major-General REYNOLDS, BRIDGEPORT, October 30, 1803. Chief of Staff: The Paint Rock left Browns Ferry at (3.30 oclock this morning; arrived, here at twenty minutes to 12. She came down nicely. In rounding Lookout Point last night she was fired into, doing no serious damage. A hole was made in one of the steam pipes, which will be repaired, calked. Also loaded with provisions and started back for Browns Ferry. She will tow scows to Kelleys Ferry. The crabs at the Suck for hauling over are still there, and apparently in good ordei. They ought to be guarded at once, as the boat cannot get up without them, and one of the prisoners on the boat said the rebels were going to destroy [them.] A force should be in the vicinity of the Suck, the Pot and Pan, to prevent small boats of the enemy from keeping the boats back. HENRY C. HODGES, Lieute~nant~.Colone1, and Chief Quart~rma~ter Page 68 68 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Cx.w. XLIII. ORDERS.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, November 1, 1863. The general commanding tenders his thanks to Brig. Gen. W. F. Smith and the officers and men of the expedition under his command, consisting of the brigades of Brigadier- Generals Turchin and Hazen, the boat parties under Col. T. R. Stanley, Eighteenth Ohio Volun- teers, and the pioneer bridge party, Captain Fox, Michigan Engi- neers, for the skill and cool gallantry displayed in securing a per- manent lodgment on the south side oI~ the river at Browns Ferry, and in putting in position the pontoon bridge, on the night of the 26th instant. The successful execution of this duty was attended with the most important results in obtaining a safe and easy com munication with Bridgeport and shortening our line of supplies. By command of Major-General Thomas: C. GODDARD, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Assistant Adjubtnt-General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 265. Chattanooga, Tenn., November 7, 1863. The recent movements, resulting in the establishment of a new and short line of communication with Bridgeport, and. the posses- sion of the Tennessee River, were of so brilliant a character as to deserve special notice. The ski 1 and cool gallantry of the officers and men composing the expedition under Brig. Gen. William F. Smith, chief engineer, con- ~sisting of the brigades of Brigadier-Generals Turchin and ~11azen, the boat parties under Colonel Stanley, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, and the pontoniers under Captain Fox, Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, in effecting a permanent lodgment on the south side of the river, at Browns Ferry, deserve the highest praise. The column under Major-General Hooker, which took possession of the line from Bridgeport to the foot of Lookdtit Mountain, deserve great credit for their brilliant success in driving the enemy from every position which they attacked. The bayonet charge, made by the troops of General Howard, up a steep and difficult hill, over 200 feet high, completely routing the enemy and driving him from his barricades on its top, and the repulse, by General Gearys command, of greatly superior numbers, who attempted to surprise him, will rank among the most distinguished feats of arms of this war. By command of Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas: C. GODDARD, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 2. Dispatches of Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War. NASHVILLE, TENN., October 21, 18639 a. in. I arrived here at 10 last night, and return ~~outh with Grant this morning. Our train narrowly escaped destruction at a point about 8 miles from here. A tie had been inserted in a cattle guard t Page 69 Ciui~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 69 throw the train down an embankment, but it had been calculated for a train going south, and ours broke it off without damage. The purpose apparently was to destroy Grant on his way to Bridgeport. [0. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., October 23, 1863. No change in the situation here. Ten days rations on hand. Thomas firmly resolved to hold at all events. Rain heavy since mid- night and roads worse to-day than yesterday. An immediate movement for the occupation of Raccoon Mountain and Lookout Valley is indispensable, but Hooker, though ordered ten days since to concentrate his forces for the purpose, has not done so, but waits on the ground that his wagons have not arrived from Nashville. The fact is, however, that about one hundred have ar- rived, and, besides, Thomas will not allow him to take any wagons at all in this movement. But Hooker seems to show no zeal in the enterprise. lit will necessarily wait somewhat for the arrival of Grant, who was not able to make the whole distance of 55 miles on horseback yesterday, but will get in before night. The interior line of fortifications is so far advanced that General Smith tells me only one days work more is needed to make them tenable, and~the place temporarily safe with a garrison of 10,000 men, though the works will still be far from finished. The pontoons are done for a bridge across to Lookout Valley as soon as Hooker has moved into that position. The change in command is received with satisfaction by all intel- ligent officers so far as I can ascertain. The sentiment of the troops I do not yet know about. Of course Rosecrans has many friends who are unable to conceive why he is relieved, and these report he is to command the Army of the Potomac. The change at head- quarters here is already strikingly perceptible. Order prevails in- stead of universal chaos. General Thomas thinks enemy are mov- ing up against Burnside. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., October 23, 18633 p. m. - Among the officers who most resolutely required the relief of Crittenden and McCook was General Palmer. It appears that he expected to succeed Crittenden, for on the consolidation he resigned. Now that the Fourteenth Corps has to receive a new commander I would respectfully recommend that Palmers resignation be accepted. This will leave Reynolds the ranking major-general in this army next to Rousseau, who is so unfit that he cannot be considered. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.1 Secretary of War Page 70 TO KY., SW. VA., TENN.~ MISS., N. ALA., AK]) N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. CHATTANOOGA, October 24, 186310 a. m. Graut arrived last night, wet, dirty, and well. He is just going to reconnoiter an important position which General Smith has dis- covered at the mouth of Lookout Valley, and which will be occupied ~ from here simultaneously with Hookers occupation of Raccoon Mountain. This movement will probably take place within three days. INo demonstration from the enemy. Deserters report that Long- streets men have all just received new clothing, and are going away, either up the river or to Virginia. Breckinridges division goes with them. IC. A. DANA4 Hon. ~. M. STANTON, & Qretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, October 24, 18639 p. m. There is good evidence that rebels are moving in large force toward Cleveland. Heavy railroad trains go up and light ones return. No doubt Longstreet Is now going to Kingston. This army is unable to act for want of animals, but the movement will facilitate the opening of the Tennessee. [C. A. DANA.] Eon. ~ M. STANTON, Secretary of Wc~r. CHATTANOOGA, October 24, 186310 p. m. The movement of the enemy to our left has obliged Grant to order Sherman up toward Stevenson, leaving Memphis and Charleston Railroad east of Bear Creek unfinished. It is indispensable to be able to hold McMinnville and have force ready to march north to cover Nashville. [C. A. DANA] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, October 2~, 186311 a. m. Deserters who came in this morning report that Cheathams old division, forming part of his present corps, is now at Charleston on the Hiwassee. It is also reported that 5,000 rebel mounted infantry have crossed the Tennessee above Washington, but this needs con- firmation. I am going over to Bridgeport to observe General Hook- O?8 movement to Raccoon Mountain, in which he has so far mani~ rested a s~prising unreadiness. The precise time for his advance is not yet fixed ,but it will probably be to-morrow night. Palmers division moved from here last night on its way to Ran Page 71 C~. XLIII.] REOPENII(G OP THE ThNNESS~E RIVER. ,~p1 kins Ferry, where it will cross the Tennessee to co-operate with Hooker. The force which will cross at Browns Ferry to occupy the ham- elon, at the mouth of Lookout Valley, will consist of three brigades, of which the first, under Hazen, will proceed to the spot in the pon- toons, of which the bridge to be thrown across there will be com- posed. The other two march, the distance being about 4 miles, and all are to be on the ground before daylight Tuesday morning. This expedition to Lookout Valley will probably be commanded by General Smith. Reconnaissance yesterday showed the rebels have only a caValry picket at Browns Ferry, and no force on the mamelon. Cold; cloudy; no rain. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, October 25, 186311 p. m. Careful inquiry through the army discloses nothing but general satisfaction at recent chan~ges. Officers generally feel that continu- ance of Rosecrans in command was the destruction of the army, and no men could be found in whom all would feel so much confidence as in Thomas and Grant. Howard now occupies Shellmound, and has found one locomotive and three freight cars on the railroad there in working order. We have rebel papers to the 23d. Jeff. Davis was at Selma on the 18th. He unqualifiedly sustains Bragg. Returns from Georgia election show that in 105 counties only 25,800 votes were cast, in- cluding the army vote. All complain loudly of scarcity of provis- ions, and predict terrible suffering among the poor during the com- ing winter. Pleasant. Hon. E. M. STANTON [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. BRIDGEPORT, October 26, 18632 p. m. The movement for the occupation of Raccoon Mountain and Look- out Valley was to have begun this mornir~g. Everything is ready at Chattanooga, and Palmer will be at Rankins Ferry in season, but Hooker is behindhand and it is postponed till to-morrow. The forces sent from here are Howards two divisions and Gearys, 10,000 men in all. Our advices from Lookout indicate that the rebels have withdrawn from the valley and from the top of the mountain, keeping only a small force at Stevens and Coopers Gaps and Nickajack Trace. Their pickets were also much diminished last evening at the foot of the mountain on the Chattanooga side. They have gone up the rail- road after Burnside on the west. The steam-boat building here will be ready to run within three days. Cloudy; rain threatened. Hon. E. M. STANTON [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War Page 72 72 xx., sw. VA., TIENN., MISS., N. ALA., AN]) N. GA. [OHAi~. XLIII. BRIDGEPORT, October 27, 18636.30 a. m. Troops are now just moving out for Sheilmound and Raccoon Mountain. No evidence to show that the rebels will oppose the un- dertaking. Hooker came here from Stevenson last night. He is in an unfortunate state of mind for one who has to co-operate, fault finding, criticising, dissatisfied. No doubt the chaos of Rosecrans administration is as bad as he describes, but he is quite as truculent toward the plan he is now to execute as toward the impotence and confusion of the old r~gime. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary ~f War. WHITESIDES VALLEY, October 27, 18634.30 p. m. The advance of Hooker has just reached here. A rebel cavalry picket fled on our approach. Two captured report no considerable force in the valley. No reason to doubt that communication will be opened with Chattanooga to-morrow. Cloudy. Hon. E. M. STANTO~ - [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, October 28, 18635 p. m. Everything perfectly successful. The river is now open, and a short and good road in our possession along the south shore. We had an insignificant skirmish near Wauhatchie. The great success, however, is General Smiths operation at the mouth of Lookout Val- ley. Its brilliancy cannot be exaggerated. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, October 29, 18639 a. m. On reaching the mouth of Lookout Valley yesterday afternoon, Hooker encamped Howards corps at the west base of the range of five mamelons or hills occupied and fortified by General Smith9while ~C he encamped Gearys division at Wauhatchie, fully 2~ miles distant. These positions not only invited attack from the enemy, who could see everything from the top of Lookout Mountain, but were very bad for the defense of the valley, and General Hazen, commanding the forces on the mamelons, went to General Hooker and endeavored to get him to take up a compact line across the valley, and to bring all his forces together. But being confident the enemy would not disturb him, Hooker refuse~f to change his dispositions. The con- sequence was that about 12 p. m. rebe]s fell upon Geary, seekin Page 73 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. to crush and capture him bef@re succor could be brought up. The moonlight was almost as bright as day, and Geary having strong pickets out got timely warning. The fight was very furious. How- ard, marching to the relief of Geary, was heavily struck in the flank, but his corps behaved splendidly, and finally effected its junction with Geary. The enemy was successfully repulsed, and withdrew at 4 a. m. Our loss in killed is reported as small, but we had many wounded. No further details yet received. Two brigades from here have gone this morning to support Hooker, and Grant and Thomas are now there. The mamelons are also occupied by the brigades of Hazen and Turchin, temporarily under Smith. No part of Palmers division has yet got across the Tennessee, it having proved impossible to move the pontoon bridge above Shell- mound, while Palmer had marched to Rankins Ferry. This force will, however, join Hooker to-night, making in all 25,000 men in Lookout Valley. Prisoners report Longstreets whole corps there. Hooker is hard at work intrenching. No news from enemy up river. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, October 29, 18631 p. m. General Grant desires me to request for him that Lieut. Col. J. H. Wilson, of his staff, captain of Engineers, be appointed brigadier- general of volunteers. Grant wants him to command cavalry, for which he possesses uncommon qualifications. Knowing Wilson thoroughly, I heartily indorse the application. Grant also wishes to have both Hooker and Slocum removed from his command, and the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps consolidated un- der Howard. He would himself order Hooker and Slocum away, but hesitates because they have just been sent here by the President. Besides, I think he would rather prefer that so serious a proceeding should come from headquarters. Hooker has behaved badly ever since his arrival, and Slocum has just sent in a very disorderly com- munication, stating that when he came here it was under promise that he should not have to serve under Hooker, whom he neither re- gards with confidence as an officer nor respects as a man. Altogether Grant feels that their presence here is replete with both trouble and dan~~er; besides, the smallness of the two corps requires their con- solPfation, and even after that it will be necessary to add troops to make the numbers of the new consolidated corps respectable. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [0. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, October 29, 18639.30 p. m. Enemy have continued firing all day from four guns which they have placed on top of Lookout Mountain. The only effect of their shells has been the wounding of 3 men. They have also thrown up works at the west base ~f the mountain. We have also thrown u Page 74 74 ~ sw. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. [CEAP. lUlL rifle-pits and epaulements in Lookout Valley. Precise number of casualties in last nights battle not yet reported, but as nearly as I can a~certain the killed are about 70; the wounded, 200. The new steam-boat Chattanooga, just finished at Bridgeport, landed her first cargo to-day at Rankins Ferry, and will land another at Kelleys Ferry to-morrow. The distance from the last-named place to Chat- tanooga is 10 miles; road excellent. As soon as her powers are well ascertained she will try to come up through the Suck and other dan- gers of the river to Browns Ferry, at the mouth of Lookout Valley. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, October 30, 18637 a. m. The steamboat Paint Rock passed down from the landing here to Browns Ferry shortly after midnight last night. In passing Look- out Mountain she was fired at by musketry, and the cannon on the summit gave her a few shots, but neither boat nor crew suffered in- jury. This boat can bring 200 tons of freight to Browns Ferry land- ing daily. Rain this morning, but we have the river. As soon as the gaps in Raccoon Mountain are fortified, Chattanooga will be absolutely safe. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. No.3. Return of Casualties in the Union forces engaged under Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, at Wauhatchie, Tenn., October 2829,1863. LCompiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. S 4) 4) 4) Command. ni ~O ni 0 4) 0 15 134th New York 154th New York 27th Pennsylvania 73d Pennsylvania ... Total First Brigade * In reserve. S 2 I - - - - ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Ge~ OtxvEa 0. HowiuD. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ADOLPH VON 5TEINWEHR. First Brigade.~ Col. ADOLPUDS BUSCHBECL .1 ~1 1 Page 75 75 Czar. XIJII.I IUiOPENIXG O~ THT~ TENNESSEE RIVER. Return of (Ja8ualties in the Union forces, & e.-.-Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. n H Command. ni ~u ni ~ ni ~ U .5 ~ Second Brigade. CoL Ozsw~ Sm~. 88d ~Iaasachusetts 186th New York 55th OhIo * 78d Ohio Total Second Bilgade Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. Maj. Gen. C~un Scnsrnz. First Brig.~.sde. Brig. Gen. EHOTOR Tv~A~. 101st Illinois 45th New York 143d New York 61st Ohio 82dOhio Total First Brigade. . .. . Second Brigade. Col. WLADIMIR KREYz.*nowsaI. 58th New York 119th New York 141st New York 26th Wisconsin Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. FREDERICK HRCKER. BOth Illinois 68th New York 75th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Total Third Division t CAVALRY. 1st Alabama 6th Tennessee, Company G Total Eleventh Army Corps 8 28 2 .ii. 06 4 1 88 6 1 68 4 80 10 110 2 162 4 36 10 112 2 164 I I. .1 S .~. ~ .1 7 37 I 5 40 131137 9 204 2 z~zz . TWELFTH ARMY CORES. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN W. GEARY. Stan * On picket. t Losses by regiments not fully reported in detail. Page 76 76 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Return of Casualties in the Union forces, & c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. a a ii Command. ~ ~ ,~ ~. ~ ~ ~ 5 0 [~ 0 0 ~ Second Br4 jade. CoL GEORGE A. CoBHAM, Jr. Staff 1 1 29th Pennsylvania 1 5 1 7 109th Pennsylvania 1 4 1 22 4 82 111th Pennsylvania 2 6 6 31 1 46 Total Second Brigade 8 11 8 58 6 86 Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. GEORGE S. Gasini~. Staff 1 1 .8thNewlork 2 2 137th New York 15 3 72 90 l49thNewYork 1 1 11 13 Total Third Brigade 16 5 85 . 106 Artillery. Pennsylvania Light, Battery E (two sections) 1 2 1 18 22 Total Second Division 4 29 16 161 6 216 Total Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps* 9 69 29 298 15 420 OFFICERS KILLED OR MORTALLY WOUNDED. MASSACHUSETTS. Lieut. Joseph P. Burrage, 33d Infantry. Lieut. James Hill 33d Infantry. Lieut. Oswego Jones, 38d Infantry. Lieut. William P. Mudge, 33d Infantry. OHIO. Capt. William H. MeGroarty, 61st Infantry. Capt. Luther M. Buchwalter, 73d Intantry. PENNSYLVANIA. Capt. Charles A. Atwell, Battery E, Light Artillery. Lieut. Edward R. Geary, Battery E, Light Artillery. Licut. James Glendening, 1O~th Infantry. Maj. John A. Boyle, 111th Infantry. Lieut. Marvin D. Pettit, 111th Infantry. * In addition to the casualties contained in this table, the command of Gener~1 William F. Smith, in its operations at Browns Ferry, suffered the loss of 4 killed and 17 wounded, a total of 21. 1~k~r detailed statement see Smiths report, p. 77 Page 77 Cw~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF TIlE T]~NNESSEE RIVER. 77 No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. William F. Smith, U. S. Army, Chief Engi.. neer, Department of the Gumberland. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, OFFICE OF CHF. ENGR., Chattanooga, November 4, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations for making a lodginent on the south side of the river at Browns Ferry: On the 19th of October, I was instructed by General Rosecrans to reconnoiter the river in the vicinity of Williams Island, with~a view to making the island a cover for a steamboat landing and store- houses, and began the examination near the lower end of the island. Following the river up, I found on the opposite bank, above the head of the island, a sharp range of hills, whose base was washed by the river. This range extended up the river nearly to Lookout Creek, and was broken at Browns Ferry by a narrow gorge, through which ran the road to the old ferry, and also flowed a small creek. The valley between this ridge of hills and Raccoon Mountain was narrow, and a lodgnent effected there would give us the command of the Kelleys Ferry road, and seriously interrupt the communications of the enemy up Lookout Valley and down to the river on Raccoon Mountain. The ridge seemed thinly picketed, and the evidences were against the occupation of that part of the valley by a large force of the enemy, and it seemed quite possible to take by surprise what could not have been carried by assault, if heavily occupied by an opposing force. The major-general commanding the geographical division, and the major-general commanding the department, visited with me the ferry a few days after t~iis reconnaissance, and were agreed as to the importance of the position by itself, and especially in connection with the movements to be made from Bridgeport to open the river, and I was directed to make the necessary arrangements for the expedition to effect the lodgment. To do this, 50 pontoons, with oars, to carry a crew and 25 armed men, were prepared, and also 2 fiat-boats, carry- ing 40 and 75 men. The force detailed for the expedition consisted of the brigades of Brigadier-General Turchin and Brigadier-General Hazen, with three batteries, to be posted under the direction of Major Mendenhall, assistant to General Brannan, chief of artillery. Sunday, the 25th of October, 1 was assigned to the command of the expedition, and the troops were distributed as follows: Fifteen hundred men, under Brigadier-General Hazen, were to embark in the boats and p ass down the river a distance of about 9 miles, seven of which would be under the fire of the pickets of the enemy. It was deemed better to take this risk than to attempt to launch the boats near the ferry, because they would move more rapidly thag intelligence could be taken by infantry pickets, and, in addition, though the enemy might be ~darmed, he would not know where the landing was to be attempted, and therefore could not concentrate with certainty against us. The boats were called off in sections, and the points at which each section was to land were carefully selected and pointed out to the officers in command and range fires kept burning, lest in the night the upper points should be mistaken. The remainder of General Turchins brigade and General Hazens brigade were marched across, and encamped in the woods out of sight, near the ferry, ready to move down and cover the landing of the boats Page 78 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA.~ AND N. GA. tc~. XLIU. and also ready to embark so soon as the boats had landed the river force and crossed to the north side. The artillery was also halted in the woods during the night, and was to move down and go into posi- tion as soon as the boats had begun to land, to cover the retirement of our troops in case of disaster. The equipage for the pontoon bridge was also ready to be moved down to the river so soon as the troops were across. Axes were issued to the troops, to be used in cutting abatis for defense so soon as the ridge was gained. General ilazen was to take the gorge and the hills to the left, while General Turchin was to extend from the gorge down the river. The boats moved from Chattanooga at 3 a. in. on the 27th, and, thanks to a slight fog and the silence observed, they were not dis- covered until about 5 a. in., when the first section had landed at the upper point, and the second section had arrived abreast of the picket stationed at the gorge. Here a portion of the second section of the flotilla failed to land at the proper place, and, alarming the pickets, received a volley. Some time was in effecting a landing below the gorge, and the troops had hardly carried it before the enemy be- gan the attack. The boats by this time had recrossed the river, and Lieutenant-Colonel Langdon, First Ohio Volunteers, in command of the remnant of the brigade of General Hazen, was rapidly ferried across, and, forming his men quickly, pushed forward to the assist- ance of the troops under Lieutenant-Colonel Foy, Twenty-third Ken- tucky Volunteers, already hard pressed. The skirmish was soon over, and General Turchin, who followed Lieutenant-Colonel Langdon, quietly took possession of the hills assigned to him. So soon as the skirmishers were thrown out from each command, the axes were set at work felling an abatis, and in two hours the command was sufficiently protected to withstand any attack which was likely to be made. So ,soon as the last of the troops were across, the bridge was commenced and continued under some shelling for an hour or so, and was completed at 4.30 p. in., under the vigorous and skillful superintendence of Capt. P. V. Fox, First Michigan Engineers, and Capt. G. W. Dresser, Fourth Artil- lery. Six prisoners were taken and 6 rebels buried by our command, an~1 several wounded reported by citizens, and among the wounded the colonel of the Fifteenth Alabama Volunteers. Twenty beeves, 6 pontoons, a barge, and about 2,000 bushels of corn fell into our possession. Our loss was 6 killed, 23 wounded, and 9 missing. The artillery placed in position was not used, but credit is due Major Mendenhall for his promptitude iii placing his guns. To Brigadier-General Turchin, Brigadier-General Hazen, Co!onel Stan- ley, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, who had the superintendence of the boats and was zealous in his duty, and to Captain Fox, First Michigan Engineers, all credit is due for their zeal, coolness, and intelligence. Captain Dresser, Fourth Artillery, and Capt. P C. F.. West, U. S. Coast Survey, rendered every service on my staff:~ Lieutenaiits Klokke, Fuller, Hopkins, and Brent, of the signal corps, were zealous in the discharge of their duties, and soon succeeded in establishing a line of communication from the south side of the river. I inclose the reports of the various commanders. ~ Respectfully submitted. WM. F. SMITH, Brigaclier-GeneraZf Chief Engineer, Comdg. Th~pedition. *A map of the country in vicinity of Browns Ferry, made to accompany this report, will appear in Atlas Page 79 ONAP. XLIII.] REOPENING- OF THE TRNTNESSEE RIVER. 79 Rnclosure.] List of casualties* during the action at Drowns Ferry, October 27, 1863. a Regiment. a ~ ~ 0 3 3341 Ohio Volunteer Infantry 1 2 3 41st Ohio Volunteer Infantry 1 2 3 124th Ohio Volunteer Infantry 4 4 3th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry 1 2341 Kentucky Volunteer Infantry 1 9 Total 4 17 21 No. 5. Report of Col. Timothy 1?. Stanley, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEERS, Chattanooga, Tenn., October 28, 1863. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to report the part taken. by the forces under my command during the recent expedition to Browns Ferry, 9 miles by the river below this place. On the 25th instant I was ordered by General Smith to have ready fifty pontoon boats and one ferry-fiat to transport and ferry troops; to organize parties to man them; to superintend, and have all ready to move the following day. To do this required the building of some ten additional boats and the making of one hundred and fifty oars and row-locks, all which was being done under the direction of Ca- tam Fox, of the Michigan Mechanics and Engineers. I detailed 100 men from my own regiment, under command of Captains Grosvenor and Cable, and requested details of river men from other regiments, which were furnished as follows: From the Thirty-third Ohio and Second Ohio, under command of Lieutenant McNeal, 88 men; from the Thirty-sixth Ohio, under command of Lieutenant Haddow, and from the Ninety-second Ohio, under command of Lieutenant Stephen- son, each 44 men. I directed boats crews to consist of 1 corporal and 4 men, and each two boats to be under command of a sergeant, each detail to be under command of a commissioned officer. I afterward added a large fiat, in which I carried 60 men. The pon- toons each carried 25 men besides the boats crews, making in the whole fleet fifty-two boats and 1,600 men. It was nearly night of the 26th before the boats were all ready, and far into the night before we were supplied with oars, and had it not been for the energy of the Michigan Mechanics and Engineers we would not have been supplied at all. The boats were, however, loaded, and at the appointed hour, 3 oclock in the morning of the 27th, we left the shore and rowed to the other side of the river, pass- ing through the opening made for us in the pontoon bridge. Keeping near the right bank, we floated down stream until the rear had well closed up, when we pulled steadily and silently under the shadow of the trees near the right bank, until opposite the point of Lookout Mountain, where the current, setting strongly toward the mountain, threw us some distance from shore, but we quickly, however, regained * Nominal list omitted Page 80 80 KY., SW. VA., TEYN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CuLi.. XLIII. our place, and thus glided past the enemys pickets on the left and p art of our own on the right without being discovered by the enemy. We were seen by the enemy posted near Lookout Creek, but after some conversation among themselves they concluded it was only drift. I had provided one of the fiats for General Hazen, and Cap- tain McElroy, of the steamer, gave me a select crew to man her, and in that I took passage with General Hazen and staff, following the first boat. The moon was so obscured by clouds that we were favored in that respect, but the perfect order and stillness with which we moved prevented discovery. I had divided the boats into ~wo fleets, one half under direction of Lieutenant McNeal, to make the landing at Browns Ferry, the other half under Captain Grosvenor to land at the gap above, our guide having pointed out to me the two gaps. I landed on the right shore above the upper one, and gave directions to each as they came down to make the proper landing, which was easily done without alarming the enemy, as the boats came down close to that shore. I was grati- fied to see how silently they came; how well they had obeyed my orders. The leading boat landing, the others quickly followed, all unloading the armed men, who quickly~gained the top of the bank, surprising the enemys pickets, the boats quickly, according to pre- vious arrangements, crossing to the right shore, coming down and up to the Browns Ferry landing, which point I had also at this time reached, where the remainder of the forces were in waiting, who, be- ing properly counted off into boat loads, were quickly an~ regularly loaded, and thus the whole force were ferried, 5,000 men, in less than one hour. There was no confusion. Every officer and man did his whole duty, did it fearlessly, willingly, and well, althou0h there was sharp firing by the enemy, and bullets were flying thick both on the river and the shore where we were loading into the boats. Having thus crossed the whole infantry force, and daylight having come and my men being exhausted with their efforts, the boats were all tied up to shore in line ready. I ordered breakfast for most of the men, keeping, however, a sufficient number of boats running to carry officers messages, and gave directions to Ca tam Cable to fit up the ferry-fiat, and cross two pieces of artillery, Viich he did, taking com- mand in person under fire of the enemys artillery, which had in the meantime commenced throwing shells into our midst. While going over with the first piece of artillery, a shell passed a few feet over their heads; a little farther on another plowed the waters just above and passed under the boat, but neither the enemys fire nor fatigue detained them from their work. After breakfast and a short rest, I was directed to niake a road up the bank, qn the south side, to be ready for the bridge, which was in process of c6nstruction by Captain Fox. After completing that work, thus r4ieving the armed men from other than their appropriate duty, I ordered my men to camp, re- maining, however, in person until nearly night. I am much indebted to Captain Grosvenor, to whom I had intrusteci much of the details before starting, and the immediate command of the upper fleet, for the perfect manner in which he carried out my orders, and the system and coolness displayed in the crossing and landings. Captain Cable and Lientenants McNeal, Haddow, and Stephenson were equally cool, ready, prompt, and active. These offi- cers, without exception, obeyed my orders strictly and aided me throughout. Much of th~ success which characterizes the expedi- tion is owing to their efforts. My thanks and commendation ar Page 81 Cair. XLIII] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 81 no less due to the brave men, the sergeants, corporals, and privates under their command, who so gallantly disregarded danger and put forth their utmost strength to such good purpose. They did not have arms in their hands to repay the enemy in kind, nor charge upon the enemy to excite and nerve them, but stern duty was well performed regardless of danger. I regret to record the loss of 3 men of the Thirty-third Ohio. Corpl. John W. Gillilin, Company I, was killed; Private Henry Pierce, Company B, mortally wounded Pr Company C, slightly wounded. , ivate Elijah Conklin, Your obedient servant, T. R. STANLEY, Colonel. Lieut. CAMPBELL TUCKER, A. 12 C. and A. A. A. G. to Chief Engr. of Dept. No. 6. Itinerary of the First Division, Fourth Army Clorps.* Until the 24th day of the month the division remained in camp at Chattanooga, strengthening our defenses, making heavy details for fatigue duty, and performing the ordinary routine of camp and office work. On the 24th, the general (Palmer) received orders to march with two brigadesthe First, General Cruft, and the Third, Col. P. 5. Post commanding (Colonel Grose being sick), and one battery, Fifth Jndi~naat 2 oclock the next morning on the north side of the river for Rankins Ferry, at which point we should find a pontoon bridge; to guard the bridge and co-operate with General Hooker, who had been ordered to the same point by the south side of the river. Our march was over Waldens Ridge. The road was barely passable for loaded wagons. It was raining hard, and our mules a no forage for three days. The march was tedious and most difficult. With the assistance of the soldiers, the headquarters and regimental wagons were all up the mountain before night of the 25th. We encamped about 2 miles from the top of the hill and 8 from Chattanooga. At this point we met a train going to Chattanooga, and took from it a temporary supply of provisions and forage. The artillery and ammunition did not succeed in getting up the mountain until some time the next day. After we got up the ridge we took the ridge road, leading from Bennetts to Bob Whites and coming into Sequatchie Valley at Prigmores. We found this quite a good road, with the simple ex- ception of crossing the gorge made by Suck Creek. We made very easy marches, waiting for the artillery and ammunition. Encamped the evening of the 26th on the immediate brow of the hill overlook- ing the valley, and the 27th at Prigmores, at the foot of the mount- ain. At this point General Palmer turned over the command of the division to General Cruft, in consequence of the painful condi- tion of his wound, which had greatly annoyed him during the march, * From return for October. 6 R RvOL XXXI, PT Page 82 D 82 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. and which now was so inflamed as to render it improper and dan.. gerous to continue longer in the field. On the morning of the 28th, we started at daylight, in a drenching rain and arrived at Rankins Ferry about 10 a. in., and immediately dispatched a courier to General Hooker to report our arrival and ask for orders. He had passed the evening before, and it was most difficult to reach him. At the forks of the road, 1~ miles from iRankins Ferry, we met a courier from Brig. Gen. J. St. Clair Morton, informing the general (Cruft) that the pontoon bridge had been placed for him at Shellmound, but, the orders being positive to go to Rankins Ferry, the general conceived it to be his duty to go to that point and report. This was immediately done, and the 28th we remaihed in camp waiting for orders. On the 29th, a steam-tug came up the river with 2 barges, loaded with supplies for General Hooker. We hailed her arrival with joy, as it gave an assurance that the river was open, and all danger of any suffering in Chattanooga for sup p lies was at an ejid. About 12.30 orders were received from headquarters and from General Hooker to cross the river at Shellmound and join General Hooker. This we did, and encamped that night at Shellmound, on the south side of the river. On the 30th, we waited until the boat came up from Bridgeport, from which we obtained supplies, broke up camp, and started in the most desperate rain I ever encountered. All our baggage had been left at Manchester two months before. Our soldiers are without tents and generally without blankets, and suffer dreadfully in such weather. Orders were received during the day to leave one brigade and the battery at Shellinound, and move the remainder of the coni- mand to Whitesides. This was done on the 31st. The Third Bri- gade and headquarters there awaited orders. No. 7. Report of Brig. Gen. William B. Hazem, U. S. Army, commanding Second Brigade, Third Division. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., THIRD Div., FOURTH ARMY CORPS, Browns Ferry, near Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 30, 1~63. SIR: I have the honor to report as follows of the part taken by troops under my command in the occupation of the left bank of the Tennessee River at this point: On the morning of the 25th instant, I reported, by order of the com- manding officer of the Fourth Ai~my Corps, to the chief engineer of this army for instructions, and was then briefly informed, for tl~ first time of the duty to be assigned me, and the method of per- forming it, which was to organize fifty squads of 1 officer and 24 men each, to embark in boats at Chattanooga and float down the river to this point, a distance, by the bends of the river, of 9 miles, and land upon its left bank, then occupied by the enemy, making, thereafter, immediate dispositions for holding it, while the remain- ing portions of my brgad.e, and another one, should be speedily sent over the river in the same boats to re-enforce me; the movement was to be made just before daylight, on the moriiing of the 27th Page 83 Ow. XLIII.] REOPENIxG OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 8 Page 84 84 i~x., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. My brigade then consisted of the following regiments: Sixth Ken- tucky Volunteer Infantry, Major Whitaker commanding; Ninety- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Major Birch commandincr~ Fifth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Treanor command- ing; First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Langdon commanding; Sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Major Campbell commanding; Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Wiley commanding; One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Pickands commanding; Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher commanding; Twenty-third Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Foy commanding, with an aggregate for dnty of 2,166 men. The 25th was employed in organizing my parties, each being placed in charge of a tried officer. On the morning of the 26th, I, in com- pany with the chief engineer, visited the place where it was desired to effect the landing, and from the opposite bank found the position as represented below.* It was desired that I should land and occupy the two hills to the left of the house. There was a picket post at this point; also in the depression between the two hills. It was thought best to organize a party of 76 men, who should be the first to land, and at. once push out upon the road that comes in at the house, clearing and holding it, while half the first organized force should be landed simultane- ously at each of the two gorges (A and B), who should immediately pnsh up the hills, inclining to the left and following the crests till they were wholly occupied. Each party of 25 was to carry two axes, and, as soon as the crest should be reached, a strong line of skir- mishers was to be pushed out and all the axes at once put at work felling a thick abatis. The remainder of the brigade was to be or- ganized, and, being ready on the opposite bank, armed and provided with axes, was to be at once pushed over, and, also deployed in rear of the skirmishers, were to assist in making the abatis. Positions were also selected for buildino~ signal fires, to guide us in landing. I afterward selected tried an~ distinguished officers to lead the four distinct commands, who, in addition to being instructed fully as to the part they were to take in the matter, were taken to the spot, and every feature of the bank and landings made familiar to them. They, in turn, just before night, called together the leaders of squads and each clearly instructed what his duties were, it being of such a nature that each had, in a great degree, to act independently, but strictly in accordance to instructions. At 12 oclock at night the command was awakened and marched to the landing and quietly embarked, under the superintendence of Col. T. R. Stanley, of the Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers. At precisely 3 a. m. the flotilla, consisting of fifty-two boats, moved noiselessly out. I desired to reach the point of landing at a little before day- light, and spon learned that the current would enable me to do so without using the oars. After moving 3 miles we came under the guns of the enemys pickets, but keeping well under the opposite shore were not discovered by them till the first boat was within 10 feet of the landing, when the pickets fired a volley harmlessly over the heads of the men. The disembarkation was effected rapidly and in perfect order, each party performing correctly the part assigned it with so little loss of time that the, crest was occupied, *See p. 83 Page 85 Ca~. XLIII.] REOPENING~ OF THE TENXESSEE RIVER. 85 my skirmish line out, and the axes working before the re-enforce- ments of the enemy, a little over the hill, came forward to drive us back. At this time they came boldly up, along nearly our entire front, but particularly strong along the road, gaining the hill to the right of it, and would have caused harm to the party on the road had not Colonel Langdon, First Ohio Volunteers, commanding the remaining portion of the brigade, arrived at this moment, and, after a gallant but short engagement, driven the enemy well over into the valley, gaining the right-hand hill. They made a stubborn fight all along the hill, but were easily driven away with loss. General Tur- chins command now came over, and taking position on the hills to the right, my troops were all brought to the left of the road. The enemy now mbved off in full view up the valley. The Fifty-first Ohio Volunteers, Eighth Kentucky, Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, and two batteries of artillery were subsequently added to my command, and the three points farther to the left occu- pied. We knew nothing of the country previous to occupying it, excepting what could be seen from the opposite bank, nor of the forces there to oppose us. We found the hill facing the river pre- cipitous, and the face opposite less steep but of difficult ascent; the top is sharp, having a level surface of from 2 to 6 feet in width, forming a natural parapet, capable of an easy defense by a single line against the strongest column. It is from 250 to 300 feet above the river. Beyond it is a narrow, productive valley, and the higher parallel range of Raccoon Mountain is about fl miles distant; the entire opposite face of the hill now is covered with slashed timber. The enemy had at this point 1,000 infantry, three pieces of artillery, and a squadron of cavalryample force, properly disposed, to have successfully disputed our landing. Our losses were S killed, 21 wounded, and 9 missing. We buried 6 of the enemy, and a large number were known to be wounded, in- cluding the colonel commanding. We captured a few prisoners; their camp, 20 beeves, 6 pontoons, a barge, and several thousand bushels of forage fell into our hands. My thanks are especially due to Col. A. Wiley, Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, and Maj. William Birch, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteers, who commanded and led the parties that took the heights, and to Lieutenant-Colonel Foy, Twenty-third Kentucky, commanding party that swept the road, and Lieutenant-Colonel Langdon, First Ohio Volunteers, commanding the battalions formed of the residue of the brigade. Had either of these officers been less prompt in the execu- tion of their duties, or less obedient to the letter of their insfructions, many more lives might have been lost, or the expedition failed altogether. The spirit of every one engaged in the enterprise is deserving of the highest commendation. My staff gave me the intelligent and timely assistance they have always done when needed, and to Lieu- tenant-Colonel Kimberly, Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, and Lieut. Ferdinand D. Cobb, same regiment, I am especially indebted for valuable services. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. HAZEN, Brigadier-General. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH, Chief Engineer, Army of the 0umberktnd Page 86 86 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 8. Report of Lieut. Gol. James C. Foy, Twenty-third Kentucky In fantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-THIRD REGT. KENTUCKY VOL. INFANTRY, Camp Browns Gap, Tenn., October 30, 1863. SIR: According to instruction received from General W. B. Eazen, I proceeded on the morning of the 27th with my party of 75 men, under Captain Williams, Captain Boden, and Captain Tuft, to the point where we were to debark; this was about 2 a. m. Qn arriving there, I found the boat with considerable water and some dozen or more pieces of heavy iron in, that had to be unloadQd be- fore we could start. After that was done we had to vull the boat up the river 300 yards, so that we would be able to make the gap in the bridge in crossing; this accounts for our little delay in starting. I now saw that I would have to reduce my party to 50 men, that being the utmost number the boat would hold. I gave directions to each of my captains to take 16 men of their re- spective squads aboard, making an aggregate of 52 men including myself. The 27 men that were left I sent to the general to follow in his boat, and join us as soon as possible. We now shoved out and proceeded to cross the river, and float quietly down. I will say here that the men that were left to work the boat knew nothing about it, and Capt. T. J. Williams had to take the steering oar and pilot us down. I had the boat to proceed slowly and quietly, thin in it would be best not to get too far from the other boats. We arrived opposite the gap without any accident, except the knocking into the river of one man by the to p of a tree, where we had run too close to shore. He was picked up by the first following boat. On arriving opposite the gap we proceeded straight across the river; on nearing there we were fired into by the enem$~s pickets. I do not know how much of a force was here; there were several shots fired, and I amsorry to say that some of our men returned the fire. I had them to cease immediately. I had given orders before starting that this would be only a small party, and we were to receive their fire and march on and take possession of the house. In a few minutes we struck the shore, landing a little below the point where the road strikes the river; at this point we had to scramble up a very steep bank, the men forming as soon as they gained a bench of land that runs along the river at this place. As soon as I had about 20 men up the bank we proceeded to the house. I directed Captain Will- iams with his squad of men to take possession of the house, while I remained outside awaiting the balance of my party. In a few mo- ments Captain Boden, with the rear squad, arrived, when we all pro- ceeded up the road, marching in one squad of 48 men by the front. After proceeding about 500 yards, and as far beyond the crest of the, hill as I thought our skirmishers would come, I ordered halt, and~ gave the order for the rear rank to hold the guns of the men in the front rank, and to proceed to build breastworks, but the first thing I did was to thr6w out skirmishers to our front and well to our right. The men took hold of the work with a will, and we soon had a toler- able protection thrown up. In a few minutes word was brought to me that our skirmishers could hear the enemy appibaching. I proceeded to where our skir- mishers were, and I could distinctly hear them giving orders, evi- dently coming down on our right. II now went back to the breast Page 87 XLIIL~ REOPENING OF TIlE TENNESSEE RIVER. 87 works, disposed my force as far up the hill as possible, with my left resting on the road, and a little below. In as little time as it takes to write it, they were upon us, they adopting their usual plan of cheering and firing at the same time. We readily returned their fire, and soon had to fire nearly to our right. I knew by the report of their guns that they outnumbered us nearly four to one. Our surgeon, Dr. Hasbrouck, was standing a few steps to my rear. I told him to go to the river and tell any officer he should see that we would need assistance to enable us to hold our ground. He did not go, but some soldier carried word to Lieutenant-Colonel Langdon that we needed assistance, and he promptly came to our aid. But before this, and while we were fighting, Captain Williams, who commanded the right squad, informed me that the enemy had worked clear around our right, and in a minute or so would be able to cut us off. I now ordered the party to fall back, which was done in good order, meeting Colonel Langdon with part of his men. We did not go back quite to the house, but faced to the front and returned the enemys fire, our little squad forming a nucleus for Colonel Langdon to form on our right, which I am proud to say he did with promptness and alacrity. The colonels party soon cleared the hill to our right of the rebels, and we marched back and took possession of our breastworks, which we now commenced to make strong. We were joined at the river by Major Northup and part of his party, and soon our squad of 27 men that followed us down the river, began to come up. I now had the breastworks built strong, and about twice the length of my force, commencing on the creek and extending to the right across the road and up the hill. I now threw my skirmishers well to the front, knowing that I was protected on the right as well as on the left. I could now see the rebels moving off to our left, and after throwing a few shells toward us were seen no more that day. About 1 p. m. we were joined by the Eighth Kentucky Volunteers and the Thirty-fifth Indiana Vol- unteers, commanded by Colonel Barnes. At the request of Colonel Barnes, who preferred to have his two regiments together, we moved across the creek and extended the line to the left. We now built up good breastworks, and, being undisturbed by the rebels, have been very comfortable since. In conclusion, I must thank the men and officers for the prompti- tude and bravery displayed by them. The following is a list of casualties. * The casualties were all in the squad of 48 [men.] Very respectfully, JAS. C. FOY, Lieutenant-colonel, Uomdg. Twenty-third Kentucky Vols. Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 9. Report of Lieut. Col. Bassett Langdon, First Ohio Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST Ouio VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, October 30, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following rgport of my com- mand, in the affair of the 27th instant, at Brown~s F err On the afternoon of the 26th, f had been put in com~.and of the *Nomj~i list (omitted) shows 2 men killed and 8 men woun~ed Page 88 88 iiv., sw. VA., TENN.~ MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. remnants of the regiments composing the Second Brigade, and had proceeded to organize them into companies of one or two to a regiment, according to data obtained from the assistant adjutant- general of the brigade. This organization was completed, but full reports from all the regiments had not been received at my head- quarters when I was notified to march with my command at once. Accordingly, the command, consisting of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under commanK J Major Erwin; Sixth Kentucky, under Captain Armstrong; Twenty-third Kentucky, under Major Northup; One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio, under Major Hampson; Forty- first Ohio, under Captain Homer; First Ohio, under Captain Trapp.; Ninety-third Ohio, under Captain Bowman; Fifth Kentucky, under Captain Huston, and Sixth Indiana, under Captain Prather, consisting of 750 men in the aggregate, as appears by the inclosed summary of reports, to which attention is respectfully invited, was at once assem- bled on regimental grounds, and, as soon as I could receive my in- structions from General Hazen, was formed on the road and moved to a point on the north bank of the river, near Browns Ferry. We found the road near this point completely blocked by the ambulance, guns, and caissons of the First Tennessee Battery, and the adjacent ground covered with sleeping men, reported to be- long to General Turchins command. Through and around these I attempted to move my command, until, arriving at the margin of the wood, I found and wakened Captain Abbott, of the battery, who in- formed me that the river was in our immediate front, and I could proceed no farther without exposure to the enemy. Unable to find General Smith, who was expected to be awaiting my arrival, and under whose orders the enterprise was to be carried out, I directed regiments right and left of the road, as room could be found, and about 1 oclock; on the morning of the 27th, officers and men lay down, without fires, to obtain such sleep as was practicable under the circumstances. At 4.30 in the morning, Adjutant Roman, of the First Ohio, kindled the signal fires, as had been agreed upon, and left 6 men of the Twenty-third Kentucky, to keep them burning brightly; and a half hour later I succeeded in finding General Smith, who ordered my command forward at once, in the open ground, nearer the river, in three detachments, left in front, facing the river, and that seventy-four axes be distributed to the command. These orders were speedily carried out, and we lay anxiously expecting the arrival of the boats which were to transfer us to the opposite bank of the river. The boats from above seemed long in arriving, and I had just got orders from General Smith to move noiselessly to the waters edge with my command, when a sharp and rapid discharge of rifles told that the critical moment had arrived. Reaching the river I saw for the first time the position assigned to my command, and was in- structed to embark it in the boats as soon as they should land, and push rapidly up the crest of the hill to the left of the gorge, as soon as we reached the opposite bank. Our brigade was supposed to have already formed its squads on this crest, while at the same time I un- derstood that General Turchin had taken possession of the hill to the right of the gorge. Lieutenant-Colonel Kimberly, of the Forty-first Ohio, having promised to see to the embarking of the troops, I my7 self crossed in the first boat, to direct their formation and operations on the opposite shore. The First Ohio was the first to land, and, with Captain Trapp at its head, crossed the ravine by a foot-log and pushe Page 89 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 89 rapidly by the left flank up the narrow edge which forms the crest of the ridge. Adjutant Roman, my sole but very efficient aide, ac- companied it as guide, and II remained at the landing to form and push on the others. The last of this regiment had not crossed the log when a soldier of the Twenty-third Kentucky came hurriedly from the front, with a message from Colonel Foy that he had discovered a heavy force of cavalry in his front and must have re-enforcements at once. Knowing little of the situation, and having received explicit orders as to the disposal of my force, I told him to look for General Hazen, or some other officer in command of the squads, but that if the col- onel should not get help before, I would send him the remnant of his own regiment when it arrived. Hardly had this messenger gone 20 paces on his return when a rattling fire opened down the gorge in front. The Sixth Indiana, which was the second regiment to cross, was ~t this time struggling up the bank and about to cross the log. I ordered them to form at once across the road, and move down to the assistance of Colonel Foy. The order was obeyed with alac- rity by Lieutenants Siddall and Neal, who formed as many as could be got together speedily, and moved gallantly to the front, but meet- ing the command of Colonel Foy coming back under orders, and finding about the same time that the enemy held the hill to the right of the gorge, they came back and were closely followed up by the enemy to within 20 paces of the log crossing of the ravine. As other squads came up from the boat (the Sixth Indiana and Sixth Kentucky first) they were pushed up the side crest on the right; except a part of the Sixth Indiana, which crossed the ravine, and received a severe fire in doing so, to occupy the side crest on the left, left vacant by the First Ohio, which had pusI~ed on farther along the ridge. The Twenty-third Kentucky was ordered to report to Colonel Foy at once, and unite with the remainder of the regi- ment, Fragments of the One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio and Sixth Ohio were also formed on the right crest, and the Fifth Ken- tucky, Ninety-third Ohio, and Forty-first Ohio, which landed last, pushed without orders straight to the very top of the hill, on the right, being led by that gallant officer, Captain Huston, of the first- named of these regiments. Before they reached position the enemy fled, and we were masters of the gap. I immediately directed an officer commanding a regiment near the road to send skirmishers to the front, and the advance of General Turchins brigade (Thirty- first Ohio), under Colonel Lister, having arrived, I withdrew my command on the right and moved over and formed, under your di- rection, general, along the crest of the left ridge. My command, as you know, was made up of odds and ends, after the best fighting men had been called out, and consisted of all who were able to march. Extra-duty men, unarmed men, company cooks, musicians, and cowards, huddled under the cover of the bank and log-house near the river. The hastily formed organization f the night before was not intended for fighting purposes, and had no ref- erence to transportation in boats. It was completely broken in crossing the river, consequently it is dlmost unjust to refer to the troops engaged, who had landed after the fight opened, by name. The organizations broken up, the uncertain light of early morning rendering it difficult to distinguish the most familiar acquaintances, utterly ignorant of the country and the position of our other forces, or the strength of the enemy, troops who fight well under such ci Page 90 90 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Oa& ~. XLIII. cumstances deserve the highest praise. I shall not shrink from com- parison of the valor displayed by my command with that of the squads selected for courage, & c. I regret that the circumstances above named, and want of familiarity with the command, prevent my doing justice in individual cases. The list of casualties has al- ready been forwarded, and untoward circumstances compel me to give up the thought of accompanying this with a list of the names, which I had entertained. I have the honor to be, & c., very respectfully, BASSETT LANGDON, Lienit. Cot. First 0. V. I., Gomdg. Remnant of Second Brig. Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 10. Report of Got. Aquita Wiley, Fort y.first Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. FORTY-FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, Browns Ferry, October 30, 1863. SIR: In compliance with your order, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the detachment under my command, in gaining possession of the ridge on the west side of the Tennessee River, at Browns Ferry, on the morning of the 27th instant: The detachment consisted of 150 officers and men, Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, Cart. W. W. Munu commanding; 175 officers and men, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. James Pickands commanding; 150 officers and men, Sixth Ohio Volunteers, Lieut. Col. A. C. Christopher commanding; 100 officers and men, Fifth Kentucky, Lieut. Uol.J. L. Treanor commanding. The de- tachments from each regiment were organized into companies con- sisting of 24 enlisted men, and 1 commissioned officer each. The whole embarked on twenty-four pontoons. At 3 a. m. the fleet moved from the landing at Chattanooga in the following order: The Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteers, Sixth Ohio Volunteers, and Fifth Kentucky, and reached the landing at the ferry at 5 a. ixi. The fleet was j~receded by a detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Foy, Twenty-third Ken- tucky, ~n a barge which was not under my command. My orders were to land at the ferry, and carry and hold the height on the left of the gorge. The eminence to be gained is a ridge about 400 yards in length, parallel with the river, and about 300 feet above it, the face next the river being very precipitous; the ascent at the end next .~ the gorge not so difficult. The fleet proceeded without molestation until about S a. in., when as the first boat, which was almost abreast of the barge containing Lieutenant-Colonel Foys detachment, was within about 10 yards of the landing, it was fired on by the enemys pickets stationed at the landing. The crew of the first boat delivered a volley and leaped ashore, followed inskantly by the second boat, in which I myself had embarked. The first company, deployed as skirmishers to cover the flanks of the column, were immediately pushed up th Page 91 Oxip. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 91 farther slope of the ridge; the second company, covering the head of the column, advanced along the crest toward the left. The regiments effected their landing promptly in the order already indicated, and advanced in column by company up the height and along the crest, where the line was established, as previously mdi- cated, in the following order: The Fifth Kentucky on the right, Forty-first Ohio on the left, Sixth Ohio on the right center, One hun- dred and twenty-fourth Ohio on the left center. Each regiment as soon as it gained its position, threw out two companies as skirmish- ers to cover its front, and commenced felling the timber and con- structing a parapet, each company having carried two axes for that purpose. The enemy were encamped in the valley at the foot of the ridge, and at the first sound of the axes his skirmishers advanced up the hill and engaged ours vigorously for some time, when they were driven back to the road at the foot of the ridge; a section of artillery then opened on us, but without effect. No further effort was made to dislodge us. As soon as it became light, we discovered the enemy retreating to our left up the farther side of the valley. He left 5 dead and 1 wounded in front of our line of skirmishers. The following is a list of casualties. * I cannot commend too highly the gallantry and firmness of. the troops engaged as skirmishers. The enemys line attacked vigor- ously, encouraged by the shouts of their officers to drive the Yan- kees into the river, and only gave way when within a few yards of our own line. I have also the pleasure of testifying to the prompt- ness, skill, and efficiency of Lieutenant-Colonel Pickands, One hun- dred and twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel Chris- topher, Sixth Ohio Volunteers; Lieutenant-Colonel Treanor, Fifth Kentucky, and Captain Miinn, Forty-first Ohio Vplunteers, com- manding detachments from their respective regim~nts. The best evidence of the alacrity and skill wit h which they handled their troops consists in the fact of their effecting a landing, gaining the crest of the heights and the position assigned them, and making all their dispositions for defense before the enemywho had doubtless been alarmed by the firing at the landingwho not only knew the country but could have gained it by a much less difficult slope. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, AQUILA WILEY, Colonel Forty-first Ohio Volunteers, Corndg. Detachment. Capt. .JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 11. Report of AIaj. William Birch, Ninety-third Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. NINETY-THIRD OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, October 30, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report: On the 26th, I received orders to take command of the following detachments: First Ohio Volunteers, seven companies, commanded * Nominal list (omitted) shows: Killect, 1 man of Fifth Kentucky and 1 man of Forty-first Ohio; wounded, 1 officer and 1 man of Forty-first Ohio, and 1 officerand 3 men of One hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio Page 92 92 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. by Major Stafford; Sixth Kentucky Volunteers, five companies, com- manded by Major Whitaker; Twenty-third Kentucky Volunteers, two companies, commanded by Captain Hardiman; Sixth Ohio Vol- unteers, one company, commanded by Lieutenant Meline; Sixth In- diana Volunteers, six companies, commanded by Major Campbell, and Ninety-third Ohio Volunteers, five companies, commanded by Captain Lakein all twenty-six companies. We were to make a mght attack on a position held by the rebels, about 3 miles below Lookout Mountain, simultaneous with detachment commanded by Colonel Wiley, of the Forty-first Ohio. The command numbered as follows: Field officers, 4; line officers, 26; non-commissioned officers, 104; privates, 520; total, 654. We embarked on board twenty-six pontoon boats about 2 a. m. the 27th, and held the rebel position at daylight. The rebels were completely surprised and made but feeble resistance. Killed, none; wounded, 1 slightly in the Sixth Indiana; missing, none. The rebels lost several killed and wounded. Every man seemed determined to succeed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. BIRCH, JJEajor Ninety-third Ohio Vol. Inf., Uomdg. Detachment. Capt. JOHN CROWELL, Jr., Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 12. Report of llIaj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. Army, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps, with congratulatory orders. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, Lookout Valley, Tenn., November 6, 1863. COLONEL: I desire to submit the following report of the battle of Wauhatchie, and the operations of my command preliminary to that engagement: In conformity with orders from the headquarters of the depart- ment, I crossed the Tennessee by the pontoon bridge at Bridgeport, the morning of the 26th of October, with the greater portion of the Eleventh Corps, under Major-General Howard; a part of the Sec- ond Division of the Twelfth Corps, under Brigadier-General Geary; one company of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, and a part of a com- pany of the First Alabama Cavalry, and at once took up my line of march along the line of railroad, to open and secure it in the direc- tion of Browns Ferry. A regiment was left to defend the bridge head when the column had crossed the river, and to take possession of and hold the passes leading to it through Raccoon Mountain. Our route lay along the base of this mountain until we reached Run- ~ fling Waters; when we followed the direction of that stream, and in the morning descended through the gorge into Lookout Valley. No event attended our first days march deserving mention, unless it be that the enemys pickets fell back as we advanced, and the leaving of two more of my regimentsone at Shellmound, with instruc- tions to occupy a pass near Gordons Mines, and another at White- sides, to protect the route over the mountains through which we had passed. After entering Lookout Valley, our general course lay along Page 93 Ciw. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 93 creek of that name, until within a mile or more of its mouth, where the Browns Ferry road leaves it to the left. This valley is, perhaps, 2 miles in width, and completely overlooked by the lofty crests of Lookout and Raccoon Mountains. All the movements and disposi- tions of troops are easily descried from the heights of either, while the valley itself affords abundant opportunity for concealment from the observation of those within. Another prominent feature iu Lookout Valley requires mention to a clear perception of its topog- raphy and a correct understanding of our operations. This is a succes- sion of hills 200 or 300 feet high, with precipitous timbered slopes and narrow crests, which penetrate 3 miles up the valley and divide it as far as they go near y in its center. There are five or six of them in number, almost isolated, though in a direct line on the left bank of Lookout Creek, with the railroad passing between the two summits at the extreme of the range; and still lower down the val- ley the road bears off to Chattanooga, about 2 miles distant, through these hills, while the road to Browns Ferry continues aloiig the west base to the Tennessee River. The enemy held possession of these hills, as, indeed, of all the country through which we had passed after crossing at Bridgeport. They had also batteries planted on Lookout Mountain, overlooking them. On the opposite side of the valley is Raccoon Range, and about 3 miles up is the gorge through it which leads to what is called Kelleys Ferry, 3 miles distant. As it was proposed to make this our new line of communication with Chattanooga, my instruc- tions required me, if practicable, to gain possession of and to hold it. As the gorge debouches into Lookout Valley the road forks, one leading to Wauhatchie and up the valley, the other to Chatta- nooga and down the valley. It was known that a portion of Long- streets command was in the valley, it is presumed in part for convenience in supplying themselves with rations and forage, but mainly for his sharpshooters to annoy our communications on the north side of th~ Tennessee and compel our trains to make long d~tours, over execrable roads, in their transit from Chattanooga to our depots at Stevenson. From its proximity to the enemys line of investment around Chattanooga, and his facilities for detaching heavily from his masses, it was apprehended that the enemy would make unusual efforts to prevent the transfer of its possession, as a failure on our part to establish new communications involved a fact of no less magnitude than the necessity for the early evacuation of Chattanooga, with the abandonment of much of our artillery and trains. To return to the column; it pushed on down the valley until ar- rested by an irregular fire of musketry proceeding from the hill next the railroad as it passes through the central ridge before described. As it was densely covered with forest, we had no means of ascer- taining the number of the enemy, except by feeling. Howards corps being in the advance, he was directed to throw a brigade to the right to turn the position, and a regiment, supported by the balance of an- other brigade, to the left for the same purpose. No sooner had the brigade on the right deployed than the enemy took to his legs and fled across the creek, burning the railroad bridge in his flight. We lost a few men here, as well as from the shelling we received from the batteries on Lookout Mountain, whenever our ~olumn was ex- posed to them. The central ridge of hills afforded partial cover from the batteries; these, however, caused no serious interruption in th Page 94 94 KY., SW. VA., TEiNN.~ MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. movement of tlie column, and about 5 p. m. halted for the night, and went into cam p a mile or more up the valley from Browns Ferry. Here we learned that a pontoon bridge had been thrown across the river, and that General Hazens brigade held the heights on the south side of it. Gearys division being in the rear, and being anx- ious to hold both roads leading to Kelleys Ferry, he was directed to encamp~near Wauhatchie, 3 miles from the position held by Howards corps. Pickets were thrown out from both camps on all of the ap- proaches, though no attempt was made to establish and preserve a communication between them. The commands were too small to keep up a substantial communi- cation that distance, and I deemed it more prudent to hold the men well in hand than to have a feeble one. In my judgment, it was essential to retain possession of both approaches to Kelleys Ferry, if practicable, as it would cause us inconvenience to dispossess the enemy if he established himself on either. Before night Howard threw out three companies in the direction of Kelleys Ferry to inter- cept and capture, il possible, the enemys sharpshooters, who had been engaged in firing across the river into our trains, and had in fact compelled them to avoid that line entirely. A regiment was also sent toward the point where the Chattanooga road crosses Lookout Creek, and about 12 oclock had a little skirmishing with the enemy. An hour after, the mutterings of a heavy musketry fell upon our ears from the direction of Geary. He was fiercely attacked, first his pickets, and soon after his main force, but not before he was in line of battle to receive it. Howard was directed to double-quick his nearest division (Schurzs) to his relief, and before proceeding far a sheet of musketry was thrown on him from the central hills, but at long range, and inflicting no great injury. This was the first intimation that the enemy were there at all. Directions were immediately given for one of the brigades en route to Geary (Tyndales) to be detached and assault the enemy in the hills on the left, and for the other brigade to puslf on as ordered. Meanwhile, Howards First Division, under Steinwehr, came up, when it was discovered that the hill to the rear of Schurzs division was also occupied by the enemy in force, and Smiths brigade, of this division, was ordered to carry it with the bayonet. This skele- ton, but brave brigade, charged up the mountain, almost inaccessible by daylight, under a heavy fire, without returning it, and drove three times their number from behind hastily thrown up intrench- ments, capturing prisoners, and scattering the enemy in all directions. No troops ever rendered more brilliant service. The name of their valiant commander is Col. Orland Smith, of the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers. Tyndale, encountering less resistance, had also made himself master of the enemys position in his front. During these operations a heavy musketry fire, with occasional discharges of artillery, continued to reach us from Geary. It wa~ evident th~at a formidable adversary had gathered around him, and that lie was battling him with all his might. For almost three hours, without assistance, he repelled the repeated attacl:s of vastly supe- rior numbers, and in the end drove them ingloriously from the field. At one time they had enveloped him on three sides, under circum- stances that would have dismayed any officer except one endowed with an iron will and the most exalted courage. Such is the charac- ter of General Geary. With this ended tl~e fight. We had repelled every attack, carried every point assaulted, thrown the enemy head Page 95 C~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 95 long over the river, and, more than all, secured our new communi- cations, for the time being, beyond peradventure. These several conflicts were attended with unusual interest and satisfaction, from the violence of the attack, the great alacrity displayed by the offi- cers and men in springing to their arms on the first indication of the presence of the enemy, and the glorious manner in which they closed in on him for the struggle. I regret that my duty constrains me to except any portion of my command in my commendation of their courage and valor. The brigade dispatched to the, relief of Geary, by orders delivered in person to its division commander, never reached him until long after the fight had ended. It is alleged that it lost its way, when it had a terrific infantry fire to guide them all the way, and also that they became involved in a swam , when there was no swamp or other obstacle between them and ear which should have delayed them a moment in marching to the relief of their imperiled com- panlons. For the instances of conspicuous individual daring and conduct, also of regiments and batteries, the most distinguished for brilliant services on this field, the attention of the commanding general is respectfully called to the reports of corps and division commanders herewith transmitted. I must confine myself to an expression of my a preciation of the zealous and devoted services of Major-Gen- eral Howard, not only on the battle-field, but everywhere and at all times. Of General Geary I need say no more. To both of these officers I am profoundly grateful for the able assistance they have always given me. Our loss is 416, among them some of the bravest officers and men of my command. General Greene was severely wounded while in the heroic perform- ance of his duty. Colonel Underwood, of the Thirty-third Massa- chusetts Volunteers, was also desperately wounded, and for his re- covery I am deeply concerned. If only in recognition of his merito- rious services on this field, his many martial virtues, and great personal worth, it would be a great satisfaction to me to have this officer advanced to the grade of brigadier-general. For the many whose deaths the country will deplore, I must refer you to the reports of subordinate commanders. Of the loss of the enemy; it cannot fall short of 1,300. Geary buried 153 rebel carcasses on his front alone. We took upward of 100 prisoners and several hundred stand of small-arms. With daylight to follow up our suc- cess, doubtless our trophies would have been much more abundant. The force opposed to us consisted of two of Longstreets divisions, and corresponded in number to our corps. From the prisoners we learn that they had watched the column as it descended the valley, and confidently counted on its annihilation. To conclude, I must express my grateful acknowledgments to Major-General Butterfield, chief of my staff, for the valuable assist- ance rendered me on the field; also to Major Lawrence, Captain Hall, Lieutenants Perkins and Oliver, aides-de-camp, for the faithful, intel- ligent, and devoted performance of all the duties assigned them.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major- General, Gommanding. Lieut. Col. C. GODDARD. Agsistant Adjutant- General. *A map accompanying this report will appear in the Atlas Page 96 96 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Oan~ XLIII. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. 11TH AND 12TH CORPS, ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 5. ) Lookout Valley, November 1, 1863. It is with extreme pleasure that the major-general commanding communicates to the troops composing the Eleventh Corps, and to the Second Division of the Twelfth Corps, the subjoined letter from the major-general commanding the Army of the Cumberland, ex- pressive of his appreciation of your distinguished services on the night of the 28th instant. It is a noble tribute to your good conduet from a brave and devoted soldier. The general hopes that it will inspire as much satisfaction in the breasts of his officers and men as it has in his own, and that we may all be stimulated by it to renewed efforts to secure the good opinion of our commander while we also emulate the courage and valor of our companions in arms. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, Chattanooga, October 30, 1863. Major-General HOOKER, Commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Corps: GENERAL: I most heartily congratulate you and the troops under your command at the brilliant success you gained over your old adversary (Longstreet) on the night of the 28th instant. The bayonet charge of Howards troops, made up the sides of a steep and difficult hill over 200 feet high, completely routing and driving the enemy from his barricades on its top, and the repulse by Gearys division of greatly superior numbers, who attempted to surprise him, will rank among the most distin- guished feats of arms of this war. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. By command of Major-General Hooker: H. W. PERKINS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 13. Reports of Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, U. S. Army, commanding Eleventh Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS, October 29, 18637.30 a. m. (Received 30th.) GENERAL: My corps arrived at this point about 5 p. m. yesterday; went into camp, throwing out strong pickets and outposts. Between 12 and 1 a. m. there was considerable skirmishing not far from the~. wagon-roa& bridge over Lookout Creek. At I a. in., hearing General Gearys guns, by the commanding generals order the corps was got under arms. General Steinwehr, with Colonel Smiths brigade, car- ried the heights near the bridge, which had been previously in- trenched by the enemy. General Schurz occupied the next succeed- ing knolls, and finally succeeded in pushing a brigade to the support of General Geary. The t~oops were more or less engaged until 4 a. in., when the firing ceased. There is quite a large number wounded, but not many killed Page 97 CHAI. XLIIII REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVJ~R. 97 The enemys attempt was to hold my corps in check while he destroyed Geary. He did not succeed. Respectfully, 0. 0. HOWARD, Major-General. Major-General BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, November 1, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of this corps since the 27th ultimo: In accordance with instructions of the major-general commanding, the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps left Bridgeport at sunrise on the 27th ot October. One battery had been located at Rankins Ferry, one full regiment at Battle Creek, and the transportation of the corps at BridgepcrL A portion of General Steinwehrs command already occupied Shelimound. A company of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry and another of the First Alabama reported to me for the march. With this cavalry, supported by infantry, every approach from the right flank was carefully guarded during the passage~of the column. The corps reached Whitesides and was encamped by 8 p. m. A regiment, strengthened by a detachment from another from General Schurzs division, was detached at Shellmound and ordered to hold the pass toward Trenton, near Gordons Mines. Small squads of the enemys cavalry were driven before us and a few prisoners taken during the march. At daylight on the 28th, the column moved in the same order as the day before, General Steinwehrs division leading. There was some lit- tle delay in crossing a mountain ridge just this side of Etna, battery wheels being broken by the roughness of the road, so that as soon as the head of the column debouched in the Lookout Valley a halt was called and the troops massed until the corps came up. The march was then continued with scarcely any interruption until we reached Wauhatchie. About a mile south of that point scouts and cavalry were met by a fire from the enemy concealed in the thick underbrush at the base of a spur from the ridge that extends along the southern bank of the Tennessee River. This point is at the fork of the Browns Ferry and Chattanooga road. It was impossible at first to tell the strength of the enemy. In accordance with instructions of the general commanding, I di- rected General Steinwehr to move forward cautiously with his lead- ing brigade, covered by skirmishers, deploy a portion of his other brigade to the east of the railroad, threatening the enemys left, and General Schurz to move a brigade toward the right of the position of the enemy. The movement had hardly begun when the enemy gave way and fled across Lookout Creek, burning the railroad bridge. Five or 6 men of Colonel Buschbecks brigade were wounded. The column again took up its line of march and effected a junc- tion with the Chattanooga troops, already on the south and west shores. During the march from Wauhatchie to this point the en- emy shelled the troops and train from the top of Lookout Mount- ain. One man was killed and 1 wounded. Here the corps was en- camped with its left resting on the.shore ridge of the Tennessee and its right at the foot of the Raccoon Mountain. A small portion of General Gearys division was halted at Wauhatchie. Strong out- 7 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 98 98 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [C~. XI~I. posts were posted, one toward Kelleys Ferry for the purpose of cut. ting off any sharpshooters of the enemy reported to be lurI.dng in That direction, and another of a regiment toward the point where the Chattanooga road crosses Lookout Creek. Some skirmishing occurred with this regiment between 12 and 1 a. m. The regiment did not reach its destin ~tion, but halted near Ellis house and drew up in lhie of battle, its skirmishers encountering those of the enemy on a height beyond. At 1 a. m. heavy firing, infantry and artillery, was heard in the direction of General Geary. The corps was ordered under arms, and, in accordance with General Hookers instructions, a brigade ordered to the position of the skirmish of the day before, and another to the assistance of General Geary. I instantly communicated the order to General Steinwehr. At this time I joined General Hooker, who instructed me to fulfill the order just given with the troops nearest those points designated. General Schurzs division, or a part of it, being already under arms, was moved out as quick as possible, and General Schurz directed to push his leading brigade as fast as possible to the relief of Gen- eral Geary. Meanwhile, General Steinwehrs division was moved toward Ellis house, and his second brigade, Colonel Smith com- manding, was instructed to carry a height near that point, already occupied by the enemy in force. His other brigade and the batteries were held in reserve. Colonel Smiths brigade promptly executed the order given him, driving the enemy from his barricades, already established on the to p of the heights. The troops charged up the heights under heavy fire, without returning it, until the enemy was completely routed. They took quite a number of arms and prisoners. General Schurzs division, after some delay, occasioned by losing the road and getting into a swamp, succeeded in carrying the next height occupied by the enemy. This was done by General Tyndales bri- gade. General Schurz, having been reinstructech by General Hooker in person, sent a brigade, Colonel Heckers, to effect a junction with General Geary, which was accomplished about 5a.m. These operations an those of General Geary, repulsing the enemys attack. had the effect of dislodging him from every position this side of Lookout Creek. This engagement, brief and, comparatively speak- ing, of small extent, has crowned our efforts to open the river. It has also cost us much in the lives of several valuable officers and in the disabling of others. For the mention of these I call attention to the reports of division commanders. I shall make hereafter special recommendations on account of good conduct in this action. The conduct of the men, as well as their officers, was excellent. In the night, as it was, and uncertain as we were as to the enemys position and strength, there was no giving way, and little or no straggling in the command. Several officer~ endeared t6 us and invaluable to the country, have given their lives. Colonel Underwood, of the Thirty-third Massachusetts Volunteers, is seriously wounded. We cannot be too grateful to him and them for the noble part they have acted, and for the sacrifice they have made. I will frankly say that great encouragement and confidence was given us by the immediate presence of the commanding general. Very respectfully, ~. 0. HOWARD, Major-General, Gommanding. Capt. H. W. PERKINS, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 99 Ow. ILULI REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 99 No. 14. Report of Surg. Daniel G. Brinton, U. S. Army, Medical Director. OFFICE OF MEDICAL DIRECTOR, ELEVENTH CORPS, ARMY OF THE CIJMBERLAND, February 19, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report on the action of the medical department of the Eleventh Army Corps at the bat- tle of Lookout Valley, or Wanhatchie: On the morning of the 28th October, 1863, the Second and Third Divisions of the Eleventh Corps broke camp at Whitesides Station, on the Chattanooga and Nashville Railroad, and followed slowly and cautiously the wagon road that leads over a spur of Raccoon Mountain into the ValleX of Lookout Creek. At any moment the enemy might appear an an engagement commence. At any mo- ment the medical officers might be called on to provide for the wounded. Accordingly, the acting medical director, Surg. Robert Hubbard, Seventeenth Connecticut Volunteers, was engaged with the surgeon-in-chief of the two divisions in looking for favorable locations for a field hospital, and in providing for the most econom- ical employment of the medical and hospital stores on hand. There was urgent need of such economy. The command had left Bridge- port with no other transportation than the ambulances. No hos- pital tents were taken, and not only was there a very limited amount of medical stores, especially stimulants, on hand when they marched, but a portion of these, thro~igh an error of the ambulance officers, had been left behind. No enemy was seen until well on in the afternoon, when the troops had passed the junction of the Trenton and Chattanooga Railroad, and entered a dense belt of woods that at this point stretched across Lookout Valley. Here we came upon the enemys outposts, and an irregular picket firing ensued. Our cavalry was with drawn, the Second Brigade of the Second Division deployed in skirmish line and ordered to adyance, while a portion of the First Brigade followed the railroad track on the right. The enemy made no resistance, but fired their guns toward the advancing line and hastened to make good their escape. The casualties, from their irregular fire, amounted to 1 killed and 3 slightly wounded. A frame house, with spacious veranda~, about 2 miles in the rear, had been chosen for a provisional field hospital, but only 1 of the wounded was sent there. Before sunset the troops had reached their destined camping grounds, the Third Division being located in the valley, opposite what has since been called Tyndales Hill, and the Second about half a mile nearer the river, on the main road. Near Wauhatchie Station, General Geary, with the Second Division of the Twelfth Corps, was encamped. The ambulances of the Eleventh Corps were parked with the ammunition train, near the Second Division. The night was clear and the moon almost full. Shortly after midnight our slumbers were disturbed by rapid musketry in the direction of Gearys command. The Third Division of our corps was immediately ordered to move at double-quick to their assistance; but hardly were they fairl Page 100 100 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. under way when a volley from the two hills which [are] on either side of the road leading over Lookout Mountain to Chattanooga, showed that the enemy were upon our flank. The Third Division was im- mediately ordered to stop, face toward the hills, and take the one on the south of the pass, while the Second Brigade of the Second Division was directed to take by assault the hill north of the road. These orders were at once executed, the enemy making but little resistance at the former, but so much the more determined and obstinate opposition at the latter point. Here was where we had our principal loss, and here the battle was decided, as the enemy was aware that this was the key to the position. This position lost, they at once retired and the firing ceased. This was 2.30. a. m. In the meantime, a site had been chosen in a woods about a mile north of Tyndales Hill, close to and on the right of the road to Browns Ferry, convenient to wood and water, for a field hospital; fires built, candles procured, straw collected from a neighboring barn for beds, amputating tables knocked together, and all the stores of the different regiments deposited there, the whole under charge of Surg. W. H. Gunkle, Seventy-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. The moment the firing ceased the ambulances were put in motion for the scene of action, and plied to and fro until daylight. At earliest dawn I rode over the field of the Second Division, and so well had the ambulance corps performed its duty that I found only 3 wounded still on the field. One of these was a Confederate, shot in the knee, in whom the collapse was so marked that the am- bulance men had supposed him dying. A second had received a musket ball in the head, which entered posteriorly, carrying away a large fragment of the left parietal bone and much of the corre- sponding lobe of the brain. The man was senseless, but groaning piteously. He was laid in an adjacent cabin, and lived until toward evening. At the hospital 109 wounded were received, and entered upon the list. Of these, 3 were Confederates. Four amputations were per- formed, two of the thigh, one of the upper third of humerus, and one of three fingers. Eight died at the hospital. The whole num- ber of deaths are not received in this office. Those who died at the hospital were buried in the field across the road, while those who were killed outright were interred at the foot of Smiths Hill. All these were subsequently exhumed, and the remains transferred to the national cemetery at Chattanooga. At that time (February, 1864), there were 30 bodies found, but a number had been taken North by their friends. As soon as it was clear that we should have a number of wounded, the acting medical director sent to Chattanooga for a barrel of whisky and other supplies. We had hardly received them ere orders came to send all the wounded at once to the general field hospital over~ the river. By the middle of the afternoon few were left on thi~ bank. In consequence of this the statistics above given are not cor- rect. Many of the wounded were never entered on the records of the hospital. Some primary operations were not performed there. The results of all are unknown. I shall not offer guesses, but conclude with some observations of a general character. All the wounds recorded were by small-arms, except some contu- sions, and one shell wound. The latter must have been from the battery on Point Lookout, as we used no artillery during the affair Page 101 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 101 while the artillerists on the mountain dropped their shells with the greatest impartiality over the field. In such an action as this, if anywhere, we would look for bayonet wounds. Here was a chargea hand-to-hand contest literally; some of the contusions were given by clubbed muskets. Not a bayonet wound is recorded. I looked for them, but neither saw nor heard of any. There was none. The case of Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Underwood, Thirty- third Massachusetts Volunteers, merits especial mention. A conical ball entered externally a few inches below the great trochanter, passed through the soft parts horizontally, fractured the upper third of the femnr, passed ont and into the dorsum of the penis, whence it, together with a piece of bone the size of a half pea, which it had carried with it, was extracted by Surgeon Hubbard. A few days after the affair he was taken to Nashville, and at the present writing, I am informed, th~e bone has nuited, the wound closed, and the gen- eral health good, though the injured leg is 4 inches shorter than before. The treatment was perfect rest, good diet, and an unmov- able position of the wounded extremity. I have the honor, sir, to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. BRINTON, Surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, Medical Director, Eleventh Corps. Surg. GLOVER PERIN, U. S. Army, Medical Director. No. 15. Report of Brig. Gen. Adolph von Steinwehr, U. S. Army, corn.. manding Second Division. - CHURCH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, October 30, 1863. COLONEL: On the 2~th instant, this division broke camp and left Bridgeport at 6 a. in., the First Brigade leading. At about 5 p. m. we arrived at Whitesides and camped for the night. On the 28th, we marched at daybreak toward Browns Ferry in the same order. At the Trenton road the first indications of the enemy were seen. At about 2 p. m. the advance guard of the First Brigade was fired upon. The Seventy-third Pennsylvania was deployed as skirmishers and advanced. The Second Brigade advanced, the Seventy-third Ohio in a deployed line to the right of the Seventy-third Pennsyl- vania, and the Thirty-third Massachusetts - followed as a reserve, together with the artillery. When the advanced regiments reached the foot of the hill a skirmish ensued. After firing a few rounds, we charged upon the enemy, who fell back across the Lookout Creek. The command was then assembled upon the Chattanooga road and moved forward. Late in the afternoon we went into camp iu Look- out Valley, about 4 miles from Chattanooga. At about 12 midnight a firing was heard in our front and shortly afterward I received orders to advance with my division. I ad- vanced with the Second Brigade, the First following. When we had advanced about one-quarter of a mile beyond the junction of the roads, I was ordered to take and hold a hill upon our left flank, which was occupied by the enemy. I ordered Col. 0. Smith to ad Page 102 102 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ECJLw. XLIII. vance upon the hill with the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts in line of battle, and directed the One hundred and Thirty-sixth New York to ascend the hill on the left of the other two regiments. The troops were ordered not to fire, but to use the bayonet. They made a gallant charge and took the crest. The en- emy fled, leaving some arms and intrenching tools in tkeir rifle-pits. The tools were immediately made use of to strengthen their position by the men. We captured about 50 prisoners. The hill was occu- pied by Laws brigade, of Jenkins division, Longstreets corps, num- bering five regiments, about 2,000 men. Our attacking force was not quite 700 muskets. The First Brigade was held as reserve im- mediately behind the Second Brigade, and advanced into the gaps right and left of the hill, to prevent a flanking movement of the enemy. Respectfully, A. VON ST]~NWEHR, Brigadier-Generat, Commanding Second Diviswn. Lieutenant-Colonel MEYSENBURG, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 16. Itinerary of the First Brigade, Got. Adoiphus Buschleck command- .1 zng. October 27, in the morning, this brigade, with the exception of the Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, which was stationed at Battle Creek, Tenn., marched in the advance of the corps from Bridgeport, Ala., and encamped at night near Whitesides. October 28, this brigade, still in the advance of the corps, marched in the direction of Browns Ferry. Upon arriving at the Trenton road the Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers was ordered to take position upon a hill commanding that road, and to hold the same. When the remainder of the brigade had arrived about 1 mile tbis side of the Wauhatchie road the advance guard was fired upon by the enemy, who was posted upon a steep hill. The Seventy-third Pennsylvania Volunteers were deployed as skirmishers. The reserve, consisting of the One hundred and thirty-fourth and One hundred and fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, was sent to the right and left of t~e hill, to outflank them. When the flanking parties had arrived at the hill a charge was made, and the enemy retreated in great disorder across Lookout Creek. The brigade then moved on and encamped at night in Lookout Valley. In this engagement 2 men were wounded. During the night the enemy attacked General Geary. The Eleventh Corps was ordered to his support. This bri-~. gade was held in reserve. No. 17. Itinerary qf the Second Brigade, Cot. Ortand Smith commanding.* This command at date of last report was stationed at Bridgeport, Ala. It remained at that post until October 9, when it was ordered * From return for October Page 103 Ca& p. XLIU.] REOPENING- OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 103 0 to Stevenson, Ala. The One hundred and thirty-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers was stationed at Anderson Station, on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and seven cornpanies of other regiments at various bridges between that point and Bridgeport, Ala. October 24, the entire command was ordered to Bridgeport, Ala., and on the day following crossed the Tennessee River, an d moved to Shellmound Station. October 27, it moved with the remainder of the Eleventh Corps to Whitesides Station; thence, on the 28th, to Browns Ferry, near Lookout MountJam, having a slight skirmish with the enemy at the base of Lookout Mountain on the route thither. October 29, at 1 a. in., the command was engaged with the enemy, suffering severely, but driving the foe (who were 2,000 strong) from a strong position, our force engaged being less than 700. Generals Thomas, Hooker, Howard, and Steinwehr, complimented the bri- gade on its good behavior. The command has remained on the ground vhere the engagement occurred since that date. No. 18. Report of Lieut. Gol. Godfrey Rider, Jr., Thirty-third Mas~achu.. setts Infantry. HDQRS. THIRTY-THIRD REGT. MAss. VOLUNTEERS, Near Lookout 11lountain, Tenn., Novemter 1, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the share taken by the Thirty-third Regiment Massachusetts Volun- teers in the operations -of the 28th and 29th ultimo: On fhe afternoon of the 28th, this command was formed in line of battle behind the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers, and advanced steadily, skirmishing through the woods and brush on the right of the railroad. Upon reaching an open space, where the line was or- dered to halt, a brisk fire of solid shot and shell was opened upon it ~rom a battery of heavy guns upon the top of Lookout Mountain. The men were ordered to lie down, and remained in this position about half an hour, when this command was ordered to follow the Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers which marched by the right flank back through the woods, recrossed the railroad, and took the main road on the other side. This movement was executed in good order and without hurry, the men marching steadily, regardless of the shot and shell which the enemy continued to shower upon the col- umn, until it was beyond the reach of his guns. About sundown the regiment encamped with the brigade within our own lines. Our loss in this action was 1 man killed. At half past 12 oclock on the morning of the 29th, orders were re- ce~ved to march.- rrhis command immediately fell into line, and after a march of a little over a mile reached a steep hill covered with trees and underbrush, upon the crest of which the enemy were posted, be- hind breastworks and rifle- p its, with skirmishers thrown out in front. This regiment formed in line of battle upon the hill-side, its right resting upon tl~e road, and with one company (H) deployed as skirmishers on the left, reaching, almost to the crest of the hill, and was ordered to advance in line and connect with tho Seventy-third Ohio in front Page 104 104 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIIL 0 The line advanced in good order, under fire of the enemys skir- mishers, until it reached a crooked ravine some 20 feet deep running parallel with the hill-side, the sides of which were ~i1most perpen- dicular, slippery with leaves and clay, and covered with brush, and its appearance rendered still more formidable by the deceptive moon- light. At this point it was impossible to preserve a perfect line, but the regiment gallantly plunged into itthe dead and living roll- ing down togetherclimbed the opposite side, and halted in some dis- order. Here the enemy opened a deadly fire from the whole length of their line upon our front flank and rear. Colonel Underwood fell dangerously wounded, and many other officers and file closers were either killed or wounded. Unfortunately, the exact position of the enemy was mnknown, and the Seventy-third Ohio, with which we were ordered to connect, could not be found for that purpose, they having advanced farther on our right, while we suposed them to be in a position actually occupied by the enemy. In this emergency, the regiment believing itself without support, and fired into by its friends, some confusion naturally ensued, and the line fell back slowly into the road. Here it was quickly reformed and again advanced in line, with fixed bayonets and without firing, directly up the face of the hill until, witl4n a few yards of the breastworks, it drew the enemys fire, when, with a cheer, it turned by the right flank, gained the crest, crossed the rifle-pits, and charged upon the enemys flank with the bayonet, at the same tim.e pouring a volley into his retreat- ing ranks. The enemy, without waiting to reply, retreated precipi- tately over the ~hill, abandoning his killed and wounded, and leav- ing us in fullpossession of the hill. Here the regiment formed in line of battle, posted pickets, and commenced throwing up breast- works in case of an attack. This command captured 2 commissioned officers (1 wqunded) and 39 privates, together with a large number of muskets and all the enemys intrenching tools. Three companies of this command were absent, having been sent on an expedition toward Kelleys Ford. The regiment, therefore, went into action with only seven companies, numbering about 230 men. Out of this small force the command lost: Killed, 3 commissioned officers and 22 enlisted men; wounded, 5 commissioned officers and 56 enlisted men; total, 8 commissioned officers and 78 enlisted men, one-third of the whole nur~ber engaged. I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, G. RIDER, JR. Lientenant-Golonel, Oomdg. Thirty-third Massachusetts Vols. Col. ORLAND SMITH, Ciomdg. Second Brig., Second Div., Eleventh Corps. No. 19. Report of Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-s fteth New York Infantry. HDQES. 136TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, in, the Field, Lookout Valley, Near Chattanooga, Tenn., November 1, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the regiment under my command since and including the 26th day of October ultimo. On that day I was relieved fro Page 105 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 105 guarding that part of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad and the bridges and wooden structures thereon between Anderson and Tantalon, to which I had been assigned by orders from brigade head- quarters, bearing date 11th October ultimo. The regiment marched from Anderson to Bridgeport to join the brigade from which it had been detached while guarding the railroad. The march was made over the Cumberland Mountains by a steep and declivitous road or bridle path inaccessible to wagons, under the guidance of L. Willis, esq., a firm and unconditional Union man, residing near Anderson. The regiment arrived at Bridgeport on the evening of the same day, having marched a distance of 16 miles. On arriving at Bridgeport I learned that the brigade had marched the evening before to Shell- mound, on the south side of the Tennessee River. I thereupon re- ported, with my command, to Brig. Gen. A. von Steinwehr, division commander and encamped for the night. During the evening I received orders to march with the Eleventh Corps at sunrise the next morning, and to join my brigade on the march. In pursuance of the order, the regiment marched with the corps at the time designated, crossed the Tennessee River at Bridgeport on pontoon bridges, and took up the line of march on the Chattanooga road. At Shellmound the regiment caine up with and joined the brigade. From this point the regiment, with the Eleventh Corps, of which it formed a part, marched to Browns Ferry, on the Tennes- see River, in Lookout Valley, about 3 miles from Chattanooga, at which point it arrived near sunset of 28th October ultimo. Although the troops were on two occasions d~uring the march massed in column by division, preparatory to an engagement in case the enemy at- tempted to dispute our progress (of which it was reported there were indications), and some skirmish firing was heard on our front, this regiment did not see, nor was it ~n any way molested by, the enemy on this march, except that as soon as the marching column came within range of his artillery, posted on Lookout Mountain, he opened upon it with shot and shell, and kept up the fire until the whol~ had passed. But such was the elevation of the mountain, and necessary inaccuracy of aim, that the cannonade was entirely harmless. The shot and shell fell wide of the mark, and did not so much as create any sensible uneasiness among the men of my command. I may be allowed to mention that as I passed the point most exposed to the fire I found Major-General Hooker stationed beside the road notify- ing the men as they passed that~ there was no danger from th.e artil- lery firing, and testifying by his presence and position that he believed what he said. It is unnecessary for me to say that this con- duct of our commanding general had the most inspiriting influence on the officers and men of my command. On arriving at our p lace of destination this regiment, with the bri- gade, encamped for the night. Aboui~ 1 oclock of the morning of the 29th ultimo, I was awakened by skirmish firing, which seemed to be a short distance back on the road over which we had marched. The firing rapidly increased in intensi~y, and the roar of artillery soon mingling with it, admonished us that some part Qf our forces were engaged with the enemy. The regiment was immediately ordered to fall in undeir arms, and to march in direction of the con- flict. It was soon ascertained that the firing was occasioned by an attack made by the enemy upon The command of Brigadier-General Geary, of the Twelfth Corps, who had been following us from Bridgeport, and was a few hours in our rear. His command, con Page 106 106 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. sisting of a p art of his division, had encamped for the night at a p lace called Wauhatchie, about 3 miles from the position occupied bythe Eleventh Corps. General Howard ordered his commandto march at once to the aid of General Geary. This regiment, at a double-quick, took up the line of march in rear of the brigade, being preceded by the Seventy-third Ohio, Thirty-third Massachusetts, and Fifty-fifth Ohio. When about 1-~ miles from camp it was ascer- tained that the enemy occupied the crest of a hill, at the foot of which the road on which we were marching passed, and it was re- garded important to dislodge him. Col. 0. Smith, commanding the brigade, wa~ ordered to do it. Preparatory to executing the move- ment, the brigade was halted in the road. Colonel Smith sent for- ward the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts, and directed them to charge the hill and drive the enemy therefrom. In the meantime, I was ordered by Brigadier-General Steinwehr, division commander, to march my regiment by tile to the left and form lin~ of battle west of and perpendicular to the road on which we had been halted. This was at the foot of another hill, about 200 yards north of the one occupied by the enemy, and similar in appear- ance to it and from which it was separated by a gap or pass. When I had completed the movement ordered, I was directed to send two companies to skirmish up the hill at the foot of which our line of battle was formed, to ascertain if it was occupied by the enemy. I immediately detached Companies H and K from the left of my left wing to execute the movement, and placed the force in command of Captain Eldredge, Company K. The Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty- third Massachusetts being hard pressed by the enemy on the hill which they had been ordered to charge, my regiment was ordered to their support. I marched to the base of the same hill, halted, and formed line of battle facing it. My center was opposite the highest crest of the hill. Although it was a bright moonlight night, neither the height of the hill nor the obstacles to be encountered could be seen. I was ordered to charge in line of battle to the top of the hill, drive off the enemy, and form a juncti& n with the Thirty-third Massachusetts en my right. It should be borne in mind that the two companies detached as skirmishers had not at this time rejoined the regiment. I gave the command forward, when the regiment advanced in line of battle at as quick a pace as the steep ascent of the hill would permit. Moved steadily and firmly forward under a brisk and con- stant fire from the enemy, reached and crowned the crest of the hill, drove off the enemy, and took possession. Not a shot was fired by my men until the crest was gained, when one volley was discharged at the retreating enemy. At the time the charge was made the enemy was engaged in throwing up a line of rifle-pits. We captured his intrenching tools. Having gained and occupied the crest of the hill, I deployed one company to the front as skirmishers, moved by the ~ right flank; and formed a connection with the Thirty-third Massa- chusetts, which regiment had preceded me, charging up the hill on my right, and was vigorously engaged with the enemy when IL reached the crest. The victory was complete. The crest of the hill is not more than 6 yards in width, from whi& h there is a rapid de- scent into a valley on the other side. Down this declivity the enemy precipitately fled in the utmost confusion. He staggered under the intrepid charges and deadly blows delivered to him by the braves of the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts. His di Page 107 Cxii. ILULl REOPENING OF TIlE ThNNESSEE RIVER. 107 comfiture was made complete by the vigorous and splendid charge of the One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers. The ground over which he retreated was strewn with rifles, swords, hats, caps, and haversacks. As daylight opened upon us, we were all astonished at the audacity of our charge and astounded at our success. The hill is over 200 feet perpendicular height, and the distance from the road where I formed line of battle to the crest of the hill is 180 yards. Prisoners report (and the report is confirmed by other informa- tion, and may be regarded as reliable) that the force of the enemy occupying the hill consisted of Laws brigade, Hoods division, Longstreets corps. This brigade was com~~~1of six regiments, five of which were posted on the crest oft e i 1, the sixth being held in reserve in the valley below. The face of the hill is covered by a forest and a thick coating of leaves, broken by gullies or ra- vines, and obstructed by brush and upturned trees. Over and through these obstructions, up an ascent of over 4~ degrees, the men charged with a steadiness and precision that could not be excelled by the most experienced and veteran troops. At no time was there any confusion; at no time was there any wavering. From the com- mencement to the end of the charge the alignment of the line of battle was wonderfully preserved. My hearty commendation and profound thanks are especially due to the officers and men of my command for their brave and gallant conduct on this occasion, as I was deprived of the assistance of my able and energetic field officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Faulkner (being absent on detached service in State of New York) and Major Arnold (being detained at Bridge- port by an attack of illness which rendered him unable to take the field). There is no occasion to make special mention of any officer or man of my command, for every one engaged seemed to perform his whole duty. No one faltered~ there were no stragglers. All are alike entitled to credit; all alike~ should receive the commendation of their superior officers, the gratitude of their country, and the friends of all may well feel proud of the bravery and gallantry which was exhibited. Our casualties, it affords me much pleasure to say, are slight, our loss being only 2 killed and 4 wounded. This exemption from dis~ aster is due to the steepness of the hill up which we charged, the bullets from the enemys rifles passing harmlessly over our heads. The casualties happened after we reached the crest. We captured ~ prisoners and 40 rifles left on the field by the retreating enemy. I have the honor to be, captain, respectfully, JAMES WOOD, JR., Colonel, Commanding. Capt. B. F. STONE, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 20. 1?eport of ]lfaj. Samuel IT. Hurst, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTY-THIRD REGT. OHIO VOLUNTEERS, Near Chattanooga, November 2, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this regiment in the actions of October 28 and 29 near Lookout Creek: In the afternoon of October 28, shortly after leaviiig Wauhatchie, in our line of march toward Chattanooga, Ii was ordered to cross the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad and move the regiment forwar Page 108 108 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAI. XLIIL in line of battle, with its left touching the road, and ascertain whether the enemy were in force in the dense woods in that direction. Hav- ing made the dispositions indicated, and massed our front and right flank with skirmishers, we moved forward until our line had passed that of the First Brigade, Colonel Buschbeck, with whom I was ordered to connect. Here I halted the battalion while the skirmish- ers went forward to the banks of Lookout Creek, where they com- municated with the skirmishers of the First Brigade, and assured themselves that the enemy was not in force in that immediate vicin- ity, yet a running fire of skirmishers and an attempt to burn the railroad bridge across the creek evidenced the intention of the en- emy to dispute our advance in that direction. In the meantime, the enemys batteries on the mountain were vig- orously engaged in shelling our position, which, however, resulted to us in no casualties, save the slight wounding of 1 man. After remaining in this position about half an hour, I was ordered to with- draw the regiment and rejoin the brigade, which order I at once obeyed. On the morning of the 29th, while the Second Brigade, with the Seventy-third Ohio in the advance,was moving to the support of General Geary, at about 2 oclock in the morning, I was ordered to form line of battle on the left of the road and sweep through the woods on the west side of a range of hills that ran parallel with the road on which we had been advancing. I immediately sent forward Captain Buchwalter, with instructions to deploy his company (A) as skirmishers and move in the direction indicated for the battalion. We then moved forward in line as rapidly as possible, considering the irregularities of the ground, the dense growth of underbrush, and the fallen timber. We had advanced, however, only a few hundred yards when the enemys skirmishers opened fire upon us from the ill-to s on our left and from our front. I was ordered to wheel the battalion to the left and charge the hill, and was informed that the Thirty-third Massachusetts would connect with me on the left and move up the hill in the same line of battle. I instructed Captain Buchwalter to move his skirmishers by the left into our new front and advance in that direction, in executing which order his line re- ceived a heavy volley from an unseen force of the enemy on our right, and the gallant captain fell mortally wounded. We moved up the hiil( steep and difficult though it was) for a hundred paces, receiving an irregular fire from the enemy in our front. Then we lay down and rested for a minute. The enemys fire now indicated their position and the direction of their line of battle. We had yet another hundred paces to climb before we could use our bayonets, and we rose up and moved forward again to the charge, cheering as we went, and driving in the enemys skirmishers. The heavily increasing fire of the enemy provoked an occasional shot from our own lines in answer. Our skirmishers had been con- stantly engaged, and now their line opened right and left, and we were confronted by the enemys whole line of battle, sheltered be- hind formidable breastworks on the crest of the hill. As we came in sight of them in the clear moonlight they lowered their guns and poured into our ranks a most deadly fire. Our boys began to fall rapidly, but the ranks were instantly closed, and steadily, in the face of death, our little battalion kept shouting and charging forward. The firing in our front became so rapid and effective that I com- manded the regiment to answer it, which they did handsomely, still, however, continuing to advance. WJaen we had approached within 2 or 3 rods of the enemys breast Page 109 c~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 109 works there opened upon us a most murderous fire from a force on our right flank, completely enfilading our line. The appearance of this force on our flank seemed to forbid our farther advance. I knew we had no support on our right, and we had not held commu- nication with the Thirty-third Massachusetts at any time during the engagement. Regarding the Seventy-third as the directing battal- ion, I had paid no attention to our support on the left, and it was impos- sible for me to learn whether Colonel Underwood was advancing or not, while heavy and irregular firing, with cries of Dont fire upon your own men, coming from the left of our front, only increased the confusion. Under the circumstances I deemed it rash to advance farther until I knew that one, at least, of my flanks was protected. I ordered the regiment to retire a few rods, which they did in per- fect order, and lay down again, while I sent Captain Higgins to ascertain the position and movements of the Thirty-third Massa- chusetts. Learning that, though they had fallen back, they were again advancing, I was preparing to go forward also, when infor- mation came that the Thirty-third had turned the enemys flank, was gallantly charging him in his treastworks, and driving him from the left crest of the hill. I immediately charged forward again, took and occupied the works and hill in our own front, from which the enemy rapidly fled. The taking of this hill had not been accomplished, however, without fearful cost. One-half of my line officers and one-third of my men were either killed or wounded in this brief but desperate struggle, and never had men shown higher courage than characterized the work of that morning. A full report of the casualties has already been forwarded. I cannot, however, neglect to mention specially the lamented Captain Buchwalter (wounded, and since dead), whose chivalrous spirit and high, manly, and soldierly qualities won all hearts, and gave promise of a brilliant and useful career. Captain Barnes, Lieutenants McCommoi~, Hawkins, Talbott, and Martin were among the wounded, and deserve honorable mention. They behaved most gallantly in the fight, and their scars will be re- membrancers of duty bravely done. But where all acted s~ nobly it were invidious not to award them a just meed of praise. Those who survived unscathed were no less courageous than their fallen com- rades. Captain Higgins, acting major, behaved with his accustomed intrepidity, being always in the thickest of the fight, cheering the men forward. Lieutenants Hinson, Kinney, Downing, Stone, Peters, and Davis, all commanding companies, were constantly with their men, inspiring them with a sublime courage, and leading them with soldiery det~mination against that wall of fire. Lieutenant Hosler, acting adjutant, assisted me efficiently, and the non-commissioned officers and the men in the ranks did all that I could ask. With dar- ing, dauntless spirits, they attacked an enemy vastly superior in numbers and holding a fortified and ahnost impregnable position, and drove them- from that position by the most heroic and desperate effort. It was an achievement worthy the best men of a veteran army, and must add new luster to our already honorable names, and make it a consideration of just and. honest pride to belong to the brave old Seventy-third. I have the honor, captain, to subscribe myself, your obedient servant, SAML H. HURST. Major, Commanding Regiment. Capt. B. F. STONE, Actrtng Assistant Adjntant-Genera Page 110 110 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N ~LA., AND N. GA. ~ Thill. No. 21. Report of lila.]. Gem Carl Schurz, U. S. Army, commanding Third Division. HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Browns Ferry, October 31, 1863. GENERAL: About the part taken by my command in the night engagement of October 29, I have the honor to report as follows: We arrived in camp near Browns Ferry, north of the Kelleys Ferry road, about 4.30 p. m. on October 28. Part of my Third Brigade was left behind on detached service. The camp we occupied was flanked on the left by a row of steep hills; on the right by the Raccoon Mountain; front toward Wauhatchie. The road from Browns Ferry to Wauhatchie runs along steep ridges, intersected by gaps and ravines, through one of which runs the Kelleys Ferry road, and through another the Chattanooga Railroad, the two being about 500 yards apart. On the right of the road is a valley about one-half mile wide, partly corn-fields and partly timber and brush. This valley is bordered on the right by theRaccoon Mountain. The hills are thickly wooded. My picket line ran along the Kelleys Ferry road, forming an angle where it touches the Raccoon Mountain, so as to cover our right. General Gearys command, which had fol- lowed mine on the march, encamped at Wauhatchie, about 3 miles from our camp. About midnight we were disturbed by a few shots on our picket line, which, however, indicated nothing serious. About 1 a. in., October 29, lively firing was heard in the direc- tion of Wauhatchie. Soon after, I was ordered to send one of my brigades to occupy the hill in the angle formed by the road to Wauhatchie and the Chattanooga Railroad. I order~d my First Brigade, under General Tyndale, to move at once, and as rapidly as possible, and placed myself at the head of the column. It was bri~lit moonlight. About one-half mile from our camp, while moving through the fields, in order to cut off the angles of the road, accord- ing to your direction, the flankers on my left were attacked by a rebel force concealed in the woods on a hill on my left, and my lead- ing regiment received a full volley, which wounded 1 of my staff officers, Captain Lender, and several men. This rebel force was, however, immediately afterward attacked by regiments of the Second Division, and we continued our march toward the hill General Tyn- dale was to occupy. Finding the ground on the open field boggy and impassable just before reaching the base of hill, the brigade had to march by the left flank to gain the road. The hill being in possession of the enemy, orders were given to take it. A short engagement ensued. The enemy was speedily dis- lodged, the regiments of my First Brigade moving up rapidly. Gen- eral Tyndale then established himself in the position assigned to him.~. I reported this to General Hooker, who ordered me to form a junc- tion with General Gearys command. I directed Colonel Krzyza- nowski, commanding my Second Brigade, to occupy the gap northeast of the hill held by General Tyndale, and Colonel Hecker, command- ing my Third Brigade, to march to Wauhatchie with the Sixty-eighth New York, the One hundred and forty-first New York, and six com- panies of the Eightieth Illinois. He was ordered to open a passage, at whatever cost, if he found the enemy in fo~ce on his way. The ~Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania was directed to occupy the railroad sap Page 111 XLUI.J REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 111 We had no information of the enemys movements, and could see but little in the darkness of the woods. Colonel Hecker, however, found no serious resistance, and, after a slight skirmish, effected his junction with General Gearys command. He arrived at Wauhatchie before daybreak, and reported himself to General Geary in person about 5 a. m. At 6 a. m. I received the order to send another brigade to General Geary. Deeming it necessary to hold the important position occu- pied by General Tyndale, I ordered Colonel Krzyzanowski to leave a detachment in the position he then had, and to march with the re- mainder ot his command to Wauhatchie. He reported there about 7 a. rn. My loss was 37 officers and men. We took a number of prisoners. I am ,general, most respectfully, yours, C. SCHURZ, lVfajor- General, Commanding I hird Divi8ion. Major-General HOWARD, ~omrnanding Eleventh Go-rps. No. 22. Itinerary of the First Brigade, Brig. Gem Hector T7Jndale com manding. October 1, the brigade proceeded on the cars from Tullahoma, arriving at Bridgeport, Ala., on the evening of same day. En- camped on the west side of the river, doing picket duty, scouting, and building earth-works at the bridgehead, across Tennessee River. October 21, the Eighty-second Illinois Volunteers was attached to the Third Brigade, Third Division. October 27, left Bridgeport, en route to Lookout Valley, arriving at Poison Hollow on the evening of the same day. The One hun- dred and first Illinois Infantry joined this brigade this day. October 28, left Poison Hollow in the morning, arriving at the foot of Lookout Mountain on the afternoon of same day. Skir- mished with the enemy, driving in their outposts, and arrived safely at the present camping ground; placed pickets on all suitable points,, and joined the troops of this corps in successfully repulsing a night attack of the enemy on the 29th, at 1.30 a. m. Commenced build- ing rifle-pits, & c., continuing the works without cessation during October 30 and 31. No. 23. Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Gol. Wiadimir Krzyzanowslei commanding. * October 1, the brigade arrived at Nashville, and established camp near Bridgeport, Ala., October 2. October 19, the Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers and Sixty- eighth New York Volunteers were transferred to the Third Brigade, * From return for October Page 112 112 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Third Division, Eleventh Corps, Colonel Hecker commanding, in pursuance with Special Orders, No. 209, headquarters Eleventh Corps, dated October 19. October 27, the brigade left Bridgeport, Ala., and reached Lookout Valley, opposite Lookout Point, October 28. October 28 and 29, in the night an engagement took place with Longstreets corps, which, however, the Second Brigade took little share in. A patrol of 150 men, under the command of Major Clan~ harty, of the One hundred and Forty-first New York Volunteers, discovered first the movements of the enemy, and much contributed to the favorable results. No. 24. Repo~ts of Brig. Gen. John W. Geary, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps. HDQRS. SECOND DIvISIoN, TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, Wauhatchie, Tenn., November 5, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the following report or the operations of my division from the morning of Octobe1 27 until November 1, 1863, embracing the engagement with the enemy at Wauhatchie on the night of October 28: When orders from Major-General Hooker reached me to concen- trate my command at Bridgeport, it was extended from Tullahoma to Murfreesborough, Tenn., and three regiments were at Stevenson, all guarding the line of railroad. These orders were immediately acted upon, but, owing to the limited transportation and difficulty in procuring the same, combined with numerous interferences with the road and trains by hostile parties, much delay was occasioned. I reached Bridgeport with my advance regiment and two sections of Knaps (Pennsylvania) battery on the afternoon of the 25th ultimo, and, notwithstanding the strenuous efforts of myself and staff offi- oers sent along the line, only four regiments, the Seventy-eighth and One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volunteers, under General Greene, and the Twenty-ninth and One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania, under Col. G. A. Cobham, jr., with the four pieces of artillery, had reported up to the hour indicated for the forward movement. With this fraction of my command I moved at 5 a. m. on the 27th, provided with three days rations and 60 rounds of ammunition per man. I left several staff officers to use every exer- tion in accelerating the pushing forward of my troops. The speedi- ness of the movement necessarily entailed some embarrassment upon us, as our trains and ambulances, just drawn, were not far from Nashville. Such necessary transportation as accompanied us was kindly~furnished by Major-General Howard. We crossed the Tennessee River at 7 oclock, and, pursuant to orders, camped at 2 p. m. at Shellmound, where the Sixtieth and One hundred and thirty-seventh New York and One hundred and eleventh Pennsyl- vania Volunteers joined us in the evening. I ordered heavy fatigue details to aid in constructing a pontoon bridge across the river at Shellmound, near Loves F~rry, which was completed at 1 a. m. of the following day. We resumed the march at 5 oclock on the morning of the 28th Page 113 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 113 and by way of Running Waters and Whitesides, reached Wauhat- cue at 4.30 p. m. At Whitesides the Sixtieth New York Volunteers, Col. A. Godard, was detached and ordered into the pass leading toward Trenton, with instructions to hold it at all hazards. Owing to the heavy condition of the roads over a long extent of the route, the march was a trying one. Our passage from the mountain gorge to our ordered destination, at the intersection of the Wauhatchie and Browns Ferry, by the Kelleys Ferry road, was distinctly visible to the enemys signal station on a table of the Lookout Mountain, upon which active signaling was plainly discernible to the naked eye. I ordered my command to bivouac upon their arms, with cartridge boxes on, and placed my guns on a knob about 30 yards to the left of the railroad and immediately to the left of IRowdens house, so that they could command either of the cardinal points. Command- ing officers were instructed to have their men spring to arms upon any alarm. I selected Colonel Rickards for the duties of general officer of the day, and his regiment (the Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers) for grand guard. I ordered them to be posted according to Butterfields Outpost Duty, which I always adopt in my com- mand as a most efficient system, and which, well carried out, renders surprise from any force impossible. The utmost vigilance ~vas en- joined upon all. I had not anticipated an attack from the direction it came, although I had provided for all contingencies, as the I~leventh Corps had passed that way, leading to a reasonable supposition that no enemy had position in that vicinity. My anticipations were that we would be approached from the southward, and I accordingly made my strongest disposition that way. During the night I learned from a citizen that Longstreets command had been, and doubtless was, at the foot of Lookout Mountain, on the east side of the crepk over which a bridge was said to be constructed. I specially enjoined upon my pickets vigilance toward the reported locality of this bridge. At about half past 10 oclock picket-firing was heard to the left of the railroad and north of my position, which seemed to emanate from my outposts. The entire command was put under arms at once, and I moved the One htfndred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers for- ward to the Kelleys Ferry road, so as to command the railroad and the approaches to the right and left of it. The firing having ceased for over an hour, I returned the regiment, with a repetition of pre- vious orders as to alertness. Shortly after midnight our outposts gave the alarm, their challenge being distinctly heard, as well as the shots which struck them down at their posts, fully comprehensive, to a degree worthy of emulation, of the duty required of them in pres- ervation of those they guarded. The course of the enemys advance was alone indicated by the opposition of my pickets. The moon was fitful and did not afford light sufficient to see a body of men only 100 yards distant, and during the fight their whereabouts was mostly revealed by the flashes of the fire-arms. Ipromptly formed my lines to receive their attack. The One hundred and thirty-seventh New York was advanced about 50 yards west of the Kelleys Ferry road, forming my left, the One hundred and ninth and One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, respectively, prolonged this line and constituted my front, which was perpendicular to the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. The right of the One hundred and elev- enth overreached the angle and faced the railroad. ~My right was formed at right angles with the center, along the embankment of the railroad, held by tjie Seventy-eighth and One hundred and forty- 8 R RVOL XXXI.. PT Page 114 114 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL ninth New York, who were advancing into position when the enemy assailed my left. The line of battle was, therefore, the corner of a square, one side parallel with the raikoad. There were no desirable positions but those chosen, which covered, in advance, the inter- section of the roads and the Kelleys Ferry road for some distance, together with the entire encampment. No protection was offered farther than about 30 yards of an ordinary fence, which was im- p roved, under fire, into a rude breastwork. Skirmishers were imme- diately sent forward to support my gradually retiring pickets, but they were scarcely deployed before the enemy opened fire. The enemy precipitately hurled his main body, without skirmish- ers, upon my left, where the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York and One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania and the two left companies of the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania met them with intense and well-directed fire. My men were cautioned to fire low, and expend their ammunition only with effect. The episode evidenced that they obeyed the injunctions ably. The first volley was fired at a half hour after midnight. The enemy pressed forward vigorously with a continuous line of fire, his first efforts being con- centrated against the left, but not a point in our lines was swerved a foot. The guns of Knaps battery, from their position about 50 yards in the rear and to the left of Rowdens house, were now served with admirable effect, being depressed as much as possible without doing injury to our own lines, but not interfering with efficacy of range; the projectile used was spherical case with short fuses. Charge after charge was made, each with redoubled effort upon our left, which they seemed determined to force, but each time the enemys lines were hurled back under the unintermitting fire, both from infantry and artillery, that like a wall of flame opposed them. Prisoners be- gan to come in, and we discovered we were opposing Hoods division of Longstreets corps, commanded by General Jenkins. After nearly half an hours desperate fighting, being foiled in his attempt to pierce the redoubtable left, the enemy extended his at- tack without cessation of fire on the left, to the Yight of my center,, front, and left flank, which he attacked simultaneously with great strength. The pickets of the Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania driven in were placed in support of the battery, and our utmost vigor was con- centrated to meet this general combination of our adversary. Being so considerably outnumbered, the test point for our utmost capacity for resistance had now arrived; these attacks were determinedly sus- tained along my line, which was actively engaged save on the ex- treme right, where, as yet, no demonstration had been made. The fire upon our right commenced from a piece of woods to the right of the railroad upon our skirmishers, covering the right, and ad- vanced. One piece of Lieutenant Gearys section was turned to the right, and two companies of the One hundred and eleventh Penn sylvania, with the skirmishers, ordered hastily to take position be- hind the railroad embankment, where they checked the enemys ad- vance, who were much distressed and met with considerable loss by the combined efforts of the piece of artillery, with its excellent execu-. tion, and the indomitable behavior, of my center, held by the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania, which faced, in portions, two directions to resist the enfilading fire. It was under this fire that my men fell rapidly and the battery suffered ~ most unparalleled loss Page 115 C~. XLLU.I REOPENING OF TILE TENNESSEE RIVER. 115 The order, Pick off the artillerist~ was repeatedly heard along the rebel line. Lieutenant Geary fell, mortally wounded, while re- sisting this onslaught, which his piece contributed so effectually to repel Captain Atwell, of the battery, fell with a wound which since has caused his death. His men and horses fell so rapidly that only two guns could be manned after this attack. The command of the battery now devolved entirely upon the only artillery officer present, Mad. J. A. Reynolds, chief of artillery of Twelfth Corps. The infantry suffered considerably, but dealt destruction into the rebel ranks as correspondingly overwhelming as were their numbers to those of our own Spartan band. The contest raged with vehemence along the whole line, while our artillery threw its missiles unsparingly into the opposing ranks. The One hundred and thirty-seventh New York, on the left, fought the over-reaching right of the enemy by part of them fighting back to back with the other part. After the lapse of an hour and a half the enemy evidenced an indisposition to continue the attack on the center, and, at the same moment, a redoubled attack on the entire left made manifest his strengthening of that portion of his line. Again they were met with that obstinate fire which kept them in abeyance by dealing death into their ranks with the fire ~of our men, whose unerring aim contrasted strongly with the want of pre- cision and overfiying shots of the enemy. While thus hotly engaged the enemy attempted to turn our left flank by uncovering it some dis- tance to the left. The Hampton Legion, 1,600 strong, had penetrated to the Kelleys Ferry road, about 70 yards to the left, and, while marching by the flank, was attacked by two companies of the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York, under Adjutant Mix, moved around at right angles, and they were thrown into confusion by our sudden assault, and, the advantage on our side being followed up, they were hastily driven back, leaving a numbe#of killed and wounded in the woods to the left and rear of our line. Our ammunition was now, about 3 a. in., nearly exhausted, and a limited supply was gathered from the hospital and from the persons of the dead and wounded of both sides on the field. I had deter- mined to depend upon the bayonet should our ammunition fail, and hold our position until relieved. A demonstration was now made on the right of the center angle, and also opposite the extreme right, while the firing on the left grew weaker. The enemy opened from a risincr ground overlooking the railroad and from behind the railroad emban~ment. The two pieces of artillery still continued fire. One piece was dragged by two companies of the Twenty-ninth Pennsyl- vania to a pass over the railroad near the extreme right, and ,und er the supervision of Colonel Rickards, was ranged north, toward Chattanooga, sweeping the railroad, and, after several discharges, the rebels were driven from the embankment. The One hundred and fortyninth New York now poured several volleys into them, punishing them severely, as was attested by the numbers left on the field in that locality. A detachment was ordered to hold the woods farther to our right, which guarded against any attempt to turn that flank. At half past 3 oclock they ceased firing on our left, their hostility manifestly having grown weaker during the last fifteen minutes, and, firing a few volleys at our center, which Were promptly responded to, they retired, leaving the field in our possession, and our lines in the same position as when the battle opened. Our victory was complete the disasters to the enemy palpably extensive. The veteran divisio Page 116 116 KY., SW. VA., TENN., ~IISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL of Hood had sought to surprise and capture us, or to annihilate us. Baffled in his every attempt to accomplish his mission, the enemy was driven from the field, after a most desperate struggle of three hours duration, with such precipitation that he had not time to carry with him all his wounded, whether officers or privates. We had prisoners in our bands from the First, Second, Third, Fonrth,* Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh South Carolina Regiments, Hampton Legion, and the Palmetto Sharpshooters, all of which were large regiments, reported by members of them to have been filled up. They informed us that General Longstreet directed their movements by signals from a point ha~f way down the side of Lookout Mountain, which was per- ceptible to us during the engagement. To the coolness and judgment of my officers in executing my orders, and in their promptness to appreciate emergencies, calling into use their discretionary actions, and to the men of my command, who evidenced only in repetition a prowess displayed on many well-con- tested fields in the Army of the Potomac, which fostered their sol- dierhood, and which has become a component of their military existence, is attributable the defeat of so large a force by such com- paratively small numbers. All seemed to feel that the results of their first encounter would determine the nature of their introductory re- c~ption by their brothers in arms of the Army of the Cumberland. The officers were, without an exception known to me, collected and constantly engaged in inspiring and directing the men who, in turn, delivered their fire deliberately and with telling effect, as shown by the wounded and dead of the rebels, the majority of whom were struck in the chest or abdomen. No straggling, no confusion, was visible, except among the negro teamsters, who, under the first fire, deserted their teams, and the horses fled aifrighted through different parts of the field, many of them falling from the shots of the enemy. Brigadier-~eneral Greene was wounded early in the engagement. With his proverbial bravery he was in the front, near the One hun- dred and thirty -seventh New York, prepared to contribute his valu- able efforts to our success. During our movement lie was ever zeal- ous in seconding any measure productive of benefit to the service he so warmly espouses. I beg to furnish the following statement as to the strength of my command engaged. Seven of my regiments had not yet come up. One was holding the pass between Whitesides and Trenton. The Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania was engaged on grand guard duty. The actual fighting throughout the battle was sustained, in conjunction with the artillery, by the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York and One hundred and ninth and One hundred and eleventh Pennsyl- vania, with portions of the Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania, driven in from the picket front: ni ~~ Command. S 0 r~ General Greenes (Third) brigade: One hundred and thirty-seventh 1~ew York, Col. D 15 353 Ireland. Colonel Cobhams (Second) brigade: 109th Pennsylvania, Capt. F. L. Gimber 4 -108 111th Pennsylvania, Lieut. (Jol. T. M. Walker 22 282 In line engaged 41 743 This regiment was consolidated with the Hampton Legion November ii, 1862 Page 117 C~. XLIII.) REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 117 The following were present: Command. ~ 0 ~1 Greenes brigaAe: 78th New York, Lient. Col. H. Hammerstein 15 169 149th New York, Lieut. Col. C. B. Randall 14 223 Cobhams brigade: Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania, Col. XV. Rickards 23 364 Total infantry present 93 1,499 The Seventy-eighth and One hundred and forty-ninth New York occupied an important position, but the latter only engaged for a few minutes. The presence of these two regiments on the right had the effect of retarding movements of the enemy in that direction. Of the conduct of the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York and One hundred and ninth and One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania in sustaining the brunt of the battle, I cannot speak too highly. They acquitted themselves in a manner deserving all the commendation that a commander can bestow upon them, and which I take pride in mentioning officially, as well as the valuable services of all present. Colonel Ireland is deserving of especial notice, not only in command- ing his regiment in the heat of the battle, but also in his conduct upon succeeding General Greene in command of his brigade. The two sections of Knaps (Pennsylvania) battery contributed invaluably to the successful result of the action. Nearly all its gunners were killed or wounded, and about two-thirds of its horses, but, until the last, all who were left did their duty at their posts. Among those who, in this action, were numbered with the honored dead were the only two officers attached to this battery presentCapt. C. A. At- well and Lieut. E. R. Gearywho fell in the midst of their com- mand, zealous in execution of their duty. Many regrets follow those brave young hearts to their soldier graves, succumbing, in the hoi~ir of youths promising, brightest manhood, to the hostility of our countrys enemy. In the latter named, I may be permitted to re- mark, I experience, in conjunction with the keen regrets of a com- manding officer for a worthy officer, the pangs of a fathers grief for a cherished son, whose budding worth in wealth of intellect and courage was filling full the cup of paternal pride. In the death of Major Boyle, of the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania, the command is deprived of a valuable officer, society of one of its choice gentlemen, and our country a noble martyr. To Major Reynolds, chief of artillery of the Twelfth Corps, the highest encomiums are due. From the opening of the fight he personally contributed his knowledge and efforts to the action of the battery. After its officers were killed he assumed exclusive command and re- tained it until November 4. To Colonel Cobham, commanding Sec- ond Brigade, I take pleasure in officially tendering my thanks for his valuable co-operation, as well as to Colonel IRickards and Lieut. Col. S. M. Zulich, of the grand guard, who were ever present where they could contribute to the general good, which they did to an eminent degree. The officers of my staff, present, Capt. Thomas H. Elliott, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. R. H. Wilbur, aide-dQ-camp; Capt. M. Veale, assistant commissary of musters, and Lieut. L. IR. Davis. aide-de-camp, manifested throughout the same coolness, zeal, jud Page 118 118 Ky., sw. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., A~D N. GA. [Ca& ~. XLIfl. ment, and courage which has marked their association with me upon many previous fields. Captain Yeale was lightly, and Lieutenant Davis severely, wounded early in the battle. I am constrained to regret the loss of many brave and devoted men among.the casualties. The following is a return of the enemys losses as far as ascertained: Killed, in our hands (from reports of burial parties), 153, including 6 commissioned officers; wounded, in our hands (3 commissioned officers), 52; prisoners taken with arms (3 commissioned officers), 50; arms captured (Springfield and Enfield rifles), 350. From the statistics of most battle-fields, and judging of our own proportion of wounded (5~ to 1 killed), it is just to compute the loss of the enemy in wounded at a ratio of 5, which will render their loss in the engagement with my command about 1,000, a figure which, from all circumstances, is most reasonable. Many arms and accou- terments, as well as a number of guns thrown away by the enemy in flight, were found in the mountains, indicating that some of their troops had become disconnected from their commands and had wan- dered off. Many of the arms captured were taken by the various commands to replace damaged ones; also by teamsters and others. On the morning of the 29th, Colonel Heckers brigade (Third), of the Third Division, Eleventh Corps, reported to me as re-enforce- ments, at half past 5 oclock, two hours after the enemy had retired, and at 7.15 Colonel Krzyzanowskis (Second) brigade, of the same division and corps, reported. The former I placed in position in single line, parallel with and overlooking the railroad. The latter I formed on my extreme right, in prolongation of the line, in rear of the railroad junction. I furnished them with intrenching tools and they worked industriously and cheerfully in constructing extensive breastworks with numerous traverses advantageously formed, to which I gave personal attention. At shortly after 8 oclock, Col. Jno. G. Mitchell reported with a detachment of Second Brigade, Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, which I placed in the in- trenchments, partially constructed by our troops after the battle, relieving my own men, who were much a i ue d and needed respite. Colonel Mitchells command was directed to proceed in fortifying the position, which it did actively, while my men buried our own and the enemys dead and gathered the wounded and arms from the field. From 10 oclock in the morning until late in the afternoon, the shells and shot of the enemy from Lookout Mountain penetrated every portion of our position, without any casualties or interference with the progress of the works. At noon the Twenty-ninth Ohio and One hundred and forty- seventh Pennsylvania, with the remaining section of Knaps battery, reported. The regiments were put in reserve, and, in the afternoon, my whole command was placed in line to the left and engaged in strengthening their position. The Seventy-eighth and One hundred, and forty~niu~h New York regiments constituted the grand guards during the 29th and 30th. The whole of the 30th was devoted to fortifying our lines, though the day was exceedingly inclement. On the 31st, pursuant to orders, our line was changed to a range of hills ij- miles to the rear of the railroad, in the direction of Kelleys Ferry, and our whole force at once engaged upon throwing up works in front of our lines, which constituted the right, resting on Raccoon Mountain. Colonel Heckers and Colonel Krzyzanowskis brigades were relieved at about 5 p. m. on the 31st, and Colonel Mitchells at 9 a. m. on November 1. The remaining four regiments of my Firs Page 119 9w. ILIIh] REOPENING OF TIlE TENNESSEE RIVER. 1)19 (Candys) Brigade reported late on the night of October 31, and were placed in position on the line. Casualties in division: Killed, 36; wounded, 174; missing, 6; total, 216. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY, Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff. HDQRS. SECOND DIvISION, TWELFTH ARMY CoRps, Wauhatchie, Tenn., October 30, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith a return of casualties in my command in the action at Wauhatchie on the morning of the 29th instant: The regiments engaged were: Col. G. A. Cobhams (Second) bri- gade, Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania, Col. W. Rickards commanding, picketing (that portion of the pickets of this regimenkin our front met the advance of the enemy); One hundred and ninth P.ennsyl- vania, Capt. F. L. Gimber commanding, and One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania, Lieut. Col. Thomas M. W~ilker command- ing. General G. S. Greenes (Third) brigade, One hundred and thirty- seventh New York, Col. D. Ireland commanding, and Seventy- eighth and One hundred and forty-ninth New York,. in line on extreme right, but not much engaged with the enemy, not being assailed. The actual fighting was done, therefore, by the One hun- dred and ninth and One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania and One hundred and thirty-seventh New York. My First Brigade has not reported from Bridgeport. Tho Sixtieth New York, of Greenes brigade, was, and still is, guarding the pass between Whitesides and Trenton. The One hundred and second New York Volunteers, of the same brigade, is acting as escort to the division ambulance train, en route from Murfreesborough to Bridgeport. Two sections of Knaps (Pennsylvania) battery, Capt. C. A. At- well, under direction of Major Reynolds, chief of artillery, Twelfth Army Corps, were also engaged, and saffered severely. One-third of the men present were killed or disabled, and more~ than half of the horses killed. The loss of gunners rendered only two of the guns effective for nearly two hours of the engagement. Ammuni- tion expended, 224 rounds. I forward an approximate return of the enemys losses: Killed in our hands, from reports of burial parties, 90; wounded in our hands, about 50; wounded, carried off, and walked away, from reports of prisoners brought in some hours after the engagement, from 250 to 800; prisoners taken with arms, about 50; arms captured (Spring- field and Enfield rifles), about 300. Some of these have been taken by such of my command as had indifferent arms. A jportion of one rebel regiment threw down its arms and refused to advance under the fire we were pouring into them. I append a list of casualties in commissioned officers: Division staff: Capt. Moses Veale, assistant commissary of mus- ters, slightly, in shoulder; First Lieut. L. R. Davis, aide-de-camp, severely, in shoulder Page 120 120 Ky., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Second Brigade: General staff, Lieut. John J. Haight, acting assistant inspector-general, wounded severely; One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieut. James Glendening, adjutant, killed, and Lieut. John McFarland, wounded severely in leg; One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, Maj. John A. Boyle, killed; Lieut. Marvin D. Pettit, killed; Lieut. Albert Black, wounded severely; Lieut. Andrew W. Tracy, wounded slightly in foot; Lieut. Col. Thomas M. Walker, wounded slightly; Capt. James M. Wells, wounded slightly, and Capt. Wallace Warner, wounded slightly. Third Brigade: Brig. Gen. George S. Greene, commanding, wounded severely in mouth and cheek; One hundred and thirty- seventh New York Volunteers, Lieut. Col. K. S. Van Voorhis, wounded slightly; Capt. Silas Pierson, wounded severely in foot; Lieut. Marshall J. Corbett, wounded severely, and One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volunteers, Capt. Ira B. Seymour, wounded in face. Knaps (Pennsylvania) battery: First Lieut. Edward R. Geary, killed, and Capt. Charles A. Atwell, wounded seriously. Killed, 4; wounded, 15; total, 19. As soon as practicable a more statistical account of the engage- ment, together with my official report of the same, will be for- warded. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. W. GEARY Brigadier-General, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. Maj. Gen. D. BUTTERFIELD Chief o(~ Staff. [Inclosure.] Return of Casualties in the Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, in action at Wauhatchie, Tenn., on morning of October 29, 1863. Killed. Wounded. Missing. 4) 45 U 45 U Regiments. i,~ ~ . ,~ n . ~ ~ii~ ll ~ u .54) ~ .~ ~ o ta o r~i ~ o ~ E~ 0 r~ E~4 ~ Division staff 2 2 2 Third Brigade, Brig. Gen. G. 5. Greene I 1 1 staff. 78th New York Volunteers, Lieut. col 2 2 2 H. Hammerstein. 137th New York Volunteers, Col. D 15 15 3 72 90 Ireland. 149th New York Volunteers, Lieut. Col 1 1 1 10 11 12 C. B. Randall. Second Brigade, Col. G. A. Cobham 1 1 I staff. 29th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col 1 1 6 6 2 2 9 W. Rickards. 109th Pennsylvania Volunteers, capt 1 4 5 1 22 23 4 4 32 F. L. Gimber. 111th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieut 2 7 9 5 29 34 2 2 45 Col. T. N. Walker. Knaps (Pennsylvania) battery 1 2 3 1 18 19 22 Total 4 30 34 15 159 174 88~216 JNO. W. GEARY Brigadier-General of Volunteers, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIvisioN, TWELIIH ARMY Coa~s, Wauhatchie, Teen., October 30, 1868 Page 121 OK& p. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 121 No. 25. Report of Gol. George A. Cobham, Jr., One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. HDQRS. SECOND BRIG., SECOND Div., 12TH ARMY CORPS, Raccoon Jtliountain, Tenn., October 31, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the march of my brigade from Bridgeport to Wauhatchie, and of the part taken by it in the action of October 28 and 29 instant: Having been supplied with three days rations and 60 rounds of ammunition, we crossed the Tennessee at Bridgeport at 9 a. m. of the 27th instant and marched to Shellmound, arriving there at 2 p. m. Left Shellmound at 5 a. m. of the 28th, and marched to Wan- hatchie, reaching that place at 5 p. m. Went into camp on the left of the railroad, about 2~ miles from the knob of Lookout Mountain. The Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers was detailed for picket duty, and Colonel IRickards, commanding officer of the regiment, as division officer of the day. At 11 p. m. of the 28th instant, picket firing being heard in our front, under instructions from the general commanding division, I ordered the One hundred and eleventh Penn- sylvania Volunteers under arms, and moved them forward, facing the railroad. The firing ceasing, the regiment returned to quarters, but on its renewal after a short interval, I placed that regimerLt and the One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers in position on the Kelleys Ferry road, the right of the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers resting on the railroad, and their left join- ing the right of the One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Volun- teers. Owing to the advantageous manner in which Colonel Rickards had posted his pickets, and to the obstinate resistance made by them, the enemy were held in check long enough to enable the line to be formed. This was hardly accomplished, when the enemy opened a heavy fire on our front, an a vanced to the attack. I ordered my men to lie down, to be careful of their ammunition, and to fire low. During the severe action that ensued, lasting until 3 a. m. of the 29th in- stant, the men never wavered, but conducted themselves with admi- rable coolness and courage. They had no other protection than that afforded by a few fence rails thrown hastily together under fire. The enemy failing to force our front, moved upon the flanks, and threw in a brisk fire, both from the wood upon our left and from a piece of ground overlooking the railroad on our right. I immedi- ately dispatched orders for two companies of the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers to move to the right flank and check their advance, but found that Lieutenant-Colonel Walker, commanding that regiment, had already made such a disposition of his troops. With the assistance of a piece of Atwells battery, which was moved across the railroad, under the direction of Colonel Rick- ards, Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and which opened finely upon the enemy, and of the two companies of the Twenty- ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which had been driven in from the picket line, the attack was repulsed. The left of the line was pro- tected by a regiment of General Greenes brigade, the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers. During the greater p art of the time the firing was exceedingly severe, and cost us the lives of some brave officers and men, beside Page 122 122 KY., SW. VA., ~fli., MISS., N.~ ALA~ANI) N. GA. (CHAP. XLIII. severely wounding many others. Where all behaved so well, I can not particularize without doiug injustice. I have to regret the loss of Maj. John A. Boyle; One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania; Lieut. Marvin D. Pettit, One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania, and Lient. James Glendening, One hundred arid ninth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, all of them excellent officers and gallant men. Lieutenant Pettit was killed by the premature explosion of one of our own shells. Lient. John J. Haiglit, One hun red and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, acting on my staff as acting assistant in- spector-general, was very severely wounded. I would state that the went -ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, being on picket duty, the force under my command numbered less than 500 men. I cannot omit paying a tribute to the gallant conduct of the offi- cers and men of Atwells battery; the deplorable loss sustained by them and their crippled condition sufficiently attest the gallantry with which their guns were worked, and the heavy fire to which they were exposed. Jthankthegentlemenofmystaffforthemannerinwhichthey performed their duties. The loss sustained in the action was as Killed. Wounded. Missing. Command. ,i a ,i a ~ a a 0 ~ C [~ C General staff and pioneers 1 4 5 29th PennsylvaniaVolunteers, Colonel Rickards 1 5 1 7 109th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Captain Girober 1 3 1 23 4 32 111th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Lieuten~nt-Colonel Wal- 2 6 5 31 1 43 ker I Total 3~IO~7~ 63 6 89 I am, very respectfully, j~our servant, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Capt. THOMAS II. ELLIOTT, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 26. Report of (Jot. William Rickards, jr., Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry. HDQRS. TWENTY-NINTH REGT. PENNSYLVANIA VOLS., Wauhatchie, Tenn., October 29, 1863. CAPTAIN: The following report of the part taken by this regiment.~ in the recent engagement with the enemy at this point is respectfully submitted: Tuesday, October 27, cloudy, but cleared off in the middle of the day. Regiment was in line at sunrise, marched to depot in Bridge- port, where each man was supplied with 60 rounds of ammunition, crossed the Tennessee River on a pontoon bridge, and marched to Shelimound, where we arrived at 2 p. in.; distance about 10 miles. Lieutenant-Colonel Zulich was detailed to superintend the working parties building the pontoon bridge at Shellmound and making the roads leading to it Page 123 C~. XLIII.] REOPENING OP TIlE TENNESSEE RIVER. 123 Wednesday, October 28, cloudy, and heavy rain in morning; cleared at 12 m. Marched at ~5 a. n~, and reached Wauhatchie. Halted on the left of railroad and about 2~ miles from the knob of Lookout Mountain, on the road leading to Kelleys Ferry; distance about 20 miles. The regiment was ordered on picket, and I officer of the day. I immediately made arrangements to post them to the best advantage. General Geary thought Wauhatchie Junction the most important point, and I sent three companies, K, E, and B, to that post with orders to throw up such defenses as would protect them from the enemys shot. Captain Rickards, Cornpany~, had command of the post. Companies I and H, under command of Captain Stork, I sent on the Kelleys Ferry road three-quarters of a mile. Companies A and F, under Lieutenant Coursault, I sent to cover the ground between the camp and Lookout Creek, and Com- panies C and G on the Browns Ferry road one-half of a mile, and Company D to our left, between Stork and Rickards. From all these posts small posts and sentinels were sent out, making a con- tinuous line around our camp. I had made inquiries of men in the neighborhood and been in- formed there was no enemy between us and Lookout Mountain. General Geary also received the same information. The man most relied on for the correctness of this report was a Mr. Rowan [or Rowden], a magistrate who lived at the junction of the Kelleys Ford road and the railroad. After posting the pickets I went to his house, and, in conversation with a woman, learned that Longstreets corps had been here yesterday, and were now lying just the other side of Lookout Creek, at the foot of the mountain. I took the man of the house to General Geary, and, after threats, succeeded in getting the information that there was a bridge across over the creek, and that Longstreets men lay just beyond it, not more than 1+ miles from our camp. I hurried to the pickets, and found the road leading to the bridge and posted my men on it, near three-quarters of a mile from camp, with instructions to be very watchful, and directed Cap- tain Millison, in charge of the reserve, to hold them in readiness to deploy as skirmishers on the least alarm. I then proceeded on my rounds, and had visited the post at the junction, and was returning, when I heard firing which seemed to proceed from the picket on the bridge road. I rode as fast as I could, but found the firing was beyond my pickets. The firing having ceased, I returned to General Geary to report, and found the com- mand under arms and in line. All remained quiet, and after half an hour the men were sent to quarters. They had just turned in when firing again commenced. I rode quietly to the outpost and met my men retiring, but in good order, contesting the ground with the enemy, who were advancing in line without skirmishers. We retreated slowly toward camp, and found our troops rapidly getting into line, the One hundred and thirty-seventh New or on the extreme left, ne~t One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers on right, and One hundred and forty-ninth on the railroad bank at right angles with the right of the One hundred and eleventh Pennsylvania Vol- unteers. Companies C and G, who had been driven in with me, I posted to support the battery, and afterward, when the enemy had made a strong demonstration on our right, I moved them to the rail- road bank. The enemy were attacking us on our right, front, and left. Our men were falling rapidly, especially those of the battery Page 124 124 Ky., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. The horses also suffered severely. Lieutenant Geary, of the bat- tery, was killed by my side, being struck over the eye. Captain Atwell was badly wounded in the hip and spine. Most of the men were wounded or killed. They all acted nobly. We had started with 60 rounds of infantry ammunition and none in the train. This was nearly expended. The enemy now made a fresh demonstration on our right, and gained possession of the railroad bank, from which they delivered a very severe fire on us. Our efforts to dislodge them by firing from our present position proved fruitless. Being unable to find General Geary or Colonel Cobham at that time, and Major Reynolds, chief of artillery, having charge of the battery, I directed him to have one piece move to the outside of the railroad bank, at a crossing in our rear, and enfilade the bank. He objected, saying the enemy would take the piece, and also he had no horses to pull it. II told him I would take the responsibility and furnish the force. I brought Companies C and G and had the piece hauled outside of the railroad, carried ammunition, and did the labor of the piece, while those men who were left with the gun unwounded, loaded and fired. After two or three shots we got the range, and swept the enemy from the bank. This seemed to have a depressing effect upon the enemy, for their fire now ceased, and we remained masters of our position. Companies A and F, under charge of Lieutenant Coursault, of Company A, held the woods on the right of the rail- road, and prevented the enemy from getting in our rear and right. They behaved with great bravery and discretion. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on Companies C and G, under Captains Millison and Goldsmith, for their obstinate resistance to the enemy, checking his advance, and giving our troops time to get into line. The accident of my stopping at the house of Mr. Rowan [Rowden] when I did led to the information which showed the posi- tion of the enemy, and led to the advancing and strengthening of my pickets. The fact of the whole regiment being on picket, and many on posts away from fire, accounts for the small loss, viz, 1 man killed, 5 badly wounded, and 1 missing, who, being on the most exposed post, is no doubt a prisoner. The officers and men of Knaps battery acted nobly. Lieutenant Geary, son of our general, was killed at my side at the instant he commanded fire, after aiming his gun. His death will be a serious loss to the service and country. The attack was made by Hoods division, of Longstreets corps, and, having a knowledge of our numbers and position from their station on Lookout Mountain, they expected to surprise and capture our force with ease. None but White Stars were engaged, and they have shown they are capable of holding their ground against superior numbers of the best troops in the rebel army. The enemy having turned the left flank, captured our wagon train, which was recap- tured by Lieutenant-Colonel Zuhich, of this regiment, who, having collected and organized a number of loose men, drove off the enemy and brought it safely to the rear. * Respectfully, your obedient servant WM. RICKARDS, JR., Colonel, Commanding Regiment. Capt. JOHN P. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. * Nominal list of casualties (omitted) shows 1 man killed, 5 men wounded, and 1 man missing Page 125 O~. XLIII.J REOPENING OF TIlE TENNESSEE RIVER. 125 No. 27. Report of Capt. Frederick L. Gimber, One hundred and ninth Penn8ylvania Infantry. HDQRS. 109TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VoLs., Raccoon Mountain, Tenn., October 31, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following as my report of the march from Bridgeport, Ala., on October 27, and the part my regi- ment took in the engagement of Wauhatchie, Tenn., on the 29th in- stant: Broke camp at Bridgeport, Ala., on the morning of the 27th, leav- ing that place at about 9 a. in., crossing the Tennessee River on pon- toons, arriving at Shelimound Station on the railroad at about 3 oclock, where the troops went into camp for the night. Reveille sounded at about 4 a. m. of the 28th, and the troops were again on the march by daylight, crossing the mountains and several stream- lets, arriving at a point near Lookout Mountain. Firing occurring on our front, we were moved into a woods on the left of the railroad, where we formed into divisions, stacked arms, and the men allowed to rest. About midnight the troops were suddenly called to arms, firing occurring on the picket line. The regiment was then ordered to move by the left flank to a point in a field, the regiment taking a position behind a rail fence. Scarcely were the men in position be- re lied to, X opened a cross and direct fire, which our men promptly p kept up a continuous fire for about two hours and a half, when the supply of ammunition fell short and the fire began to slacken, and though the enemy kept up a fire at intervals it failed to dislodge our men, who nobly stood their ground under the trying circumstances. The enemy having received a last volley from our boys, retreated from the field. The regiment took into the engagement about 110, all told; lost 5 killed and 21 wounded. Among the killed I regret to announce First Lient. James Glendening, of Company A, and acting adjutant, a brave and efficient soldier, whose loss cannot well be replaced. Both officers and men behaved well, fully sustaining the reputation of the White Star division. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient serv- ant, FREDERICK L. GJMBER,~ Captain, Commanding 109th Pennsylvania. Capt. JOHN P. GREEN, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 28. Report of Lieut. Col. Thomas MI~ Walker, One hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry. HDQRS. 111TH REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA VoLS., Lookout Valley, Tenn., October 31, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to transmit the following report of the part taken by the One hundred and eleventh Regiment Pennsyl- vania Volunteers in the battle of Wauhatchie, October 28 and 29, 1863: The regiment marching from Stevenson, Ala., arrived in Bridge- port at 2p. m. of the 27th instant, where wo remained until S p. m Page 126 126 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., ~N. ALA., AND N. GA. [C& ~. ThIIL (to be supplied with rations and ammunition), at which time we crossed the Tennessee River, following the route taken by our bri- gade for Shellmound, where we arrived at 8 p. m. and bivouacked. We broke camp at Sheilmound at 4 a. m. of the 28th, and marched until 5 p. in., encamping at the juifction of the roads to Kelleys and Browns Ferries. The regiment was bivouacked by division, left in front. Soon after 11 p. m. we were aroused by picket firing in the direction of the point of Lookout Mountain, and immediately got under arms, forming line parallel with the railroad, fronting to the east. We remained in line for about fifteen minutes, when we were again ordered to our bivouacs, but cautioned by the general commanding division to turn out and take the same ground should there b~ a rep- etition of the firing. We had scarcely remained in camp fifteen min- utes when the picket firing was renewed, and we immediately took the line as directed and threw the two left companies forward as skirmishers. These were yet deploying when the advance of the en- emy opened upon us from our left flank. I immediately changed front to the rear on the first company, facing nearly north, the right resting near the railroad and the line runnilig nearly parallel with the road to Kelleys Ferry. The enemy were firing on our front and at the same time worlifing around our left and right. By direction the two left companies opened on the advancing line, the rest of my regiment reserving fire until the advancing line should come to very close quarters. I now directed the right company to deploy as skirmishers on our right flank on the opposite side of the railroad, and soon received word from them that a line was advancing on our right. Two companies, under Captain Wells, were at once placed along the railroad embankment to check this advance~ our skirmish- ers fell back to the same position. These three companies met the enemy and checked them at their first fire. We retained this posi- tion, the right facing to the east, the center to the north, and the left to northwest, until the enemy gave up the attack, soon after 3 oclock. We were for a long time under a severe fire from three di- rections, fighting at a great disadvantage. I mention with pleasure the steadiness and determination of my men. I was greatly indebted to the assistance given me by my ma3or, John A. Boyle, who sealed his devotion with his life, and to Captains Wells and Warner, both of whom were struck slightly, also to Lieut. Albert Black, who was very severely wounded. I append herewith a list of casualties in the regiment. * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, .THOS. M. WALKER, Lieutenant- Golonel, Gomdg. 111th Pennsylvania Vols. Capt. JOHN P. GREEN, A. A. G., Second Brig., Second Div., Twelfth Army Corps. No. 29. Report of Brig. Gen. George S. Greene, U. S. Army, commanding Third Brigade. HOSPITAL AT BRIDGEPORT, November 1, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to teport of the battle on the 29th ultimo, near Lookout Mountain. * ~mbodied in revised statement, p. 76 Page 127 XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 127 Two regiments of my brigade having been placed in line of battle under the direction of the command~ng general of the division, the action immediately commenced by an attack of the enemy, to which our fire promptly and efficiently replied. I had been twice along the line sending in a few stragglers that were in the rear, when I was severely wounded in the mouth, and, from loss of blood and of voice, was unable to render efficient service in the field, and I retired to the hospital for attendance. I can bear testimony to the good conduct of the brigade while on the field. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. S. GREENE, Brig. Gem., Third Brig., Second Div., Twelfth Army corps. Capt. THOMAS H. ELLIOTT, Assistant Adjutant-General. No. 30. Report of col. David Ireland, One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., SECOND DIV., TWELFTH CORPS, Camp near Lookout Valley, Tenn., November 5, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor most respectfully to submit the follow- ing report of that portion of the Third Brigade engaged in the ac- tion of the 29th ultimo, designated as the battle of Wauhatchie: The following named regiments constituted the portion of the bri- gade alluded to above: The Seventy-eighth New~York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Hammerstein commanding; the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, Col. David Ireland com- manding, and the One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volun- teers, Lieutenant-Colonel Randall commanding. The command left Bridgeport on Monday, October 27, 1863, and marched to Shellmonnd, Tenn. We were there joined by the Six- tieth New York Volunteers, Col. A. Godard, and the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers (which regiments left Bridge- port some two hours after the division had gone). A heavy detail was made from the Seventy-eighth New York Volunteers and the One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volunteers to assist in construct- ing a pontoon bridge over the Tennessee river at that point. We broke camp on the morning of the 28th ultimo and marched to Whitesides, where the Sixtieth New York Volunteers were ordered to take position in a gap and remain there until further orders. The bal- ance of the command marched to the Wauhatchie Valley and there camped for the night, in the following order: The One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, in two lines, and at right angles with the railroad.; the One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volun- teers, in two lines, and 20 paces in rear of the One hundred and thirty- seventh New York Volunteers; the Seventy-eighth NewYork Volun- teers, in two lines, and on the right of the One hundred and forty- ninth. At 11.15 p. m. the troops were summoned to arms by Lieu- tenant Davis, aide-de-cam p to the general commanding the divis- ion, which summons was obeyed with great alacrity by officers an Page 128 128 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. men, and after remaining some time under arms they were ordered to lie down behind their stacks with their accouterments on; the slight firing of the pickets, in our front, which occasioned the alarm, having subsided, but a short time had elapsed when it became un- mistakably apparent by the sudden and continuous firing that the enemy were in close proximity to us. The reports of the musketry alone proved the soldierly qualities of the men; they were up and in line and all empty muskets loaded, awaiting orders, when the general commanding division ordered them forward, the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Vol- unteers in advance and moving by the left flank, followed by the One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volunteers. The One hun- dred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers were ordered to take position on the right of the One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and while they, the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, were executingthe order, under the immediate supervision of the general commanding the division, the enemy opened on them a terrible musketry fire. They quickly formed and returned the fire with great effect, and maintained their position throughout the entire action. The One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volunteers were following in the rear and about 50 feet from the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, march- ing by the left flank, when the enemy opened, which, in connection with the retrograde movements of horses belonging to orderlies, am- bulances, and wagons, passing through their lines, created momentary confusion, but Lieutenant-Colonel Randall, commanding One hun- dred and forty-ninth New York Volunteers, quickly reformed the regiment about 50 yards in the rear of the One hundred and thirty- seventh New York Volunteers, when he, Lieutenant-Colonel Randall, received orders from Lieutenant Davis, aide-de-camp to the general commanding division, to move the regiment out and take position by the side of the wagon road, at right angles to the line of battle and lyino on the railroad embankment, thereby covering our right flank. fhe Seventy-eighth New York volunteers were deployed in the rear and along the line of the railroad to guard against an at- tack on our rear. While this disposition of the troops was being made the enemy were firing on our front, and continued to do so for about half an hour. They then sent a body of troops (from prisoners captured we learned it was the Hampton Legion) around the left of the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, it being unpro- tected, and the left of our position, with the intention of turning our flank, but two companies, G and B, of the One hundred and thirty- seventh New York Volunteers, were thrown back at right angles with the line of battle, and succeeded in repulsing the enemy, firing on them as they marched by the flank, creating confusion in their lines, and driving them back. The enemy then moved around to our right, but our artillery, assisted by a few and effective shots from the One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volunteers, drove the enemy from the field. The action, which commenced about 12.30 a. in., was at this time, 2.45 a. in., about over. The promptness with which the Seventy-eighth New York Volun- teers fell into line and took position was commendable. Although not called into action, their.. position was one of importance. The conduct of the One hundred and fo~ty-ninth New York Volunteers throughout the action was everything that could be desired. Afte Page 129 Ca& p. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 129 they had reformed and taken position they held it in fine style. The conduct of the officers and men of the One hundred and thirty- seventh New York Volunteers during the action was truly heroic. They took position while under a heavy musketry fire and held that position throughout the engagement. When the enemy endeavored to turn their flank, not a man wavered, but, by a steady and well- directed fire, drove the enemy back every attempt they made to charge. Before the close of the action the cartridges were all ex- pended, but by sending to the hospital and cutting the cartridge boxes from the dead and wounded they had a supply until the close of the action. When the firing ceased there were not 200 cartridges in the regiment. Of their bravery and good conduct during the encragement I need only mention thai ofthe whole number killed an~ wounded in this command, viz, 106, 90 were of this regiment alone. Brig. Gen. George S. Greene was wounded in the beginning of the action, and was obliged to leave the field. Previous to doing so ~ie sent Lieutenant Knapp, commanding brigade pioneers, to inform me that I was in command of the brigade. I immediately en- deavored to carry out the instructions of the general commanding division, which instructions not only saved our command frQm sur- prise and capture, but enabled us to drive the enemy from the field. When all did so well it would be wrong to individualize. Both officers and men had a full sense of their duty, and acted accord- ingly. Loss in the brigade is as follows: Enlisted men killed, 16; offi- cers wounded, 6; enlisted men wounded, 84; total loss, killed and wounded, 106. Missing, none. Inclosed please find reports of the officers commanding the Sev- enty-eighth, One hundred and forty-ninth, and One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers; also a report from General G. S. Greene. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID IRELAND, Colonel, Comdg. Third Brig., Second Div., Twelfth A. C. Capt. THOMAS H. ELLIOTT, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Div., Twelfth Army Corp& ~. No. 31. Itinerary of the Third Brigade.* October 1, remained at Bellaire, Ohio, all day. October 2, were transported in cars through Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Nashville, to Murfreesborough, Tenn., arriving there October 6. The One hundred and thirty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers were left at Nashville, and con- voyed the Eleventh Corps trains and batteries to Decherd and re- turned to Fosterville. October 22, the Seventy-eighth New York Regiment was sent to guard the bridge over Stones River. The Sixtieth, One hundred and second, and One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volunteers remained at Murfreesborough to guard that place. * From return for October. 9 R F.VOL XXXI, PT Page 130 130 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL October 23, the One hundred and forty-ninth New York Volnn- teers were transported in cars, arriving at Bridgeport, Ala., October 25. The rest of the brigade followed as fast as the cars could carry them, except the One hundred and second Regiment New York Vol- unteers, which went to Nashville to convoy the Second Division train. October 27, the Seventy-eighth and One hundred and forty-ninth Regiments New York Volunteers left Bridgeport, Ala., at 9.30 a. in., and crossed the Tennessee River, and marched to Shellmound, Tenn., arriving there at 3 p. m. During the afternoon the Sixtieth and One hundred and Thirty-seventh New York Volunteers joined us; marched 7 miles. October 28, left Shellmound at 5.45 a. in. and marched 15 miles, and encamped within 6 miles of Chattanooga, near Wauhatchie Station. The Sixtieth New York Volunteers were left to guard a gap near Whitesides Station. At 11 oclock at night we were awak- ened by picket firing, and the troops were put under arms; but learning that it was not our pickets, the men were ordered to lie down behind their stacks. Shortly afterward our pickets were driven in, and the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Vol- unteers were ordered out by the left flank, and had barely got into line, with their right resting on the One hundred and ninth Penn- sylvania Volunteers, when the enem opened fire. The One hun- dred and forty-ninth Regimen ew ork Volunteers followed the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, and was put into position on the right of the line and against the railroad. The Seventy-eighth New York Volunteers was held in reserve. The fight commenced near midnight, and lasted about an hour and three-quarters. The following are our losses in killed and wounded: One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, 90; One hun- dred and forty ninth New York Volunteers, 12; Seventy-eighth New York Volunteers, 2. Brig. Gen. George S. Greene, commanding the brigade, was wounded in the face, the ball passing through the upper jaw. The following officers were also wounded: Lient. Col. K. S. Van Voor- his, Capt. Silas Pierson, and Lient. Marshall J. Corbett, all of the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers. October 29 and 30, lay on the battle-field. October 31, moved up to Raccoon Mountain and took position on the hills to the right of the Second Brigade, and commenced fortify- ing and slashing timber. No. 32. Report of.. Lieut. Cot. Herbert von Hammerstein, Seventy-eighth~ New Yor1~ Infantry. HDQRS. SEVENTY-EIGHTH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, November 3, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the report of the part which my regiment has taken in the operations of the Third Brigade, Sec- ond Division, Twelfth Army Corps, from the morning of the 27th till the close of the engagement the iiiorning of the 29th of October, 1863 Page 131 XLIII.) REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 131 The regiment arrived at Bridgeport at 3 oclock on the morning of the 27th, after having been two days and two nights on the cars. At daylight, we continued our march on foot to Shellmound. After arriving there, my regiment was ordered to report to Brigadier-Gen- eral Morton, chief engineer, to assist in building a pontoon bridge across the Tennessee River, at which we worked till 9 oclock that night, fatiguing the men considerably. At daylight next morning the march was continued, my regiment marching as rear guard behind the train of the division, and arrived at about 7 oclock at a place near the railroad called Wauhatchie. I received orders from Brigadier-General Greene to go and bivouac 011 the right of the One hundred and forty-ninth New York Vol- unteers, the regiment in two lines, one behind the other. At about 10.30 oclock I was startled by perhaps a dozen shots and a weak volley of musketry. I ordered my regiment under arms loaded, and the men lay down behind the stacks awaiting orders. The firing had stopped about fifteen minutes, when it began again, this time with great energy, from a force certainly superior to our own, the bullets flying in every direction through the camps. I then received orders, through Captain Greene, assistant adjutant-general, tp deploy my regiment and remain in reserve; then selected the embankment of the railroad as the best position to cover our right flank, and from where to move to the assistance of others if called for. Not being called for, the regiments in front succeeding in driving off the enemy alone, I remained in that position till about 2.30 a. in., when I was ordered by Colonel Ireland, commanding the brigade after Brigadier-General Greene was wounded, to march to a position on our extreme left, which I did. The fight had then ceased. I lost 2 men wounded, and did not fire a shot. When the alarm arrived the regiment was under arms in a minute; not a man left his post. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. HAMMERSTEIN, Lieutenant-Colonel, Comdg. Seventy-eighth New York Vols. [Capt. C. T. GREENE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Third Brigade.] No. 33. Report of Gapt. Milo B. Eldredge, One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Infantry. HDQRS. 137TH REGIMENT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Near Lookout Mountain, Tenn., October 31, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that this regiment (the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers) left Bridgeport, Ala., on the 27th day of October, 1863, about 12 m. We crossed the Tennessee River, and that afternoon we marched to Shellmound Station, and there joined the brigade and camped for the night. We resumed the march at daybreak on the morning of the 28th of October, 1863, and marched to the Wauhatchie Valley, near Look- out Mountain, in sight of the en& my, and there we encamped. We were camped in two lines and at right angles with the Chattanooga road. At 11.30 p. m. we were aroused and ordered under arms, o Page 132 132 KY., sw. VA., TENK., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLII!. casioned by some picket firing on our front, but the firing ceased shortly afterward, so the men were ordered to lie down behind their stacks with their accouterments on, which they did. In about half an hour afterward we were again ordered to fall in and move out by the left flank, and take position on the left of the One hundred and ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which order we executed under the immediate supervision of General Geary, commanding Second Divis- ion, when the enemy opened on us. We formed as ordered, and then returned their fire with such effect that the enemy were driven back every time they attempted to advance. The enemy, findin the could not drive us in front, sent a large force around on our left dank, which was entirely unprotected, and endeavored to turn our position, but Adjt. James E. Mix instantly threw two companies, G and B, back at right angles with our line of battle and drove them back handsomely, and when they retired he brought them forward into line. At this time our men were getting nearly out of ammunition, but, by sending to the hospital and cut- ting the cartridge boxes from the bodies of the dead, we were en- abled to keep up a fire on the enemy until they retired; when they did so we did not have 200 cartridges in the regiment. Brigadier- General Greene having been wounded early in the fight, the com- mand of the brigade devolved upon Col. David Ireland. Lieuten- ant-Colonel Van Voorhis immediately assumed command of the regiment, soon after which he (Lieutenant-Colonel Van Voorhis) was wounded near the right shoulder. He, notwithstanding, continued his duties until the close of the action, which lasted from about 12.30 until about 3 a. m. The conduct of the officers and men of this regiment during the action was splendid; they fought like men, and when the enemy opened on their left the men fired back to back, but never yielded one inch of ground. At the close of the action they were in the exact line in which they were formed. The conduct of James E. Mix (ad- jutant) is worthy of special mention. This regiment lost as follows: Enlisted men killed, 15; officers wounded, 3; enlisted men wounded, 72; total loss, killed and wounded, 90. Missing, none. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MILO B. ELDREDGE, Captain, Commanding Regiment. Capt. C. T. GREENE, A. A. G., Third Brig., Second Div., 12th Army Corps. No. 34. Report of Lient. CoL. Charles B. Randall, One hundred and fort~ ninth New York Infantry. HEADQUARTERS 149TH NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS, Wauhatchie Valley, Tenn., November 1, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of t~he operations of my comman~1 during the 27th, 28th, and 29th days of October last: The regiment broke camp on the morning of the 27th and moved in the rear of the Seventy-eighth New York Volunteers, the me Page 133 Cuip. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 133 carrying four days rations and 60 rounds of ammunition. Arrived at Shelimound Station about 3 p. in., and bivouacked. I furnished for work on the pontoon bridge at that place a detail of 6 officers, 16 non-commissioned officers, and 110 men, who were on duty from 8 p. m. until 1 a. in., the 28th. At 4 oclock, the regiment was called out, and at 5 took up line of march, following the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers. We arrived at a point on Wauhatchie Valley, near the junction, at about S p. in., and bivouacked in edge of a wood near and to the left of the railroad in two lines, the left wing being in rear of the right, my position being at the right of the One hun- dred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers. At 11 p. m. the regiment was put under arms, but the men were allowed to lie down behind their arms with their belts on. At 12 a. m. the 29th, I was directed by the general commanding brigade to move by the left flank and follow the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers to form line of battle. In accordance with directions I moved directly forward until I came to a road which ran to the right at an angle of about 45 degrees from the direction I was pursuing, which road I was directed to follow. The attack upon our position began at 12.30 a. in., October 29, and at the moment of the attack the position of my regiment was as fob lows: Marching left in front, diagonally toward the enemy, with the rear rank exposed to their fire, the leading company being about 25 yards in rear of the right company of the One hundred and thirty- seventh New York Volunteers, which was just forming by forward into line. The generals commanding division and brigade, both mounted, and attended by their staffs and orderlies, were on the line of battle directing its formation, when the enemy opened fire along his whole line from a distance of about 100 yards. In an instant the mounted men attending the generals, forming a cavalcade of some 20 horsemen, became very much scattered and broke to the rear, pass- ing through my regiment in a dozen different places. In addltion to those, two or three ambulances and wagon teams, attached to headquarters, also passed through my lines. The regiment was thus entirely broken to pieces and disorganized, with no company forma- tions whatever, and all exposed to a terrific fire. I immediately threw the left and leading company back to the rear, and commenced reforming the line parallel with and about 50 yards in rear of the One hundred and thirty-seventh New York Volunteers, which was at that time actively engaged. As the line was nearly formed, I re- ceived direction from Lieutenant Davis, of division staff, to place the regiment by the side of the wagon road, perpendicular to the line of battle, to guard against an attack upon our right flank. I imme- diately changed front forward, and took the position indicated. The enemy immediately attacked in my front, when, finding it pos- sible to shelter the men, I moved the regiment forward some 20 yards to the railroad embankment and opened fire. After the regi- ment had expended 3 or 4 rounds, the enemy, consisting of a force of two regiments, withdrew from our front. I remained in that position until about 6 a. m. the 29th. Too much credit cannot be given to the officers and men of the command on this occasion. Entirely broken to pieces and disordered, the line was rapidly reformed.in a new direction, and a change of front executed, the men being all the time exposed to a murderous fire from a distance of about 150 yards, with a loss of but 3 stra Page 134 134 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. glers. Owing to our sheltered position along the railroad, our loss was quite small compared to that of other regiments, being 1 man killed and an officer and 11 men wounded. About 6 a. m. my regi- ment was moved to a position in rear of the center of the line, and held in reserve. By direction of Colonel Ireland, commanding the brigade, I sent forward one company as skirmishers, which found large numbers of the enemys killed and wounded, and arms in front, an dl which captured and sent in quite a number of prisoners. About 8.30 a. in., by direction of the general commanding division, I sent out a scouting p arty, consisting of the sergeant-major and 10 men, who examined the country along the banks of a creek running along the base of Lookout Mountain for a distance of about 1~ miles, to a point opposite the point of the mountain, discovering the route taken by the enemy before and after the attack, and finding several of the enemys dead in the woods opposite the position occupied by my regiment during the action and several stand of arms, which they brought in. About 11 a. in. the regiment was detailed for picket duty, and was posted across the road leading to Kelleys Ferry, to the left and rear o our osition. While the conduct of both officers and men was so nearly unex- ceptionable, it would be almost impossible to discriminate between them, but I cannot forbear calling particular attention to the gallant bearing of Orderly Sergeant Truair, of Coin p any G, who was in command of his coinpany, none of its officers being present with it. I am greatly indebted to a t. Robert E. Hopkins, acting field officer. His coolness and judgment was worthy of special commendations. His assistance to me was invaluable. Annexed is the list of casual- ties.~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. B. RANDALL, Lieutenant-Colonel, Oomdg. 149th New York Volunteers. Capt. C. T. GREENE, Assistant Ac0utant-Generat. No. 35. Report of .ZIIaj. John A. Reynokbs, First New York Light Artillery, commanding Artillery Brigade. Report of the movements of Battery E, Independent Pennsylva- nia Artillery, from Bridgeport, Ala., to Wauhatchie, and engage- ment of the night of October 28, 1863: Two sections of Battery E left Bridgeport with Second Division, Twelfth Army Corps, at 8 a. in. Tuesday, October 27, 1863; reached Shellinound at I p. in., where they camped till next morning. At 5 a. in., 28th ifistant, broke camp and marched to Wauhatchie, camp- ing at 5 p. in., about one-half mile beyond the junction of the i~ail- road, on the right of Mr. Rowdens house, facing the railroad. About 11 p. in. musketry firing was heard, apparently by the pickets, on the road toward Chattanooga. The troops were called out and placed in position to repel an attack, and the battery ordered to harness. Upon investigation it was found the firing was not from the pickets of the * Embodied in revised statement, p. 76 Page 135 CHAP. XLIII.] 1~EOPE~ING OF TilE TENNESSEE RIVEIi. 1~5 Twelfth Corps, and there being no appearance of an attack, the troops were dismissed with orders to resume their positions at once if any alarm took place. At 12 p. m. firing was again heard, the tioops were called out, and I directed the battery to harness at once. By the firing, it was evident the enemy were advancing rapidly toward us, and I ordered the pieces to be run into position by hand, to cover the field to the left of the railroad. The infantry were in line about 30 or 40 yards in the front of the battery, thus preventing the use of canister. I directed the use of shrapnel, with short fuses. The enemy at this time were apparently between 200 and 300 yards distant, and charged to the left of our front, at the same time open- ing their fire upon us. Their line soon extended along our front and across the railroad. On account of the darkness, their line could only be distinguished by their fire, upon which the gunners were directed to aim, depressing their pieces as much as they could with safety to our troops in front. Some ten or fifteen minutes after the commence- ment of the engagement, the enemy opened on our right from the woods across the railroad. Observing this, I directed one piece of Lieutenant Gearys section to be wheeled to the right in the rear of the house. Their fire now was very destructive to the battery, hav- ing an enfilade from the woods, and being also on our front and left. Lieutenant Geary soon fell mortally wounded by a ball in the fore head. Several cannoneers of this piece were also wounded. A few moments later, Captain Atwell was severely wounded, and carried from the field. So many men having been wounded that they could with difficulty work all the pieces, I directed one piece to be run to the rear, and the men to take positions on the others. The battery kept up their fire as long as the enemys firing made their line visible, they finally withdrawing from our left and front, and taking position behind the railroad to the left of our front, from where they continued their fire. I then directed one piece to be run to a crossing of the railroad, about ThO yards to our rear, and placed in position just across the track to fire along the north side of the railroad. The fire of this piece was very effective, and soon compelled the enemy to fall back Their fire gradually slackened, and about 3 a. m. ceased entirely. With re- gard to the effectiveness of the fire of the battery, the same defect that usually occurs with the paper fuses was ver! apparent on this occasion, not more than one in four of the projectiles exploding. The casualties of the battery, owing to the enemy concentrating their fire upon it, which they were enabled to do by the flashes of the guns, and also being at one time upon three sides of it, were very great. The men behaved nobly; too much credit cannot be given them. Although suffering the loss of both officers present, not a man, as far as I could learn, shirked his duty. All remained nobly at their posts, ready and willing to perform not only their own duties, but in addi.. tion, those of their fallen comrades. Sergeants Shaw, Hammann, and Nichol, and Corporal Jones are deserving of mention for their coolness and courage, but Corporals Yolk and Kane are deserving of special notice for their conduct, being as cool during the whole engagement as on drill, thus inspir- ing their men by their example. ~n the death of Lieutenant Geary the service has lost a brave and efficient officer, and ~ noble-hearted and courteous gentleman. Though young in years he possessed rare natural qualifications as an officer, and while in his death the batter Page 136 136 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL has suffered a loss which cah with difficulty, if ever, be compensated, yet the bright example of his manly courage and devoted patriotism can never be extinguished. The following is a list of casualties: Killed, 1 commissioned officer and 3 enlisted men; wounded, 1 commissioned officer and 17 enlisted men. Horses killed and disabled, 36; mules, 2. Number of rounds of ammunition expended, 224 J. A. REYNOLDS, M~or First N. Y. Arty., Chief of Artillery, Twelfth A. C. No. 36. Report of Brig. Gen. John B. Thrchin, U. S. Army, commanding First Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, with itinerary of brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., THIRD DIV., 14TH ARMY CORPS, Browns Ferry, Tenn., October 30, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit a report of the part taken by my brigade in the expedition of the 26th instant: The object of the expedition was to effect a landing on the left bank of the Tennessee River and to occupy the gorge at Browns Ferry. According to instructions, my brigade was to support Gen- eral Hazens brigade, follow it across the river, and occupy the hills on the right side of the gorge. On the morning of the 26th instant, a detail was made from the brigade of Second Lient. James Haddow, Thirty-sixfli Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, and First Lieut. Joseph Stephenson, Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with 4 sergeants, S corporals, and 36 privates from each of the two regiments, all experienced boatme~i, to work on the pontoons, take them to the ferry, and cross the troops. At 6.30 p. m. on the 26th instant the brigade moved from Chattanooga, crossed the Tennessee, and bivonackec? in the woods near Browns Ferry, leaving the tents and camp undisturbed. More than half of General Hazens command was ordered to descend the river on the pontoons and effect a landing, while the remainder moved from Chattanooga and bivouacked near my brigade. The commander of the pontoons was instructod to ferry the remainder of General Hazens brigade first, and then my brigade. At 4.30 a. m. on the 27th, a few shots, and soon after several vol- leys, told us that the landing of our troops was effected. The Thirty-first Ohio, Seventeenth Ohio, and Eighty-second Indiana were the first of my brigade to cross, while the Eleventh Ohio was~ deployed t6 the right on the river bank to protect the passage. When my first regiment, the Thirty-first Ohio, reached the opposite shore they found portions of several regiments of General flazens command on the slope of the right hill, which was a necessary move- ment, because the enemy occupied both sides of the gorge. These regiments were relieved by the Thirty-first Ohio. Other regiments followed, and at 8 a. m. the whole brigade had crossed the river and occupied the position assigned to them. The expedition was ~uccessfu~. The portion of my command detached with Lieutenant Page 137 Owap. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 137 iladdow and Stephenson worked with skill and earnestness, and the success of the whole expedition depended considerably on their work. I have no casualties to report. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. TURCHIN. Brigadier-General, Commanding. Capt. PRESTON C. F. WEST, Aide-de-Camp. ITINERARY. ~ The regiments of which the brigade is now composed were in camp at Chattanooga from October 1 to 9. October 9, by Paragraph XIV, Special Field Orders, No. 269, from headquarters Department of the Cumberland, the Eleventh, Thirty- sixth, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry ~ being the Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Fourteenth Army orps, old organization, excepting the Eighteenth Kentucky Volun- teer Infantry and the Twenty-first Indiana Volunteer Battery), and the Seventeenth and Thirty-first Ohio and the Eighty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry (being the First Brigade, Third Division, Four- teenth Army Corps, old organization, excepting the Thirty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the Fourth Michigan Volunteer Bat- tery), were announced as composing the First Brigade, Third Di- vision, Fourteenth Army Corps, Brig. Gen. J. B. Turchin com- manding. Brigade remained in camp at Chattanooga from October 9 to 26. October 26, brigade was detailed, in conjunction with Hazens bri- gade, of Palmers division, to cross the Tennessee River at Browns Ferry, construct a pontoon bridge, and build a t~te-de-pont. Two officers and 88 men of the Thirty-sixth and Ninety-second Ohio Vol- unteer Infantry were detached to navigate the pontoons, which were to be floated from Chattanooga to Browns Ferry during the night. The remainder of the brigade crossed the Tennessee at Chattanooga at 6.30 p. in., and bivouacked in the woods near I3rowns Ferry. A landing was effected on the southern shore at 4.30 a. m. October 2?, and the rebel force (two regiments) driven away Hazens brigade crossed first, occupying the ridge on the left of the ferry, this bri- gade following and occupying the ridge on the right of the ferry. From October 27 to 31, brigade remained at Browns Ferry, cut- ting timber, digging intrenchments, and building roads. No. 37. Record of a Court of Inquiry, and accompanying documents. PROCEEDINGS OF A COURT OF INQUIRY WHICH CONVENED AT THE HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH ARMY CORPS, LOOK- OUT VALLEY, TENN., BY VIRTUE OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL ORDER: SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS,) IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 23. ~ Chattanooga, Tenn., January 23, 1864. * * * * * * * XI. At the request of Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz, commanding Third Division, Eleventh Corps, and Col. F. Hecker, commanding Third * From return for October Page 138 138 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. XLIIt Brigade of that division, a court of inquiry is hereby ordered to assemble at the headquarters of Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, command- ing Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, at 11 a. m. on Monday, the 25th instaut, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to investigate the cir- cumstances which gave rise to the reflections on Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz. and part of his command, contained in the following extract from General Hookers official report of the night action of Wauhatchie, dated November 6, 1863: I regret that my duty constrains me to except any portion of my command in my commendation of their courage and valor. The brigade dispatched to the relief of Geary by orders delivered in person to its division commander, never reached him until long after the fight had ended. It is alleged that it lost its way, when it had a terrific infantry fire to guide it all the way, and also that it became involved in a swamp, where there was no swamp or other obstacle between it and Geary which should have delayed it a moment in marching to the relief of its imperiled com- panions; and give an opinion as to whether the above strictures in General Hookers report were deserved by the conduct of General Schurz, Colonel Hecker, or any part of their command during the said ac- tion. DETAIL FOR THE COURT. Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, com- manding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps. Col. G. W. Mindil, Thirty-third New Jersey VolLunteers, com- manding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps. Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps. Capt. ~ H. Lambert, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, re- corder. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 26. Chattanooga, January 26, 1864. * * * * * * * XXI. Col. G. W. Mindil, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps, is relieved from duty as member of the Court of Inquiry instituted by Paragraph XI, Special Field Orders, No. 23, current series, from~ these headcpiarters. Col. P. H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York Infan- try, is hereby detailed as member of the Court of Inquiry above- named in place of Colonel Mindil, relieved, and will report to Col. A. Buschbeck, president of the same. By command of Major-General Thomas: WM. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 139 Cw. XLIII.1 REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 139 HDQRS. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH ARMY CoRPs, January 29, 186411 a. m. The Court met pursuant to the foregoing orders: Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun- teers, commanding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Vol- unteers, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P. II. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York Volunteers; Capt. W. H. Lambert, Thirty-thirU New Jersey Volunteers, recorder. The orders instituting the Court having been read in the presence of Major-General Schurz and Colonel Hecker, the parties accused, they were asked whether either of them had any objection to any member of the Court as named in the order. Each of the accused answered they had no objections to any member of the Court. The Court was duly sworn i)y the recorder, and the recorder was duly sworn by the president. Col. F. Hecker, commanding Third Brigade, Third Division, Elev- enth Army Corps, made objection to the Court making investigation into the command of Major-General Schurz, and of his own, in the same inquiry, and asked that the conduct of each be made the sub- ject of separate investigation, stating that, as he had made a request for a court of inquiry, and had no legal knowledge of the application for such a court by Major-General Schurz, the cases were separate ones; the orders under which Major-General Schurz and he acted were different, and he therefore objected to the instructions of the foregoing order. The court was cleared, and after due deliberation the doors were opened, and the decision of the Court announced: That the objection of Colonel Hecker is overruled, and the Court will proceed with the investigation as ordered; but if sx1ch proceeding was subsequently deemed necessary, the Court would consider the cases separately. The recorder here asked time be allowed him for an interview with the witnesses, and a preparation for the conduct of the case, which was granted, and the Court adjourned to meet on Monday, February 1, 1864, at 10 a. in., at headquarters Eleventh and Twelfth Corps. HDQRS. ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH ARMY CORPS,, February 1, 186410 a. m. The Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun- teers, commanding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volun- teers, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P. H; Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. W. H. Lambert, Thirty-third New Jersey Vol- unteers, recorder. The proceedings of previous session were read. The recorder asked leave to introduce as clerk Edward R. Wood, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York, to report the proceedings and testimony phonographically. Leave was granted and Private Wood was du~1y sworn to report impartially and correctly Page 140 140 KY., SW. VA., TENN.~ MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Major-General Scliurz asked leave to introduce as counsel for himself, Maj. F. C. Winkler, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteers, which was granted. The examination of witnesses was then commenced. Maj. Gen. JOSEPH HOOKER, commanding Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps, a witness for the prosecution, was duly sworn. By the RECORDER: Question. Are the words quoted in Paragraph XI, Special Field Orders, No. 2~, headquarters Department of the Cumberland, as a part of your official report of the night action of Wauhatchie, the words used by you in that report? Answer. I believe they are. Question. What division is alluded to in the report? Answer. The division of General Schurz. Question. Was General Schurz then in command of the division? Answer. He was. Question. What orders were given by you to the division com- mander? Answer. To double-quick his division to the relief of General Geary. I gave the order to General Schurz direct, and sent word to General Howard, for the attack was a sudden one, and no time was to be lost. Question. Can you remember at what time these orders were given? Answer. I can only approximate to the time. I think it was between 12 and 1 oclock. Question. What was the distance between the division of General Schurz and General Geary? Answer. About 2 miles. Question. What was the nature of the country between the divis- ion and General Geary? Answer. There was some mud, but there was nothing that impeded our march as we came up. Question. Were any other orders given to the commander of the division, or to the commanders of the brigades than those first alluded to? Answer. Ihad nothing to do with brigades. I gave no other orders to brigades. Orders were given for one brigade of that division to be sent to the hill now known as the Tyndale Hill. Question. Do you know how soon after you gave the first ordei to~ ~he divisiQn, the division started? -~ Answer. Soon after. Question. What was the nature of the firing? Answer. It was severe; it satisfied me that it was the determination of the rebels to whip Geary. Question. Was any portion of the enemy between General Geary and General Schnrz? -. Answer. Some at the left of his (Schurzs) line of march Page 141 Ci~r. XLIII.1 REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 141 Question. At what time did General Schurzs division reach Gen- eral Geary? Answer. I think General Geary reports 5.30 oclock. Question. Were the enemy between General Geary and General Schurz in such position that they could detain or offer any obstacle to the progress of General Schurz? Answer. No other than the detention caused by the detachment of one brigade from the column. By Major-General SCHURZ: Question. Do you consider all the statements in your report rela- tive to th~ Third Division correct in every particular? Answer. I do. Question. You say in your report, It is alleged that the brigade marching to the relief of Geary lost its way and became involved in a swamp. Where and by whom was that alleged? Answer. If I mistake not, in General Howards report. Question. You speak in your report of the brigade dispatched to the relief of General Geary; which of General Schurzs brigades .was that? Answer. The whole division was under orders to go to General Geary; after- ward one brigade was detached to go to attack the enemy on the Tyndale Hill; the remainder of the division was the brigade alluded to. Question. You say in your report that the brigade dispatched to the relief of General Geary arrived there long after the fight had ceased; which of General Schurzs brigades was that? Answer. Colonel Heckers brigade reached there at 5.30; another brigade reached there at 7 oclock. Question. Howard was directed to double-quick his nearest divis- ion (Schurzs) to his relief, and before proceeding far a sheet of mus- ketry was thrown on him from the central hills. Directions were immediately given for one of the brigades em route to Geary (Tyn- dales) to be detached and assault the enemy on the hills on the left, and the other brigade to push on as ordered. Is this a correct copy of the statement about the Third Division entered in your official report? Answer. It is correct. Question. You speak in your report of only two brigades, Tyn- dales, and the other brigade. Was it known to you at the time that General Schurz had three brigades? Answer. I am not positive, but I think it must have been. Question. Did you see Colonel Hecker on the field? Answer. Yes. Question. What was your conversation with Colonel Hecker on the field? Answer. On returning from the column marching to the relief of Geary the first troops that I car~-ie to not on the march were troops commanded by Colonel Hecker. I inquired what his troops were doing there. He said he was there by order of Gen- eral Howard. Some other conversatiomi passed, but I do not think I can recall it, unless it is suggested to me. It is possible that I said to him tQ remain there until further orders from General Howard Page 142 142 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., N. ALA., AM) ~. GA. [Cn~r. XLIII. Question. At what particular stage of the battle was it when you saw Colonel Hecker? Answer. It was immediately after riding back from the column at the head of which were General Howard and General Schurz after the fire had been thrown upon it. I had been on the left between the column and the hill from which the firing came. Question. Do you recognize this letter (Appendix A) as a correct copy of a letter you addressed officially to Brigadier-General Whip- ple, assistant adjutant-general of the Army of the Cumberland? Answer. This is my Letter. Question. Do you consider the statements contained in that letter correct in every particular ? Answer. I do. I made them under the impression that they were correct. Question. You say in that letter that you were informed that Col- onel Heckers brigade was in its position by order of Major-General Howard. What had been your orders to General Howard? Answer. General Howard was immediately advised of the orders given to Gen- eral Schurz. After that, the order was given to General Howard to dispatch a bri- gade to the hill on the left. Question. By whom [was the order] to take the hill on the left with Tyndales brigade sent? Answer. According to my recollection, by one of my staff officers. Question. Did you see or hear anything of the Second Brigade of General Schnrzs division being behind at the time you saw Colonel Hecker, or afterward? Answer. I only saw what I took to be Colonel Heckers brigade of that division. If I had supposed there were two brigades behind I should have ordered them, irre- spective of General Howards orders, to the relief of General Geary. Question. When and where was it that you gave General Schurz the order relating to the movement to the relief of General Geary? Answer. It was ver) near where General Schurz was encamped, and was after the attack on Geary. By the COURT: Question. What troops led the column advancing to the aid of General Geary? Answer. General Tyndales. Capt. JOSEPH B. GREE~HUT, acting assistant adjutant-general, Third Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Army Corps, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General SCIiuRz: Question. State what you know of the movements of your bri- gade on thQ night of the 28th and 29th of October, 1863. Answer. Captain Spraul, aide-de-camp on General Schurzs staff, ordered Colonel Hecker to form his brigade on the road. Colonel Hecker gave me instructions to form the brigade. I went down and as I came to the road Lieutenant-Colonel Otto, chief of staff, inquired of me what I was going to do there. I informed him that I had received instructions to form the brigade on the road. He then informed me that the brigade was not to be formed on the road, but was to move forward wibh the other brigade where the firing was heard. I informed Colonel Hecker of the fact, and he ordered the brigad~ forward. After marching for some time the column in front halted. We were marching very nearly parallel to the Second Brigade of the Third Division. When the column halted we were very near th Page 143 CH~. XUII.] REOPENING OF TILE TENNESSEE RIVER. 143 hill up which the Thirty-third Massachusetts charged. After the column halted Colonel Hecker sent me forward to inquire the cause. As I came to the head of the Second Brigade I inquired of Captain Orlemaun where Major-General Schurz was. 1-le told me that he went forward with the First Brigade. I inquired of him if he had received orders that the Second Brigade was to halt there. He told me that he had. He did not inform me by whom he had received orders. I went back and informed Colonel Hecker of the fact that the Second Brigade had orders to halt, and that the First Brigade had moved forward with General Schurz. Colonel Hecker told me that he had received no orders to halt, and that he should push forward until he had. Accordingly we marched past the Second Brigade. After we had marched 100 yards beyond the Second Brigade, Major Howard came up and informed qolonel Hecker that he should march up to the cross-roads and halt there. As we came up to the cross-roads Major-General Hooker and staff were standing in the road. On seeing us approach General Hooker turned around and inquired what troops these were. Colonel Hecker replied that they were the Third Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Corps. Upon which General Hooker inquired where General Schurz was. Colonel Hecker informed him that he must be some- where in the front, as one of his aides who had been wounded had been carried to the rear a few minutes ago. He asked him what troops those were in the rear of him. Colonel Hecker replied they were the Second Brigade, Third Division. After standing on the road about fifteen minutes there was a volley fired down from the hill. General Hooker ordered Colonel Hecker to form his brigade in such a man- ner as to be able to form a line of battle either to the right or to the front, conclud- ing with the words stay here; then rode off in the direction of the Second Bri- gade. We formed there as indicated by General Hooker, and remained somewhere in the neighborhood of an hour. During this time I saw General Hooker and staff standing in front of the Second Brigade. After we had been there very nearly an hour, I saw General Schmurz and staff come from the front and proceed to where General Hooker was standing in front of the Second Brigade. In a short time General Schurz came back, and ordered Colonel Hecker to move forward. This was about 4 or 5 oclock. It was long after Gearys firing had ceased; there was but little firing after we had taken the position indicated by General Hooker. We marched forward; General Schurz was at the head of our column till we reached the position w.hich the First Brigade then occupied. General Schurz then ordered us to halt, and went to get another regiment for support. He said our brigade was too small; it was here that I heard General Schurz inform Colonel Hecker that we should have to move forward and form a junction with General Geary. After waiting a few moments the One hundred and nineteenth New York, Colonel Lock- man, came up. He had but very few men, as he stated that the greater part of the regiment were on picket and could not be relieved. I then heard General Schurz order the One hun an nineteenth to go back, and order one of his aides to go and order the One hundred and forty-first New York up, which came with little delay. During this time we made arrangements with the Seventy-fifth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers to move forward in the gap and cover it, that we might have our flanks protected. Immediately after the One hundred and forty-first came up we moved forward in the direction of Geary. The Seventy-fifth moved into the gap shortly before we started. We marched and did not stop on the road until we reached General Gearys position. As soon as we arrived there Colonel Hecker re- ported to General Geary, and we were ordered to relieve one or two of his regi- ments alongside the railroad and occupy their position: Question. How long did the firing continue at Gearys? Answer. It was at intervals when I heard it. I should think from half to three- quarters of an hour. Question. Where did General Hooker go when lie left you, after having given orders to the Third Brigade? Answer. He went in front of the position that the Second Brigade occupied in the field, right in our front and our left. Question. Did you see General Hooker remain with the Second Brigade any length of time? Answef. Yes, sir; he was there the whole time that we occupied the position to which he ordered us. Question. how much time did~.it take you to reach Geary after you had received the order to march? Answer. Not more than twenty minutes Page 144 144 xx., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. LOHAP. XLIII. Question. At what time did you reach Gearys position? Answer. Just at daybreak. Question. Did you see whether the Second Brigade, after you were halted, was formed from the column of a march into line of battle? Answer. They were massed in a field to our front and left. Question. When you first started did you see the First Brigade? Answer. I could not be positive. I saw troops marching. I did not know to what commands they belonged. By the RECORDER: Question. About what time did the column commence moving? Answer. About 1 oclock. I cannot positively recollect. Question. Were any of General Hookers staff p resent at the con- versation between General Hooker and Co lonel H ecker? Answer. There were four or five of General Hookers staff present. Question. Did Major Howard or any other member of General Howards staff give you any orders whilst you were waiting at the cross-roads? Answer. He did not. Question. Between the time you first commenced moving and the time you reached General Geary did you receive any order from any commander other than General Hooker? Answer. I did not, except the order from Major Howard, which I supposed was from General Howard, which order was subsequently confirmed by an order from General Hooker. By General ScHURZ: Question. Did General Hooker give you any orders personally? Answer. Tell Colonel Hecker to form his brigade in such a manner that he can form them to the right or to the front. Question. When you halted was the Second Brigade moving ahead? Answer. I believe it was. Question. Where did you see Colonel Otto? Answer. As soon as I got down on the road. Question. When did .the first volley come from the hill? Answer. After we were standing at the cross-roads. Question. Did you know that that was the Second Brigade on your left? Answer. Yes; I knew it before. By the COURT: Question. Where were you encamped that night? Answer. In the rear, and to the right of General Howards headquarters. Question. Before Captain Spraul came were the regiments in line? Answer. They were not under arms, but ready to take arms. Qnestion. After you received orders from Captain Spraul, which way did you march? Answer. We marched directly toward Wauhatchie road Page 145 C& ~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE LEN1~ESSEE RIVER. 145 Question. Did any other troops move ahead with you? Answer. The Second Brigade moved about the same time we did, the length of three regiments ahead. Question. How long after you got on to the road before you were ordered to move forward? Answer. Not more than two or three minutes. Question. Were the roads blocked up by troops passing? Answer. They were, but we marched in the fields and had no interruption until we got to where the Second Brigade was halted. Question. Did you know whether the troops of General Steinwehr moved ahead of you? Answer. I did not know. Question. Did you hear that night that the Thirty-third Massa- chusetts Volunteers had stormed the hill? Answer. Yes, sir; I heard it from one of General Hookers aides. Question. When you got up to the cross-roads, did you see Gen- eral Steinwehr? Answer. No, sir. Question. Did you hear that night that troops trying to take the hill had been repulsed at first? Answer. I did, but not officially. The Court then adjourned to meet at headquarters Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, or, if permission were obtained, at headquarters Eleventh Corps, on Tuesday, February 2, 1864, at 9 a. m. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 2, 18649 a. m. The Court met pursuant to adjournment, permission having been obtained from headquarters Department of the Cumberland to as- semble at headquarters Eleventh Corps. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun- teers, commanding Second Division, Eleventh Corps; Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volunteers, com- manding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Corps; Col. P. H. Jones,One hundred and fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, com- manding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Corps; Capt. W. H. Lambert, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, recorder. The proceedings of previous sessions were read. Maj. CHARLES H. HOWARD, aide-de-camp, General Howards staff, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General ScHuRz: Question. Did you see Colonel Hecker on the field on the night of the battle of Wauhatchie? Answer. I did. Question. Where did you see him, and where did you come from when you met him? Answer. I first saw Colonel Hecker 15~tween General Howards headquarters, where they were that night, and the hill now known as Smiths Hill. I had come from carrying an order to General Steinwehr, and passed Colonel Heckers column. 10 R RVOL XXXI. PT Page 146 146 ~, sw. vi., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. XLIII. Question. Was Colonel Heckers column then marching? Answer. It was. Question. State where you saw Colonel Hecker going. Answer. I met Colonel Hecker and staff going, after I had joined General How- ard at the angle where the road makes a right angle toward the Smith Hill, at about, I think, rather less than a quarter of a mile back, and as I was returning with an order to Colonel Buschbeck from General Howard. Question. Did you see Colonel Hecker g@ing, and what was your conversation with him? Answer. I saw Colonel Hecker going, on returning from carrying the order to Colonel Buschbeck, and had some conversation either with him personally or with his staff with regard to where General Howard was, and pointed out where I had left him. Either Colonel Hecker or some one of his staff said he had been unable to find General Howard where I had previously pointed him out. I think I ex- pressed some surprise that General Howard was not to be found there at the point previously mentioned, and immediately rode forward to that place and found there General Hooker and staff. Some member of General Hookers staff informed me that General Howard had gone forward to join General Schurz. Question. When did General Hooker arrive on the spot, and what was said then? Answer. General Hooker was standing near where I had left General Howard. I went forward to General Hooker. Colonel Hecker joined us almost on the iden- tical spot which was just at the angle where the main road turns toward the Smith Hill. Genera] Hooker spdke to Colonel Hecker, recognizing him, and to further conversation I did not listen. Question. Did you refer Colonel Hecker to General Hooker in regard to the order to stop as soon as General Hooker and Colonel Hecker met? Answer. It is my impression, very vivid, that I did mention to Colonel Hecker that here is General Hooker the third time meeting him. Question. Did Colonel Hecker stop his column before you met him~? Answer. I think that I have stated, and I will repeat, that on meeting Colonel Hecker each time his column was in motion. Question. Did you see General Schurz on the field? Answer. I met General Schurz afterward, near the bill now known as the Tyn- dale Hill, after the meeting of Colonel Hecker and General Hooker. Question.. Did you report to General Schurz the fact that Colonel Heckers brigade was stopped, and was under instructions from General Hooker? Answer. It is my impression that I reported to General Schurz, on meeting him, that Colonel Ileckers brigade was stopped, and in the presence of General Hooker. I might have said that he had received instructions from General Hooker. Question. Do you remember the nature of the ground at that time between the place where General Hooker and Colonel Hecker met~ and the hill now known as the Tyndale Hill? Answer. Considerable of the ground was wet and swampy at that time. Questioi~. Did you not, when riding over it. find considerable diffi- culty in passing on horseback? Answer. I found some difficulty in several places. By Colonel HECKER: Question. Wbo said tlfit Gev~eRfl lioweV1 wrs not to be found ? Answer. I cannot state with certainty whether it was Colonel Hecker or some one of his staff Page 147 GEAr. XLIII.] IlEOPEMN& OF ThE TENNEssEE IlIVElI. 147 Question. When with General Hooker did you hear that orders were given? Answer. As soon as I reached General Hooker I gave information that Colonel Heckers brigade had arrived, and I understood, either from General Hooker him- self, in person, or some one of his staff, that Colonel Heckers brigade was author- ized by him to halt there. At this moment Colonel Hecker himself came up, and I remember that General Hooker recognized him, speaking somewhat familiarly, as though he knew him well. I remember afterxvard that either General Hooker or General Butterfield gave the order directing Colonel Heeker as to the formation, in order to face, if need be, either to the Smith Hill or to the front, as he had been marching. I had received two orders from General Howard, and two only, and had coimnunicated them, one to General Steinwehr, to which I have alluded, and one to Colonel Bnschbeck. Question. To whom had you pointed out the place where General Howard could be found? Answer. It was on the second meeting with Colonel Hecker and staff that I pointed out the place where I had just left General Howard, either to Uolonel Hecker in person or to some one of his staff, I cannot say which. Question. Did you inform Colonel Hecker that he would have to stop his column at a certain place? Answer. I have no recollection of giving him any such information. Question. Did you not communicate to Colonel Hecker what you had heard when with General Hooker? Answer. I think it possible, and even prob~ ble, that I communicated that in- formation to Colonel Hecker relative to General Hookers desiring him to halt, but I have not as distinct a recollection about that as I have about some other matters. Question. Was my column not marching during the whole time and as often as you met me? Answer. It was until this last meeting, which was almost simultaneous with Col- onel Heckers meeting General Hooker. Question. Did you not, some distance from the cross-roads ive me the order to go there and halt? Answer. I remember that either General Hooker or General Butterfield gave the order regulating Colonel Heckers formation, so that he might face either to the hill or to the front as it might become necessary. I do not remember commnnicat- ing this or any. other order to Colonel Hecker at the distance he mentioned from the cross-roads. Question. Was not my column marching when you brought me the order, and did I not stop in consequence of that order? Answer. I believe I have stated that Colonel Heckers column was marching each time on meeting it, and I believe that I stated further, that it is posible and even probable that I communicated the information that I received either from General Hooker in person or from some member of his staff, that Colonel Tiecker was authorized by him to stop there. As to whether Colonel I-I cker halted, in consequence of anything that I communicated to him, I cannot decide. Question. Were you not all the tiume with me and saw me when for the first time I met General Hooker? Answer. It was after my return from Colonel Buschbeck that Colorm el Hecker met General Hooker in my presence, and I believe it was the first time of his meet- ing him, from the manner of General Hooker greeting him. I then went forward to look for General How~ rd. Question. Did you not finish your previous conversatiomi with me with time words, ~ There is Geimeral Hooker himnself? Answer. It is mv im . ~pression that I did say those words to Colonel Ileeker. I will add as to the matters of conversation, I do not so distinctly remember the words as in the matter of orders Page 148 148 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [cn~. XLIII. Question. Was I not marching in the direction 9f the front to Wauhatchie, and did I not stop there when I had received your communication made to me? Answer. I think I have stated and I will repeat that each time on meeting Col- onel Hecker I found him marching, and I will add, it was to the front and toward Wauhatchie. Question. State the moment Colonel Hecker halted his column. Answer. I do not think I can give the exact moment of Colonel Heckers halting his column, but I think it was just before his meeting General Hooker. Question. By whom did you report that Colonel Heckers brigade was stopped? Answer. I cannot state positively that I reported by whom Colonel Heckers bri- gade was stopped. Question. Did you hear me mention at any time that I met swampy roads, or complaining about the roads over which I had passed? Answer. I recollect no such complaints. By the RECORDER: Question. Was there anything either in the roads or in the ground adjoining the roads which would impede the passage of troops be- tween where General Hooker and Colonel Hecker were, and where you met General Schurz? Answer. The nature of the ground was such in several places, and a thicket in one place. I remember it was such in one place that it would impede troops in the night-time considerably. Question. Where were these places which would have impeded troops in the night-time? Answer. There was a portion of the ground which was boggy and had a thicket upon it of several rods in width winch was near to the Tyndale Hill. Question. What do you think is the distance between the place where you left General Hooker and the place where you met Gen- eral Schurz? Answer. I should think it somewhat more than a quarter of a mile. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did the two brigades march on the same road, namely, the Second Brigade, Second Division, and Colon6l Heckers brigade? Answer. I think they marched upon the same road until within a quarter of a mile of where I met General Hooker, at which point the Second Brigade, Second Division, turned to the left. By the COURT: Question. Do you know whether the Second Brigade, of General Steinwehrs division, preceded Colonel Heckers brigade? Answer. I am quite confident that it did, because it was pointed out to me attlf~ time, somewhat in advance and considerably to the left flank of Colonel Hecker. Question. At the time you met General Hooker with Colonel Hecker had the assault been made upon Smiths Hill by the Second Brigade, Second Division? Answer. It had certainly been commenced. Question. Did you kno~V that General Steinwehr formed line of battle fronting Wauhatchie Page 149 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 149 Answer. I remember that a portion of his troops held in reserve were fronting toward Wauhatchie. Question. Was that before Colonel Hecker came up with his col- umn? Answer. I can not say as to the exact time that formation was made, as I carried no orders relative to it. Question. Did you know anything of the movements of Tyndales brigade at that timethe time of the meeting of Colonel Hecker and General Hooker? Answer. I understood at that time, I think from General Howard, that Tyndales brigade had gone forward to join General Geary. General Howard stated to me that the order which I had carried to General Steinwehr had been modified by Gen- eral Hooker so that General Schurz was to go to the relief of General Geary and not General Steinwehr. Question. Where was the Second Brigade (Krzyzanowskis) at the time of the meeting of General Hooker and Colonel Hecker? Answer. I am not certain that I know where that brigade was at that time. First Lieut. PAUL A. OLIVER, aide-de-camp, Major-General Hook- er s staff, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did you see General Schurz on the field during the night engagement of Wauhatchie? Answer. Yes; I did. Question. Did you communicate any orders to General Schurz on the field? Answer. Yes. Question. What orders did you communicate to General Schurz? Answer. I took the order to him to get his division or brigadeI am not certain whichunder arms, and occupy the hill (Tyndales Hill) wherewe had the skirmish with one brigade. Question. Did you deliver the orders to get his division or brigade under arms, and the other orders to occupy the hill, afterward called Tyndales Hill, at the same time or separately? Answer. At the sam~e time. Question. From whom had you received your orders for General Schurz? Answer. From General Hooker in person. 0~~i~stion. Did you see General Schurz on the held afterward while march toward Wauhatchie? Answer. I did. Question. Where did you see General Schurz on the field? Answer. I saw General Schurz in that field to the right of that hill, the Tyndale Hill. The troops had got off the road, and I had gone to find it. It was there I first met General Schurz. Question. Did you communicate to General Schurz any orders at that time? Answer. I did not; but humediately afterward when the troops had got on the road they were halted. There was some firing from the hill. I told GeneralSchurz I thought that hill should be occupied. General Schurz said he had orders to joi Page 150 ThO KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MYS~., N. ALA.. AND N. GA. ~Ciixr. XLIII. General Geary, and I told him that I thought he had better join General Geary. He said there was a line of battle in front of him. The firing still continued. I told him to take the hill. Question. Did you know what troops General Schurz had at that time with him? Answer. I presumed he had another brigade immediately behind him, but Gen- eral Schurz told me at the time that he had only one brigade there. I had heard an order issued previouslyI thifik it was to General Howardto move two bri- gades up there. I did not receive the order myself. Question. Did you not ask General Schurz if he had no troops to push through to Geary; whether he could not send an orderly there? Answer. Yes; I asked him if he could not communicate with Geary. I think he asked how. I said by an orderly. He replied that he had no orderly that he could trust. Question. Was there firing in front at the time that conversation occurred? Answer. There was firing from the hill; there was no firing in front; the firing was from the Wauhatchie side of the hill; it was in an oblique direction toward the railroad, as far as I could judge. Question. Was there any firing at Gearys at that time? Answer. The firing at Gearys at that time haA almost ceased. So far as I can remember, there was not much firing at Gearys at that time. Question. When did you inform General Hooker of General Schurz taking possession of Tyndales Hill? Answer. It was very shortly after my conversation with General Schurz. It ~vas about the time Smiths Hill was taken; I do not know the exact hour. Question. What did you tell General Hooker concerning the move- ments of the troops which were with General Schurz? Answer. I told General Hooker that General Schurz occupied that hill, and that skirmishers had been thrown forward. Question. Did you inform General Hooker that General Schurz a only one brigade with him? Answer. No; I did not. Question. Where was General Hooker when you rejoined him? Answer. He was at the foot of Smiths Hill, near the house where his head- quarters were afterward during the day. Question. What did General Hooker say upon receiving that in- formation? Answer. I do not remember that he said anything. Question. Did you carry any orders to brigade commanders that night? Answer. I did not. By the RECORDER: Question. Where was it that the troops ot General Schnrz lost the road? Answer. The troops were fired upon from Smiths Hill. They fronted, and re- turned the fire. I gave the order to cease firitig, that we were firing upon our own men. Edging toward the right, the troops got off the road; they halted; the skirmishers found difficulty in going throug~h the woods and thick underbrush. When the column halted I went to look for the road; found it, and reported to General Sehurz and directed him to the roa Page 151 CHAP. XLIii4 REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 151 Question. How long did these troops halt there? Answer. I do not think over fke or six minutes; perhaps not so long. Question. Do you know what particular troops of Schurzs divis- ion were with him then? Answer. I have heard the Forty-fifth Regiment mentioned. I think it was Tyndales brigade. Question. When you left General Schurz on the hill, what was the nature of the line of battle in his front? Answer. I do not know. I only heard General Schurz say there was a line of battle. I think it was at right angles to the road. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did I say there was a line of battle or that it was re- ported there was a line of battle? Answer. I am not certain whether General Schurz said there was a line of battle or that it was reported that there was a line of battle. Question. To whom did you give that o5der to cease firing? Answer. I gave it generally in as loud a voice as I could command. Question. Were many shots fired from the column in reply fo shots from the hill? Answer. I think there were; the whole line fronted. Question. Did you see General Howard with General Schurz at the time? Answer. No; I did not. He had gone forward. I had seen General Howard previously. By the COURT: Question. At the time you carried General Hookers order to Gen- eral Schurz, what was the order? Answer. It was to get his division or brigade under arms and occupy the hill, and put one brigade on the hill. Question. Where was General Schurz at this time? Answer. He was close to General Howards headquarters in an ambulance. Question. Do you know that General Hooker at any time had an interview with General Schurz? - Answer. I am not certain that he had. After you led the troops on to the road, did you meet which hindered them from going to Tyndales? Answer. There was only that firing which I have mentioned before, which was very slight. After the examination of Lieutenant Oliver, the Court took a recess for an hour and a half. 2.30 p. m. Court reassembled. Report of testimony of Major Howard was read in his hearing. Court adjourned to meet at same place at 9 a. m. Wednesday, 3d instant Page 152 152 KY., SW. VA., TENTh, MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 3, 18649 a. m. COURT OF INQUIRY. Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, com- manding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P. H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. W. H. Lam- bert, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, recorder. At the request of the recorder the court was cleared, those present retiring. The doors being opened, the Court announced that it had decided, at the request of the recorder, to allow him counsel, whom he might introduce into court; that the questions to witnesses be all put into writing, and that one of the accused should finish his questions be- fore the other commenced. Proceedings of previous sessions read. First Lieut. RUDOLPH MUELLER, acting aide-de-camp on Colonel Heckers staff, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did you accompany Colonel Hecker during the night of the engagement of Wauhatchie? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. Do you remember what way Colonel Hecker marched after moving camp, and what happened on his march? Answer. When we heard the first shots fired we were aroused and had the men fall in; then Colonel Hecker sent me down to the road to headquarters for orders. I could not find it, where it was, and I rode back to the camping place and found the brigade gone, and went ahead after it and found it on the road. After march- ing on the road the column in front of us, the Second Brigade, halted. Colonel Hecker sent Captain Greenhut to ascertain the cause of the halt. Captain Greenhut returned and said the Second Brigade was ordered to halt there. Colonel Hecker said, We have no orders to halt, and we will push ahead. We did so, leaving the Second Brigade on our left. We progressed farther, when Major Howard met our column and ordered us to march down to the cross-road and halt there. We did so, and having lost sight of the Second Brigade, Colonel Hecker sent me to find it. I found it on the road that forks off toward the hill. Going down I found the brigade in line of battle behind a fence in a corn-field, and fronted toward the hill taken by the Second Division (Smiths Hill). There we remained, and had a fence torn down by order of Colonel Hecker. We remained there until General Schurz came and ordered us to proceed on the road toward Wauhatchie. Then we ad- vanced as far as the hill known as the Tyndale Hill, where we were ordered to halt again and form line. Then the Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers were sent toward the rajlroad and toward the gap as skirmishers. Then we received orders~ to march to the relief of General Geary, which we did, after we were first re-en- forced by a regiment from one of the other brigades. I think it was the One hundred and forty-first New York. Colonel Hecker pressed forward. We were detained there because a patrol had been sent out to see whether the enemy was ahead. The patrol was sent out toward Gearys position. We waited for the patrol to come back. Shortly after we marched on. I do not know whether the patrol had come back or not. The Sixty-eighth New York advanced as skirmishers and flankerS. We then marched on until we caine to Gearys position. We reached Gearys posi- tion in about twenty minutes, it may be twenty-five. We arrived at the opening of Gearys position about dawn. We did not know whether it was the enemys posi- tion or not until we saw a soldier who told us it was the Twelfth Corps. We r Page 153 Cnix.. XLIII] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 153 ported to General Geary, who seemed highly gratified at our arrival. We took position along the railroad to the right of his lines. Question. How was the Second Brigade formed when you (after your having been ordered by Colonel Reeker to look for it) found it on your left? Answer. I found it in column, halted by the right flank. By Colonel REeKER: Question. Did you hear much firing in the direction of Gearys at the time when you were stopped at the cross-roads near Smiths Hill? Answer. No, sir. Question. When and where did Colonel Reeker receive for the first time the order to march to join General Geary? Answer. In front or opposite the Tyndale Hill after we had dispatched the Sev- enty-fifth Regiment that 3? heard it. Question. By whom was Colonel Reeker detained to wait for the coming back of the patrol? Answer. By Colonel Otto and by General Schurz himself. Question. How long was Colonel Reeker detained? . - Answer. Not very long; I should think about ten minutes. Question. Had this brigade before halted by Major Howard re- ceived any orders on the march? Answer. No, sir. Question. Do you mean to say it was for the patrol that Colonel Reeker was kept waiting for about ten minutes? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. Did Colonel Hecker~ wait at all after the One hundred ama forty-first New York joined you. Answer. No; I do not think he did. By the RECORDER: Question. Did you hear Major Howard give the order to Colonel Reeker to go on to the cross-roads and halt there? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. Do you remember in what words these orders were given? Answer. March down to the cross-roads and halt there. These words I heard distinctly. Question. From whom did your brigade receive the order to go to the relief of General Geary? Answer. From General Schurz. Question. Was there any firing going on when you were halted waiting for the patrol? Answer. There was no firing. Question. Was there any firing when you reported to General Geary?. Answer. No, sir. Question. About what time did you report to General Geary Page 154 154 KY., SW. VA, TENK., MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL Answer. It was about 5 or a little after; it wa~ quite dusk. Question. Did you see the Second Brigade, Third Division, after you found them halted? Answer. I saw a line of battle in the opening in front of us, fronting toward Gearys position, forming a right angle with us when we fronted toward the hill. Question. Was your brigade the only one that reported to Gen- eral Geary at the time you did? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. Did you find any difficulty in marching over the road ii the night? Answer. No, sir; the only difficulty was when we started from the cross-roads. We marched on the right of the road. We found a run over which we could not pass in four ranks, so we passed in two. Question. Did you see General Hooker that night? Answer. No; I did not recognize him. By the COURT: Question. When did you leave your camp? Answer. I think it was about midnight or after; immediately afteT the first fir. ing; I could not say whether it was 12 or 1 oclock; it was about that time. Question. How long did you stop at the ?~ross-roads? Answer. About three-quarters of an hour or an hour. Question. How long did the brigade stop at Tyndales Hill? Answer. About half an hour. Question. How long were you on the march from camp to the cross-roads? Answer. About three-quarters of an hour. Question. How did you march? Answer. In quick time. Question. How long were you in marching from the cross-roads to Tyndales Hill? Answer. About half an hour. Question. How long from Tyndales Hill to General Geary? Answer. About twenty-five minutes. Question. Did you see Major Howard more than once? Answer. No, sir. Question. From what direction did he come when he delivered that order? Answer. He came from the front and met us about 100 yards above the cross- roads. Question. Where did you first see General Schurz when the bri- ~ade got on the march? Answer. The brigade was standing near the cross-roads and General Schurz ordered us to proceed. Testimony read in the hearing of the witness. Court took a recess of one and a half hours Page 155 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF TIlE TENNESSEE RIVER. 155 1.30 p. m. First Lieut. ALBERT KRAMER, acting aide-de-camp on Colonel Heckers staff, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By Geheral SCHIJRZ: Question. Did you accompany Colonel Hecker during the night of the engagement of Wauhatchie? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. Do you remember how Colonel Heckers column was stopped on its march to the front? Answer. Yes, sir; when we were marching in the direction of Wauhatchie, Major Howard came and gave us the order to stop at the cross-roads. At the same time General Hooker came up and had some conversation with Colonel Hecker. Question. Do you remember the conversation between General Hooker and Colonel Hecker? Answer. He asked, What troops are these? Colonel Hecker said the Third Brigade, Third Division. lIe then asked where General Schurz was. Colonel Hecker said, ~He is in the front, one of his aides is wounded. He then asked, Where is the Second Brigade? Colonel Hecker showed him the p lace in the field, and then, before he went away, he said, You stay here. Colonel Hecker said, Gertainly. General Hooker rode away at the same time that a volley came from the hill. General Hooker gave us instruction so that we might change our front, if neces- sary, toward Wauhatchie. Question. Where did General Hooker ride to when he left you? Answer. He rode to the Second Brigade, Third Division. Question. Did you see where the Second Brigade, Third Division was? Answer. Yes, sir; about 100 or 150 yards from us on the left in front of the bri- gade. Question. Did you see General Hooker near the Second Brigade, Third Division, after he had left you? Answer. Yes; I saw him there. I believe he was dismounted there in front of the Second Brigade. Question. How long did your brigade stop at the cross-roads? A~nswer. About tweity-five minutes or half an hour. Question. How long did it take to throw down the fences and form the troops in line of battle? Answer. It was very quick; about five minutes. Question. By whom was the brigade ordered forward from the cross-roads? Answer. When I came back General Schurz was there, and he took our brigade forward to Tyndales brigade. Question. Did you find General Schurz with Colonel Hecker, or with General Hooker? Answer. I found General Schurz with Colonel Hecker. Question. State what happened after General Schurz had ordered the brigade forward. Answer. When we arrived at General Tyndales brigade, General Schurz gave an order to send a regiment on tbat hill, .and Colonel Hecker sent the Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania, and after awhile we received orders to march and connect with Gen- eral Geary Page 156 156 xl., sw. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Question. How long did you stop near the hill where General Tyndale was? Answer. About fifteen minutes. Question. Was the brigade interrupted in its march from there to General Geary, and when did it arrive at Wauhatchie? Answer. It was not interrupted, and it arrived between 5 and 5.30 oclock. By the RECORDER: Question. How long were you in marching from the camp to the cross-roads? Answer. About fifteen minutes. Question. About what time did you leave camp? Answer. Between 12 and 1 oclock. Question. How often did your brigade halt after it left the cross- roads? Answer. By General Tyndales; that was the only time we halted. Question. How long ~did it take you to march from where General Tyndale was to General Geary? Answer. Fifteen or twenty minutes. Question. How long did it take you to go from the cross-roads to where General Tyndale was? Answer. Ten minutes. Question. Did you hear what orders Major Howard gave to Colo- nel Hecker? Answer. Major Howard gave him the order to go to the cross-road and stop there. By the COURT: Question. Who brought the first order to the brigade to march? Answer. Captain Spraul. Question. Did you hear what he said? Answer. I saw him speaking to him (Colonel Hecker) but I did not, hear what he said. Question. Did the brigade halt on the road and form there. Answer. No; we marched together; the Second Brigade marched in the road, and we marched to the right of the Second Brigade. Question. Did Colonel Hecker receive any other orders until he received the order of Major Howard? Answer. No, sir; that was all. Question. Did Major Howard say from whom the order came to stop at the cross-road? Answer. I do not know. Question. Did the brigade take the double-quick any part of the way? Answer. No, sir. Question. Did you Hecker? hear Major Howard givQ the order to Colonel Answer. Yes, sir Page 157 O~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 157 Question. What words did he use? Answer. He said Go on to the cross-road and stop there and form line of bat- tle. Testimony read in his hearing. Captain H. lvii. STINsON, aide-de-camp on General Howards staff, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did you see General Schurz on the field during the night of the engagement of Wauhatchie? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. Where did you meet General Schnrz first, and under what circumstances? Answer. I met him first as the troops were marching to the relief of General Geary, perhaps half a mile from where our headquarters were that night. Question. Do you remember where the column received a volley from the hill on the left? Answer. It was from the hill which was afterward taken by the Second Brigade, Second Division. We were in the field below on the right of the hill going down toward General Geary. Question. Was the fire returned by the column of General Schurz? Answer. Not many shots; mostly from the skirmish line. Question. Did you see General Howard and General Schurz at the time? Answer. I did; near the head of the column. Question. State how the column moved, whether quickly or slowly. Answer. It moved at the same rate that troops generally do; rather faster I think. Question. What was the nature of the ground over which the troops passed? Answer. It was a level field the greater part of the way; there were some brooks rLmning through it. It was not particularly swampy until the advanced brigade halted. There it was swampy with thick woods which made it almost impassable for troops. Question. By whom were you ordered to accompany General Schurz? Answer. By General Howard. I was not ordered to accompany General Schurz particularly. I was ordered to keep with the advance. Question. State what happened when the advance reached the boggy place near Tyndales ~ Answer. There they halted for a few minutes ; then they were ordered to march to the left to the road, which was done. They then marched forward on the road, and after advancing a few rods they encountered the enemys fire, and the brigade was halted on the road. Question. Did some regimenus of the advance brigade march up the hill? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. Was there not firing from the enemy while the re~i.. ments took possession of the hilV? Answer. Yes, sir Page 158 158 KY., SW. VA., TENY., MISS., N. ALA.. AND K. GA. [C~iAP. XLIII. Question. Was there any firing at Gearys at the time when the advance brigade arrived at Tyndales Lull? Answer. I think the firing ended just about the time the brigade reached there. Question. Do you think the troops could have marched much quicker over the ground from where you met them going to Tyn- dales Hill, as it then was? Answer. No, sir. Question. Did you notice when General Schurz rode back from Tyndales Hill? Answer. I knew that he went back, but I do not particularly know when he left. Question. Do ydu remember when General Schurz returned to Tyndales Hill with Colonel Hecker, and what then happened? Answer. I remember that Colonel Hecker and his brigade arrived there, but I do not remember about General Schurz. Question. Did you accompany Colonel Hecker to Wauhatchie? Answer. I did. Question. How long a time elapsed from the moment when the advance brigade took Tyndales H ill to the moment when Colonel Hecker arrived? Answer. I could not say, sir; it was pretty long. Question. State under what circumstances Colonel Heckers bri- gade started from Tyndales Hill, and whether it was detained on the march. Answer. As near as I can remember, after the brigade arrived there some patrols were sent out in front, and after they returned, finding nothing in front of them, the brigade moved forward to General Geary. There was no halt on the route there. Question. Can you state with certainty whether the patrols were sent before or after Colonel Heckers brigade arrived, and where the patrols weiit? Answer. I cannot state where the patrols ~vent; I think to the front. I think patrols were sent before Colonel Hecker arrived, and on~ or two afterward. By Colonel HECKER: Question. Who had sent out the patrol? Answer. I do not know, sir. Cross-examination of Captain Stinson postponed until next session. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH Couvs, February 4, 186410 a. ni. Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present : Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, com- manding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. J. Wood, jr., One luindred and thirty-sixth New York, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P. H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. W. H. Lanibei~t, Thirty-third New Jersey ~plunteers, recorder. Proceedings of previous session read. Testimony of Captain Stinson read in his hearing Page 159 Cup. XLIII.] REOPF2fINO~ OF THE TENNESSEE RiVER. 159 Cross-examination of Captain STINsON: By the RECORDER: Question. Do you know about what time Colonel Heckers column reached General Geary? Answer. Just about dawn. I think it was about 5 oclock. Question. Did you see anything of the Second Brigade, Third Division, that night? Answer. I dont remember having noticed it. Question. Was Colonel Heckers column detained by any swampy place in the grounds over which it marched? Answer. It was not detained by any swampy place while I was with it. Question. About how long was Colonel Heckers column in march- ing from near Tyndales to where it joined General Geary? Answer. I cannot tell exactly; I think about twenty minutes. Question. Was there any firing going on in the direction of Gearys position whilst you were marching toward him? Answer. No, sir. ceased? Can you tell how long it was since the firing in the front Answer. I cannot. By the COURT: Question. Were you charoed by General Howard with the delivery of any orders to General Sc~~urz? Answer. When I left-General Howard for the last time he told me to go and see that they moved forward rapidly toward General Geary. I gave the order to Gen- eral Schurz in General Howards name,that he should push forward as ra idl as possible toward General Geary, or words to that effect. ~ y Question. Do you know whether that order was countermanded or modified in any way? Answer. Only by what General Schurz told me that he had been ordered by General Hooker to take the hill on the left. Question. Did you see Lieutenant Oliver, of General Hookers staff, while on the march? Answer. I did. Question. Did he. to your knowledge, deliver any order from General Hooker to General Schurz? Answer. I did not hear Lieutenant Oliver deliver any order from General Hooker to General Schurz. Question. Where were you during the time that elapsed after General Schurz went back, until Colonel Reeker arrive dl with his brigade? Answer. I was at the foot of Tyndales Hill, with the exception of about fifteen minutes that I rode to the rear and back. Question. Di4t you notice any movement of the enemy during that time? Answer. There were a few shots from the front. I do not remember whether the hill was taken by Colonel Smith during that time or not Page 160 160 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. LC~P. XLIII. V Question. Did any body of troops pass that hill (Tyndales Hill) during the absence of General Schurz? Answer. No, sir. Question. Did you see General Howard after you left with the orders that he gave you in charge? Answer. Not until about daylight the next morning after returning from General Geary~s. Question. Did you see General Hooker at or near the Tyndale Hill? Answer. I did not. Question. Where did you join General Schurz when you delivered the order? Answer. Near the swampy ground referred to before. Capt. ROBERT H. HALL, acting aide-de-camp on General Hookers staff, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did you carry any orders during the night of the en- gagement of Wauhatchie? Answer. I did. Question. What orders did you carry and to whom? Answer. First, the order to General Schurz to move his nearest brigade, the bri- gade nearest to General Geary, to his assistance; a similar order to General How- ard, and an order to two different commanders on Moccasin Point; an order to the commanding officer of a brigade immediately in the rear of General Hookers posi- tion to send some prisoners to Chattanooga. In reference to this order, I wish to explain that a number of prisoners came in and were questioned by General Butter- field. I was at some distance from the general. He turned to me and said: Tell the commanding officer of that brigade to send tbem to Chattanooga. Believing he referred to the brigade itself, I gave the order to the commanding officer of the brigade to march to Chattanooga. Believing this to be an error, I reported what I had done to General Butterfield, and the mistake was corrected before the brigade had marched perhaps 50 yards. I gave another order on the field that night to the commanding officer of a regiment which had broken; and these are all that I remember now. Question. What brigade was it to the commander of whicli you gave the order to march to Chattanooga? Answer. I did not know who was the commanding officer at that time. I did not know whose brigade it was. I have since heard it was Colonel Krzyzanowskis; indeed, I learned that fact the next day. Question. From whom did you learn the next day that the brigade commander referred to was Colonel Krzyzanowski? Answer. From some officer on General Hookers staff, I have forgotten whom. It may have been General Butterfield; I am not certain. Question. What order did you carry to the commander of the brig gade after the mistake was corrected? Answer. To bring his brigade back to its original position, and to send the pris- oners to Chattanooga. Question. Did not the commander of the brigade go in person to General Hooker or General Butterfield in order to inquire about the correctness of the order? Answer. Not that I am aware ot Page 161 Ca~i. XLIIL] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 161 Question. How long were General Hooker and staff near that bri- gade before the order was given? Answer. I can form no accurate idea of the time; certainly fifteen minutes. Question. In what position was the brigade when you delivered the order? Answer. It was in line perpendicular to the line of hills facing up the valley. Question. Did General Hooker know that the brigade was there? Answer. I presume he did; it was a very short distance from us, in General hookers rear. Question. Did you see the commander of the brigade at any time in the presence of General Hooker or General Butterfield? Answer. I do not remember that I did, and I should have remembered it if I had seen him. Question. Did you see General Hooker ride or walk about [with] the commanding officers of the troops in position there? Answer. Indeed, I do not remember. Question. Were you with General Hooker when he came to that place; and did he then make any inquiry as to what troops those in position there were? Answer. I was with him, and I heard no inquiry from him of that kind. Question. Where did you find the commander of the brigade when you delivered the order? Answer. He was with his brigade, I think, and was in front, close by his men. Question. Were those troops the nearest to the place where Gem. eral Hooker stood? Answer. They were. By the RECORDER: Question. About what time of the night was that that General Hooker and his staff were in position in front of that brigade? Answer. Soon after 1 oclock on the morning of the 29th. Question. Did that brigade remain there during the whole time that General Hooker was in front of it? Answer. General Hooker left his position, I know, before the brigade left its. Question. Did you see the Second Brigade, Third Division, at any other period subsequently that morning? Answer. I may have seen it; I do not remember; my attention was not called particularly to it. Question. Was there any firing going on in the front during the time that General Hooker remained therein the front toward Wauhatchie? Answer. There was firing all along the lines, and toward Wauhatchie. Question. Can you tell by whose orders that brigade was brought into position? Answer. I cannot. Question. Did you see General Schurz at any time after that dur- ing that morning? Answer. No; not while the engagement was going or- 11 R RvoL XXXI, PT I Page 162 162 xi., sw. xA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CEAP. XLV. Question. Did you know what brigade the regiment belonged to that broke? Answer. I do not know; it was detached, marching singly. By the COURT: Question. Where was General Schurz when you delivered the order to him? Answer. He was at his headquarters, near General Hookers; it was immediately after the firing commenced. Question. Did you accompany General Hooker all the time during the night of the engagement? Answer. I did not. Question. State where you left him, and where you found him on your return. Answer. I left him first in camp, and found him about half way from his camp to the position I have mentioned; I left him again in that position, and found him again after the engagement had ceased at the house near that point. Question. Where did you go when you left him the first time and when you left him the second time? Ans~ver. The first time, to General Howards headquarters; second time, to Moc- casin Point. Question. How long were you with General Hooker after deliver- ing the order to General Howard? Answer. Until some time after the hill (Smiths Hill) had been charged. The firing had nearly ceased when I left him. Question. Did you see Major Howard, of General Howards staff, when you were with General Hooker? Answer. I did. Question. Did you know that the troops in the vicinity of General Hooker that you have referred to, were a part of General Schurzs command? Answer. I did not. Question. Did you see Colonel Hecker while with General Hooker? Answer. I did. Question. Can you state what passed between him and General Hooker, or between him and General Hookers staff officers? Answer. I cannot. Question. Do you know of any orders being given by General Hooker to the troops then in his vicinity? Answer. I do not. Question. Or by any member of his staff other than you have stated? Answer. Orders were carried by staff officers to troops in the vicinity; one to General Steinwehr and another to Smiths brigade. Question. Any others? Answer. No others the substance of which I remember. Question. Did Major Noward carry any order from General Hooker, to your knowledge? Answer. Not to my knowledge Page 163 cx~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 1433 Question. The brigade to which you gave the order about the prisoners was drawn up in line of battle perpendicular to the line of hills. Do you know that a part of General Steinwehrs command was in that position also? Answer. I knew that a portion of General Steinwehrs was in the field at some listance on the left of the brigade referred to, but of its formation I knew nothing. Question. What kind of a night was it? Answer. It was very clear; a bright moonlight night. Question. How long did it continue moonlight? Answer. It continued until morning. First Lient. DOMINIOUS KLUTSCH, Eighty-second Illinois, a wit. ness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General SCHURZ: Question. Were you at General Schurzs headquarters when the alarm took place in the night of the engagement of Wauhatchie? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. State what you observed about the orders that were given, and the marching of the troops. Answer. General Schurz ordered me at night when he retired to call him when- ever any alarm might be heard around the camp. It was about quarter to 1 oclock when I beard the heavy firing and went down to the ambulance, after having called the other officers, to awaken General Schurz. When I was do~vn at the ambulance, Lieutenant Oliver. of General Hookers staff, in company with Lieutenant-Colonel Otto, came down to the ambulance and reported to General Schurz that he imme- diately ordered his troops under arms and marebed one brigade to the front and have the others follow up the road. Major-General Schurz gave orders to Captain YDellto go down to General Tyndale and tell him to have his brigade fall in right away and march toward the picket line toward Wauhatchie. It was at five min- utes past 1 oclock when General Hooker himself passed our headquarters, and asked General Schurz if one brig ~de had been sent forward and the others ordered to follow up in the road? General Schurz answered, that the first brigade lying right in front of division headquarters was marching accordingly. It was ten minutes past 1 oclock (I looked at my watch at the time) when the general, with all the troops, was marching toward Wauhatchie. I was to stay behind. Lieutenant- Colonel Otto was directed to communicate the orders given by General Schurz to the Second and Third Brigades. Question. Did you see Lieutenant-Colonel Otto; where was he, and with whom did you see him? Answer. I saw him at the division headquarters speaking to Colonel Krzyza. nowski, who was asking for instructions. Afterward I saw him going down to the road toward Colonel Heckers command. Question. Did you see any of the troops of the Third Division afterward during the engagement? Answer. Yes, sir. I went through the camps of the First Brigade lying in front of division headquarters, to order the stragglers ahead, and saw about three-fourths of a mile from division headquarters the troops halted. I saw nothing further. By Colonel HECRER: Question. Did you see the Third Brigade marching to the front, and that it was halted by Major Howard? Answer. I heard it was halted by Major Howard, but did not see myself that the major stopped it. By the RECORDER: Question. Do you remember the language of the orders given by Lieutenant Oliver to General Schurz Page 164 164 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. [Cu~. lUll. Answer. You will have your men under arms, and the brigade which is first ready marched toward the firing. Question. And do you remember what orders were given by Gen- eral Hooker to General Schurz? Answer. I remember that General Hooker asked General Schurz if he had sent one brigade already, and General Schurz answered that the First Brigade was marching. Question. Do you know what orders were given by Lieutenant- Colonel Otto to the Second and Third Brigades? Answer. Not to the Third Brigade, but to the Second Brigade it was said to follow up the road toward the firing. Question. Did not General Hooker say, Take the nearest brigade you have and throw it forward as fast as you can, or words to that effect? Answer. General Hooker repeated the order which Lieutenant Oliver brought, and said that the nearest brigade, or the first one that should be ready, should be sent forward immediately. Question. Did General Hooker give any other orders relative to the other brigades? Answer. Not to my knowledge. Question. Did General Hooker say anything to General Schurz about taking the hill on whichthe skirmish had been on the after- noon previous? Answer. I do not remember. Question. What troops of the Third Division were those that you saw halted on the road? Answer. They were the Second and Third Brigades when I came up with tragglers. Question. Do you know how long these brigades remained there? Answer. No, sir. I returned to the headquarters of the division. The Court then took a recess of an hour and a half 1.30 p. m. First Lieut. EUGENE WEIGEL, acting aide-de-camp, Third Divis- ion, Eleventh Army Corps, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General ScHURz: Question. Did you accompany General Schurz during the night of the engagement of Wauhatchie? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. State what came under your observation while you were with General Schurz. Answer. I joined General Schurz while he was coming back from General Hookers headquarters, and I heard him give the order to get the First Brigade ready to march to the assistance of General Geary. I then accompanied the gen- eral at the head of the brigade in the direction of the firing, and also after we had taken position on what is now known as Tyndales Hill. I accompanied the gen- eral back to General Hookers. Question. Where was it that the brigade at the head of which General Schurz found himself was first fired upon? Answer. It was on first filing out of the corn-field opposite what is known as Smiths Hill Page 165 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 165 Question. Where was General Schurz at the time, and what was he doing? Answer. At that time he had just moved to the head of the column and was urging the men forward. Question. State what happened afterward. Answer. The brigade marched on to what is known as Tyndales Hill, and just before arriving there an aide of General Hooker came up and brought General Schurz the order that it would be necessary to take that hill by all means. Question. Did you see Captain Orlemann of Colonel K.rzyza- nowskis staff, on that field? Answer. I saw him at the time that he brought the report to General Schurz that the Second Brigade had been stopped by orders from General Hooker, and had been ordered to Chattanooga. Did you accompany General Schur~ from Tyndales ack, and where did you go with him? Answer. I did; I accompanied him back to where we found General Hooker. Question. Where did you find General Hooker? Answer. We found General Hooker near the farm-house at the foot of Smiths Hill. Question. Do you remember anything of the conversation that tool~ place there? Answer. I do. General Hooker asked General Schurz why he had not pushed through with that brigade to General Geary, upon which General Schurz told him that one of General Hookers aides had given him the order to take the Tyndale Hill, and that he had no other troops with him. General Hooker told him he had given him the order in person to march through, and at the time did not seem to acknowledge this order of his aides. Question. Did you see Colonel Krzyzanowski at the time? Answer. I did; Colonel Krzyzanowski was about 10 paces from General Hooger. Question. State what then happened. Answer. General Schurz then asked General Hooker if he could now have his two brigades and then march the two brigades toward Tyndales Hill. Question. Do you remember what disposition was made of Colo- nel Krzyzanowskis brigade? Answer. It was halted at the gap between Smiths and Tyndales Hills, the whole of it with the exception of one or two regiments which accompanied the Third Bri- gade. Question. Do you remember what condition the brigade was in as to strength? Answer. I am not positive, but I think one-half the picket details had been thrown upon it, amounting to about 150 men. Question. Can y6u state about when and where Captain Orlemaun reported to General Schurz that the Second Brigade was kept back? Answer. I think it was a little after this aide of General Hooker had brought the order to take Tyndales Hill. By Colonel HECKER: Question. Were you p resent when Colonel Hecker was ordered to join General Geary, andwhen was this? Answer. Yes, sir; I think it was at the foot of the Tyndale Hill. I cannot state the time exactly, but it was some time after the hill had been taken. Question. Was the order executed immediately Page 166 166 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. 1C~. XLIIL Answer. I think it wa.s after some skirmishers had been thrown out to test the strength of the enemy. Question. Were patrols sent out; by whom; of what regiment, and where? Answer. Patrols had previously been sent out from the First Brigade, One hun- dred and forty-third New York, by order of General Schurz. They were first sent off to the left of the road, and, as it had been reported there was a column of the enemy to the fight, they were afterward sent in that direction. Question. Was there any firing in the direction of Gearys when the Third Brigade arrived at Tyndales Hill? Answer. It is my impression there was not. By the RECORDER: Question. Did you carry any orders to the Second Brigade before the First Brigade was fired upon from Tyndales Hill? Answer. I did not. Question. After General Schurz had brought up the Second and Third Brigades, who gave an order for the Second Brigade to halt? Answer. It was an order from General Schurz. Question. How fast did the First Brigade march? Answer. They marched a great part of the way at the double-quick until they became entangled in a marsh. Question. How long were they detained by the marsh? Answer. But a few minutes; they immediately filed out to the road. Question. Was there any firing going on in the direction of Gen- eralGearys at the time that the First Brigade reached Tyndales Hill? Answer. It is my impression there was. Question. How strong was the Second Brigade before the detach- ments were made? Answer. I think it numbered about a thousand men. Question. Which regiment was the largest of that brigade? Answer. The One hundred and forty-first. Question. What was its strength? Answer. Some 350 men. Question. Did you hear General Hooker give General Schurz any orders after he had returned from the head of his brigade? Answer. I heard him give the order to push through now with all speed. Question. After General Schurz had asked him if he could now have his two brigades, do you remember the language used by Gen- eral Hooker in giving the order to General Rchurz? Answer. No, sir; I do not remember the words. Question. How near each other were the Second and Third Bri- gades when you came up with General Schurz ~ Answer. They were within 50 yards of each other, and drawn up, I think, in line of battle, and the Second Brigade was facing perpendicularly to the Third Question. How near t& the Second Brigade was General Hooker? Answer. Some 30 or 40 yards Page 167 Caw. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 167 By tlie COURT: Question. What member of General Hookers staff was it that brought the order to General Schurz to take Tyndales Hill? Answer. I cannot say. I was not acquainted with the members of General hookers staff, and, besides, it was somewhat dark, and I could not distinguish teaLures. Question. Do you know Lieutenant Oliver? Answer. I know him now; I did not know him then. Question. Do you now know that he was the staff officer that came there? Answer. I know it from having heard that it was. I cannot identify him. Question. State the whole conversatiou that occurred between General Hooker and General Schurz at the time they met as you have stated, in the order in which it occurred. Answer. General Hooker asked General Schurz why he had not pushed through with the brigade with him to General Geary. General Schurz told him that one of General Hookers aides had halted him at the foot of Tyndales Hill, and brought. him the order to take that hill. General Hooker then told him that he had given him the order in person to push through to General Geary. General Schurz then asked him whether he could now have his two brigades. General Hooker tolclhim ~o take them and push through with all speed. That is all that I remember. Question. What did General Hooker say, if anything, about the order carried to General Schurz by the staff officer to attack the Tyndale Hill? Answer. From his conversation he seemed to ignore that order entirely. Question. What did he say, if anything, about the two brigades being halted where they were? Answer. I did not hear him say anything. Question. At the time the First Brigade halted at the foot of Tyn- dales Hill did you hear anything about a line of battle being in front of you? Answer. I do not recollect. Question. How long a space of time did it occupy in taking the Tyndale Hill by the First Brigade? Answer. I think it was about an hour. The crest of the hill was gained in about fifteen minutes; there were still rebels on the other slope of the hill. Question. Do you recollect the language used by Lieutenant Oli- ver when he ordered him to take the hill? Answer. No, sir. Question. Was it a direct order given by authority of General Hooker, or was it a suggestion of his own? Answer. I think it was a direct order. Question. You say that Lieuteuant Oliver brought the order to General Schurz to take the Tyndale Hill with that brigade. What was the language used by Lieutenant Oliver in conveying that or- der to General Schurz? Answer. I cannot give the exact words. but the spirit of it was that he should take the hill with that brigade. Question. Was the order communicated by Lieut~nant Oliver Page 168 168 KY., SW. VA., TEKK.~ MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. direct order purporting to come from General Hooker, or was it a suggestion of the lieutenants own? Answer. It was delivered as a direct order. Question. Now, what were the words used by Lieutenant Oliver in giving that order? Answer. That General Schurz should take the hill with that brigade. Question. Do you remember any remarks that General Schurz made when that order was brought to him? Answer. General Schurz expressed surprise, as he had before received positive orders to march to General Geary with his brigade. Question. Did Lieutenant Oliver say anything in return? Answer. Not that I recollect. Court adjourned~to meet at 10 a. in., February 6, 1864. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 6, 186410 a. m. Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, com- manding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. James Wood, Jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P. H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. William H. Lam bert, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, recorder of the Court. Proceedings of previous session read. Lieut. Col. THEODORE A. MEY5ENBURG, assistant adjutant-gen- eral, Eleventh Corps, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did you carry any orders to General Schurz during the night of the engagement of Wauhatchie? Answer. Yes, sir; I carried one order directing General Schurz to re-enforce Colonel Heckers brigade with a part of Colonel Krzyzanowskis brigade, at least by a regiment. Question. Where was that; whbre was Colonel Heckers brigade, and where was Colonel Krzyzanowskis brigade? Answer. As near as I can remember, it was about 5 oclock in the morning. Col- onel Heckers brigade, I believe, had passed what is called the Tyndale Hill, and as General Schurz told me at the time, Colonel Krzyzanowskis brigade was between the Tyndale and the Smith Hills. Question. Was it not already daylight when you brought the or-~ der? Answer. The day was just breaking. Question. Did General Schurz ask you any questions as to whether the gap between Smiths Hill and Tyndales Hill should be left un- covered? Answer. I think he did. I think General Schurz said if Colonel Hecker were re-enforced by another regiment ft would leave very little, in the gap. My answer, as near as I can remember, was that the gap should be held, even if it were only by a small force Page 169 CHAP. XLIIL] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 169 By the RECORDER: Question. Had General Howard previou~1y, to your knowledge, given any orders to General Schurz or any part of his command? Answer. I do not know of any order previous to that, as I was not with General Howard until his return from General Geary. Question. Was Colonel Heckers column or brigade in motion at the time you carried the order to General Schurz? Answer. I do not know. Question. Where was General Schurz at the time you communi- cated the order, and what troops were with him? Answer. General Schurz was at the foot and west of the Tyndale Hill, on the road to Wauhatchie. I cannot say what troops were with him. Question. Do you know how far Colonel Heckers brigade had marched toward General Geary when you gave the order to General Schurz; whether it had reached him or not at the time? Answer. To my knowledge, General Schurz had received no report from Colonel Hooker that he had arrived at General Gearys; but a few minutes after I returned to General Howard, who was at General Hookers headquarters, an aide-de-camp of General Schurz, or of Colonel Hooker, reported that communication had been opened with General Geary. Question. Do you know whether Colonel Hecker had been already re-enforced from the Second Brigade at the time of delivering the order from General Howard to General Schurz? Answer. General Schurz informed me that Colonel Hecker had been re-enforced by a part of Colonel Krzyzanowskis brigade, naming the troops, which I do not remember. Question. Was there any firing going on in any quarter when you gave the order from General Howard to General Schurz? Answer. None except stray shots. By the COURT: Question. After the firing commenced, and until you joined Gen- eral Howard, after his return from General Geary, where were you? Answer. I was on nearly all parts of the field. Question. At what time did General Howard leave the field here to go to General Geary? Answer. He left Eleventh Corps headquarters at about 1 oclock, leaving several staff officers, among them myself, at headquarters. Question. Did you see General Hooker during the engagement; if so, where? Answer. When the firing commenced near our troops, as I thought, I left head- quarters to join General Howard. I did not find General Howard, but found Gen- eral Hooker. Question. Where? Answer. In front of Colonel Krzyzanowskis brigade. Question. Did you know that General Schurzs command was ordered to the re-enforcement of General Geary? Answer. No, sir; I did not know that any such order had been given him. Question. Do you know of any order directing Colonel Hecker or directing the Second or Third Brigade to take position where you saw them? Answer. I do not Page 170 170 KY., SW. VA., TENY., ?[ISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. EOHM. XLIII. Question. How long did you stay with General Hooker? Answer. Only a few minutes. Question. While you were with him, do you know of any orders being given by him I~ Answer. I did not hear of any. Col. F. Hecker, being summoned as a witness by Major-General Schurz, objection was raised by him to receiving his testimony, on the ground he was a party concerned in the subject of investigation before the Court. Court was cleared, and after due deliberation the doors were opened and decision of Court announced, that the objection was overruled; that either General Schurz or Col. F. Hecker might be called as witness in the case on behalf of the other. Col. F. HECKER, commanding Third Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Corps, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did you meet General Hooker on the field during the night of the engagement of Wauhatchie, and on what part of the field? Answer. Yes, sir; near the tree which has now dry leaves upon it at the point where the road turns to the hill. Question. Did any conversation occur between you and General Hooker concerning dolonel Krzy~anowskis brigade; and if so, what was it? Answer. I can state as follows: I am not positive whether he asked where the Second Brigade was, or where the other brigade was, or where the other troops of the division were, but my impression is that he asked for the Second Brigade, because I was leaning forward on my horse and pointing with my finger to troops on my left perpendicular to my line of battle. I told him that the Second Brigade, Colonel Krzyzanowskis, was halted there. After some further conversation with me he rode over in the direction of the Second Brigade, and I did not pay any further attention to him, forl was looking tow~rd Wauhatchie, and toward the hills from which there was still firing. Question. Did you see an aide of General Schurz brought by the cross-road wounded, and about that time? Answer. Yes, sir; it was Captain Lender, one of my captains in the Eighty-second. It was but a few moments after I had arrived at the cross-roads and before I saw General Hooker. I remember asking him where he was shot, and he said in the leg. Question. Did you hear the first volley coming from the hills on the left, and where were you when you heard it? Answer. My attention was most directed to the firing in the front toward Wan- hatchie. I heard firing on the left, but I can only state about one vqlley which came from the hill when I halted and was in conversation with General Hooker: there had been firing previously as I was on the march. When the last shots were fired from the hill upon my troops, this was the moment that I was in conversation with Gen& al Hooker. Question. Did you report to General Schurz your junction with General Geary immediately on your arrival there? Answer. I am not certain when I had it reported to General Schurz. When I reached General Geary he ordered me to relieve some of his men and bring some of my regiments in their position, and I do not exactly remei~iber when I reported to General Schurz. Captain Stinson, of General Howards staff, had left me and re- turned when the junction with Geary was formed Page 171 Clg~tp. XLIII.] IiEOPtNING OF THE T NNESSEE HIVER. 1 7~~I Question. How long were you halted at Tyndales Hill on your march to Geary, waiting for re-enforcements from the Second Bri- gade? Answer. Not very long, but a few minutes, I think; not over eight or ten minutes elapsed from my arrival at Tyndales Hill to my departure from it. When we arrived at Tyndales Hill there was firing from it, and from the gap. I gave the order to halt and front, being directed to form line of battle. Then General Schurz ordered me to throw a regiment forward to the gap. I ordered the Seventy-fifth Pennsyl- vania forward, and went with it myself, and gave instructions to Major Lady [Ledig]. General Schurz, at about the same time, gave me the order, after postingthe Seventy- fifth Regiment, to push furward to General Geary. When putting the Seventy-fifth Regiment in the gap, I gave my adjutant-general an order to deploy half of the Sixty-eighth New York as skirmishers and flankers on the railroad and flankers on the right and left of it as reserve. As I had only half of the Eightieth Illinois, Gen- eral ~churz ordered first the One hundred and nineteenth New York, and as this regiment was small, afterward the One hundred and forty-first, and we marched as soon as I saw the One hundred and forty-first in motion. I did not take more than ten minutes. Question. How long did you stop at the cross~roads? Answer. It is difficult to state the length of time, as my attention was directed to an attack that I expected from the hill and from the front. It was quite a long time, three-quarters of an hour, more or less. I had asked some men in the mean- time, who thought it was longer. By the RECORDER: Question. Can you state the conversation that occurred between General Hooker and yourself? Answer. While marching on the main road from General Howards headquar- ters, in the direction of Wauhatchie, Major Howard came up and asked, Where is Colonel Hooker? I answered him, and he gave me an orderto halt at the cross- roads ahead of us, and bring my men into position, as there was firing from the hills on our left. I ordered two regiments, the Sixty-eighth New York and the Seventy-fifth Penns~lvania, to form line of battle toward the hill, and the Eightieth Illinois, in rear of t e first line in column, doubled on the center. During the exe- cution of this order Major-General Hooker arrived, as I was halting near the tree mentioned before. He asked me, What troops are these?~ I answered, Third Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Corps, sir. He asked me why I was halting there, or some words to that effect. I told him I had just received an order of that purport from Major Howard, and he then put to me the quest ion mentioned before about the other troops. As the head of his horse was directed toward Wauhatehie and the head of my horse square toward the hills, I leaned forward and pointed out to him the place where the Second Brigade was. He then ordered me to be ready to form, if necessary, front to the right; that is, front toward Wauhatchie. I gave orders accordingly. I thought he directed me so because he expected an attack, not only from the hill on the left, but from the valley also, as pretty nearly at the same time shots were fired down on the troops and the bullets whistled around us. I thought some of the shots came from the gap. Then General Hooker told me, and I remember the tone of his voice as if he had spoken but a quarter of an hour since, You stay here, colonel. He then rode over to the Second Bri- gade. By the COURT: Question. What orders did you receive before you left camp? Answer. The first order that I received was brought by Captain Spraul, which was to march down to the road and form there. I put my column in motion, and, as this order seemed insufficient, I went around to find somebody who could tell me if the order meant only to form there. My adjutant-gen,eral informed me that we had to move forward, as I thought the order was to be understood; so we marched until halted by Major howard. Then when General Schurz came up from the fiont he took us along, and at Tyndales Hill the orders were received, as before stated. After General Hooker had asked what troops are these, lie asked where is General Schurz? I answered, in mnt, sir; one of 1iis aides has just been ear- ned along wounded Page 172 172 KY., SW. VA., TIENN.~ MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLTIL Maj. Gen. CARL SOHURZ, commanding Eleventh Army Corps, a witness for the accused, was duly sworn. By Colonel HECKER: Question. What orders were given by you to Colonel Hecker on the night of the engagement of Wauhatchie; when and where? Answer. As soon as the first alarm was given, I sent aides around to the brigades with the order to have th0 troops under arms. Captain Spraul, one of my aides, went to the Second and Third Brigades with the order to have the troops march forward from the camps to the road, and halt there until further orders. Going to the front myself at the head of the First Brigade, I left my chief of staff, Lieutenant-Colonel Otto, behind with the order to put the two remaining brigades on the road and fol- low the First Brigade in the direction of Wauhatchie. While marching at the head of the First Brigade, before arriving at Tyndales Hill, I received the report from Major Howard that the Third Brigade, Colonel Heckers, was stopped, and under directions from General Hooker. I did not see Colonel Hecker again until after the taking of Tyndales Hill, when I returned to the place where I found my troops and General Hooker. Upon my order Colonel Hecker marched forward to Tyndales Hill, halted there a short time, until he was re-enforced by the One hundred and forty-first New York. There I gave him the order to march to Geary, which he executed immediately upon the arrival of re-enforcements. Patrols had been sent out from General Tyndales command to ascertain whether the report previously re- ceived, that a column of the enemy was on our right in the valley, was true or not. Whether Colonel Hecker kept back until the return of the patrol I cannot now dis- tinctly remember, but I do remember that he started off as soon as the One hun- dred and forty-first New York arrived. The halt made by the Third Brigade at Tyn- dales Hill was made by my order. My impression is that the brigade did not halt over ten minutes. The Court adjourned to meet Monday, February 8, at 10 a. m. [HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 8, 1864]10 a. m. Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, com- manding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P. H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. W. H. Lambert, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, recorder. Proceedings of previous session read. Examination of Lieutenant-Colonel MEYSENBURG resumed. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did you see Colonel Heckers brigade on its march from the cross-roads to Tyndales Hill; and if so, where and when? An~wer. I met Colonel Heckers brigade after it had passed the swamp, which is opposite the gap between Smiths and Tyndales Hills, at about 4.30 a. in. Question. Do you know exactly where the cross-roads are, and where the swampy place is, and what the distance is between the two places? Answer. I never measured the distance between the place called the cross-roads and the swampy place. Question. Did you deliver to General Schurz an order to send Co one rzyzanowski forwad to Geary? Answer. I did, I believe, at 7 oclock in the morning Page 173 Caw. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 173 Lieutenant WEIGEL, acting aide-de-camp on General Schurz~s staff, a witness for the accused, was recalled. By General SCHURZ: Question. Do you remember about how many mqn were killed and wounded in the attack on the hill by Tyndales brigade, on our side? Answer. As near as I can recollect, we had 2 killed and some 10 wounded. By the COURT: Question. Where were they killed? Answer. In the charge up the hill. Question. In what capacity were you acting at that time? Answer. As acting assistant adjutant-general to General Schurz, Third Division. The testimony on behalf of the accused was here announced closed. Major-General HOOKER, a witness for the prosecution, was re- called. By the RECORDER: Question. What inquiry, if any, did you make of Gener~d Schurz when you rode by his headquarters about 1 oclock on the morning of the 29th of October? Answer. I cannot positively state what inquiry, if any, I made at that time. Question. Did you, at that time, give him the order to double- quick his division to the relief of General Geary? Answer. I have already said that I took no note of time. I gave him the or- der, while on my way from my camp, to see that my troops were under arms. I will say there were those of my staff present who perhaps remember the conversa- tion. I know the order was given while at the cross-roads at the foot of the Smith Hill. Question. Did you see Major Howard, of General Howards staff, while at the cross-road at the foot of the hill? Answer. It is my impression that I did see him. question. Did he report to you that Colonel Heckers brigade had arrived? Answer. Why, it was near there that I saw Colonel Heckers brigade. I do not know that he reported it. He may have reported to me. I knew it myself. Question. Before you saw Colonel Heckers brigade, did you give any orders directing that it should halt there at the cross-roads? Answer. I did not. Question. Where did you go after leaving Colonel Hecker at the cross-roads? Answer. I was facing to the north and Colonel Hecker was facing to the south, and I think I passed off toward the hill. Question. While at the foot of Smiths Hill, did you, at any period during the engagement, or during that night, see General Schurz? Answer. I did, in that vicinity, near that time. Question. Do you know about what time? Answer. It seemed to me nearly two hours after I met Colonel Hecker. I wa~ in a state of great anxiety at the tim~ and could not tell exactly, but it seemed to me about that time Page 174 174 KY., SW. VA., TFNN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ~ XIAU. Question. Can you state what conversation took place between you and General Schurz? Answer. I can state pretty nearly. General Schurz, I think, asked me a question of this kind: Can I take my other two bri~ades W at which I expressed great surprise, saying that I had ordered him to ~o to the relief of Geary two hours before, and repeated the order. By General SCHURZ: Question. Did you have more than one conversation with General Schurz about 1 oclock? Answer. Oh, yes; I saw him two or three times before the troops got under way, and something passed between us, I think, each time. By the COURT: Question. How near were you to Tyndales Hill at the time Gen- eralTyndale took it? Answer. I think when it was communicated to me that he had taken it I was close by the Smith Hill. Question. Were you near enough during its progress to distinguish the nature of the action that occurred there? Answer. I knew nothing of it; I could not see it. Question. Was the opposition made by the enemy, judging from the nature of the firing, great or small? Answer. I think it was a feeble resistance. I sbould call it a slight skirmish. Question. Do you know how long it continued? Answer. While there was firing; I do not know how long. From the time the fire was thrown from the hill on the troops marching to the relief of Geary up to the time that I heard of the taking of the hill, the firing was desultory. Question. What kind of a night was it? Answer. I would not call it a bright night or a dark night; it was a medium night. I could tell whether troops were marching in column or by the flank at a distance of 60 yards. Court adjourned to meet on Tuesday, the 9th instant, at 10 a. m. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 9, 186410 a. m. The Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania, com- manding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P.H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. W. H. Lam bert, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, recorder. Proceedifigs of previous session read. Maj. Gen. DANIEL BUTTERFIELD, a witness for the prosecution, was duly sworn. By the RECORDER: Question. Were you with General Hooker on the morning of the 29th of October? Answer. I was Page 175 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 175 Question. Do you know whether General Schurz met General Hooker after the taking of Smiths Hill? Answer. He did. Question. About what time was that? Answer. I should think it was in the neighborhood of 2oclock; I could not state the time precisely. Question. Do you remember what conversation took place between General Schurz and General Hooker? Answer. I could not state exactly the words, only the tenor of the conversation. If my memory serves me correctly, General Schurz reported having possession of the Tyndale Hill, and that he had posted his skirmishers in front. General Hooker asked why he had not moved, as directed, to General Geary, as he had given him the order over two hours before. I do not remember what reply General Schur~ made, and he left soon after on that business. Question. Did you hear the firing on the Tyndale Hill before General Schurz met General Hooker? Answer. I cannot say. General Hookers horse was saddled, and he got away before my horse was saddled. I heard firing, but whether it was from the Tyndale Hill or from the Smith Hill I do not know. Question. Can you state how long it continued? Answer. I cannot. When I arrived on the ground all my attention was given to the Smith Hill, for a time. Question. Can you tell about what time the Smith Hill was taken? Answer. I should think it was about a quarter past 1 oclock, but I took no note of the hour and only judge from my knowledge of the time when the firing first hroke out. Question. Was the firing at Tyndales Hill over as soon as that at Smiths Hill? Answer. My impression is that there was no firing on Tyndales Hill after Smiths Hill was taken. Lieutenant Oliver was over at Tyndales Hill, and he is better in- formed on that subject than I am. Question. Was the firing at Tyndales Hill over at the time of the meeting between General Hooker and General Schurz? Answer. I think it was. Question. Do you know whether any obstruction was offered by the enemy to General Schurzs advance to General Geary after leav- ing General Hooker at the time referred to, the time of the conver- sation? Answer. None to my knowledge. Question. Do you know whether there was at any time a line of battle between General Geary and the division of General Schurz? Answer. Not to my knowledge; only from the report of staff officers. I w& s not on the ground. By the COURT: Question. Did you see Major Howard, of General Howards staff, that night? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. Did you give directions to him, or to any one, to halt Colonel Heckers brigade at the cross-roads? Answer. No, sir; I had a conversation with him on the subject of Colonel Heckers brigade being there. Major Howard rode up where General Hooker an Page 176 176 KY., SW. VA.~ TENN., MISS., N~. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAr. XLIII. staff were, and at the same time Colonel Heckers brigade was halted there. I stated to him that there was a brigade that its commander said was halted b~ General Howards or General Schurzs order. I told him he had better look into it and see about it. Question. Did you know that Colonel Krzyzanowskis brigade was in the same vicinity? Answer. Well, I was entirely unacquainted with the brigade commanders of the Eleventh Corps. I knew only General Schurz and General Steinwehr as division commanders. I had not been in the immediate vicinity of the brigades until on the march down, and the first knowledge I got of the several brigade commanders I got on that night, with the exception of Colonel Buschbeck, who led on the march the day before. Question. Did you know that the troops commanded by Colonel Hecker, and the other troops there, were a part of General Schurzs command? Answer. No; I did not know it. I supposed they were a part of General Stein- wehrs command, and did not know un uired. Question. When did you inquire? Answer. About five minutes before Major Howard rode up I inquired of Colonel Hooker to what division he belonged. It was but a few minutes after this that we rode off to a lire near Smiths Hill, where General Hooker saw General Schurz. Question. Was that the first time that you saw Major Howard? Answer. I think it was. Question. At what place did you first see Major Howard? Answer. Near the cross-roads, near where Colonel Hookers brigade was. Question. Did you give an order for a brigade or for any troops to go to Chattanooga? Answer. I did not. I gave an order to Captain Hall to send some prisoners to Chattanooga. He misunderstood me, and gave the order to have the brigade go to Chattanooga, but the mistake was rectified immediately. Question. Did you know that General Hooker had given the order for General Schurzs division to move to the aid of General Geary? Answer. I did. Question. How did you know it? Answer. I heard General Hooker give the order to two different aidesone to go to General Howard and one to go to General Schurzand then heard him say he was going to General Schurz himself. Question. Who were the aides that he sent? Answer. Captain Hall was one, and the other I do not know; the conversation occurred outside of the tent, as I was dressing, and I did not inquire. Question. Do you know when the enemy crossed Lookout Creek after their attack on Geary? Answer. Not from my own knowledge. First Lieut. PAUL A. OLIVER, aide-de-camp, General Hookers staff, was recalled as a witness for the prosecution. By the RECORDER: Question. Were you with General Hooker on the morning of the 29th of October, after the taking of Smiths Hill? Answer. I was Page 177 (~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. Question. Did General Hooker have an interview with General Schurz? Answer. Yes. Question. Do you know about what time? Answer. It was not long after Smiths Hill was taken; I do not know the exact time; it was about 3 oclock in the morning, not long after Tyndales Hill was taken. Question. Do you remember the conversation that occurred be- tween General Hooker and General Schurz? Answer. General Schurz told General Hooker that he had taken the hill and had skirmishers in front. General Hooker seemed to be very angry, and asked him What were your orders, General Schurzto push through to General Geary imme- diately? Question. Were you present with Genetal Hooker when it was re- ported to him that the troops of General Schurz had joined General Geary? Answer. I do not think I was. Question. How long did the firing on Tyndales Hill continue? Answer. I do not think it was hardly five minutes; I should say there were hardly a dozen shots fired from the hill while I was there., Question. Do you know what loss in killed and wounded there was on our side during the taking of Tyndales Hill? Answer. While I was there I should think there was none. By the COURT: Question. In what position was Tyndales brigade when you left? Answer. Part of the troops were stilin the road. I think two regiments were marching up the hill. I know some troops were marching up the hill and the balance were in the road. I left there, as I have stated, soon after the conversation with General Schurz. Question. Did you deliver from General Hooker to General Schurz an order to take that hill at that time? Answer. Yes, sir. Question. What was that order, and where did General Hooker deliver it to you? Answer. General Hooker was near his headquarters when he delivered it to me, and the order was to take the hill where we had the skirmish the day before. Question. And where did you deliver the order to General Schurz? Answer. Under the hill, as I have already stated. Question. Did the order specify what forces were to take the hill? Answer. He said one brigade was to take the hill. Question. In the conversation between General Hooker and Gen- eral Schurz, testified to by you, when General Schurz said one of your aides directed me to take the hill, what reply did General Hooker make? Answer. General Hooker seemed to be very angry. He simply said What were your orders? His impression seemed to be that General Schurz had two brigades with him at that time, and one brigade was to go to Geary and one to take the hill. 12 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 178 178 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. Lc~i. XLIII. Question. Did you hear General Hooker give the order to General Schurz to go to General Geary? Answer. I heard him give an order; whether it was to General Schurz or to General Howard, I did not know. I am under the impression it was to General Howard for one brigade to take the hill and one to go to General Geary. The recorder announced his case closed. At the request of Major-General Schurz, the Court adjo~ed until Friday, 12th instant, to allow him time to prepare his defense. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 12, 1864. The Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, commanding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York, com- manding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; CoL P. H. Jones, Oae hundred and fifty-fourth New York, com- manding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. W. H. Lamber~, Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, recordier. The proceedings of previous session read. Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz presented his written address (appended and marked B), which was read by himself. Col. Frederick Hecker, Eighty-second Illinois Volunteers, com- manding Third Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Corps, presented his written address (appended and marked C), which was read by himself. The Court then adjourned to meet on Monday, the 15th instant, at 11 a. in., at headquarters Eleventh Corps. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, February 15, 186411 a. in. The Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, commanding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Q~l. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volun- teors, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P. H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. W. H. Lambert, Thirty-third New Jersey Vol- unteers, recorder. After a sitting of two sessions, the Court adjourned until Tuesday, 16th instant, at 9 a. in., headquarters Second Division, Eleventh Corps. HDQRS. SECOND DIVISION, ELEVENTH ARMY CORPS, [February 16, 18639 a. in.] The Court met pursuant. to adjournment. Present: Col. A. Buschbeck, Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Vol- unteers, commanding Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Co Page 179 Ow. XLIII.] UEOPE~ING OF THE TENNESSEE ]~IWER. James Wood, jr., One hundred and thirty-sixth New York Volun- teers, commanding Second Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Col. P. H. Jones, One hundred and fifty-fourth New York Volunteers, commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Eleventh Army Corps; Capt. W. H. Lambert, Thirty-third New Jersey Vol- unteers, recorder. It was agreed to ~~resent the statement of facts and the opinion (appended and mar ed D), as the statement of facts which the Court deemed established by the evidence brought before it, and as the opinion of the Court, rendered in accordance with the instructions of the order by which the Court was instituted. The recorder was instructed to present the testimony and pro- ceedings of the Court, with the accompanying papers, to Brigadier- General Whipple, assistant adjutant-general, Department of the Cumberland. The Court then adjourned sine die. A. BUSCHBECK, Golonel Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volnnteers, G~omdg. Second Div., Eleventh Army C~orps, Pres. of the G~ourt. WILLIAM H. LAMBERT, c~aptain, Thirty-third New Jersey Vols., Recorder of the ~urt. [Appendix A.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenm., January 12, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the C~umberland.~ GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith an application of Col. F. Hecker for examination, or a court of inquiry, as it is called by Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz.* The cause of complaint is based on exceptions to a part of my official report of the battle of Wauhatchie. It is not known for what reason Colonel Hecker makes this appli- cation; or why he should connect his brigade with it. The order I gave the division commander, was for him to double- quick his division to the relief of Geary, and afterward one brigade of it was ordered to assault the hill on the left. The latter was duly executed; the first order was not. Whether or not Major-General Schurz communicated this order to his brigade commanders, I am not advised. Probably a court of inquiry would be able to determine. It rests between the division commander and the commanders of the Second and Third Brigades, and in no way can other parties be con- cerned in the issue, unless it be supposed that the troops disobeyed orders, which I have not alleged, and do not believe. With the application of Colonel Hecker, I also forward a com- municationfron-t Major-General Schurz, on the same subject, in which he seems to lose sight of the fact that it was to him the order was communicated by me, to double-quick his division to the relief of Geary, and to place the issues between the commander of the Third Brigade, with the brigade itself, and myself. I remember very well the interview I had with Colonel Hecker, and of his informing me * The inolosures following do not appear in the record of the Court, but were round with the original of General Hookers letter in the files of the Department of the Cumberland Page 180 180 x~x., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Crm~. XL~. that he was in his position by order of Major-General Howard. General Howard was advised of the orders General Schurz had received; hence I concluded that the Third Brigade was halted, awaiting orders in execution of the movement; even then I was under the impression that the balance of the division was in advance. As the quickest and most satisfactory way of disposing of this issue, I would recommend the appointment of a court of inquiry, provided it should be the wish of those interested. I have inclosed a copy of this letter to Major-General ~churz. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 1.] HDQRS. THIRD BRIG., THIRD Div., ELEVEIjTH CORPS, Raccoon Valley, Tenn., January 10, 1864. Maj. Gen. CARL SCHURZ, Commanding Third Division: SIR: In the interest of the officers and men under my command, in the interest of justice and truth, and my own honor as a man and soldier, that has been during a long life without a stain, I ad- dress you these lines. The official report of Major-General Hooker, of the battle at Wauhatchie, came to my hands to-day, and concludes as follows: I regret that my duty constrains me to except any portion of my command in my commendation of their courage and valor. The brigade dispatched to the relief of Geary, by orders delivered in person to the division commander, never reached him until iong after the fight had ended. It was alieged that it lost its way, when it had a ter~ c infantry fire to guide it all over the way; and that it became in- volved in a swamp, where there was no swamp or other obstacle between it and Geary which should have delayed it a moment in marching to the relief of its im- periled companions~ An official document, a historical document, must be based on truth, and render justice to all concerned. I shall and must defend my honor with all means possible, and the present petition is one of them. I therefore lay before you all that occurred during the night of 28th29th October, 1863, 50 far as myself and my command were con- cerned. Camping amongst the men of my brigade, I heard a heavy firing in the direction of Wauhatchie. Without waiting for orders, I or- dered my men to fall in, and had the regiments in line of battle and ready to march, so that when Captain Spraul, aide-de-camp of Major- General Schurz, arrived with the order to march, and to guide us, I immediately started with my command from the hill, where I was encamped, down to the main road. As all the brigades marched at the same time, there was son~e throng in the valley; and I marched forward to the front, imme- diately behind Tyndales brigade, and would have marched till find- ing Major-General Schurz, who, as I ascertained, had gone to the front, if I had not been stopped by Major Howard, of Major-Gen- eral Howards staff, who ordered me to halt until further orders, and bring my men in position, front to the left, toward the hills. I laced the Sixty-eighth Npw York Volunteer Regiment and Seventy- fth Pennsylvania Volunteers in line of battle, the Eightieth Illi- nois Volunteers in column, doubled on the center in second line and the interval between the two first named regiments Page 181 Cxiii. XLIII.] I~EOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RiVER. 181 During this operation arrives Major-General Hooker and staff. His question, addressed to me in person, was, What troops are these ? Third Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Corps, sir, was my answer. Where is Major-General Schurz ? he further asked. In front, sir; one of his aides-de-camp was just carried along here wounded, was my reply. He asked t en w ere the Second Brigade was, and as it had formed to my left at a short distance in an open field, I pointed it out to Major-General Hooker, showing him where the commander of the brigade had halted. Major-General Hooker ended this conversation with the following words: You stay here. All right, sir, was my answer. Then he rode over to the Second Brigade (Krzyzanowskis), and I remained, according to orders, until, a considerable time afterward, called off by Major-General Schurz, who came back from the front. March- ing up to the road, at the foot of the hill near the gap, the troops were a ted a moment, where we met General Tyndale. I was ordered to bring one regiment, the Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, to the foot of the hill, at the entrance of the gap, and to march then to form, at all hazards, a junction with General Geary. The Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers was ordered ~n its position, and without losing a single moment I marched forward to Wauhatchie, the Sixty-eighth New York Volunteers, with advanced guards, flankers, and skirmishers in front, on the right and left, so that under all emergencies the enemy could not escape my attention, and I could meet him in all directions. I marched at the head of the troops [sic] the only regiment of my brigade, the Eightieth Illi- nois, and beside the One hundred and forty-first New York Volun- teers, detached to me for that expedition by Major-General Schurz (the Eighty-second Illinois Volunteers being left at Russells Mines to guard the gap). It did not take twenty-five minutes marching, since I received the order to join General Geary, and I had formed the junction with him, reported to him, and he was very glad to see me. At this time it was so dark that at 50 yards you could not easily distinguish the objects. I must observe that I was, during all this time, accompanied by Captain Stinson, a~de-de-camp of Major- General Howard. As we marched on the main road no swamps were met, nor the road lost. From the moment I received the orders, I marched straight ahead, without interruption, to lose no time. There was no terrific infantry fire at the time when I received the marching orders, and during the whole march to General Geary, from the moment I received the order, there was no firing at all in the direction we were marching to. I never in my whole military life failed to do my duty, and so far as courage and valor are concerned, nobody has doubted it or shall doubt it. As I have been reproached without foundation, in a pub- lic document, all transactions in this case, of course, are of a public character; I therefore most respectfully pray, Whereas, the official report of Major-General Hooker of the battle of Wauhatchie, just published, implies that my brigade was delay- ing in proceeding to the relief of General Geary, wanting courage and valor, unless he will publicly retract it, au~It fully exonerate me, I most respectfully demand a court of inquiry. Your most obedient servantj~ F. HECICER, Colonel, Commanding Brigade Page 182 182 KY., sw. VA., TIENN., MISS., ~. ALA., AND N. GA. Ec~p. xu.u. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIVISION, ELEVENTH CORPS, January 10, 1864. Major-General HOOKER, Gommanding Eleventh and Twelfth eorps: GENERAL: To-day I saw for the first time your official report on the engagement of Wauhatchie. It contains very strong reffections upon one of my brigades, which is stated to have been dispatched to the relief of Geary, and never reached him until long after the fight had ended. The wording of the paragraph referred to leaves it somewhat mu- certain who was responsible for this delay, although it is stated that the order was directed in person to its division commander. Yet the expressions used are such as to throw the responsibility rather upon the brigade commander and the troops. Against this I would most respectfully remonstrate. The brigade commander in question, Colonel ilecker, is a man of more than ordinary spirit, ac- tivity, promptness, and gallantry, and his troops are as good as any in the service. Believing that he and his command did on that occasion all they were ordered to do, and did it with conscientiousness and alacrity, I beg leave to assume the responsibility for their conduct, if any mistakes, or any violation of orders, were committed. Some of the statements contained in your report concerning this matter, permit me to say, seem to rest upon a grave misapprehension. In recounting a few facts, I mean to furnish a supplement to my official report. When we heard the firing in the direction of Gearys camp, you ordered me to take the troops nearest at hand, which was Tyndales brigade, and to move forward as rapidly as possible. The men were soon under arms, and after having sent one of my aides to my other brigade commanders, whose camps were farther back, with the order to move at once down to the road, I placed my- self at the head of G.neral Tyndaks brigade in order to direct its march. General Howard joined me there, and we remained together for a time, hurrying on the advance of the column under the fire of the enemy, until we arrived at a marshy place, covered with thick brush-wood (which your report states not to exist), where General Howard, after having ascertained the extreme difficulty of pene- trating, left me in order to go to Geary by a d6tour. Tyndales bri- gade had to march by the left flank up to the road, and then proceeded to accomplish the object for which, in the language of your report, it had been detached. It attacked the enemy in the hills on the left, and after a short engagement gained possession of the hill. I had been constantly at the head of the column until this brigade was properly place in osition. Your report about this part of the transaction runs thus: Directions were immediately given for one of the brigades en route (Tyndales) to be detached and assault the enemy in the hills on the left, and the other brigade to push on as ordered. By this it is acknowledged that the task assigned to Tyndale was the one he accomplished,, but where was the other brigade which was to push on as ordered ~ To clear up this point, I must introduce the statements of those concerned Page 183 ClAP. XLIfl.] EEOPE~flNG OF THE TE1I2~E88EE 1~IVEIL Immediately upon the receipt of my order, the rest of my troops marched down from their camping p laces to the road. Colonel Hecker, who was at the head of the column, had not advanced very far, closely upon the heels of Tyndale, when he was stopped by an order to halt. This order was delivered by Major Howard, of Gen- eral Howards staff, and is said to have come from you. Major Howard had hardly left Colonel Hecker when you rode up in person. You stopped and asked the colonel What troops are these ~ Third Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Corps, was the reply. You asked, Where is General Schurz? He is in front, ans- wered Hecker, and one of his aides was just brought by here wounded. After having made an inquiry a bout my Second Bri- gade, which Colonel Hecker pointed out to you, you left him, saying, You stay here, and rode on to Colonel Krzyzanowski, with whom you halted. What your conversation with him was, I do not know, and I have now no means of ascertaining, as Colonel Krzyzanowski is absent. But I do know that Colonel Krzyzanowski, upon what was said, al- though ready to march, continued to stand still, remaining continu- ally in your presence until called off by me in person. Thus the troops were halted there, and the brigade which was to push on to Geary, as ordered, was kept back by your own order. After this had happened, and after Tyndales brigade was prop- erly placed in the position assigned to it, I hurried back to the place where the rest of my troops were. Colonel Hecker was still where you had ordered him to stay, and Colonel Krzyzanowski I found in your immediate presence. If their troops were the column to be pushed on to Geary, as ordered, I may respectfully ask ~y-hy they had been ordered to stop, and why permitted to stand there so long a time under your very eyes and within the reach of your voice? When coming up toyou and reporting that Tyndales brigade was in the p osition assigned to it, and asking for further instructions, you asked me why I had not pushed a column to Geary ? Ire- plied that only Tyndales brigade had beeii at my disposal, and that brigade had been directed to occupy the hill near the railroad gap. You ordered me then to push on a column to Geary without delay, and to my question whet her I could now have the rest of my troops, as I would have to give up the important position held by Tyndale, if I used his brigade for that purpose, you replied, I might take them all. I then ordered Colonel Hecker forward. He marched through to Geary without delay. Colonel Krzyzanowski, with one regiment and a fraction, was placed by my order in the gap, through which the main road runs. Colonel Heckers movement was exe- cuted in as brief a space of time as it could be done. Your report speaks of its being alleged that this brigade lost its way and be- came involved in a swamp, where there was no swamp or other ob- stacle. Nobody alleges any such thing with regard to this brigade, for it marched through to Geary on the road. It was General Tyndales brigade which was detained, although not long, by marshy and brushy ground in its front, to the existence of which General Howard, who was present, can testify, as well as myself. Yet General Tyndales brigade is not blamed for it, as it accomplished its object in dislodoing the enemy from the hill on the left. But the other brigade is blamed, although it ,was not so de- layed at all. That this column arrived at General Gearys camp after th Page 184 184 Ky, sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. (CH~~P. XLIII. fighting had ceased, is very natural, for the fighting there ceased about the time when my first brigade took the hill assigned to it. In fact, if Tyndale, in disregard of the order to dislodge the enemy from the hill on the left, had moved on to Geary on a bee-line, it would have been impossible for him to reach Geary until after the fighting had ceased. But Hecker, after having been halted by your order, was moved forward from a position much farther back, some time after this; and how he could be expected to reach Geary before the fighting had ceased, I cannot understand. Nor can he, orTi~ny- body. else, be blamed for not having pushed on before the order stopping him was withdrawn. I would respectfully submit that it is rather hard for an officer and a body of troops to be solemnly excepted from the commenda- tion for courage and valor bestowed upon other troops, after hav- ing done all they were told to do, and nothing less. If, indeed, somebody must be blamed, I would rather claim the blame entirely for myself, than permit it to fall, even by construction, upon my subordinate commanders and their men, who bear no responsibility in this matter, and always executed orders with promptness and alacrity. I may have erred in not sending to you for that part of my com- mand which was kept back, but I was obliged to suppose that you wanted it for some other purpose. And why was it not sent forward to me if it was not wanted where it was? However this may be, I would most respectfully and earnestly request you to exonerate my subordinate commanders and troops from the grave accusation cast upon them, and to let the censure fall where it belongs. This Thtter accompanies a request by Colonel Hecker for a public exoneration from the censure inflicted on him and his brigade by your report, or a court of inquiry. Colonel Hecker is a gallant, untiring, and conscientious officer, and a gentleman of a character and reputation which any man might be proud of. I sincerely trust that in this case, where his conduct was strictly governed by orders, and he did his whole duty, justice be not withheld from him. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. SCHURZ, Major-General. (Appendix B.] In submitting the case to this Court of Inquiry, I am obliged to notice a circumstance which is of a delicate nature, but about which I shall speak with entire frankness. I asked for this investigation, and it was granted. The manner in which it was granted deviates in a i~emarkable degree from the recognized usages of military life. I think there never was a military court in the army of the United .~ States, not one member of which held an equal rank with the ac- cused; and I doubt whether there ever was a court of inquiry in this army, all the members of which belonged to the command of the ac- cuser.. I am far from intending any reflection upon the Court, as it is now constituted; for there is probably no man in the army who has less of the pride of rank in him than I; nor do your official re- lations to the accuser in this case give me any uneasiness as to your impartiality. But I wish to observe that in accepting the form in which this investigation was offered to me, I had to waive a questio Page 185 CILLP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 185 of propriety. In justice to you, I waived that question without hes- itation; in justice to myself, I liave to notice it. In Major-General Hookers report of the night engagement of Wauhatchie, we find the following paragraph: I regret that my duty constrains me to except any portion of my command in my commendation of their courage and valor. The brigade dispatched to the relief of Geary, by orders delivered in person to its division commander, never reached him until long after the fight had ended. It is alleged that it lost its way, when it had a terrific infantry fire to guide it all the way, and also that it beQame involved in a swamp, where there was no swamp or other obstacle between it and Geary which should have delayed it a moment in marching to the relief of its imperiled com- panions. By this paragraph I considered myself and my command deeply wronged. This censure has gone forth into the world, and I asked for a fair investigation of the charge, the result of which shall be as public as the charge itself. You are ordered, after having investi- gated the circumstances connected with the case, to give an opinion whether the strictures contained in the above paragraph in General Hookers report were deserved by the conduct of myself or Colonel Hecker, or any p art of my command, during the engagement of Wauhatchie. These strictures imply that a part of my command, di- rected to perform a certain task by orders delivered to me in~ person, rendered itself liable to be solemnly excepted in a commendation for courage and valor bestowed on other troops, or, in other words, to be stigmatized as lacking courage and valor. To show the injustice of the reflection, I shall recount the occurrences of that night strictly according to the evidence before you. On the evening of the 28th of October, the two divisions of the Eleventh Corps encamped near Browns Ferry. The command of General Geary lay at Wauhatchie. The troops had arrived not long before dark. The distance between the two encampments was about 3 miles, the country which separated them partly open, partly covered with woods and thickets, and here and there in- tersected by marshy water runs. The road from Wauhatchie to Browns Ferry was muddy, but not impassable; the ground alongside of the road in places wet and difficult of passage. The night was leasant; the light of the full moon from time to time obscured ~ y streaks~ of clouds. After midnight we were aroused by the sound of musketry, heard in the direction of Gearys camp. The liveliness of the firing indi- cated an attack. The troops were called under arms~ orders were brought t? me by two of General Hookers aides anA by General Hooker himself. About the nature of these orders the testimony conflicts. General Hooker says he ordered me to double-quick my whole division to the relief of Geary. General Butterfield says the same, but he heard only the orders General Hooker gave two of his aides to transmit to me, one of whom was charged to communicate the same orders to General Howard. The two aides referred to, Captain Hall and Lieutenant Oliver, tes- tify that they delivered to me orders from General Hooker to throw forward the brigade nearest at hand. General Butterfield is there- fore mistaken. One of my staff officers, who was present when Gen- eral Hooker gave me his orders in person, states that I was ordered to throw forward my nearest brigade, Tyndales, at once, and to fol- low up the movement with the rest of my command~ This has the weight of the testimony in its favor, and it agrees with my recolle Page 186 186 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. 0-A. (O~r.& r. XLIII. tions. The difference, however, is not very material, as the manner in which I executed the order, answere even eneral Hookers version of the story. The troops were soon in motion, and even General Hooker admits that the turning out of the troops was splendid. As soon as the alarm was given, and before the orfiler to march had reached me, I had sent one of my aides to my Secoiid and Third Brigades, to bring the columns from the camps down toward the road. Then, leaving my chief of staff behind for the purpose of superintending the movement of the Second and Third Brigades, which were ordered to follow the First, I placed myself at the head of Tyndales column, and directed its march toward the firing. It is proved that the orders I left to my chief of staff to transmit were correctly given, first by Captain Greenhut, assistant adjutant-gen- eral of the Third Brigade, who received them, and then by Lieuten- ant Klutsch, who heard them communicated to the commander of the Second Brigade. These orders were not only correctly given, but also correctly ex- ecuted, for it is proved that the troops marched without delay and in the right direction, following the advance. No military man will pretend that these orders were not answering the object and fitting the circumstances. The ground over which I had to march was not reconnoitered outside of the road. The only indication we had of the intentions of the enemy was the firing at Wauhatchie. If the attack on Geary was serious, it was not only possible but probable, that the enemy occupied some position in the valley in order to pro- tect their rear. This would have been correct, and was therefore prob- able. Whether we would meet them, where, and in what strength, we had to find out; a,nd, in order to find it out, I placed myself at the head of the advance. To give, in this state of absolute uncer- tainty, special instructions to brigades niarching in the rear to do this or to do that, would have been absurd. Their part in the action depended upon circumstances, and the circumstances had first to be ascertained. My orders covered this case completely. According to them, my brigades were to be at hand, to be used as circumstances would demand, and the testimony shows clearly enough that they would have been at hand had not other agencies interfered. Rely- ing upon their following me, I pushed forward skirmisi~iers in ad- vance. The evidence shows that on the ground, as it then was, troops could not be moved with more speed. When opposite the hill, now known as Smiths Hill, the head of the column received a volley from the left. It was on this occasion that one of my aides, of whom the testimony speaks, was wounded by my side. The head of tl~e column stopped a moment, fired a few shots in return, and upon the order to cease firing, pushed ~n again toward Wauhatchie. Meanwhile, the firing on Smiths Hill became lively; it was evident that our troops were engaged with the enemy on that spot. At the same time, the firing near Gearys cam p died gradually away. General Howard, who had been with my column, and left it not long before we reached the foot of the hill afterward known as Tyn- dales, sent me word through Captain Stinson, one of his aides, that he desired me.to move forward as rapidly as possible. Soon after- ward the skirmishers became entangled in a boggy thicket, which was impenetrable for troop~. We had left the road at a place a few rods behind, where it makes a slight turn, and moved forward on a bee-line. The skirmishers were recalled, and after a stoppage of Page 187 Cur. XLIIL] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 18~ few moments, the column regained the road by a movement to the left. While this was going on, I received notice that my Third Brigade had been halted near Smiths Hill, and was under instructions from General Hooker himself, and also that the Second Brigade had been halted, by order of General Hooker, and was to go to Chattanooga. I received this notice, as the evidence shows, with regard to the Third Brigade, through Major Howard, of the corps staff, and with regard to the Second Brigade, through Captain Orlemaun, a member of the Second Brigade staff. Until then I had been firmly believing that the Second and Third Brigades were following me, according to orders, and the testimony proves this belief to have been very well founded until the brigades arrived near Smiths Hill. About the same time, I received through Lieutenant Oliver, of General Hookers staff, the order to take and occupy the hill now known as Tyndales, with one brigade. I replied to Lieutenant Oli- ver that I was ordered, by General Hooker himself, to push through to Geary. I informed him expressly of the notice I had received about my other brigades, and that, if I placed the only brigade I had in hand on that hill, I would have no troops to send to Geary. He observed that General Hooker wanted to have the hill occupied with a brigade, and repeated the order. While this order struck me as con- tradictory to orders originally received, it struck me, also, that cir- cumstances might have changed. The firing at Gearys camp, as the testimony shows, had died out. For some time the action had been far more lively in my rear than in my front. The enemy had per haps made a new movement. The order delivered by Lieutenant Oliver was, indeed, not in keeping with General Hookers original order, but General Hooker, as I was informed by two reliable staff officers, had kept back my two brigades, and that was likewise against the original understanding, and could hardly be without a sufficient cause. The word General Howard had sent me through Captain Stinson could hardly come into consideration. General Howard had been with my column and left it not long before; he would hardly be informed of what was going on in the rear;, but, above all, the order brought by General Hookers aide was positive. General Hooker was highest in command on the field. This was his last order, and according to all military rules, it is the last order that counts. I had no choice. The testimony given by Lieutenant Oliver, when first on the stand, is remarkable in one respect. While he expresses himself, with an air not uncommon among young staff officers, about other matters, how he ordered this and ordered that, he seems to leave it somewhat in doubt whether the order to take and occupy the hill was a sug- gestion of his own, or an order from General Hooker. If it had been a suggestion of his own, if he really had given an order with- out due authority from his chief, his conduct would be open to grave charges ; for that he delivered it as a positive order is proved by another witness, who heard him deliver it. But to his justification it may be said, that his memory does not appear to be of the most faithful as to details. He saw and heard my whole advance brigade halt and fire, when the other witnesses heard only a few scattered shots. He heard of a line of battle in our front at Tyndales Hill, a thing which would have been so important that every officer on the ground would have known or heard of it, butnone of the other witnesses remember any such thing Page 188 188 XY., SW. VA.~ TENK., MISS., N. ALA9 AND N. GA. [CHAP XLIII. His conversation with me, as he reports it, must be taken with the same grain of allowance; it is only the substance of it which can be accepted as reliable. But there are three things which leave no doubt of the genuineness of this order; all three of which show that I acted correctly in obeying it, and two of which bear out Lieutenant Oliver in giving it. The first is, that Lieutenant Weigel, who heard Lieutenant Oliver deliver it, testifies that it was a direct and positive order; the second is, that General Hooker, in his report, in his letter and in his testimony, states that the order was given by him and duly executed by me, and the third is, that Lieutenant Oli- ver reported the fact immediately to General Hooker, and General Hooker received the report with silent approbation. General Hooker is very clear and positive about this matter, and it is perhaps the only point about which his testimony is not in conflict with that of other witnesses. No doubt is admissible. Let me continue my account of the occurrences which now took place. Three regiments were sent up the acclivity and gained, the crest with a loss of a few killed and wounded. Lieutenant Oliver indeed heard but a very few shots, hardly any. He heard perhaps not as many shots as we had men killed and wounded. It is in keep- ing with his other statements about details. But he testifies, also, that he left very soon after he had given me the order, and went back to General Hooker to report to him. When he left, part of the brigade was still in the road. If the firing had really been as he describes it, Generals Hooker and Butterfield, who were behind me at a considerable distance, would hardly have no- ticed it. My situation was now as follows: Knowing that Lieuten- ant Oliver, General Hookers aide, had gone back to General Hooker, and having informed him of the circumstance that after taking the hill I had no troops to send to Geary, as the balance of my command was kept back, I was ju~stifled in expecting that Lieutenant Oliver would give General Hooker a true and complete report of what had happened, for that is one of the duties of a staff offi~cer. If, then, anything was found to be wrong, or not in accordance with General Hookers views, I had a right to expect that General Hooker would correct the mistake by sending me further orders, for Lieutenant Oliver, having just left me, he knew well where I was. Meanwhile, being ordered to occupy the hill, the importance of which consisted in its commanding one of the few passes leading through that chain of ridges, we proceeded to do it as it ought to be done. When we had obtained possession of the crest, the troops were p roperly put in position. Such parts of the line as were loose and weak had to be strengthened, connections established, [and] a reserve placed in a suitable location. The wounded were carried to the rear; patrols were dispatched to explore the ground in our front and [on] our flanks; the skirmishers were thrown forward. It was reported by an officer that he had seen something like a column passing to our right. Thtrols were sent in that direction to ascertain the truth of the statement. The completion of such arrangements will, under all circumstances, take some time, especially in the night, and on uneven and densely wooded ground, where nothing can be discerned with certainty, even at a moderate distance. During that time Lieu- tenant Oliver might well have reported to General Hooker. General Hooker might well have taken.things into consideration, and sent me new orders if anything was not in accordance with his views. I re- ceived no further orders Page 189 Ca~. XLIII.] REOPEN]1~~G OF THE TEN~iESSEE HIYER. 189 The firing had, meanwhile, ceased at all points, except a few strag- gling shots here and there, such as skirmishers will fire at random in or after a night engagement, and I was justified in supposing that everything was as desired, so I went back in order to see what had happened there. I found General Hooker in the midst of my two brigades, which had been stopped on the way when following me. Our conversation was of a singular nature. As the testimony indi- cates, he showed his dissatisfaction with my not pushing through to Geary. I replied that I had received his positive order, through one of his own staff officers, to occupy the hill near the railroad gap with one brigade, and that the only I~rigade with me thus being disposed of, I had no troops to push through to Geary. He observed that he himself had given me the order to push through to Geary two hours ago, and ordered me to do so now. I asked whether I might now have the brigades which had been kept back, and upon his reply that I might take them, I marched off. This is the substance of the conversation according to the evi- dence. One of the witnesses who reports it gives it also as his im- pression that General Hooker, from what he said, seemed to disown the order delivered to me by Lieutenant Oliver. Taking this as ab- solutely correct, we would be forced to one of two conclusioi~s, either General Hooker had really not given the orderbut that is impossi- ble, as he afterward so repeatedly and emphatically declared that he did give itor General Hooker had led me into a snare by first giv- ing me an order and then disowning it, a supposition as unreasona- ble as it would be unworthy. Lieutenant Oliver, who also listened to the conversation, gives it as his impression that General Hooker supposed I had another brigade with me aside of Tyndales. Accord- ing to him, therefore, General Hooker must have thought that in some manner some of my troops must be possessed of ubiquity. But Lieutenant Oliver well knew this supposition to be erroneous. According to hjs own testimony, I had informed him at the foot of the Tyndale Hill that my other brigades were held back, and that if I occupied the hill with one brigade I could not re-enforce Geary, as I had nothing in hand to do it with. But he testifies, also, that, when reporting to General Hooker the taking of Tyndales Hill, he said nothing to him of my having only that one brigade in hand. I had been careful to give him all the information that was important. There my duty ended and his commenced. That he did not commu- nicate the whole of that information to his chief is a thing which I have not to answer for. My responsibility does not extend to Gen- eral Hookers staff. But aside of all this, how it was possible for General Hooker to suppose that I had more than one brigade with me when taking the Tyndale Hill, you will find difficult to explain when you hear and consider what meanwhile had happened. Still, as the question whether I or somebody else bears the respon- sibility for the staying behind of the balance of my command seems to be the point upon which this whole matter hinges. I shall return to it in order to discuss it more f~illy after having sufficiently eluci- dated the rest of my movements. The testimony shows that as soon as I resumed command of my Second and Third Brigades I marched forward. In passing I had the gap between Smiths and Tyndales Hills hastily reconnoitered, and ascertained that it was not held by any troops. This is the gap through which the main Chattanooga road runs, the road upon which a part of the enemys force had come into the valley. I ordered Colonel Krzyzanowski to take position o Page 190 190 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. tOw. XIJU. tbis important thoroughfare with a portion of his brigade, which was decimated by picket and other details, while another portion was directed to join Colonel Hecker in marching to Geary. Arrived at Tyndales Hill, Heckers brigade was ordered to halt a little while, for the purpose of awaiting the re-enforcement, which arrived promptly. A regiment was thrown forward into the gorge through which the railroad runs, and as soon as the One hundred and forty- Ilrst New York, the strongest regiment of the Second Brigade, had zlosed up on Heckers column, Hecker was ordered to march forward Lo Gear . He executed the order without delay. The ground be. LweenTyndales Hill and Wauhatchie was mostly covered with thick woods on both sides of the road. The column marched in a forma.. Lion, which is proper in the presence of the enemy, front and flanks well covered with skirmishers. It arrived at Gearys position about .5 oclock, and we are told that Geary met Hecker at 5.30. The day was just breaking. Here I wish to say a word about the estimates of time occurring in the testimony. It must have struck you that these esti.mates, as oiven by the witnesses, are exceedingly uncertain and contradictory. ~{ardly anybody looked at his watch. An interval between two occurrences, which seemed to General Hooker nearly two hours, seemed to General Butterfield about five minutes. I abstain through- out from referring to the testimony of the latter because his recol- lection has evidently lost the thread of events. Au interval of time appeared to an individual longer or shorter, as his attention was more or less engaged, or his mind possessed of greater or less anxiety. Thus the duration of the stay of the Second and Third Brigades at Lhe cross-roads is evidently underestimated by most if not all our witnesses. About the time occupied by the movement from the cross-roads to Geary we are fortunate enough to have very precise data. Lieuten- ant~Colonel Meysenburg met the column at the mt~rshy run about 250 to 300 yards from the cross-roads. He looked at his watch;. it was about 4.30. There the troops had to undouble files, which in- ovitably delays the march of a column a little. From that place to Wauhatchie the distance is not far from 2 miles. Taking into consideration that a little time may have elapsed between Colonel Heckers arrival at Wauhatchie and his meeting with Geary, it may be concluded with reasonable certainty that his whole march from Lhe cross-roads to Wauhatchie, a march with skirmishers and flank- ers through a wooded country and over muddy roads, occupied, in- clusive of all delays, not over forty-five minutes, probably less. It is proved that this brigade never lost its way or became involved in a swamp, and nobody alleged so. This, I submit, was as quick a night march as anybody could desire; certainly as quick as anybody could execute. That Colonel Krzyzanowski reported to Geary much later is very natural. I had placed him with a fraction of his brigade into the gap, while a large portion of his command went to Geary with Colonel Hecker. That this weasure was approved and adopted by my superiors in command is easily shown. Lieutenant-Colonel Meysenburg, assistant adjutant-general of the Eleventh Corps, tes- tifies that I was ordered to send re-enforcements to Hecker, which I had already done, but not to evacuate the a , even if I could leav6 only a small force in it. I ~had directed Colonel Krzyzanowski te stay there in person, because I considered the position important, ~nd because it was held by fractions of several regiments. Lieute Page 191 C~. XLIII.] EEOPEMN(} OF TIlE ENXE$SEE RIVER. 191 ant-Colonel Meysenburg testifies further that Colonel Krzyzanowski was ordered at 7 oclock to join Geary with the rest of his command. Thus I acted under orders. This accounts sufficiently for the time of Colonel Krzyzanowskis arrival at Wauhatchie. With the man- ner in which these movements were executed, nobody that I know found fault, and I would not have dwelled upon these matters at such length had not the prosecution shown some disposition to shift from the censure contained in General Hookers report upon a new ground, in order to detect by minute microscopic research per- haps a little flaw in those of my proceedings which had not yet been blamed. In General Hookers report the brigade dispatched to the relief of Geary is blamed for not having arrived there until long after the fight had ended. This cannot apply ~to the movements just described, for it is p roved that when Hecker was ordered forward from the cross-roads, the fight at Wauhatchie had long been over. To blame him for not arriving there before the fight was over, when it was al- ready over before he started, would have been an absurdity. The occurrence which called forth the censure, must have happened pre.~ vious to the last movements. The report itself, together with Gen- eral Hookers letter and testimony, establishes the point beyondcon- troversy. The report says: Directions were immediately given for one of the brigades en route to Geary (Tyndales) to be detached and assault the enemy in the hills on the left, and the other brigade to push on as ordered. j A brigade was to push on to Geary, while Tyndales brigade took possession of the hills on the left. Why did it not push on? He who is clear of the responsibility for this failure to push on ought to be clear of the censure. This is the point, and the only point to be decided. I will state the circumstances Which occasioned this failure strictly according to the.testimony of five witnesses, all agreeing on the main points. Look back to the opening scenes of the action. The orders I had given before leaving our encampment at the head of the First Brigade were correctly carried out. The brig~es marched forward on the road to Wauhatchie, the Second following the First, and Col- onel Hecker,with the Third, following the Second, but, impatient to get on, pressin~ alongside where the ground would permit. After marching near y ree-quarters of a mile the Second Brigade suddenly stops. Hecker, still more impatient, sends one of his aides forward to ascertain the cause of the delay. The aide returns with the informa- tion that he had seen one of the staff officers of the Second Brigade,who had told him that the Second Brigade had just received orders to halt. Colonel Hecker rej~lies, I have received no orders to halt, and I shall march on. So he marches his column by the Second Brigade and continues on the road to Wauhatchie. He has hardly advanced beyond the Second Bricf Eleventh Corps staff, bade when he meets Major Howard, of the his troo s at the on the road. iViajor Howard tells him to halt p cross-road, one branch of which leads up to the hill on the left, now kifown as Smiths Hill. This is done. Major Howard ~perceives General Hooker near the spot, and referring the colonel to the general, says, Here is General Hooker himself. General Hooker recognizcs the colonel, with whom he is evidently acquainted. In reply to GeneratHookers questions the colonel in- forms him that the troops halting there are the Third Brigade, Thir Page 192 192 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ~. ALA., AKD N. GA. (01w?. XLIII. Division, and that he is halting in consequence of an order received through Major Howard. The general asks where General Schurz is, and Colonel Hecker replies: In the front; one of his aides was just brought by here wounded. The general inquires about the other troops or the other brigade, an d Colonel Hecker points out to him the Second Brigade of my di- vision standing immediately on his left, and mentions even the name of its commander, Colonel Krzyzanowski. General Hooker then in- structs Colonel Hecker to form his brigade in such a manner as to be able to face toward the hill or toward the valley, as necessit4r might require. Then, saying to Colonel Hecker, You stay here, General Hooker rides over to the Second Brigade, immediately in front of which he remains a considerable time. According to Gen- eral Hookers direction Hecker staid. For this we have t~e testi- mony of Major Howard, Captain Greenhut, assistant adjutant-gen- eral of the Third Brigade, Lieutenant Mueller, and Lieutenant Kra- mer, aides of Colonel Hecker, and Colonel Hecker himself. This conversation being an important matter, the testimony must be ex- amined with greater care. Major Howard, when as a witness before you, must have made upon you the impression of a man who is care- ful and conscientious in his statements. He produces as facts only what he knows with absolute certainty; most of his recollections of what happened during a niglit of battle three months ago, he gives as impressions more or less distinct and reliable. The testimony of a witness so conscientious can be taken at a valuation rather above than below that which he himself puts upon. it. He states that he found Colonel Hecker marching, and admits it is not only possible, but probable, that he told Colonel Hecker to stop at the cross-roads. He tells us that before he did so he had been with General Hooker and staff, informing them of Colonel Heckers arrival, and that he heard General Hooker or General Butterfield say that the troops might be halted at the cross-roads. He further gives it as his impression that he heard General Hooker or GeneralButterfield instruct Colonel Hecker to form his brigade so as to be able to make front toward the valley, as well as toward the hills. By the corroborative testimony of three other witnesses, Colonel Hecker, Captain Greenhut, and Lieutenant Kramer, this point is established as absolute certainty. The testimony of Colonel Hecker himself is so clear, distinct, and positive that nobody who knows the man will br9athe a doubt against it. That o a tam Greenhut and Lieutenant Kramer concurs with it in almost every particular. All three testify that Colonel Hecker was halted by Major Howard, and that General Hooker was informed by the colonel of the presence of my Second Brigade. All three testify to the instructions given by the general to Colonel Hecker, and all three testify to the words pronounced by General Hpoker when he rode away, You stay here. This would seem sufficient to account for the Third Brigade. Cob onel Heckers case is as clear as sunlight. He acted under my orders when he marched toward Wauhatchie; he acted under General Hookers orders when he staid at the cross-roads. As to the Sec- ond Brigade, it is to be regretted that its commander, as well as all its staff officers, without exception, are absent with the furloughed veteran regiments. I am;~ therefore, unable to produce them per- sonally as witnesses. But if circumstantial evidence can prove anything, it proves in this case that an agency similar to that whic Page 193 O~. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 193 stopped the Third Brigade on its march toward Wauhatchie stopped the Second also. Recall to your minds the following facts, proved by the testimony before you: The Second and Third Brigades are pressing forward on their march toward Wauhatchie; the Second Brigade suddenly stops, and, upon inquiry, Captain Greenhut is informed by a mem- ber of the Second Brigade staff that the Second Brigade has received orders to halt there. The Third Brigade still presses forward but has hardly passed by the second when it is halted also. It forms in line of battle, fronting toward the hills, and General Hooker in- structs its commander to form his troops in such a manner as to be able to change front toward the valley. The Second Brigade is pointed out to General Hooker. He rides toward it and halts there, and immediately afterward it is noticed that the Second Brigade is formed front toward the valley. General Hooker remains in front of the Second Brigade a considerable time. That brigade is, of all troops, nearest to him. Orders are carried to that brigade by one of General Hookers aides; and when it is found out that the orders sending the Second Brigade to Chattanooga arose from a mistake, the brigade is directed to resume its old position. While this is going on I am near Tyndales Hill. Notice is brought to me, through a staff officer of tbe Eleventh Corps, that the Third Brigade is stopped near Smiths Hill, and under instruc- tions from General Hooker. Almost at the same time notice is brought to me by a staff officer of the Second Brigade that the Second Brigade is also stopped near Smiths Hill and under orders to go to Chattanooga. Can these coincidences be accidental? They speak for themselves. Nor is this at all strange. Consider the cir- cumstances under which these things happened and you will find an easy explanatio~i. At first there was no firing, except in the direc- tion of Wauhatchie. The attention of everybody was fixed upon that point. My troops are hurried forward to the assistance of Geary. Suddenly, while my column is marching along, a volley is thrown upon it from the hills on the left. All at once it is dis- covered that this range of hills is occupied by the enemy. This changes the whole aspect of affairs. It is not foreseen in the orig- inal program. The effect of this discovery must be startling. Gen- eral Hooker himself says in his testimony: When the first fire was given, from the hills on the left, it suggested itself to me that the enemy was trying to get between me and Browns Ferry. And Captain Greenhut testifies it is his impression to have heard General Hooker say that he expected the enemy to break through between the hills. That would have completely altered the char- acter of the action. The principal and most important fight would have been, not at Wauhatchie, but between the Chattanooga road and Browns Ferry, for it was our main object to hold the road between Kelleys Ferry and Browns Ferry open. Now, imagine General Hooker and staff on the very scene of action, with such apprehen- sions suddenly springing up in their minds. Is it not possible, nay, even probable, that at such a moment General Hooker, thinking of the new danger, and considering how to avert it, should have dropped the words, These troops must be stopped here, or some- thing to that effect? Is it not equally probable that some zealous staff officer should have taken suc7h words for an order, and hurried off to put the supposed order in execution? Look at Major How- 13 R RvoL XXXI, PT Page 194 194 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., ~. ALA., AND K. GA. [CRAP. XLIII. ards case; it is exactly in this way that he came to stop Hecker, and General Hooker confirmed his action by subsequent instruc- tions of his own. It is not only probable, ~but almost certain (at least it is my firm belief) that the Second Brigade, which preceded Heckers, was stopped in a similar manner. General Hookers own instructions to Colonel Hecker to be prepared for a change of front can be explained upon no other theory but that he was expecting an attack. And the staff officers no doubt acted upon the inspirations of their chief. All this was perfectly natural. There is nothing surprising in it. But it was not natural that General Hooker should have expected the same troops which were held at the cross-roads under his instructions, and with his knowledge, should at the same time march to the relief of Geary. And it is most unnatural that he should in his report charge a lack of courage and valor upon com- manders and troops because they stood still where he, with his own instructions and under his own eyes, had held them. It is true General Hookers own testimony, although by some un- guarded admissions supporting the theory upon which I explain these occurrences, partly ignores, partly contradicts some of the facts upon which this reasoning is founded. I would not subject his depositions on oath to a scrutiny were it not a duty I owe to myself and I owe to my companions. That duty I perform with regret and reluctance, for when I look upon General Hookers sworn testimony as it stands there, unsupported by any other evidence, in conflict with the testimony of almost every other witness, his own aides included, in conflict even with itself, it is to me a subject of painful contemplation. As he infQrms us, Colonel Hecker told him that he was in his position by order of General Howard. Colonel Hecker asseverates that he said Major Howard, but General Hooker may have misunderstood him. This misunderstanding, however, is of very little moment. General Hooker goes on to tell us that he may have said to Colonel Hecker to wait there for further orders from General Howard. General Hooker tells us also that he had advised General Howard of the orders given to me to double-quick my di- vision to the relief of Geary. And then he supposed that General Howard, after having been advised of that order, had stopped the troops on the way. Indeed, does General Hooker not know that General Howard was my immediate commander, and that his orders were superior to mine? If General Hooker really was under the impression that General Howard had stopped the troops which, by my orders, were marching toward Geary, and that these troops, after having been so stopped by General Howard, were left waiting for General Howards further orders, and waiting in vainif that was really General Hookers impression, how in the name of common sense then could he blame me or my troops for a delay, which, in his opinion, was owing to the orders, or to a neglect of General Howard, my commander? Either General Hooker did not believe that General Howard had ordered these troops to stop, or, by blaming me and my command, he committed the most unaccountable injustice, an injustice for which even the cheap pretense of a misapprehension cannot serve as an excuse. No; this will not answer. It is well enough estab- lished that General Howard gave no orders to halt. He had, indeed, a far different idea of a double-quick movement. Instead of halting troops on the way, troops whose commanders were impatient to get on,he was with me and General Tyndale at the head of the colum Page 195 C~p. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 195 in march, making every exertion to accelerate its progress. It is also well enough established by the instructions given to Hecker that General Hooker thought very little of Howard or of Geary at that time. Such instructions are given only in expectation of an attack; they mean preparation for defense on the spot, and not preparation for a double-quick movement. In this attitude the bri- gades remained there for a considerable time, in General Hookers immediate vicinity, under his very eyes, within the reach of his voice, and he did not stir them. If he was under the impression that the troops were waiting for orders to march forward, why did he not give the orders? If in his opinion there was a mistake, wliy did he not correct the mistake? Is it not one of the principal priv- ileges and duties of a commander to correct the mistakes of his subordinates? But, then, General Hooker indulges in statements still more seri- ous and still more untenable. He declares in his testimony, and declares with emphasis, that he gave no orders at all to brigades. It is sworn to by four witnessesby Colonel Hecker, Major Howard, Captain Greenhut, and Lieutenant Kramerthat he gave the com- mander of my Third Brigade, not only orders, but the very explicit instructions above mentioned. With due respect to General Hooker, the concurring testimony of these four witnesses admits of no doubt. Again, General Hooker declares that he knew nothing of the presence of my Second Brigade on that part of the field. Is it pos- sible? Three witnessesColonel Hecker, Captain Greenhut, and Lieutenant Kramertestify that he was not only informed of its presence, but that Colonel Hecker, in his own emphatic and demon- strative manner, which admits of no mistake, pointed it out to him as standing immediately on their left. Even the name of its com- mander, Colonel Krzyzanowski, was pronounced~, and that is a name which cannot well be mistaken for any other. It is further proved that General Hooker, as soon as their conversation was concluded, rode over to the Second Brigade, and remained there. One of Gen- eral Hookers own aides testifies that he carried orders to that bri~. gade; that the brigade was of all troops nearest to the place where General Hooker stood, and that he presumes General Hooker must have been aware of its being there, as it was so near him. Lastly, Lieutenant Weigel states that when, after the taking of Tyndales Hill, he, with me, met General Hooker, the commander of the Sec- ond Brigade, Colonel Krzyzanowski, was in General Hookers imme- diate presence. And General Hooker was ignorant of all this! Lastly, General Hooker declares, that had lie known anything of the presence of my Second Brigade, on that p art of the field or ad he known that I was forward with only one brigade, he would have ordered Colonel Hecker instantly to march to Wauhatchie. This indeed he might have been expected to do, if he really wanted one of my brigades to occupy the Tyndale Hill, and another to push thrQugh to Geary. Now mark what he did do. It is proved by three wit- nesses that immediately after the Second Brigade had been bodily pointed out to him, he gave Colonel Hecker instructions how to form, and then left him with the words, You stay here. But to cap the climax, he says himself he was not positive whether he knew that I had more than two brigades in all. He thinks he must have known it or ought t& have known it, as he had marched with us from Bridgeport to Lookout Valley, but lie was not positive. Every candid mind will conclude from his report, that he did not Page 196 196 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [C~i~w. XLIII. know it, for he speaks only of Tyndales and the other brigade. And then, not being positive whether I had more than two brigades in all, he tells us that he kept one of my brigades back, thinking that two of my brigades were in advance. Here my willingness to furnish an explanation is at a loss. There is no theory upon which I can reconcile his acts with his declarations. This testimony in its relation to the facts as proved by all the other witnesses is to me a puzzle. It is almost impossible to suppose that General Hooker did not know the brigades to be there, for if he had eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mind to understand, he must have been aware of their presence. But it is almost equally impossible to suppose that he did know them to be there, for how strange is it, how can it be explained, that he did not send them forward, if he wanted to have Tyndales Hill occupied and Geary re-enforced at the same time, and above all, how can his report be accounted for? Jam irresistibly driven to the conclusion that either General Hooker did not clearly fix his mind upon what he saw, heard, said, and did during the night of the engagement, or that he did not clearly fix his mind upon what he remembered and wrote at the time of composing his report. ~ow let me sum up the facts as they are established by the evi- dence. It is p roved that immediately upon receipt of orders, I hurried forwardi at the head of my First Brigade, after having directed my Second and Third Brigades to follow. It is proved that my orders to the Second and Third Brigades were correct y delivered and correctly executed. They did follow me. It is proved that upon the arrival of the head of my column oppo- site Tyndales Hill I received official notice of the detention of my Second and Third Brigades, by orders and instructions coming from General Hooker. It is proved that these notices were brought by staff officers whose business it is to carry such information, and that, therefore, I was justified in considering it as reliable, which, as the evidence shows, it was. It is proved that at the same time I received, through one of Gen- eral Hookers aides, an order to take and occupy the hill now known as Tyndales with one brigade It is p roved by the aide wlio brought the order that I duly in- formed him of my having but one brigade in hand, and of the im- possibility of re-enforcing Geary if that one brigade was employed in occupying the hill. It is proved that the order was repeated, and that it was a positive and direct order. That it was General Hookers order is proved by General Hooker himself in his report, in his letter, and in his testi- mony. It is proved by General Hooker, also, that I did right in exe~ cuting it; in his own words, the order was duly executed. It is proved that all these movements were executed with all pos- sible speed, and that the troops could not have moved quicker on the ground as it then was. So much for the first act of the drama. Now to the second. Gen- eral Hooker swears to his report. While Tyndales brigade was directed to take the hill onthe left, the other brigade was to push on as ordered. This brigade is censured for not having arrived at Gearys until long after the fight had ended, while, as the report says, it. had been dispatched to the relief of Geary by orders d Page 197 C~p. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 19~~ livered in person to its division commander. Here is the censure, and here is the question to be decided. Why did not the other brigade push on, and why did it arrive long after the fight had ended? It is p roved that my Second and Third Brigades followed the First in the direction of Wauhatchie according to my orders. It is proved that after having niarched a certain distance the Sec- ond Brigade was suddenly stopped on the road, and that the Third marched by the Second in the direction of Wauhatchie, according to m~y orders. It is proved that immediately afterward the Third Brigade was halted also, and received instructions from General Hooker himself. It is proved that Gen~ral Hookers attention was directed to the Second Brigade, and that it was pointed out to him, and that he re- mained with it a considerable time. It is proved that both brigades remained under General Hookers eyes and under his immediate control. It is proved that I was officially notified of this by staff officers. It is p roved that General Hooker, while with mybrigades, did not order t em o march to Geary. It is proved that when I came back from Tyndales Hill, the com- mander of my Second Brigade was found in General Hookers im- mediate presence. It is p roved that as soon as the control of my two brigades was restore~ to me, Geary was re-enforced with all possible speed. It is proved that when my First Brigade arrived near Tyndales Hill, the firing at Wauhatchie had already ceased, so that it would have been impossible even for that column, in spite of all double- quick movements, to arrive there before the end of the fight. It is proved that when Hecker was ordered forward from the cross- roads, the fight at Wauhatchie had long been over; it would have been absurd, therefore, to expect him to arrive there before it was over. And now I ask you with all candor, what is there in all this that I am, or that my troops are, to blame for? Where is the non-com- pliance with orders, and where is the lack of courage and valor? No doubt mistakes were committed, but the question is whether they were my mistakes. It may have been a mistake to take the Tyndale Hill. But, if so, it was General Hookers mistake, for he acknowl- edges to have given the order. It may have been a mistake that General Hooker was not imme- diately advised of the impossibility to re-enforce Geary while this order was executed. But most certainly it was not my mistake, fqr I informed General Hookers aide explicitly of all the circumstances which produced that impossibility. What more had I to do? If that aide, when he reported the facts to General Hooker, did not report the fact~ fully, as his duty required, am I responsible for General Hooker s aides ~ It may have been a mistake that the troops were stopped at the cross-roads. But it was certainly not my mistake, for nobody, I suppose, thinks that I ordered them to stop. The case of the Third Brigade is clearly enough established, and as for the Second, how was it possible, if such an order had come from me, that one of the bri- gade staff officers should report tome its detention by orders coming from General Hooker? If the stopping of the troops was a mere mistake, it is to be r Page 198 198 KYT., sw. vA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. C~AP. XLIII. gretted that it was not at once rectified. But that mistake happened under General Hookers very eyes; he, by giving instructions, par -ticipated in it, and of all men in the world, he was the man to remedy it. I did all I could to direct his attention to it by giving his aide all the information that was necessary. I will stretch self-criticism to the utmost limit, and say that I might have gone back when I heard that my troops were stopped at the cross-roads. But, being informed by responsible staff officers that the two brigades were un- der General Hookers immediate control, had I not to suppose that General Hooker knew what he was doing and what he wanted them for? Besides, I had communicated to General Hookers aide all that was important. That aide went back tQ report to his chief. If anythingwaswrong,GeneralHooker,byhisaide, knewwherel was and could advise me. Receiving no further orders I was justi- fied in believing that all was right. So I remained where I consid- ered my presence most desirable. That General Hooker meanwhile held my two brigades where he did not want them, is that my mis- take? Whatever way you may turn and twist the occurrences of that night, you will always arrive at the conclusion that the mistakes committed were not my mistakes, and that of all persons that might be blamed, my troops and their commander were the very last. I think I could make even General Hooker feel the injustice of the cen- sure contained in his report. What would he have thought if, at the time of the battle of Chancellorsville, his corps commanders had received from Washington direct orders to remain in their position near United States Ford, and if then, in General Hallecks report, the following paragraph occurred: I regret that my duty constrains me to withhold the usual com- mendation of courage and valor from the commander of the Army of the Potomac, who, when he heard that General Sedgwick was engaged with the enemy near Fredericksburg, remained with the whole army quiet and inactive in his intrenchments at Chancellors- ville, deaf to the stirring appeals of the terrific artillery and infantry fire in the distance, which made known to him the desperate situa- tion of his imperiled companions. Or, another case in point. How would General Hooker feel if, on the evening of our arrival at Lookout Valley, the commander of the Eleventh Corps had received from General Thomas the direct order to camp his whole force near Browns Ferry, and if then, in Gen- eral Thomas official report, the following passage occurred: I regret that my duty constrains me to except in my general com- mendation of good judgment the major-general commanding the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, who, after having marched his troops into Lookout Valley, so far forgot all the rules of ordinary foresight and caution as to leave a weak detachment isolated at Wauhatchie, without even occupying with sufficient forces the gaps and fords and~ bri4ges through and over which the enemy could penetrate into the valley, place himself between the two camps, and overwhelm the isolated detachment with superior numbers. How would General Hooker relish that? But if, under such cir- cumstances, such a censure would not be considered just, what must be your opinion of the censure in General Hookers report? Although the parallels are striking, I will ~nfess that the circum- stances described are only made up for the sake of argument, for I do not know that General Halleck in the first, or General Thomas in the second case, gave any direct orders to corps commanders Page 199 Oxr~p. XLIIL] flEOPE~ING OF THE TENNESSEE RIYER. 199 Before closing, I deem it my duty to call your attention to one feature of this business which ~ias an important bearing, not only upon my interests but upon yours and upon those of every subordi- nate commander in the army. We are bound by the iron chains of military discipline. The superior has it in his power to do all man- ner of things which may work serrous injury to the honor and repu- tation of the subordinate, which the latter is but seldom at liberty to disprove and almost never able to resent. The greater, in this respect, the power of the superior, the more is he in honor and con- science bound to use his power with the utmost carefulness and dis- crimination, for the honor and reputation of every subordinate offi- cer is a sacred trust in the hands of the superior commander. The most formidable weapon in the hands of the latter is his official report of campaigns and actions. It is universally received as documentary history, as the purest fountain from which the future historian can take his most reliable information. Praise and ceiisure conveyed in such a report is generally looked upon as based upon irrefutable evi- dence. And it ought to be. Every conscientious commander will therefore consider it a sacred duty before making an official state- ment affecting the honor and reputation of a subordinate, to scru- tinize with scrupulous care the least incident connected with tl~e case, and wheii at last, after weighing every circumstance, he has arrived at the conclusion that his duty commands him to pronounce a cen- sure, he will again well weigh every word he says so as to be per- fectly sure that he does not say too much. For it must be consid- ered that public opinion is generally swayed by first impressions, and an injury once done can but rarely be repaired by a subsequent mod- ification of language. And now I invite you to apply this criterion, which certainly is a just one, to the report of General Hooker. That it is severe in its reflections on a body of troops nobody will deny. By solemnly ex- cepting them in a general commendation of courage and valor, it stigmatizes them as destitute of the first qualities which the soldier is proud of. That the report is a just one, who will after this inves- tigation assert it? I am far from saying that General Hooker knowingly and willfully reported what was false; his position ought to exempt him from the suspicion of such an act. I have not enter- ~tained that suspicion a moment, but what excuse is there for his error? There are two things which every conscientious man will be care- ful to guard against. The first is saying anything to the prejudice of another which he knows to be false, and the other is saying any- thing to the prejudice of another which he does not positively know to be true. And did General Hooker positively know his report to be true and just? He could not know to be just what is proved to be unjust. But would it have been impossible to ascertain the truth? I lived within five minutes walk of his headquarters. My brigade commanders were all within call. I saw him almost every day, and a single question would have elicited a satisfactory expla- nation. The question was not asked. Five minutes conversation with his own aides, Lieutenant Oliver and Captain Hall, would have removed the error. Was the error so dear to 1dm that he shielded it with silence against the truth? But to me it is a mystery how that error could stand against the force of his own recollections. Were they, too, shut out when that par~raph was penned? They would, indeed, have ill-comported with the sensational dash with which the verbiage of the censure is flavored Page 200 200 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAPs XLIII. You will admit that this is not the way in which troops should be declared destitute of courage and valor; troops belonging to a division which on three battle-fields lost far more killed and wounded than it counted men when I was put in command and than it counts men to-day; and this is not the way to treat an officer, not one of whose subordinates~ will say that when he was in a place of danger his general was not with him. This is a levity which would not be admissible in the ordinary walks of life, much less in the military world, where every question of honor is weighed with scrupulous nicety. When looking at this most strange transaction, every impartial observer will ask himself, What can have been the motive of this ? If the battle had been lost we might have found the motive in the desire of the commander to throw the responsibil- ity upon some subordinate whom he might select as the unfortunate victim of his embarrassments. This, indeed, would not be noble nor even excusable, yet we can find the springs of such actions among the ordinary weaknesses of human nature. But we were victorious; the results of the action were uncommonly gratifying, and that Gen- eral Hooker should then sit down and coolly endeavor to consign a fellow-soldier and part of his command to shame, aiA affectingly ornament the scene with the fanciful pyrotechnics of ~a terrific in- fantry fire flaming around imperiled companionsfor that I seek the motive in vain. Every candid mind will admit that such an act on such an occa- sion can have been called fort by one of two things only: either the grossest misconduct on the part of the subordinate, or a morbid desire to blame on the part of the commander. Public and official censures under such circumstances are so unusual that either the provocation must be enormous or the ill-will uncontrollable. It may as ed why the censure in the report is so ambiguous as to admit of an application to some brigade of mine as well as to myself. In my public life I have learned to understand the language of those who want to hurt. It is never more insidious than when it merely suggests and insinuates. By saying little that is positive, and say- ing that little obscurely, it op ens a wide field for a malevolent imag- ination. Just enough is said in that report to give a hold to back- biting malignity, which now may point to an official document as p roof, and suggestively add, no more was said in order not to ruin him.I appreciate this tenderness as well as I fully appreciate the elaborate flourish of language with which the greatness of the dan- geris so artistically, so touchingly, and yet so gratuitously, contrasted with the tardiness of the relief. Here I will stop. I feel that I owe you an apology for the length and sweep of my remarks. When I entered the army I left, without regret, a position of ease and splendor. I might have led a life full of honor and enjoyment in other spheres of activity, but after hav- ing co-operated in the development of the ideas governing this coun-~ try, I desired to share all its fortunes to the last. I entered upon this career with a heart full of enthusiasm and readiness for self- sacrifice. I have been quietly endeavoring to do my duty, with zeal but without ostentation. Knowing what material glory so frequently is made of, I did not crave for glory but for justice. Everybody that knows me will tell you that here, as elsewhere, I have been and am the most forbearing and inpifensive of men. And even in this case, I would have abstained from all sharpness of ctiticism had I not, by a series of occurrences, been tortured into the conviction that at las Page 201 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENrNG OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 201 I owed, it to myself and to my companions to array on one occasion the whole truth in its nakedness against official and private obloquy. Since the battle of Chancellorsyille, the first time that I had the honor to participate in an engagement under General Hookers com- mandsince that time when, through newspaper articles, dated at the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, I was covered with the most outrageous slanders, which, although easily disproved were as easily repeatedsince that time until the present day, I have had to suffer so much from the busy tongue of open and secret malignity, that even my well-tried patience was rather too severely tested. Under the pressure of military discipline, I held out quietly and in passive silence. At last an official statement appears, intended to throw disgrace upon me and part of my command. U on this offi- cial statement at last I can put my finger, and you will not blame me if I putm~finger upon it with firmness and energy. But you will bear me witness that, in discussing the facts in the case, I have said nothing, absolutely nothing, that is not clearly substantiated by the evidence before you. If my language was severe, you must not forget that the truth is still severer. I said that the honor and reputation of a subordinate is a sacred trust in the hands of his commander. When this trust is yiolated good fortune gives us, at least, sometimes an opportunity to right ourselves before impartial men. For this opportunity, furnished me ~~y~the commander of the army, I am most profoundly thankful, for indeed a general could be found who, upon a knowledge of facts so lamentably imperfect, upon impressions so vague and unaccount- able, could launc in o the world so odious and wanton an accusa- tion, I doubt whether a court of inquiry can be found to sanction it. Respectfully submitted. C. SOHURZ, [Appendix c.j .ZIIajor-Genera~. LOOKOUT VALLEY, February 12, 1864. The report of Major-General Hooker concerning the engagement of Wauhatchie on the night of 29th October, 1863, as far as it is an object of the present inquiry, contains some facts and a conclusion in the form of strictures of serious character, as drawn from those facts. It could be easily demonstrated that the conclusions drawn from the premises could not stand a trial, even before the first prin- ciples of logic; but we have to demonstrate further that the facts are untrue in themselves, or are disfigured and misconstrued, and by a confused mixture of time, place, circumstances, and undeserved censure, were published and promulgated in newspapers of unofficial character. The solution of the following questions, in my humble opinion, will exhaust the material before this honorable Court. A long and eventful life of fifty-three years lies behind me, and for the first time I have to defend my honor against reproaches as con- tained in the said report; and, although my name and brigade is not specified in the report; and, although Major-General Hookers. letter to Brigadier-General Whipple expresses some surprise that I connect my name and brigade with the censure in the report, I was morally forced to apply for a court of inquiry in order to have my conduct set in full light. The questions are: 1. Was a brigade, and what brigade, detached to the relief of Gen- er~d Geary, and wh~ detached it Page 202 202 ~., sw. VA., TENX., MISS., I~. ALA., MiD Th GA. [C~. XLIII. 2. Was a brigade involved in a swamp, and had it lost its way, and what brigade was it? 3. Was the Third Brigade involved in a swamp and lost the road? 4. Did anybody allege that the Third Brigade was involved in a swamp and lost its way, and who did allege it? 5. Was there a terrific infantry fire that night? 6. How long did the fire at General Gearys last, and when was it over? 7. Could any brigade of the Third Division have reached General Geary before it was over? 8. Was there any brigade, purposely or by mistake, delayed on the march? 9. If so, whose duty was it to push it forward to the aid, as the report says, of the imperiled companions? 10. When did the Third Brigade receive for the first time the orders to join Geary, and how was the order executed? The evidence before the honorable Court shows that in that night orders were carried by aides-de-camp; and of the same orders the commander, ili whose name they were carried, ignores their origin, and aides-de-camp are and must be regarded as representatives of the commanding officers, and orders carried by them must be exe- cuted promptly.. Discussing their origin, authority, propriety, or end is a military impossibility. I return to the questions. Answer 1. By the testimony of Major-General Hookers aides-de- camp, Captain Hall and Lieutenant Oliver, of Lieutenant Klutsch, Lieutenant Weigel, [Captain] Stinson, and Major-General Schurz, is left not the slightest doubt tljat the brigade nearest at hand, Tyn- dales brigade, was ordered to march to the relief of General Geary, and was led by Major-General Schurz himself. The same witnesses state that the orders given to General Schurz by General Hooker were distinctly to detach one brigade to the relief of Geary, the others to follow up the road. In the execution of this order in the uncer- tain light of the moon, over a terrain not known as it is now, in the ground soaked from former rains. Answer 2. This First (Tyndales) Brigade, on their march to the front and near the foot of the hill, now known as Tyndales Hill, lost the road, came in a swampy, brushy terrain, full of weeds and briars (as Lieutenant Oliver says); but a few minutes brought it out, and the positive order carried by Major-General Hookers aide-de-camp, Oliver, to take that hill, was executed. (See testimony of Lieuten- ants Oliver, Weigel, and Captain Stinson; and Major Howard, with Lieutenant-Colonel Meysenburg, confirms the swampy nature of the ground.) But the clearest evidence is given that Answer 3. The Third (Colonel Heckers) Brigade never was in- volved in a swamp, never lost the road, neither from the camp to the cross-road, nor from there to Tyndales Hill, nor from Tyndales Hill to Wauhatchie. (See testimony of Captain Stinson, Lieuten- ants Mueller, Kramer, and Captain Greenhut.) The full evidence is before you that the brigade which never marched to General Geary, but was ordered to hold the hill taken by it, had for a short time lost the road and got involved in a swamp, and that that brigade which marched to Geary and joined him never lost the road nor met a swamp; and Answer 4. General Hooke.r, when asked who alleged it, answered that in Major-General Howards report was soiiiething of a swamp mentioned. Now, this report says not a single word, that [of] th~ brigade marching and reaching Geary; says not a word that Thir Page 203 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPEMNG OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 203 Brigade lost the road and was involved in a swamp. It mentions that the junction was executed. All that is mentioned there is ex- pressly directed to the First Brigade, that never formed a junction with General Geary, and the report of Major-General Hooker labors under the misapprehension and misconstruction that the brigade involved in a swamp was identical with the brigade that marched through to Geary. We cannot understand how this misapprehen- sion was possible, but it is certain that it could have been avoided. The censure in regard to courage and valor was principally based on the fact that an untrue and mean excuse had been p referred by the brigade that joined Geary to cover its unfortunate delay is received in the official report, and evidence before you shows that this is un- true and false; and with the structure crumbles the censure. Answer 6. The terrific infantry fire is in the report introduced as a guide. Somebody who has lost no road, and has shown it by marching on that road without stopping needs no guide to show him the road, and evidence is before you titat Third Brigade found the road without meeting an obstacle or being lost. But if we can show that when the guide existed he was not of the promised quality, and that at the time he should show the road was a non-existence, an- other part of the report cannot stand the trial. Noah Websters Dictionary consulted by us says that terrific means causing terror. We must confess we never had thought that the firing heard at Wauhatchie could create terror in any mans mind. Its intensity, duration, is in the memory of the honorable members of the Court, who all heard it; it is not necessary to compare it with Leipsic and Waterloo; and General Hooker himself declares in his testimony that it was only severe, an honest attack, an intention of the enemy to whip Geary, and the engagement at Tyndales Hill he styles a slight skirmish. Should the enemy have had at Geary the masses of terror, and at the so important gap only a few skirmishers? Noth- ing is impossible, as General Hookers aide heard only about a dozen shots fired, where we lost in killed and wounded that number. I need not enter into discussion about fires not severe, and attack without intention to whip; it seems to me that the evidence is given that the guide was not a terrific one. But (Answers 6 and 7)1 can show that at the time when my brigade was halted on the cross-road, if not all the firing at Genera Gearys was over it ended a few minutes afterward, and that at the time, when for the first time I received the orders to march to Geary, there was no firing at all in that direction. Captain Stinson states that the fire at Gearys had just ended when the advanced brigade (Tyndales) arrived near the hill, although the troops could not have marched ~ nickera statement in perfect harmony with Captain Greenhut and] witnesses at that time posted at different and distant points. et us compare with this the statement of Lieutenant Klutsch, who held his watch in hand and positively declares that it was ten min- utes past 1 oclock when the troops of the division did begin to march from their camps, and Lieutenant Mueller confirms the depo- sitions of the other witnesses, and even where in other testimonies the time is fixed with less precision we find nothing to the contrary; and to our own observation from the place where Third Brigade was encamped, about 400 yards west west-northwest of General Howards headquarters in a stump field at.the foot of the Raccoon Mountain, to Wauhatchie it is not far from 3 miles, as General Hooker himself estimates the distance; and if we compare the time given by Lieu- tenant Klutsch and others with the time elapsed until the order t Page 204 204 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. (CHAP. XLIII. march had reached the troops, when we consider that in the night and on roads as they were at that time, when we do ~ot forget t a all the troops marched at the same time and a crowding of them causes always more or less delay, if we remember that the order to march was First Brigade, Second Brigade, Third Brigade, we can positively say that any brigade having started from the encampment of Third Division marching directly toward Geary could not have reached Geary at this distance of 3 miles, under the existing circum- stances, before the firing had ceased there Answers 8 and 9. It is easy to show that all orders given to the com- mander of Third Brigade were executed immediately, and that all the acting of the brigade and its commander during that night was in consequence of orders, and nothing contrary to it. The first order given and executed in the night of the 29th was to march from cam p down on the road and to form there. This order was carried b a tam Spraul, aide-de- amp of Major-General Schurz, and ar- riving at the road, the briga~1e was informed by Lieutenant-Colonel Otto to march forward on the road. Not a word was said of march- ing to the relief of General Geary, and it would be easy to show that great many commanding officers did not even know, or never were informed, that General Geary and his troops were encamped near Wauhatchie. Not a word was said because First Brigade was sent forward to [for] that purpose, and as it is confirmed by the testi- mony of the commander of the division that the only order given at that stage of the movement was to form and march on the road, we can pass to the time from this order to the first halting of the brigade. The Third Brigade executed the orders received, and marched for- ward and even passed forward when Second Brigade was halted, and Major Howard passing by the brigade at times found it always marching forward. The distance from the camp of Third Brigade to the road is about 400 yards, and from Major-Generals Howards and Schurzs head- quarters to the cross-roads about 1,000 yards. So far, the Third Brigade had advanced, the Second Brigade having turned out to the left, when Major Howard brought the positive order to halt at the cross-roads, and bring my troops in position front to the hill. He himself states that he informed General Hooker that I was au- thorized to halt, and that shortly after Major-General Hooker saw me in person. This order wa~ execated at once, and the reason why this order was given struck immediately my mind, as a firing from the hill on the left indicated an intention of the enemy to attack us there. Therefore I ordered to remove all hindrances in front; the fences on both sides of the road were thrown down to be ready to meet the enemys attack with a counter attack, and Major-General Hooker himself stated before the Court, that seeing this firing from the hill he saw that the enemys intention was to get between him and Browns Ferry, and to stand prepared for any intention the enemy had. A short time after Major Howard had communicated that order, and Major-General Hooker presents himself in person and gives me the instruction to be ready to change front toward the right, if necessary. These instructions are not only heard by the officers surrounding me, but by Major Howard also, and Major-Gen~ eral Hooker leaves me with the words You stay here. Those words from the lips of the commander-in-chief are positive. What his thoughts were~ is not and was not in my reach. I had to obey. General Hooker himself does not deny that he had told me to r Page 205 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 205 main with my troops where I was. It is confirmed by his letter to Brigadier-General Whipple. I do not speak of impression, nor do the witnesses who accompanied me during that night. Our minds were not troubled; the events of that night are present at the mind as if it had been an hour ago. There we halted, and the fire at Gearys was over shortly after we were halted, as above exposed. There we halted in the presence of Major-General Hooker. Under all circumstances he was informed of the presence of my brigade, and under his instructions. There we halted a long time under the very eyes of the commander-in-chief. Why, if Geary was in peril, were not the troops nearest at hand pushed forward? Major-Gen- eral Hooker halted in front of Second Brigade. 1 had pointed it out to him; this brigade had turned out from us to the left toward the hill, halting in an open field. Somebody must have halted this brigade. Why was not this brigade pushed forward? The com- mander-in-chief halting in front of it, is it possible that no inquiry should have been made, what troops there are halting at a short distance from the commander-in-chief at a time when there were other troops in peril? General Hooker knew during the time that Tyndales (First) brigade took and occupied the hill in front; he had seen and spoken with the commander of Third Brigade. Major-General Hooker says that I had informed him that it was halted by an order of Major-General Howard. This is incorrect. I informed him that I received the order from Major Howard. All the persons surrounding us heard the same. I did not even ask Major Howard who had issued the order. I obeyed and executed it without delay. During an attack of the enemy the battle-field is not the p lace for asking questions about the orders. Major Howard was a wel1-known aide-de-camp. He himself states, and it is proved, that he was with General Hooker, and that General Hooker himself, or Major-General Butterfield, caused the halting of the troops, and the evidence is before the Court that Major-General Schurz was informed of the halting of his two remaining brigades. How could this, my brigade, have pushed forward to Geary, as I had not received any orders in that regard? How can I be blamed for not executing or- ders never given to me, or contrary to orders received? Let us suppose the brigade had halted by orders of Major-General Howard, or without orders, was it not the duty of the commander- in-chief, who had a long time for reflection, to push them forward and correct any fault or mistake committed by his subordinate com- manders when a real danger existed, when another body of troops was in peril? The explanation of all the circumstances is near at hand. A large terrain, a distance of over 2, nearly 3, miles, lay between the camp of the Eleventh Corps and the camp of General Geary, unoccupied by troops. Three debouches from the enemys camp at Lookout led to this terrain on the sides of Smiths and Tyn- dales Hills. When the night attack began it was clear that the enemy had passed out of those debouches. The line to Browns Ferry to the rear of Chattanooga was in danger. It was necessary to stop the march of the troops to protect this line. The fire from the hill and the gap indicated clearly the intention of the enemy. Words to that effect must have been uttered by the commander-in- chief. Major Howard hears it; communicates it to the troops. Major-General Hooker is informed of this, and he does not disap- prove the movement. On the contrary, he gives instructions for cer- tain emergencies to the commander of Third Brigade. How can an Page 206 206 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. censure fall, under those circumstances, on Third Brigade and its commander? If in night attacks often reigns some confusion, if even mistakes are madeand none of those things occurred with Third Brigadeis there no other explanation possible but a lack of courage and valor? Where is an evidencea clear evidenceof facts justi- fying so grave an attack upon the honor of a body of men or its commander? We stop here; we suppress our feelings; we will not give them words, and suppress here and p ass over to (answers 9 and 10) the time when Second and Third Brigades were led by Major-General Schurz to Tyndales Hill. There, for the first time, I received the order to march forward to Geary, as Major-General Schurz himself states. I need not refer to the testimony of Cap- tains Greenhut, Stinson, Lieutenants Mueller, Kramer, and Weigel. The short delay there was not caused by myself. I was halted by the orders of my commander, and ordered to wait for the return of the re-enforcements, and finds it full justification that the patrols could have been easily mistaken for enemies, and a firing of our own troops on each other could have resulted; and further, that as the firing at Gearys had long ceased, no danger could be apprehended in that regard. The re-enforcement of my brigade by Major-Gen- eral Schurz finds its full-justification in the following circumstances: The brigade was composed of the Sixty-eighth New York Volun- teers, 127 men; Seventy-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 159; Eighty- second Illinois Volunteers, 230, and Eightieth Illinois Volunteers, 358. Aggregate present for duty (deduction made of the sick and those on special, extra, and daily duty) of this force were only pres- ent in the night of the engagement of Wauhatchiethe Seventy- fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Sixty-eighth New York Volunteers, and half of the Eightieth Illinois Volunteers. The other half of it and the Eighty-second Illinois Volunteers were left near Shellmound to guard the gap near the coal mines, and, as the Seventy-fifth Penn- sylvania Volunteers was detached to the gap near Tyndales Hill, the commander of the division detached the One hundred and forty- first New York Volunteers. With this I submit, respectfully, to the sentence of the Court. F. HECKER, C~olonel, Commanding Third Brigade. [Appendix D.] STATEMENT OF FACTS AS FOUND BY THE COURT FROM THE EVI- DENCE ADDUCED BEFORE IT, AND THE OPINIONS OF THE COURT THEREON. On the evening of the 28th day of October, 1863, two divisions of the Eleventh Army Corps, under command of Major-General How- ard, arrived in LookoutValley, Tenn., and encamped near Brown~s Ferry, having marched from Bridgeport, on the Chattanooga and Bridgeport road. A part of the Second Division, of the Twelfths Corps, under the command of Brigadier-General Geary, followed and encamped the same evening at Wauhatchie, 2-k miles from the camp of the Eleventh Corps, on the road over which it had passed. The troops of the two corps were under the command of Major-Gen- eral Hooker. Between 12 and 1 a. m. of the 29th of October, the night being pleasant and moonlight, th& enemy made an unexpected and vigor- ous attack upon the troops commanded by Brigadier-General Geary. General Hooker, being aroused by the firing, immediately and in person ordered General Schurz to double-quick his division to th Page 207 OHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 20T aid of General Geary and at the same time sent notice of the order to General Howard. Genera~l Hooker also sent orders to General Schnrz by one of his staff officers to push forward the brigade first ready to march to the aid of Geary, and wits another brigade to oc- cupy the hill known in this investigation as~the Tyndale Hill. The division commanded by General Schurz was the Third Divis- ion of the Eleventh Corps, consisting of three brigades, conirnanded, respectively, by Brigadier-General Tyndale, and by Colonel Krzyza- nowski and. Colonel Hecker. General Schurz, after receiving the order, immediately got his troops under arms, put himself at the head of General Tyndales brigade, which was nearest the road and first ready to march, and sent orders by Lieutenant-Colonel Otto, his chief of staff, to the Second and Third Brigades to follow the First Brigade on the road to Wauhatchie. The Second Brigade, Colonel Krzyzanowski, marched next after the First Brigade, and was fol- lowed by the Third Brigade, Colonel Hecker. General Schurz con- tinued at the head of the marching column until the brigade arrived at the foot of the Tyndale Hill, at which place Lieutenant Oliver, one of General Hookers staff officers, by orders from General Hooker, directed General Schurz, with Tyndales brigade, to take and occupy the hill. It seems that General Hooker started in the direction of Geary and continued near the head of the column until it was fired upon from Tyndales Hill, when, apprehending that the enemy were trying to cut him off from Browns Ferry, after sending the order to General Schurz to take the hill, lie turned back and took what he regarded a more appropriate position, near the foot of Smiths Hill. It appears that Tyndales brigade, in marching from the foot of Smiths H ill to the foot of Tyndales Hill, got off the road and into a boggy thicket, and was obliged to halt. But the delay was short; the colunin by a movement to the left recovered the road and proceeded on its way without any considerable delay. The march of this brigade from its camp to the Tyndale Hill was accomplished with commendable promptitude. The Second Brig~,de, Colonel Krzyzanowski, continued its march, following the First Brigade until it got in the vicinity of Smiths Hill, when it halted. The Third Brigade, Colonel Hecker, not considering himself authorized to halt, filed past the Second brigade and contin- ued its march in the direction of Wauhatchie. After passing the Second Brigade, Colonel Hecker was directed by Major Howard, an aide on the staff of the corps commander, to halt at the cross-roads, then about 150 yards in advance. On arriving at the point desicr~ nated, Colonel Hecker halted his brigade and formed line of battYe facing the hill. At this time General Hooker, returning from his advance toward General Geary, rode up to Colonel Hecker and in- quired what troops those were, and Why they were halted there. On being answered by Colonel Hecker that it was the Third Brigade, Third Division, Eleventh Army Corps, and that he halted tber~ by command of Major-General Howard, General Hooker, after giving some dir& tions in view of a contingency that might arise from a change of front, rode off. Major Howard, who continued with Colonel Hecker until the meeting with General Hooker, rode forward to General Schurz, and reported to him that Colonel Heckers brigade had halted at the cross- roads, and was under instructions from General Hooker. Colonel Krzyzanowski formed his brigade in line of battle to the left and front of Colonel Hecker, and at right angles to his line of battle, no Page 208 208 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CE~i.. XLIII. far distant from the place selected by General Hooker for his head- quarters, after the interview with Colonel Hecker. Some prisoners, captured by the Second Division, were brought in, when Major-Gen- eral Butterfield, chief of General Hookers staff, directed them to be sent to Chattanooga. The staff officer to whom the direction was given understood that a brigade was to go, and ordered Colonel Krzy- zanowski to march his brigade with the prisoners to Chattanooga. The brigade started, but the staff officer soon ascertained that he had committed an error. The order was countermanded before the brigade had marched 50 yards, and it was brought back to its late position. As soon as Colonel Krzyzanowski received the order to march to Chattanooga, he dispatched an aide to General Schurz to advise him of the order. This aide, Captain Orlemaun, rode forward to Gen- eral Schurz and reported to him that the Second Brigade had marched, to Chattanooga by orders of General Hooker. This report was made to General Schurz soon after Major Howard had reported the situation of the Third Brigade. The fact that the orders to Col- onel Krzyzanowski was a mistake and had been countermanded and rectified was not communicated to General Schurz. After driving the enemy from Tyndales Hill and putting the First Brigade in position on its summit and establishing aline of skirmish- ers in front, General Schurz reported in person to General Hooker. When General Hooker learned that General Geary had not been re- enforced, and that his orders in that respect had not been obeyed, he expressed his disapprobation and displeasure to General Schurz in emphatic and decided terms. He repeated the order, and directed General Schurz to carry it into effect immediately. General Schurz then ordered forward the two brigades. The Sec- ond Brigade was placed in the gap between the Smith and Tyndale Hills to hold it, and to protect the flanks of the column in march. The Third Brigade was marched to the foot of Tyndales Hill where it was halted to await the return of some patrols that had been sent out, and for some re-enforcements from the Second Brigade. After being re-enforced by a regiment from the Second Brigade, Colonel Hecker continued his march toward Wauhatchie and joined General Geary at 5.30 a. m. of the 29th of October. At 7 a. m. Colonel Krzy- zanowski reached General Geary with the balance of his brigade. At the time the troops of the Eleventh Corps commenced to march to- ward Wauhatchie there was sharp and rapid firing of artillery and musketry in the direction of General Geary, which from its sudden- ness, proximity, severity, and being in the night-time, might well be termed terrific. This continued until the head of the column had nearly reached Tyndales Hill, when it gradually died away and finally entirely ceased. The evidence shows, and it may be regarded as proved, that Gen- eral Hooker, by orders delivered in person, directed General Schurz~ to march his division to the relief of General Geary, and that by orders sent by one or more of his staff officers he directed General Schurz to push one brigade rapidly forward to re-enforce Geary, and with another to take and occupy Tyndales Hill. These orders were obeyed only in part. It is also clear and well established that General Hooker did not after issuing these orders countermand or in any way modify them, unless what was said by him to Colonel Hecker may be regarded a modification. It is evident that at the time he met Colonel Hecker, General Hooker understood that the Third Brigade was halted b Page 209 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 209 orders from General Howard, and this would be so whether Colonel Hecker said he was halted by orders from General Howard, as Gen- eral Hooker recollects it, or that he was halted by orders received from Major Howard, as claimed and testified to by Colonel Hecker and his witnesses. It was to be presumed that Major Howard would not deliver an order unless so directed by his chief, and Colonel Hecker would be right in assuming that an order delivered by Ma~ or Howard was issued by Major-General Howard. General Hooker had communicated his orders to General Schurz, to General Howard, and General Howard is therefore to be regarded as under orders to re-enforce Geary with General Schurzs division, and General Hooker assuming, as he had the right to do, that Colonel Hecker had been halted by General Howard pending some movement to carry out the original order, did not think it right and p roper for him to interfere. Hence, it may well be that he directed Colonel Hecker to stay where he was until he got orders from General Howard. But it is appar- ent that General Hooker did not intend to interfere with or change his order to re-enforce General Geary. At the time he met Colonel Hecker he was under the impression and belief that all of General Schurzs command, except the Third Brigade, had marched forward. He did not know, nor was he made to understand, that another brigade of General Schurzs command was still in the rear of Hecker nor was he aware of the fact that Colonel Krzyzanowskis brigad~ was a part of the Third Division until the return of and the interview with General Schurz after the occupation of Tyndales Hill. It is also apparent that the delay in re-enforcing General Geary was not caused by the troops, or any of them, losing their way or becoming involved in a swamp. That there was great and inexcusable delay must be conceded, but it was caused by the halting of the brigades, as hereinbefore stated. Yet the official report of Major-General Howard in reference to this mat- ter leaves it fairly to be inferred that whatever delay there was was caused by the troops losing their way and becoming involved in a swamp; and General Hookers official report in this regard is founded on that of General Howards. There is nothing in the evidence to authorize or justify the halt- ing of the Second Brigade at the time and p lace it did. Orders had been given to and received by its commander to follow the First Brigade and march on the road to Wauhatchie. General Schurz immediately proceeded at the head of the First Brigade. He had a right to suppose that the whole of his command would follow and continue marching until otherwise ordered by him. General Howard accompanied him until near Tyndales Hill, when he left, and pushed forward toward Geary more rapidly than the column in march, leaving orders with General Schurz to hurry forward his command with all possible dispatch. The only evidence on this subject is the hearsay statement of a staff officer of Colonel Hecker, who testifies that he was told by a staff officer of Colonel Krz yza- nowski s that he (Colonel K[rzyzanowski]) had been ordered to halt. He certainly received no such orders from General Schurz, his immediate commander. The last order given by General Howard before leaving the column to join General Geary was very different from an order to halt. General Hooker testifies positively that he gave no such order, or any other order directly tQ brigade com- manders. The Court can come to no other conclusion from the evidence than that the Second Brigade Qf the Third Division was 14 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 210 210 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. LCu.4~. XLIII. halted without authority and against the orders of the division com- mander. To the neglect, then, of Colonel Krzyzanowski to obey the order of his commanding officer may be ascribed the delay in sending re-enforcements to General Geary. It was made to a p pear by the testimony that the troops of the Third Division could not have marched from their camp to the position of General Geary so as to arrive there before the firing ceased and the enemy withdrew or were repulsed. In the judgment of the Court it would require two hours to make the march in the then state of the roads, and in the night, and the weight of the testimony is that the firing at General Gearys did not continue more than one hour after the column started. By the order by which this Court was assembled and organized the Court is called upon to give an opinion as to whether the strictures set forth in the order taken from General Hookers official report of the night action of Wauhatchie were deserved by the con- duct of General Schurz, Colonel Hecker, or any part of this com- mand. From the evidence which has been adduced in this inquiry and investigation, the Court is of the opinion that General Hooker is justified in the censures and strictures contained in his official re- port. The attack on General Geary was a night attack,, sudden and unexpected. The command of General Geary was comparatively small, and it was fair to presume that he was assaulted by a superior force. This command might well be said to be imperiled. there was a necessity for prompt action and getting re-enforcements to him with all possible dispatch. To this end, General Hooker issued his orders and directed his attention. He supposed his orders would be obeyed and his plans carried into effect, and when, at the end of two hours, he learned that General Geary had not been re-en- forced, it is not surprising that, in the language of one of the witnesses, he was very angry, and it was right and proper that he should give expression to his righteous indignation in his offi- cial report. So far as the conduct of Colonel Hecker is concerned, it is not de- serving of censure. It is apparent that the strictures contained in General Hookers official report were not intended to apply to him or his command. In the opinion of the Court, these strictures were not deserved by the conduct of Colonel Hecker, or any part of his command. Are the strictures contained in the report deserved by General Schurz? It is a well-settled principle of military law, that a subor- dinate commander is responsible for the execution and enforcement of all orders issued to him by his superior commander. General Hooker in this case had issued an order which was not obeyed. He had the right, and it was proper for him to hold responsible for the non-execution of the order the officer to whom he issued it. Hence, he says, as the ground-work of his censure: The brigade dispatched to the relief of General Geary, by orders delivered in per- son to its division commander, never reached him until, & c. It was in accordance with well-established military usage for Gen- eral Hooker, in the first instance, to hold the division commander re- sponsible for this a p parent neglect. This calls upon General Schurz to show why he did not meet the exigencies of the order and fulfill the command. Has he done so? As soon as the orders were deliv- ered by General Hooker to General Schurz, the latter promptly set about carrying them into execution. The troops were quickl Page 211 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF TIlE TENNESSEE RIVER. 211 under arms. They turned out splendidly. The necessary orders, answering the object and fitting the circumstances, were given. The column was put in motion, and General Schurz took his proper place at its head. He had reason to assume and act upon the as- sumption that his entire command was following him; if any of his brigades failed to do so they acted in disregard of orders, or were stopped by orders which were regarded as superior to those of Gen- eral Schurz. When General Schurz found that his command had not followed him, as he directed, it was undoubtedly his duty to ascertain the eause of the delay, and proceed at once to rectify the omission, un- less, indeed, he had received information, on which he would be authorized to rely, that a portion of his command had been halted, or its destination changed by orders superior to his. In this case it ap- pears, as heretofore stated, that when the Third Brigade had arrived about 150 yards from the cross-roads, Major Howard informed Colonel Hecker that he was authorized to halt at the cross-roads; or, in the more emphatic language Qf Colonel Hecker and his staff officers, who testified in this case, Major Howard ordered him to halt at the cross- roads. Colonel Hecker properly acted in accordance with this order. Major Howard accompanied Colonel Hecker to the cross-roads, saw him and General Hooker together, then immediafely rode for- ward to General Schurz, and reported to him that Colonel Heckers brigade had been halted at the cross-roads and was under instruc- tions from General Hooker. Soon after this, a staff officer from Col- onel Krzyzanowskis brigade, rode up to General Schurz and reported to him that the Second Brigade had been ordered to Chattanooga, by General lEllooker, and had gone. It is no fault of General Schurz that Major Howard was mistaken, both in the order he communi- cated to Colonel Hecker and in the statement he made to General Schurz, or that Colonel Krzyzanowski failed to advise him that the order to march to Chattanooga was countermanded immediately after it was given, and long before the staff officer sent to him could return to the brigade. General Schurz had official information upon which, in the opin- ion of the Court, he was authorized to rely and act, that the Second and Third Brigades of his division had been detached from his com- mand, and were acting under orders direct from General Hooker, which orders were in conflict with the orders issued by him. It is not denied that lie was ordered to occupy the Tyndale Hill with Tyndales brigade. If he did this, lie had no troops with which to re-enforce General Geary. His orders were imperative. He occu- pied the hill and did not, for the reason stated march to the relief of General Geary. This was what called forth the reprimand of General Hooker in the field, aiid gave rise to the reflections and strictures contained in his report. In the opinion of the Court, General Schurz has fully explained his delay in going to the relief of Geary, and his apparent disobedience of orders in this regard, and fully justified his conduct in the p rem- ises, and consequently it follows that he has exonerated himself from the strictures contained in General Hookers official report. A. BUSCHBECK, Golonel Twenty-seventh Pa. Vets., Gem dg. Se~ond Div., Eleventh Army Gorps, Prest. of the Court. WILLIAM H. LAMBERT, Gaptain Thirty-third N. J. Vets., Recorder of the Gourt Page 212 212 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. tOnAl. mill. (Appendix t] U * Li ~ Scale Page 213 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 213 ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvIsION, ELEVENTH CORPS, Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, January 14, 186-1. A. A. G., and Chief of Staff, Army of the Gumberland: GENERAL: In the official report of Major-General Hooker on the engagement of Wauhatchie, the following statements are made: I regret that my duty constrains me to except any portion of my command in my commendation of their courage and valor. The brigade dispatched to the relief of Geary, by orders delivered in person to its division commander, never reached him until long after the fight had ended. It is alleged that it lost its way, when it had a terrific infantry fire to guide it all the way; and, also, that it became in- ~olved in a swamp, where there was no swamp or other obstacle between it and Geary which should have delayed it a moment in marching to the relief of its im- periled companions. In a letter signed by Major-General Hooker, and addressed to you, an official copy of which was communicated to me by order of Major- General Hooker, the following passage occurs: It is not known for what reason Colonel Hecker makes this application, or why he should connect his brigade with it. The order I gave the division commander, was for him to double-quick his division to the relief of Geary. And aftei~ward one brigade of it was ordered to assault the hill on the left. The latter was duly ex- ecuted. The first order was not. Whether or not Major-General Schurz communi- cated this order to his brigade commanders, I am not advised. Probably a court of inquiry would be able to determine. It rests between the division commander and the commanders of the Second and Third Brigades, and in no way can other parties be concerned in the issue, unless it be supposed that the troops disobeyed orders, which I have not alleged and do not believe. This evidently throws the responsibility for the alleged non-exe- cution of an order upon me. And I would respectfully pray that a court of inquiry be granted me, by Major-General Thomas, com- manding Army of the Cumberland, for the purpose of investigating all the circumstances connected with the case, so as to determine whether the above strictures in General Hookers report and letter were deserved by the conduct of myself and my command on that occasion. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. SCHURZ, Major-General, Gomdg. Third Division, .Eleventh. Corps. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DIvISIoN, Lieutenant-Colonel MEYSENBURG, January 14, 1864. Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: Have the kindness to send my letter accompanying Colonel Heckers, for exonoration or a court of inquiry, along with that document to General Hooker. Very respectfully, C. SCHURZ, Major- G~nerai. [Indorsements.] HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, Respectfully forwarded. . January 14, 1864. A court of inquiry recommended. 0. 0. HOWARD, .Zlfajor-General Page 214 214 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. G~. [O~AP. XLIII. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, Lookout Valley, Tenn., January 15, 1864. Respectfully forwarded, approved. JOSEPH HOOKER, iViajor-Generat, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH CORPS, January 29, 1864. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, A. A. G., and Chief of Staff, Dept. of the Cumberland: GENERAL: I have the honor herewith to transmit the original of the remonstrance shown you last evening, having in my possession an authenticated copy. I also send original copy, Paragraph XI, Special Field Orders, No. 23, current series. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. LAMBERT, Captain Thirty-third New Jersey, Recorder. [Inclosure.] C SC~IU1tZS B~MONSTRANCE TO CERTAIN INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO COURT OF INQUIRY. HEADQUARTERS ELEVENTH CORPS, January 28, 1864. The undersigned begs leave to enter a respectful remonstrance against the instructions to the Court, contained in Special Field Orders, No. 23, Department of the Cumberland. I would respectfully call the attention of the Court to the Ninety- second Article of War, the spirit of which undoubtedly is, that as no court of inquiry can be ordered by any commander, except the President of the United States, unless demanded by the accused, so it can be ordered by a military commander upon such demand for no other pur p ose or for the investigation of no other matter than that s~p ecifled by the accused in his application. The Ninety-second Article of War can be understood in no other way. From my application, a copy of which is hereto annexed, it ap- p ears that I asked for a court of inquiry, for the purpose of inves- ligating the circumstances connected with the case (as specified in my application), so as to determine whether the above strictures in General Hookers report and letter were deserved by the conduct of myself and my command on that occasion. In Special Field Orders, No. 23, the object of the Court of Inquiry~ is defined as follows: To investigate the circumstances attending all movements of troops ordered to the support of Brig. Gen. John W. Geary, commanding Second Division, Twelfth Corps, during the night action of Wauhatchie between the 28th and 29th of Octo- ber, 1863, and give an opinion as to whether blame should attach to Major-General Schurz or Colonel Hecker. It will be observed that there is a discrepancy between the object specified in my application and the object specified in Special Field Orders, No. 23. While I applied for an investigation of the circu Page 215 C~. XLIII) REOPThING OF THE ThN1~ESSEE lUVETh 215 stances connected with the case, such as would enable the Court to form and give an opinion as to whether I arid my command deserved a certain censure pronounced in certain official documents, Special Field Orders, No. 23, orders an investigation of circumstances at- tending all movements of troops ordered to the support of Geary, a an opinion as to whether blame attaches to myself or Colonel Hecker, irrespective of the censure contained in General Hookers report and letter. Although I have no reason to shrink from any such investigation, yet I would re4ectfully obse~fve that I may be able to prove by wit- nesses now present and within reach that the circumstances of the case were snch that the strictures contained in General Hookers re- port and letter were not deserved by the conduct of myself and my command on that occasion, while it would require a number of wit- nesses now absent, some of whom will be out of reach for a long time and one of whom has meanwhile left the service, to enable the Court to investigate the circumstances attending all movements of troops ordered to the support of Geary. The investigation, as asked for in my application, therefore, might soon enable the Court to form an opinion on the point specified by me, while the investiga- tion as ordered by Special Field Orders, No. 23, might ind~efinitely prolong the proceedings of the Court, and perhaps, other circum- stances intervening, lead to no definite result at all. I would also respectfully call the attention of the Court to the cir- cumstance that the order to give an opinion as to whether blame should attach to Major-General Schurz or Colonel Hecker, entirely ignores the fact that blame was already attached to Major-General Schurz or Colonel Hecker in official documents, and that it was the blame thus officially pronounced for the investigation of the justice of which I prayed. I asked for a court of inquiry for the purpose of investigating not whether some charges may be found against me and my command, but whether the charges already brought against me and my command are founded or not. I deem it essen- tial that the specified grounds upon which I asked for a court of in- ~uirybe taken official cognizance of in the instructions given to the I arrived at the inevitable conclusion that if there is a discrepancy between the objects of the investigation, as stated in the order con- vening and instructing the Court, and the object of tI~o investiga- tion as stated and specified in the application of the accused, the Court of Inquiry so ordered and instructed is not the court of in- quiry asked for by the accused, but another, not asked for by the accused, and can, therefore, with its present instructions, not stand under the Ninety-second Article of War. I would, therefore, most respectfully pray the Court to a p ply to Major-General Thomas, commanding Department of the Cumber- land, for re-instruction concerning the objects of the investigation, in conformity with the specified issue stated in my application for a court of inquiry. C. SCHURZ, Major-General. [NOTE IN PENCIL:] File the remonstrance; destroy the order Page 216 216 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. ILUL SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND, No. 22. * Chattanooga, Tenn., Hay 26, 1864. * * * * * * VII. The proceedings and findings of the Court of Inquiry in the case of Maj. Gen. Carl Schurz, commanding Third Division, Eleventh Army Corps, instituted by Paragraph XI, Special Field Orders, No. 23, current series, from these headquarters, are approved. The Court is hereby dissolved. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General Thomas: WILLIAM McMICHAEL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 38. Report of Lient. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding corps, with field dispatches, & c. GREENEvILLE, TENN., Harch 25, 1864. COLONEL: Up to October 9, 1863, my forces were along the regular line of investment, extending from Lookout Mountain, on the left, to Lieut. Gen. D. H. Hills corps, on the right. My left occupied the base of the mountain, and sharpshooters extended the line to the river on the west slope of the mountain. I had a small picket upon the summit of the mountain, and a small cavalry force about Tren- ton reported to me from time to time. On the 9th, I received orders to send my sharpshooters down the river to occupy a point on the left bank between Raccoon Mountain and Waldens Ridge for the purpose of preventing the use of the road on the opposite bank by the enemys wagon trains. As I had but a small force of sharpshooters I thought it best to send a brigade in addition, as a smaller force would be liable to be cut off and cap- tured. A brigade was thought to be force enough to secure its re- treat to the mountains, and finally to make its escape to our main force should a movement be made against it. General Laws brigade was selected for the service, and a sufficient force was ordered to the point indicated as soon as practicable. Pits were sunk and occupied by the troops, and they effectually put a stop to the travel on the road on the opposite bank. We were advised in a few days, however, that the enemy was using another road, a little longer, which avoided this point, and he had several other roads of communication that were entirely beyond our reach, particularly the Poe and Anderson roads. On the 25th I was ordered to make a reconnaissance in the direc- tion of Bridgeport. This reconnaissance was interrupted by the enemy making a crossing of the river at Browns Ferry, about 3 miles below the point of Lookout Mountain. As soon as the cross- ing was discovered, the troops near the point assembled and drove back the enemys advance, but the force was found to be crossing in too much strength to be successfully opposed by a brigade. The brigade was, therefore, concentrated and withdrawn to the foot of the mountain on the west side. The force near the crossing wa Page 217 CHIP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 217 small, as tlie duty for which the brigade was ordered was to guard a point some 6 miles below Browns Ferry. The brigade could not be re-enforced, as the enemys Moccasin batteries commanded the only road across the mountain. If it had been practicable to re-enforce, I should not have thought myself authorized to do so by taking my troops that were occupying their proper positions in the line of in- vestment for that purpose, as my orders and the disposition of my troops had no reference to any such move on the part of the enemy, and to have done so would have broken our line and exposed the whole army. Besides, the enemys position was such that he could re-enforce from any point of his lines in half an hour, while I could only re-enforce from my nearest point in about 3 hours. He would have the benefit of his artillery, and we could not cross the mountain with ours. On the 27th, I received orders to make arrangements and exam- inations for the purpose of dislodging the enemy from his new position, and with that view was called to meet the commanding general on the mountain on the following day. On the afternoon of the 27th, I received a report from my signal p arty near Trenton that the enemy was advancing in force from Bridgeport. I sent this information up to the commanding gen- eral, but as it was not confirmed by the cavalry it was not credited. On the 28th, I met the commanding general on the mountain in accordance with his appointment. While engaged in an exam- ination of the enemys new position, one of my signal party reported to us that the enemy was advancing in force from Bridgeport. He guided us to a projection on the mountain about a mile off, where we saw the head of the enemys column, and where we saw his force (about 5,000) file past and unite with the force already at Browns Ferry. The rear guard of this command (about 1,500, with a battery of artillery) came up in about an hour and halted about 3 miles from the main force. The road between the two commands ran along the western base of a series of heights, and parallel to them. The position that had been taken by General Laws brigade was about a mile from this road, and opposite the point of the road, about half way between the rear guard and the main force. As soon as the rear guard halted I sent orders to General Jenkins to concentrate at the base of the mountain his three brigades that were on the east side, and to be ready to cross it as soon as it was dark enough to conceal our men from the fire of the enemys bat- teries, and I directed that he should report to me upon the mountain at once. I alsQ ordered General Law to advance his brigade as soon as it was dark and occupy the height in his immediate front, which commanded the road between the enemys forces. General Jenkins reported in time to see the positions occupied by the enemy. He was ordered to hold the point designated for Gen- eral Law with a sufficient force, while a portion of his command moved up the road and captured or dispersed the rear guard. He was also directed, if time and circumstances favored it, to make a demonstration against the main force, and if an attack at night should give us such advantage as to warrant it, to endeavor to drive the enemy across the river; but if the latter should appear inexpedient, to recross the mountain before daylight. As soon as it was dark his troops were put in motion, but th Page 218 218 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [C~iP. ThIU. route across the point of the mountain was so difficult that he was not able to get his troops into their positions until midnight. He arranged two brigades under General~ Law to hold the position be- tween the enemys forces, while his own brigade, under Colonel Bratton, was sent to make the attack upon the rear guard. His fourth brigade (General Bennings) was held on the left of General Laws two in readiness to re-enforce Colonel Bratton. The brigade under Colonel Bratton claims to have had complete success up to the moment that it was recalled. It was recalledi in consequence of General Laws abandoning his position, which was essential to the safety of Colonel Brattons command. As soon as General Law yielded his position it became necessary to recall Colonel Bratton and send the troops back to their positions, in order that they might pass the mountain before daylight. The loss sustained by the two brigades under General Law was probably one-tenth of the loss sustained by the single brigade which claims a victory. As General Laws troops were veterans, I can only attribute the want of conduct with his troops to a strong feeling of jealousy among the brigadier-generals. About 8 oclock at night on the 28th, I received notice that the commanding general had approved my plan, and information from him that another of my divisions had been relieved from the lines ~and could be used in this attack, but it was too late for it to cross the mountain before daylight, and the success of the affair depended entirely upon a night attack and a surprise. To have put two divis- ions on the west side of the mountain during daylight would have exposed them to an attack from the enemys entire force without artillery, and in a position where they could not be re-enforced. My object was merely to inflict such damage upon the enemy as might be accomplished by a surprise. That the point was not essential to the enemy at Chattanooga is established by the fact that he supplied his army at that place some six weeks without it. About October 31, Lieutenant-General Hardee, Major-General Breckinridge, and myself were ordered to examine this position with a view to a general battle. It was decided that an attack was im- practicable; that the only route by which our troops could reach the field was a difficult mountain road, only practicable for infantry and entirely exposed to the enemys batteries on the other side of the river. His positions were connected by a short and easy route, while ours would have been separated by a mountain, impassable to artil- lery except by a detour of some 60 miles, and hardly practicable for infantry. Our position was so faulty that we could not accomplish that which was Imoped for. We were trying to starve the enemy out by investing him on the only side from which he could not have gathered supjAies. Copies * of communications connected with this matter are ap~ pended to this report. The reports of the subordinate officers hav~ already been forwarded. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES LONGSTHEET, Lieutenant-General. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant- General. * Not found Page 219 Citj~p. XLUXI REOPENING OP TIlE TENNESSEE RIVER. 219 * HEADQUARTERS, December 25, 1863. Respectfully forwarded. The orders in this case were as stated by General Jenkins. The troops that he was to operate against were seen and carefully con- sidered by General Bragg and myself. I pnt the force down at 5,000 at the outside. General Bragg without hesitation put it at a less figure. That is the force which marched down Lookout Valley toward Browns Ferry. A force of about 1,500 men and a battery and a few wagons followed this force and encamped about 3 miles in rear of the main force. This was evidently the rear guard, and this was the force which I hoped to be able to cut off, surprise, and cap- ture. The dispositions and movements of the forces, as mentioned by General Jenkins, were ordered by me. The division by its figures should have mustered 5,000 men (Hoods division). The force that we Were to operate against was parts of the Eleventh and Twelfth Army Corps. These troops have more notoriety for their want of steadiness under fire than for anything else. As they were marched down Lookout Valley a part of their force came under the fire of one of our batteries. About the third shot from a Parrott gun threw the line back in some confusion. Taking into consideration the condition of the enemy and the peculiar nature of the ground, IL speedily arranged the plan mentioned by General Jenkins and ordered the movements. The ridge o~i his map marked A B, instead of being a continuous ridge as there represented, is a succession of what woodsmen call hogbacks, about 300 yards in length. The one at B was to be held by the brigades in position, while the enemysrear guard was attacked and captured or dispersed. The officers do not seem to have appreciated a night attack. It should have been made with great vigor and promptness, and completed be- fore the enemy could have time to know our purposes. When the order was given it was supposed by myself that it would be executed by 12 oclock at latest. Had we succeeded in that time we should have been in good condition to follow up the first repulse of the en- emy by General Law, and probably greatly discomfited the force at Browns Ferry. The reports of General Jenkins and General Law conflict, each apparently claiming that the other was at fault. Considerable stress seems to be placed upon the report of the risoner who, after being captured, reported that part of the Twelft Corps had encamped a little distance back just before night. This was the force seen by many officers, and estimated by all as already stated. I endeavored to impress upon the minds of the officers the fact that one musket at night would make more noise than fifty during the day. The only real weak point about us was the jealousy between the two brigades already mentioned. This I considered, and with a momentary doubt about the propriety of executing the plan, but concluded after a moments hesitation that my troops were so steady that they would hardly require commanders after they were once in position. The plan was very simple and very strong. Had we been able to execute promptly, or had Law pressed his advantage after the first or second repulse of the enemy, we should have had a great success at a very light cost and trouble. * Indorsement on the report of Brig. Gen. M. Jenkins, commanding Hoods divis- ion, of the affair at Lookout Mountain, October 28, 1863. Jenkins report not found Page 220 ~2O KY., SW. VA., TENX., MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHiP. XLIII. This is forwarded directly to the War Department, with the re quest that it may be sent to General Bragg for his indorsement. JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. ADDENDA. HEADQUARTERS, October 23, 1863. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-Generc~l: COLONEL: I have just received information from General Cheat- ham that General Buckner is to be withdrawn from my right in the morning, that he may re-enforce General Cheathams right. I be- lieve that my line is longer than all the balance of the army, and the enemy is threatening my left, which is the essential point with him. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. HILLS CORPS, ARMY OF TENN., No. 7. f Missionary Ridge, October 24, 1863. * * * * * * * IT. Major-General Stewart will, from his reserve line, fill the gap made in the general line of the army by the withdrawal of Major- General Buckners division. The movement of General Buckners troops has commenced, and it is important that General Stewart should at once make his dispositions. It is suggested that one bri- gade will be sufficient to connect General Stewarts left with Gen- eral McLaws right, but if more troops are needed for that purpose they will be furnished by General Stewart. By command of Major-General Breckinridge: JAS. WILSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS LONGSTREETS CORPS, October 26, 1863. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: Your note of yesterday in reference to reconnaissance in the direction of Bridgeport, & c., is received. General Jenkins was ordered to move a brigade down and endeavor to cut off a work- ing party to-night, and all the cavalry was put under his command, with directions that they should at the same time be pushed dowl\ to Bridgeport, Camerons and Capertons Ferries. This will give u~ a reconnaissance of all the points in the vicinity of Bridgeport at the same time. The infantry goes to Nickajack Cave, where the enemy is reported to have some ~5OO or 600 men at work. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General. P. S.I have no doubt but the enemy will cross below and move against our rear. It is his easiest and safest move Page 221 Ciuii~. XLIII.] REOPEK]LNG OF THE TE~i.NESSEE RIVER. 221 HEADQUARTERS, October 27, 1863. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Your note of to-day is received. The enemys designs seem to be to occupy this bank of the river for the purpose of short- ening his line of communication and possibly for the purpose of cre- ating a diversion near the point of Lookout Mountain, while he moves a heavier force up to occupy the mountain, via Johnsons Crook. The latter move and object seems to me to be more impor- tant, essential indeed, than any such partial move as his present one. The position just taken by the enemy is the ridge along the river bank, near Browns Ferry. The position can be attacked on the flanks by about a company front, in front by a line covering the en- tire front. The ridge runs down close upon the waters edge, so much so, that troops cannot pass between it and the water. Any force that may be designed to attack it will be obliged to pass under the batteries on the other side or up by Trenton. The only disposition that I have made is to draw the brigade that was on the other side of Lookout Mountain close into the foot of the mountain. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General. HEADQUARTERS LONGSTREETS CORPS, October 27, 1863. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Your note of this afternoon is received. I have pos- session of Lookout Mountain, but may not have sufficient force there to hold it. My opinion is that it should be held by a division, and that a brigade of this should be at Johnsons Crook, so as to secure the mountain pass. Should I understand the order to take posses- sion of the mountain to mean that I shall put such force there as I think necessary to hold it against everything that may come? To hold the mountain anywhere, short of Johnsons Crook, will only be to hold it until the enemy sees fit to take it away from us. I shall order one of Walkers brigades up on the mountain to-mor- row, his being the only troops that are not occupied. In the mean- time, I would like the commanding general to give me the benefit of his views more in detail. I presume that he does not mean that I shall use forces in holding the mountain that may be necessary in holding our main line of investment. Yet I may need some of the troops upon this line that I ought to have upon the mountain. I suggested to the commanding general some ten days ago that the mountain should be held by an infantry force, but he did not agree with me and I did not feel that I could detach any of my force for that purpose. General Walker will be ordered to start one of his brigades to Johnsons Crook early in the morning. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General Page 222 222 KY., sw VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [C~. XLW. HEADQUARTERS, October 27, 1863. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant A5~jutant- General: COLONEL: Since answering your note in reference to taking pos- session of Lookout Mountain, I have reeeived notice that the enemy is advancing in the direction of Trenton, and in force. Instead of trying to get Walkers troops up to-morrow, I have thought it better to send one of Jenkins brigades to-night to get the mountain passes before the enemy reaches there. I have sent different orders to the cavalry to hold the mountain passes until the infantry arrives. Jenkins troops have such indifferent transportation that he will not be able to subsist his men so far off. In fact, he is now nearly half the time on half rations. The whole of Jenkins division should be started down to Johnsons Crook by daylight, I think, to insure the entire possession of the mountain; but if it is moved, I should have another division on my left to hold that part of my line. Walkers division is not strong enough to occupy the line now held by Jenkins should the commanding general think it necessary to send Jenkins to hold the mountain at Johnsons Crook. If the commanding general does not think it necessary to hold the mountain as far down as Johnsons Crook, I should be advised of it in time to recall the brigade that Jenkins has sent off, before morn- ing. If, however, the division is to go down, we shall require much additional transportation, in order to supply our men and animals with food. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant- General. P. 5.The information about the enemys advance upon Trenton comes from the signal corps. A report from Colonel Grigsby, dated 3.30 p. in., does not mention it. The signals are later, how- ever. SPECIAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS HILLS CORPS, No. 10. Missionary Ridge, October 28, 18631.30 a. in. I. The entire line of this corps will move immediately toward the left. Major-General Stewart will have his left to rest on Chatta- nooga Creek, and the divisions of Generals Stovall and Cleburne will move to such points as will keep the line entire. In case anything should occur to prevent the movement till after daybreak, the troops will move a short distance to the rear, so as not to attract the atten- tion of the enemy. By command of Major-General Breckinridge: JAS. WILSON, Assistant Adjutant-General. HEADQUARTERS, October 29, 1863. Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: Your note of last night is received. I did not contem- elate any such move as your note would indicate. My intentio Page 223 CUAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 223 was merely to seize a hill which commanded the enemys xoad, and hold the hill against any force that might come up from his main body, send back on his track three brigades to pick up everything that was behind, and, if time and circumstances favored, make an attack with the entire division upon the main camp, and endeavor to crowd the enemy into the river. The movement of even Jenkins division was so much delayed that I fear that nothing was accomplished. I left him about 1 oclock, and we just got to the road. As there was nothing there, and it was too late to make any move against the main camp, I directed him to see if he could find any wagons behind, and stragglers, and return to his camp. As we had no artillery, nor any means of getting any over, I did not think it proper to put a force out where it could be exposed to that of the enemy during daylight, and to have moved on at that late hour to attack the enemys main camp would have kept us till after daylight. When I left the railroad, there seemed to be no prospect of doing anything. About an hour and a half after I. left, I got a message from Gen- eral Jenkins, stating that a brigade was heavily engaging the Twelfth Army Corps. I will send the report of General Jenkins as soon as it is made. I presume that little or nothing was accomplished. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES LONGSTREET, Lieutenant-General. No. 39. Organization of Hoods division. HOODS DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MIcAH JENKINS. Brig. Gen. E. McIVER LAW. Laws Brigade. Brig. Gen. E. McIvEu LAW. Col. JAMES L. SHEFFIELD. 4th Alabama, Lieut. Col. L. H. Scruggs. 15th Alabama, Col. William C. Oates. 44th Alabama, Col. William F. Perry. 47th Alabama, [Col. M. J. Bulger.] 48th Alabama, Col. James L. Sheffield. Robertsons Brigade. Brig. Gen. JEROME B. ROBERTSON. 3d Arkansas, [Col. Van H. Manning.] 1st Texas, [Col. A. T. Rainey.] 4th Texas, [Col. J. C. G. Key.] 5th Texas, [Cot R. M. PoweIi~] Jenkins Brigade. Col. JOHN BRATTON. 1st South Carolina, Col. Franklin W. Kilpatrick. 2d South Carolina Rifles, Col. Thomas Thomson. 5th South Carolina, Col. A. Coward. 6th South Carolina, Maj. John M. White. Hampton Legion, Col. Martin W. Gary. Palmetto Sharpshooters, Col. Joseph Walker. Bennings Brigade. Brig. Gen. HENRY L. BENNING. 2d Georgia, [Col. Edgar M. Butt.] 15th Georgia, [Col. Dudley M. Du Bose.] 17th Georgia, [Col. Wesley C. Hodges.] ~Oth Georgia, [Col. J. D. Waddell. Page 224 224 ~, sw. vs., TENTh, MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. No. 40. Report of Brig. Gem. E. lJfcIver Law, U. S. Army, commanding brigade and Hoods division. HEADQUARTERS LAWS BRIGADE, Lookout Valley, November 3, 1863. CAPTAIN: I liave the honor to report that my brigade was de- tached, about October 8, for duty beyond Lookout Mountain. The object of keeping a force in that locality, as I understood it, was to blockade the road leading from Chattanooga to Bridgeport, which passed near the point of Raccoon Mountain and on the opposite or west side of the Tennessee. This object was accomplished by plac- ing riflemen along this bank of the river, which at this point is about 300 yards wide, to fire upon the enemys wagon trains as they passed. In order to secure the riflemen who were engaged in block- ading the road it was necessary to picket the river from that point to the bend near the foot of Lookout Mountain, a distance of 5 miles. This would either prevent the enemy from crossing above and cut- ting them off, or give them sufficient warning to enable them to withdraw. I employed two regiments in blockading the road and picketing the river, and held the remaining three, with a section of Barrets battery, in reserve at a convenient point for re-enforcing any part of the line. As the line was long and necessarily weak, my principal security for holding it was in having a sufficient reserve to foil the enemy, if he should attempt a crossing, by throwing it upon him before he could strengthen Tiimself on this side. On October 25, by orders from division headquarters, three of my regiments were withdrawn and brought to this side of Lookout, leaving the two on picket and the section of artillery. Being noti- fied that Brigadier-General Jenkins would be absent for a few days from daylight on the 27th, and that I would be left in command of the division, I came to this side of the mountain, leaving Capt. IL. R. Terrell, assistant adjutant-general, as my representative to superintend the operations in Lookout Valley. On the morning of the 27th, just before daylight, the enemy, tak- ing advantage of the fog which was very dense, commenced the passage of the river at Browns Ferry. They crossed in two boats carrying about 40 men each. They were fired upon by the pickets at that point, and the landing was resisted as long as possible. In- formation of the movement was in the meantime conveyed to Cap- tain Terrell, who at once brought forward the reserve, consisting of about 150 men, and attacked the first detachment of the enemy, which had landed and been placed so as to cover the passage of other troops. This detachment was driven almost to the river bank, where a second line was formed in position. This re-enforcement had crossed and been placed in position while the fighting with the first detachment was going on. Encountering this additional force, which could not be driven by the mere handful of our men engaged, our line was ordered to retire. This was accomplished in good order and a line of defense taken up across the valley, which was held until all the pickets on the river were withdrawn. In about two hours and.a half from the time the crossing began a brigade of the enemy moved out from the hills bordering the river (which they had been diligently engaged in fortifying) into the va Page 225 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 225 ley beyond. The section of howitzers commanded by Lieutenant Brown opened upon it, throwing it into confusion and compelling it ternporarily to retire. The enemy was evidently pauch astonished at the presence of the artillery, and its fire was very effective. When a second advance in additional force was made, and upon in- formation that the enemy was crossing at another point above them, the two regiments (Fourth and Fifteenth Alabama), which had now succeeded in collecting their pickets, with the artillery retired slowly toward Lookout Mountain. I met them with the remainder of the brigade at Lookout; Creek, where I placed the command in line to await any farther advance. The enemy, however, did not advance as far as the creek, but continued to strengthen his position on the hill above Browns Ferry, and commenced the construction of a pontobn bridge half a mile above the ferry, which was com- pleted before noon. In this affair we lost 6 men killed and 14 wounded. Among the latter was Col. W. C. Gates, the gallant and efficient commander of the Fifteenth Alabama Regiment. One of the wounded was left in the hands of the enemy too severely injured to be removed. At 6 oclock in the afternoon of the 27th, I learned from my scouts that a considerable force of the enemy was moving from Sheilmound in the direction of Chattanooga, and that this force was then in 8 or 10 miles of my position on Lookout Creek. I ascertained further that a force of cavalry ~ras advancing from Kelleys Ferry, where a bridge had been thrown across the river. This information was communicated to the brigadier-general commanding the division, with my views as to the object of the movement. My views, as thus communicated, were that it was probably not the intention of the enemy to attack Lookout Mountain at present, but to take possession of the railroad as far as the Trenton junction, 2 miles from the foot of Lookout Mountain, and by holding Lookout Valley to obtain sup- plies by running wagon trains from the junction across the bridge above Browns Ferry to Chattanooga. This has since been done. About noon on the 28th, I was notified by cavalry scouts and the signal post on Lookout that a heavy column of the enemy was ap- proaching my position from the direction of Shellmound. Soon afterward his skirmishers appeared in front. They were checked for a time by my skirmishers, posted so as to command the intersec- tion of the railroad with the wagon road leading from Chattanooga toward Bridgeport. My riflemen were soon forced, however, to abandon this position and take up the line of Lookout Creek. The enemy on crossing the railroad took the road leading to Browns Ferry, ~being] fired upon as he passed by my section of howitzers and the batteries on Lookout Point. During the afternoon 5,000 or 6,000 men must have passed toward my right. Late in the afternoon I received a note from Lieutenant-General Longstreet directing me to cross the lower bridge over Lookout Creek, near its mouth, at dark, and advance cautiously until I com- manded the Browns Ferry road at its junction with the road leading across the lower bridge to Chattanooga; to blockade that road and capture any trains that might attempt to pass. This junction I should estimate to be about a mile from the bridge. Just before night I met Brigadier-General Jenkins, commanding division, who informed me that three other brigades of the division were then moving across the mountain with the view of crossing Lookout Creek to cut off the enemys trains and capture the rear 15 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 226 226 KY., Sw. VA., TEXN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CRAP. ThILL guard and stragglers. He requested information regarding the roads, & c., as I was familiar with the locality. After giving all the information in my power, II ventured to remark to him that in my opinion the enemy h ad a large force at the point upon which we in- tended to move, and that one division was insufficient for the accom- plishment of the end in view; that a failure would be the result, and that the troops engaged in it would be seriously injured. I was sat- isfied, from ciose and constant observation, that not less than 6,000 or 8,000 troops had been thrown across the river from Moccasin Bend; that one corps (6,000 or 7,000 more) had passpd my position going toward Browns Ferry, and that another of the saffie strength was following. General Jenkins replied that he had positive orders to proceed on the expedition. He desired me to send him two guides who knew the country beyond the creek. These were abcordingly sent, and I innuediately commenced the passage of the creek, having previously ordered my brigade under arms. A few minutes after crossing, my advance guard captured a pris- oner, who represented himself as belonging to Howards corps. From him and others of the same corps, captured soon afterward at a picket post, I learned that this corps had passed the point toward which my advance was directed, viz, the junction of the Chatta- nooga and Browns Ferry roads, and was encamped about a half mile to the right, and that a division and a half of Slocums corps were following. These we afterward learned were encamped a mile higher up the valley to the left. Half a mile beyond the creek I formed two regiments in line, with skirmishers in front, the other regiments moving en ~chelon~ on the right, and advanced to the crest of the first wooded hill, where my line was adjusted and halted for a short time. The hill on which I now rested was one of a range of similar hills running from Browns Ferry close upon the river bank for about a mile, leaving the river as it bends toward the foot of Lookout Mount- ain and projecting into the valley beyond. The range at the point where my line was formed was three-fourths of a mile from the Tennessee, and the distance from the road along which my left ad- vanced (and upon which it now rested) to the point at which the range ran immediately upon the river bank was about a mile. In the triangle formed by the range of hills, the river, and the Chatta- nooga road the ground was a 1 cleared. My skirmishers had ad- vanced as far as the Browns Ferry road, driving off the picket, and now held the road. Another wooded knoll still intervened between my line of battle and the road. At this time Brigadier-General Robertson reported to me with his brigade. By order of Brigadier-General Jenkins, commanding di- vision, Robertsons brigade was at once placed in line with my own, with the exception of two regiments, one of which was placed in re- serve on the road to my left, and the other was used to guard th~ bridge in my rear and to watch the space intervening between my right and the river, which was at least half a mile. With affairs in this position I recrossed the creek to see General Jenkins. I learned from him that Colonel Bratton, commanding Jenkins brigade, was crossing or had just crossed the creek; that General Benning would follow with his brigade and take up a line on my left, uniting with me and commanding the Bi~owns Ferry road higher up the valley; that Colonel Bratton would push forward oii the line of railroad until he came in contact with the enemy. If he encountered only Page 227 C~p. XLIII.] REOPENING. OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 227 small force, he was to pick it up. If the enemy proved too strong for him, he was to retire across the creek under cover of the line held by General Benning. I was instructed to communicate with Gen- eral Benning and to control the road, so as to prevent re-enforcements from moving up it toward the railroad, and in case Colonel Brattons command had to retire to hold my position until he could withdraw his troops. Sending a courier to remain with Brattons command until it com- menced moving, when he was to notify me, I returned to my own command. In a short time I received information that Bratton was in motion. My line was at once ordered forward and took position on the wooded slope overlooking the road, the left 30 or 40 and the right 150 or 200 yards from it. Here I remained nearly an hour. This time was employed in strengthening the position by the con- struction of rail and log breastworks before the firing began on the left. In the meantime, General Benning had come up on my left in rear of Colonel Bratton, while the latter had moved on against the camp of the enemy. Soon after the fighting on the left began I was noti- fied by Colonel Sheffield, of the Forty-eighth Alabama Regiment, commanding my brigade on the occasion, that a column of troops was moving from the camp on my right along the road in front. I directed the skirmishers to retire to the line of battle, and allowed the head of the column to get opposite to my left before firing. One volley scattered it in the fields beyond the road, where it attempted to reform and move on, but a second fire again dispersed it .While this was taking place other troops were coming up from the right, and, our position having now been disclosed, they turned to attack it. Their line of attack was formed obliquely to our own, their left coming in contact with our line first and striking it near the right. This caused their left to be forced in upon our position by the other parts of their line as it advanced. The first attack was easily re- pulsed. The second was made in heavier force with a like result at all points of the line except one. This was at the junction of the Forty-fourth and Fifteenth Alabama Regiments. Here the enemy, forced in by the right of their line upon a vacant space in our own, caused by detaching a company for service as vedettes between my right and the river, broke throughthe line. Parts of both regiments gave way. By the exertions of Colonel Sheffield, and with the assist- ance of the Fourth Alabama, which had cleared its front of the enemy, the line was re-established and the enemy driven from it. Before this second attack took place the firing on the railroad had ceased, and a message was brought me by Captain Jamison, of Gen- eral Jenkins staff, to the effect that Colonel Bratton had encountered a heavy force of the enemy (a corps, I think, he said); that General Jenkins was withdrawing, and that he wished me to withhold my position until he could retire. A few moments before this message came I had dispatched a cou- rier to General Jenkins to report to him that the enemy was attacking me in front; that it was possible for him to pass troops in rear of those engaged in this attack to the point at which I supposed Colo- nel Bratton to be, and that if this should be done Bratton might be placed in a dangerous position. Very soon another messenger brought substantially the same message delivered by Captain Jami- son, and informed me further that Qolonel Brattons command was at the creek, and either crossing or about to cross (I cannot now r Page 228 228 ~., sw. vA., TENN., ~II5S., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XL1IL call which). About the same time General Robertson, who was watching the extreme right, reportedthat a strong force of the enemy was moving over the adjoining hill on our right, the head of the col- umn having made its appearance on the edge of the triangular open- ing in my rear, which I have already described, and near the river bank. My vedettes also reported the same thing. In the meantime, the second attack had commenced. When the firing had almost ceased I gave orders for the whole line to retire to the hill on which it had first formed; thence into the hollow behind it, and thence by fiankip~g to the left into the road and across the bridge. To cover this movement I held the road with a strong force of skirmishers, and directed~ General I~obertson to place the First Texas Regiment, together with part of the Fifth Texas, alreadj~ there, on an open hill between the bridge and the point from whic the enemy was moving on our right. The movement was executed in a quiet and leisurely manner, the enemy in front making no effort to follow. During the engagement of Colonel Bratton with the enemy no troops passed from the right along the road or in sight of it. It was possible~ however, for them to pass near the foot of Raccoon Mount- ain while the attack on my position was progressing. When the order for my command to retire was given I had already received information that Colonel Bratton had been withdrawn; that he was actually at the bridge, and the firing on the left had ceased for nearly, if not quite, half an hour. Believing that the object for which my position was occupied had been accomplished, I with- drew. The movement of the enemy on my right would in a few minutes more have necessitated a change of position, and the intel- ligence of this movement had its influence in determining the pre- cise moment of withdrawal. But independent of this, the order was based on my understandingof the plan of operations and the con- viction that it was in accordance with that plan.. I would call attention to accompanying reports of General Robert- son and Colonel Sheffield, commanding brigades. For a statement of our loss, which was slight, I refer to the list of casualties. Respectfully submitted. E. M. LAW, Brigadier-GeneraZ. [Capt. R. M. SIMMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.I No. 41. Report of (Jot. James L. Sheffield, Alabama Infantry, commanding Forty-eighth Law s brigade. HEADQUARTERS FORTY-EIGHTH ALABAMA REGIMENT, ~November 3, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by Laws brigade in the engagement near Lookout Creek on the night of the 28th ultimo: About 7 p. m. I received orders to put my regiment (Forty-eighth Alabama) under arms. In half an hour I received orders to move across the bridge across Lookout Creek. After crossing the cree Page 229 CHAP. XLIII.] REOPEND~G OF THE TE~ESSEE RIVER. 229 we had not advanced very far before the pickets captured a prisoner, apparently very drunk, who reported he belonged to Howards corps. After moving up the road a short distance I was ordered to file my regiment to the right in an open field at the base of a ridge in my front, and form line of battle in one rank. I then sent pickets in front under Captain Eubanks, who soon reported no enemy on the ridge. I then advanced rapidly, taking possession of the ridge. The object in obtaining the ridge was, I suppose, to command the road leading down the valley from Trenton and Kelleys Ferry to Browns Ferry, on the Tennessee River. It was very soon ascer- tamed that there was another and higher ridge in our front, beyond which the road ran. The general commanding (Law) informed me of these facts, and ordered me to advance and obtain possession of the ridge in front at all hazards. I had sent Captain Eu banks for.. ward with 5 men, who soon sent 1 of the men back; reported no enemy on the ridge, but a large encampment of Federal troops about half a mile from the point of the ridge where my left was to rest. He (Captain Eubanks) with 4 men crossed the ridge, came up the valley round to where the Chattanooga road intersected the same, and reported the above facts. While reporting to me the pickets near the forks of the road captured a prisoner. I had givell orders to my lieutenant-colonel to move the regiment forward. About this time I was informed that a line of 20 or 30 Yankee skirmishers was deployed on the right and left of the Chattanooga road, who had evidently come down the Kelleys Ferry road. I or- dered Captain McDuffee, with his company, to the left, with instruc- tions to get in the rear of the skirmishers if possible. The regiment had not advanced but a short distance till a fire was opened upon the left wing (from the skirmishers, I suppose). A few shots from Cap- tain McDuffees company soon scattered them, he capturing 8 pris- oners. The regiment continued to advance, and soon had possession of the ridge, meeting with no resistance except a slight skirmish on the left. Here it was the brave and gallant Captain EubanI~s fell mortally wounded and 3 privates severely wounded. I put my regi- ment in position with its left resting on the Chattanooga road, and some,30 or 40 paces from the valley road. I was at this time notified to take command of the brigade. As each regiment arrived it was put in position on the right, the Forty- seventh Alabama, the Fourth Alabama in the center, the Forty- fourth Alabama on its right, and the Fifteenth Alabama on the right of the brigade [?]. I immediately put out vedettes in front of each regiment along the valley road, and one company from the Fifteenth Alabama on the right across the ridge. I then ordered commanders of regiments to have their men put up breastworks of rails locr & c., which was promptly done. Here we remained perfectly quiet about an hour, when the vedettes in fron.t reported a column of Yankees advancing up the valley road from the direction of Browns Ferry. Orders were given to let them advance till the head of the column was opposite the left of my line, which was done, when a well-directed fire drove them back in con- fusion. In a short time he rallied, returned, and made an effort to charge the works on the [ridge.] He was handsomely repulsed and gave back in confusion. He must hate suffered severely, in this charge, from the cries and groans of the wounded in our front. Being driven back, he rallied and left the road, crossing a field in our front. Th Page 230 280 ~., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. A~LA., AND N. GA. (O~ XWI. left wing of the Forty~eig~th Alabama and an Arkansas regiment on my left opened fire upon him and caused some confusion in his ranks. In a short time an attack was made on my right, which rested some 200 yards from tlie valley road, with thick undergrowth between our works and the road, which was handsomely repulsed. In a few minutes another and more vigorous attack was made upon the right, meeting the same fate as the first attack. Being fearful of a flank attack, I now strengthened the company on the right with two other companies, one from the Fifteenth and one from the Forty- fourth Alabama. Shortly afterward I was notified by one of the pickets on the right that a column of Yankees had passed around my right near the river. I notified General Law of the fact, and he sent forward the Fourth Texas Regiment, which was promptly placed in position on my right by Captain Terrell, assistant adjutant- general. In a few minutes after placing this regiment in position a vigorous attack was made upon the front of the Fourth, Forty-fourth and Fifteenth Alabama, some two or three columns deep. The en~ emy was repulsed, but returned in a short time more vigorously, and strengthened by several columns, who broke through my lines over our works, the left of the Forty-fourth Alabama having given way. I here ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Scruggs, commanding the Fourth Alabama, to swing his regiment across the ridge and to hold his position at any sacrifice, which was promptly done, the men and officers acting promptly. Here I ordered Colonel Perry, command- ing the Forty-f~urth Alabama, to rally his men and take his position at all hazards. The Fourth Alabama co-operating with him soon drove the enemy from and beyond the breastworks. He soon re- turned, but was driven back. About this time I received orders from General Law to fall back to the bald hill near the bridge. When I received this order the fir- ing had ceased. I gave the ~order to fall back in order and in line of battle. I fell ba~k to the first ridge; remained there a few minutes and then fell back to where I first formed line of battle, when I re- ceived orders to recross the bridge. In leaving the ridge where I had engaged the enemy I was notified of a column of the enemy advanc- ing down the valley from the river between the two ridges. At the same time I saw a heavy column marching by the flank on my left, which was evidently the column which passed through the field in my front in the direction where General Jenkins brigade was en- gaged. We had been in our position on the ridge, I suppose, one hour or more before the firing commenced on our left by General Jenkins brigade. I cannot close my report without expressing my thanks to Lieut. Joseph B. Hardwick and Sergeant-Major Robbins, of the Forty- eighth Alabama, who volunteered to assist me, in their promptness to deliver every order; also to the commanders and company officers and men of the Fourth, Forty-seventh, and Forty-eighth Alabama~- Regiments for promptness in driving back the enemy in the several charges, also to Colonel Perry, of the Forty-fourth, for rallying his men and driving the enemy from his position they had taken. These regiments were under my immediate observation. The casualties were: Fourth Alabama, 1 killed; Fifteenth Ala- bama, 5 wounded, 2 officers and 9 men missing; Forty-fourth Ala- Ibama, 1 killed, 10 wounded, 11 missing; Forty-seventh Alabama, none; Forty-eighth Alabama, I mortally wounded (Captain Eubanks) and 3 privates wounded Page 231 Cw. xLffl.] REOPEN~N~G OP THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 231 The loss of the enemy was evidently very great; much more so than ours. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. SHEFFU~LD, colonel, Commanding Laws Brigade. Capt. L. R. TERRELL, Assistant Adjutant- General. No. 42. Report of Col. John Bratton, Sixth South carolina Infantry, com manding Jenkins brigade. HEADQUARTERS JENKINS BRIGADE, November 1, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report of the action of General Jenkins brigade on the night of October 28: Having passed from our regular position on the line to the other side of Lookout Mountain, in accordance with orders crossed Look- out Creek near the railroad bridge and formed lines of battle. The Sixth Regiment (Major White) was sent to occupy a hill on the right of the road, and the Palmetto Sharpshooters one on the left. The rest of ths brigade, except the Hampton Legion (Colonel Gary), which was left to guard a gap between me and General Law until relieved by General Benning, swept down the railroad between the hills mentioned to the Trenton road, capturing a few pickets or strag- glers. I then changed direction to the left and advanced down the Trenton road with four regimentsthe Palmetto Sharpshooters, Colonel Walker; Second Rifles, Colonel Thomson; First South Car- olina Volunteers, Colonel Kilpatrick, and Fifth Regiment, Col. A. Coward. The Sixth (Major White) was ordered to advance to the Trenton road and throw its pickets out to watch the Selby Farm road as well as the Browns Ferry road. The Legion was by this time relieved, and was following in our rear to be used as reserve. The line thus formed advanced without opposition until near a branch, about half a mile from the point at which we entered the Trenton road. There, after some little picket firing, our skirmish- ers crossed the branch, and came in sight of the camp of the enemy. A hasty observation showed that there was considerable commothwi in their camp. Whether it was of preparation to receive oi4 leave us I could not tell, but the hurrying hither and thither could be seen by the light of their camp fires, which they were then extinguishing. I immediately threw three regimentsSecond Rifles, Colonel Thom- son; First, Colonel Kilpatrick, and Fifth, Colonel Co.wardupon them, with orders not to fire until they passed our skirmishers. The Palmetto Sharpshooters (Colonel Walker) were ordered to advance and take position on the railroad on what was supposed to be the enemys flank. The three regiments had not advanced far before a very heavy fire was developed, so heavy on the Second Rifles as to cause it to halt and finally to fall back. This stopped the advance, leaving the other two en & helon on the field, the )~ ifth on the right and in advance. I at once ordei~d up the Sixth from its position in the rear to act as reserve, and put the Hampton Legion (Colonel Gary) in on the right of the Fifth (Colonel Coward). Colonel Gar Page 232 232 ~ sw. vi., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. moved up and, passing over the line of skirmishers, who weie fight- ing on the right and a little in the rear of the Fifth, drove the enemy through their camp and entirely beyond their wagon camp. By this time the Sixth, under Major White, had reported, and was in position on the ground at first occupied by the Second Rifles. The position of things at this time was entirely favorable to a grand charge. Our line was, as it were, two sides of a wide-spread V (see annexed sketch), the Fifth and Hampton Legion on the right, and N N C U C (aS N U the Sixth and Palmetto Sharpshooters on the left, the First at the point, Second Rifles on the left, behind the railroad. The enemy, with his left driven, crowded and huddled upon his center, occupied the base. His line of fire at this time certainly was not more than 300 or 400 yards in length, and but from 50 to 150 yards in breadth, the sparkling fire making a splendid pyrotechnic display and en- couraging the hope that the balls intended for us were lodging on themselves. At this juncture I received orders to withdraw and move back in good order, as the enemy were pressing in the rear. While making arrangements for the charge I had sent back to ask that Lieutenant. ColonetLogan, who followed us over the mountain with the pickets of the brigade that were on post when we left, be sent up to me. The answer to this request was delivered just then, that Colonel Logan was about engaging the enemy in the rear, and that I must withdraw hind move back at once. I moved the Sixth Regiment tQ~ the position behind the railroad and ordered it to pour its fire upon the crowded mass of the enemy. Under this fire the rest of the bri- gade was withdrawn. Colonels Coward and Gary were first with- drawn and ordered to form line of battle about a quarter of a mile in rear to cover the retreat of the others, which was done, and all passed through, bringing away most of our wounded and many of the guns left on the field. .1 then moved on to the bridge over Look- out Creek, Colonel Coward bringing up the rear. Here we formed line of battle to cover the retreat and passage of General Benning Page 233 C~. XLI~L] REOPENING OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 233 brigade, and were the last to recross the creek. I was ordered back to camp, which I readied a little after sunrise on the morning of October 29. Our loss, I regret to say, is most serious. Colonel Kilpatrick, of the First South Carolina Volunteers, distinguished not only for gal- lantry but for efficiency, was shot through the heart early in the engagement. His bearing was such as those who knew [him] best expected, heroic. His loss is irremediable to his regiment. The inclosed list of casualties will displ& y to you the character as well as amount of our loss. To my fellow colonels and commanders of regiments I am deeply indebted for their gallantry, good management of their commands, and prompt and unhesitating obedience to orders. The steady cour- age and cool bearing of officers and men under my command saved us from any of the horrible accidents that can so easily attend night attacks. To say that I am proud of their conduct would but feebly express my feelings. I refer you to accompanying reports* of com- manders of regiments for particulars as to the parts taken by them. I have to regret the loss of the services of Capt. James L. Coker, Sixth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, acting assistant adju- tant-general on my staff. He was seriously wounded while nobly performing his duty. My couriers and a guide from General Laws brigade, whose name I did not learn, are entitled to my thanks for their conduct on the occasion. I cannot close without special mention of Courier George Peitz, whose enthusiastic gallantry and intelligent conveyance of orders, after the fall of my acting assistant adjutant-general, contributed greatly to the.good order and success of the withdrawal. Respectfully submitted. J. BRATTON, Colonel, Commanding. Capt. R. M. SIMMS, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure.] Casualties in Jenkins brigade, (Jol. John Bratton commanding, in the action at Lookout Mountain on the night of October 28, 1863 Officers and men. Command. ~ .~ ~ 1st South Carolina Rifles 2 38 5 45 2d South 6 51 7 64 5th South Carolina 9 ~ 9 102 6th South Carolina 13 3 ~ Hampton Legion ~ 65 12 85 Palmetto Sharpshooters 6 35 3 44 Total 31 286 89 366 *N~,t found Page 234 234 iiir., sw. VA., IENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. (OHA~. ZL~. No. 43. Report of Brig. Gem. Jerome B. Robertson, C. S. Army, command ing brigade. HEADQUARTERS TEXAS BRIGADE, Near Chattanooga, Tenn., November 5, 1863. CAPTAIN: I herewith submit a report of tlie part taken by my brigade in the affair of the night of the 28th. On arriving at the railroad I was ordered to report to Brigadier- General Law, who had crossed at the lower bridge. On reporting to him I was ordered to form my brigade in line of battle in the open field at the foot of the first timbered hill, to act as a support to his brigade, which was in line of battle near the road. After re- maining in this position a short time I was ordered to send forward to General Law two regiments. I sent my two left regiments (the Third Arkansas and the First Texas), which were placed on the left of General Laws line, the First supporting the Third. From where I first formed line I threw vedettes out to my right to watch the road running up the river from the direction of the enemys camp near Browns Ferry. About the time the Third Arkansas and First Texas got into their positions one of these vedettes reported the enemy on or near the road above alluded to, and they were in the edge of the woods near the open field. I sent and notified General Law of it. I was then ordered to move one regiment to the bridge, and from it send a picket to the mouth of Lookout Creek and one up the Chattanooga road, and with the remainder to guard the bridge. The Fifth Texas was thus disposed of. This bridge guard was placed in the open field near the bridge and across the road leading down the river bank, with a strong picket thrown forward to the base of the hill in the field on the road, and from this picket vedettes were thrown forward to watch the approaches along the river bank. The Fourth Texas, my remaining regiment, was ordered forward by General Law and placed on the right of his line. Finding that there was a considerable space between the right of General Laws line and the river, I sent forward two men, taken from the vedette post first established, to ascertain the movements of the enemy re- ported to be there. These men failed to return and were some of the missing. I regret that I did not in the hurry of the moment take their names, as they were very prompt in obeying the order to f or- ward. After giving orders to that portion of the Fifth guarding the ap- proaches to the bridge to hold their position at every hazard, I Ilastene(l to General Law and reported this condition of affairs on his right. Very soon after this received orders from General Law~ to form the First Texas Regiment, which he sent me, on the hill in the open field and to the i~ear of the place where I first formed line of battle, and cover the withdrawal of the command. This was promptly done, and the troops passed out across the bridge leisurely, in good order, without any confusion or excitement. I remained here with the First Texas until ordered by General Law to march this regiment out, which was done Page 235 Cab~r. ZLIII4J SK~RMISfl IN CHEROKEE COUNTY, N. C. 23~ I herewith submit the reports* of the several regimental corn- mander~. My casualties are 1 wounded and 8 missing. Respectfully submitted. J. B. ROBERTSON, Captain TERRELL, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General, Laws Brigade. OCTOBER 27, 1863.Skirmish in Cherokee County, N. C. Report of Lieut. C. II. Taylor, Thomas Legion, C. S. Army. 4. MURPHY, N. C., November 1, 1863. SIR: On October 27, General Vaughn, with a detachment of his mounted men, overtook Goldman Bryson, with his company of mounted robbers, in Cherokee County, N. C., attacked him, killing 2 and capturing 17 men and 30 horses. On the 28th, I left Murphy with 19 men, taking Brysons trail through the mountains; followed him 25 miles, when I came upon him and fired on him, killing him and capturing 1 man with him. I found in his possession his orders from General Buruside and his roll and other papers. My men all acted nobly; marched two days, and without anything to eat. Yours, respectfully, C. H. TAYLOR, Lieutenant, Comdg. Co. B,~ Infantry Regt., Thomas Legion. Lieutenant-Colonel WALKER, C~ommanding Battalion, Thomas Legion. [Inclosure.] SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, H No. 56. DQRS. ARMY OF THE Onio, Knoxville, East Tenn., October 22, 18~i3. * * * * * * * VI. Capt. G. Bryson, First Tennessee National Guard, is hereby ordered to proceed with his command to North Carolina and vicinity, for the purpose of recruiting, and will return here within a fortnight, when he will report in person at these headquarters. By order of Major-General Buruside: EDWARD M. NEILL, .llifajor, and Assistant Adjutant-General. [Indorsement.] [General BRAGG:] Permit me, general, to recommend to your notice C. H. Taylor, lieutenant, who commanded the Indians at the killing of Captain Bryson. You will pardon me, general, in not sending this through the proper channel, as we have no mails. W. C. WALKER, Lieutenant-Colonel, Camdg. Battalion, Thomas Legion. *Not found Page 236 236 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CiuP. ILUI. OCTOBER 29, 1863.-.Skirmish at Centreville, Teun. Report of Maj. Gen. George IT. Thomas, U. S. Army, command ing Department of the Gumberland. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 3, 186311.30 p. m (Received 3.30 a. in., 4th.) MAJOR: General R. S. Granger reports from Nashville that he sent a detachment of cavalry from that p lace, under Lieutenant- Colonel Shelley, to pursue Hawkins and other guerrilla chiefs. Overtook Hawk ins near Piney Factory. Routed and pursued him to Centreville, where he made a stand. Routed him again and pur.. sued him until his forces dispersed. Rebel loss, 15 or 20 killed and 66 prisoners. Our loss, 1 severely and several slightly wounded. Rebels have fired 40 or 50 shells from top of Lookout to-day with- out doing any damage. We are getting sup p lies bysteam.~boat up the river as fast as they arrive by railroad at Bridgeport. We shall need more rolling stock on the railroad immediate y o keep this army supplied. One of my scouts to-day reports that 20,000 or 30,000 rebels, under Buckner, have moved in direction of KnoicviLle to attack Burnside. The movement of troops in that direction is corroborated by other scouts, but they do not agree as to numbers. My river guards, stationed as high up as Piney Creek, report all quiet in their front. GEO. H. THOMAS, .Miajor-General. Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief. OCTOBER 29NOVEMBER 2, 1863.Scout from Winchester to Fayette vile, Teun. Report of Maj. Joseph P. Lesslie, Fourth Indiana Cavalry. NEAR WINCHESTER, TENN., November 3, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that, according to instruc- tions received at your headquarters October 29, under the instruction of Captain Greenwood, I proceeded to Fayetteville, by way of Lynch- burg, where, on account of the inclemency of the weather, we lay over one-half of one day. On the 31st of October, we arrived at Fayetteville about 12 in., where I established my quarters, allowing my men to occupy the vacant buildings of the town. I then stationed pickets on all the roads leading to town. On the morning of the 1st November, I sent out two companies for the purpose of pressing stock, in charge of a commissioned offi-~ cer, with instructions to receipt for all taken. When the officer in charge returned in the evening he reported to me that he had been informed by good authority that there was a force of not less than 800 strong scattered through the vicinity, com- posed of three companies of guerrillasone commanded by Captain Davis, another by Captain George; the other now I do not rec6llect. Also a detachment of Roddeys force. These were said to be in small detachments through the country. I also received the same infor- mation from citizens and negroes. I then ordered a lieutenant an Page 237 cHIP. XLIII.] SCOuT TO BALDWIIiS EEBRY, MISS. 237 10 men to take a report of the same to your headquarters, but imme.. diately after I received a report to me that the pickets were captured on the Elkton road; also that the pickets were fired on from the bridge across Elk River. Rockets were seen to be thrown up from the opposite side of the river. I then deemed it unsafe for a small force to go through alone, so I countermanded the order, sending the courier, but ordered two companies to proceed at once to take the Elkton road and ascertain the nature of the attack. After an absence of about two hours they returned, bringing the body of Captain Mason, who was in charge of the picket post, and 2 wounded men. The account the wounded men gave was that at about Sp. m. a body of about 20 men appeared to them from toward town. They were challenged at the proper distance. When asked, Who comes there ? the reply was, Friends to relieve the pickets. Then, being ordered by the deceased captain to advance,they advanced in mass to where the captain stood in the road, shot him down, fired on the balance of the ickets, and ordered them to surrender. They then passed on to tYie vedettes, fired on them, wounded 1, and captured another. They did not take the arms or horses from any but the vedettes. They took but 1 prisoner. - I thenthis bein a out9 p.m. ordered Major Lamson to take 2 companies and proceed with the led animals and cattle to Win.. chester, by way of Salem. I remained with the balance of the command to prevent whatever force there might be from cr9ssing the river, as the force was reported to be on the Fayetteville side of Elk River. I remained there until 7 a. in., when I proceeded to join my com- mand at Winchester, bringing 1 prisoner, said to be a lieutenant lately from Chattanooga at home on sick-leave. The pressed stock consisted of 76 head of beef cattle, 76 horses, and 15 mules, which have been turned over to the quartermaster. There was no vedette in the rear of the captured picket post. The reason of not having a medical officer along was this: We had but one in the regiment, and lie was necessarily detained in camp. All the sick were left with two-thirds the force of the regiment. Your obedient servant, J. P. LESSLIE, Maj. W. H. SINCLAIR, Major Fourth Indiana Cavalry. Assistant Adjutant-General. NOVEMBER 1, 1863.Scout from Bovina Station to Baldwins Ferry, Miss. Report of Lieut. (Jot. Newell W. Spicer, First Kansas Infantry HDQRS. FIRST KANSAS MOUNTED RIFLES, Bovina Station, Miss., November 1, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor respectfully to report that, in obedi- ence to your order, I started at daylight this morning with my command, to reconnoiter the country and roads south of Black River Bridge, between my position and the river, toward Baldwins Ferry. I penetrated to the ferry, but during my scout discovered no signs of the enemy other than the road-marks of the party, seen by our pickets on yesterday afternoon Page 238 238 KY., sw. VA., TBKN., MISS., N. ALA., KND I~. GA. IIC~AP.XLUL The crossing at Baldwins Ferry I judged not fordable, from the depth of water. It has evidently not been recently used as a cross- ing place from the absence of any marks or indications and the roads leading to it from this side being effectually blockaded by fallen trees. I attempted to go up the river bank for the purpose of discovering any crossing that might be in that direction, but on ac.. count of these obstructions I could not proceed. II discovered no roads leading to the right from the direct road to the ferry, which converges with the Vicksburg road near the plantation of Mrs. Bachelor. Several roads diverge to the left, toward the Black, between the position of our piqket and the intersection of the roads, and on one or two of which I sent patrolling parties, but to no great distance, desiring merely to pursue the Baldwins Ferry road to the crossing. Upon the opposite bank at the ferry is a small earth-work for light artillery, but it had no appearance of having been recently occupied. I have no accident whatever to report, and, so far as I could ascer- tain, the enemy has not been seen in the country since yesterday, and for several days previous. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. W. SPICER, Lieutenant- Colone~, Commanding Regiment. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. MOWER. NOVEMBER 3, 1863.Skirmish at Lawrenceburg, Teun. Report of lIIaj. Thomas C. Fitz Gibbon, Fourteenth Michigan~ In fantrij, and congratulatory orders. HDQRS. FOURTEENTH MIcH. VOL. MTD. INFTY., Columbia, Tenn., November 7, 1863. CAPTAIN: Early on the morning of the 2d instant, deserters from the camp of Col. Albert Cooper informed me of the confinement in jail at Lawrenceburg of many Union citizens who refused to join the rebel army, as also some Federal soldiers captured from the various regiments that have been stationed and passed through here. Coopers force was represented as from 200 to 300 strong, partially and imperfectly armed, and as it was rumored that he intended leav- ing camp the day following, I resolved to surprise and capture him before daylight next morning. For that purpose I had 120 enlisted men, 6 lieutenants, and 2 captains detailed, and apportioning 20 to each lieutenant, and 3 lieutenants to each captain, at 3 p. m. on the evenino of the 2d instant headed for Lawrenceburg. Believing that the oatli-bound loyalty of the citizens of Columbia could not be re- lied upon, I gave out that I was going to Pulaski; and to deceive those who might follow or watch my movements, I proc~eeded 14 miles on that pike, then turned southwest and went through Camp- bellsville. I purposed coming in rear (south), of Lawrenceburg, oc- cupy all roads leading to it, at 4 oclock a. m. dismount my force, and walk into their camp. -This could be done, for having no camp or picket guard out, as I had been reliably informed, they might have been taken in their quarters without firing a shot. But unfo Page 239 Cw~. XLIII.] SKIRMISH AT LAWRENCEBURG, TENN. 239 tunately for the success of our movement, Lieutenant Miller, com- manding rear guard, permitted the column to move too far ahead, and got lost in the woods. On being informed of this accident or blunder, my spirit sank within me, for with the three hours losi in search of him and his command passed away the opportunity of surprising the rebel camp. It was now day, and being only 6 miles from Lawrenceburg, I de- termined to test the mettle of the 200 or 300 men, and refresh and feed my men and horses from their stores. When within a mile of the town the intelligent contrabands volunteered their fears of my destruction, as Cooper had over 500 men ready to receive me. He was told (they said) of my coming, and got ready to lick me. Soon after my guide brought me word from a Union citizen, on whose statement reliance could be placed, that there were over 500 men drawn up in line to welcome me; that Captains Kirk, Scott, Birch, Payne, and Barnes, with their commands, under Col. Albert Cooper, were determined to hold the town. My advance guard, under Sergt. William Davis, had become hotly engaged with a group of rebel mounted men who occupied the road in my front, and to secure against defeat, which would be death and destruction to my entire command, I dismounted all but a2 of my men (who were armed with carbines and revolvers I captured a few days previous), had them hitch their horses and form column of companies in front of my positionand close to the rebel first line of battle lay a piece of woo d sand having ordered Sergeant Davis to hold the road, surveyed their situation and movements. Masking my movements from the enemy by taking possession of the woods, I ordered Lieut. William Finn, with parts of Companies B and C, to deploy his force as skirmishers, and giving Lieut. John M. Clarke the terrible 32, gave command of t7he reserve to Capt. J. J. Don- nelly, with directions to hold them well in hand and await orders. The advance of the skirmishers brought on a brisk fire, but, in spite of the efforts of the rebels to stay their march, on, on they went, driving the enemys vedettes and advance guard before them. See- ing now the material I had to deal with, I placed myself at the head of the 32 and came on the left of, and in line with, my skirmishers. Finn was driving them gallantly, and having come within close range of their first line, which was protected by a long row of cotton bales belonging to a Mr. Porter, pushed toward them at the double-quick, and while Lieutenant Clarke threatened their right, Finn not only occupied their front, but swung round his right and enfiladed them, receiving the deliberate oblique fire of the skirmishers, by which 3 of them were wounded. The first line retired, or rather ran, in haste upon the second. Deeming this the opportunity to strike, I ordered up the reserve. Their right, I saw at a glance, was exposed, and as their whole line ran along the Monnt Pleasant road, hemmed in by fences on either side, the center and left would be powerless in ren- dering the right any assistance. I resolved then to break through their right, swing round their rear, and terrify the whole by bad y beating a part. Being vastly outnumbered, my enemy being nearly 600 strong, I dreaded to make known my numbers by an attack upon their whole line. The reserve, under Captain Donnelly, co1~iing up, the skirmishers advanced and engaged their wliple front, receiving two volleys in return. Under the smoke of their guns I ordered Clarke to charge and smash their right, and bravely and gloriously did he obey m Page 240 240 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLUI. words. The rebels fired by rank, but so nervous and unsteady as to p ass closer in rear of my reserve than to my advance. Clarke crum~ bled their right, and, wheeling, aimed for their heart, but it was gone in all directions. Occupying the court-house with two companies, the remainder pursued the flying force beyond the outskirts of the town. Fearing an ambuscade where there were so many, I ordered that the pursuit should be discontinued where opportunities for such would offer. Captain Walsh, however, could not restrain his fierceness, and tak-~ ing Lieutenant Kirk and his company with him, drove Scott so close that he dropped him a first lieutenant and 3 men to stay his chase. The jail and court-house had been emptied of prisoners an hour before our arrival, and, placing some loose cotton in the former, re- signed it to the flames. The citizens begged that I would spare the court-house, as its destruction would disfigure and perhaps mutilate and destroy a monument close by, erected in memory of those of its former residents who died on the plailis of Mexico defending the Republic. Apprehending trouble on my return, and anxious to get into an open country before night set in, I gave the prisoners in charge of Lieutenant Kirk, left Lieutenants Clarke and Finn, under Captain Walsh, to guard the rear, while Lieuts. A. P. Sinclair and James Stewart, under Captain Donnelly, were to clear any hinderance to our advance. Lieutenant Miller I held to aid either front or rear when attacked. The enemy, being informed as to my strength and numbers, felt chagrined at his discomfiture, and gathering his scattered force on the west side of the town, determined to take advantage of the hills and road through which I had to pass to annihilate my little band. I had scarcely gone 2 miles when a courier from the rear informed me that Clarke was hard pressed, and the fierce yells of my assailants gave warning of their near approach. I ordered Captain Walsh and Lieutenant Finn to form in the woods on the right, telling them that I would go back with Clarkes 32, feign an attack, give way, and run by them, when they should open on them and close in in their rear. I led Clarkes command to the rear, telling him my intention, but as I advanced to the brow of the hill the rebels were too close upon me to permit of my retiring with any chance of safety; they were about equal to my entire command, drawn up in the form of a cres- cent, their right resting on the road while the left lapped my rear. Sending an orderly to the rear to bring up Captain Walsh, I deter- mined to punish them on their own ground or perish in ~he attempt. I ordered a charge, telling my men to reserve their fire till we could strike them in the face with our revolvers. We were about 30 yards from the rebel semicircular line, and my men, deeming themselves close enough, hesitated for a moment. Putting spurs to my horse I dashed forward to show my contempt for the guerrillas that confronted~. me, and, b6ckoning to the noble and truly gallant Clarke, urged him to follow. Bravely, fearlessly, and heroically did he and his men obey the summons, and up to their very teeth we dashed. At this moment my horse was shot from under me, three of a volley of musket balls having penetrated his heart, brain, and side. The struggle that now raged over me was fierce, terrific, and ap- palling, exceeding in stubbornness any hand-to-hand and face-to~f ace encounter that has marked any war of the present age. Completely encircled by a galling fire, the rebel commander twice essayed t Page 241 Cnii. XLIII.] SKIRMISH AT EJAWBENCEBURO, TENN. 241 capture us, but the undaunted Clarke still struggled bravely, and though one after another of our horses fell to earth, we converted their bodies into a barricade and cleared the field. Captain Walsh arrived in time to join in the pursuit. The rebels left (as Lieutenant Clarke, who counted the bodies, informed me) 8 of their men in the throes of death behind them, while Sergt. William Davis, who re- fused to go to the rear, though severely wounded, and Private Beebe L. Saxton, of Company I, and Private Heman Curliss, of Company E, wounded, besides 3 horses killed, was all the loss the terrible 32 sustained. Being extricated from my horse by the aid of my faithful orderly, 0. B. Brombly, Ii formed both companies to resist another onslaught, telling them to retire alternately and join the column. Anticipating an immediate attack on the advance I hastened to the front to pre- pare for it, and scarce had I formed when one of the most terrific but wildest volleys that ever was hurled upon a column greeted Captain Donnellys command from a frowning hill on his left. Coolly did? that gallant officer receive it, and calmly did he deliberate upon his duty. Up that steep hill did he charge with his men, Stewart advancing direct upon their center, while Sinclair struck them on the right flank, both driving them in confused groups into a dense thicket, pouring volley after volley into the confused mass. Never before was such daring, dashing, cool, determined bravery exhibited by men, and, the cry of no quarter to guerrillas having been heard above the din and rattle of musketry, drove the enemy through briers and thickets to the mountains. The force on this hill was little less than 150, half of whom were dismounted and contested Captain Donnellys ascent. He himself blew the brains out of one, and, as I had ordered that no more pris- oners should be taken, he says their loss must have been ver~y great. Both these terrible reverses terrified the assailants, and, if I except one more desperate effort on the rear which Walsh, Clarke, and Finn gallantly met and repulsed, their firing was irregular and at long range. Providentially the only loss sustained by the onslaught upon the front was the killing and wounding of 7 horses, which I soon replaced from the stables of adjacent farm houses. Finding themselves baffled and defeated at all points, Captain Barnes was dispatched to Mount Pleasant, 16 miles ahead, on my line of march, to notify Major Coffee to join and aid in a last attack at that p lace, he having about 50 guerrillas in the neighboring mount- ains,but he could not escape the watchful eye of Captain Donnelly, who sent two men on fresh horses in pursuit, and they, being unable to close on him, drove him off the road with their long-range rifles. Ignorant of this, about 100 of the enemy kept in my rear to Mount Pleasant, where the brave 32 were concealed to receive them. The rear of my column having passed out of town, these cowardly murderers galloped up, shouting as they came, when Lieutenant Clarke wheeled his men into line and, delivering one volley in their face, scattered them in all directions to trouble us no more. I reached this post at 6 p. in., after an absence of twenty-seven hours, having traveled 82 miles, fought and defeated four times a superior force having advantage of ground and position, without food or rest. The prisoners, 26 in number, including 1 captain and 2 lieutenants, I turned over to Prcxvost-Marshal Nixon, thus making in six days 107 prisoners captured by a single battalion. It will doubtless seem strange to some that in such terrible and 16 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 242 242 KY., SW. VA., TKNN., MISS., ~. ALA., AND ~. GA. lcw. XLIII. close conificts between armed forces, so few are killed and wounded, but to the intelligent officer or soldier who has witnessed the Un- wieldy clumsiness of a Springfield rifle in the hands of a mounted man, the wonder is easy of solution. Such men as compose the Four~ teentli Michigan, armed with breechdoading rifles or revolvers,would prove themselves a terror to any force with which they would ooine in contact. No tremulous hesitation, no fear of danger or of death, no retiring to load, or excuse to go to the rear, was visible in officer or soldibr. They fought coolly, bravely, nobly; repulsing every at- tack, and breaking every line and barrier that interposed between them and success. The State of Michigan and the Republic [have] just reason to be proud of such noble sons and gallant defenders. Respectfull~submitted. Your o dient servant, THOMAS C. FITZ GIBBON, Major, Commanding Fourteenth Michigan Volunteers. Capt. A. E. MAGILL, Acting Assistant Adjutant~General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ I{EADQUARTERS UNITED STATES Foi~cEs, No. 38. f Nashville, Tenn., November 8, 1863. The general commanding compliments the officers and men of the Fourteenth Regiment of Michigan Volunteers. The late brilliant scouts through Lawrence, Giles, and Maury have done credit to our arms and taught the people of that section that our flag is carried by men who mean that it shall be respected. The general command- ing feels assured that every portion of this command will emulate the energy, zeal, and gallantry of this regiment. By order of Brig. Gen.R. S. Granger: W. N~VIN, Captain, and Assistant Adjutant-General. NOVEMBER ~ 18e8...Operatlous on the Memphis and Charleston Rail road. $UIVtMARY OF TL~]~ IRINQIPAL EVENTS. Nov. 8, 1863.-~.SkirmlSh at Qi~inxi and Jacksons Mill, Coidwater River, Miss. Action at CoLlierville, Tenn. ~, 18~3.Skirmi8h at Moscow, Tenn. Skirmish at La Fayette, Tenn. R~PORT~. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Huribut, U. S. Army, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 2.Col. -Edward Hatch, Second Iowa Cavalry, commanding Third Cavalry Brigade. No. 3.Lient. Col. George W.~Trafton, Seventh Illinois Cavalry. No. 4.Brig. Gen. James R. Chalmers, C. S. Army. No. 5,Col. Robert McCulloch, Second Missouri Cavalry, commanding brigade. NQ. e.Coi. W. F. Slemons, Second Arkansas Cavalry, commanding brigade. No. 7.Col. R. V. Richardson, Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry. See Union Correspondence. etc., November 1, Stevenson to Hurlbut, and Hurlbut to Dodge and Mizner; November 3, liuribut to Hatch, Mizner and Stevenson, and replies, Part III Page 243 Cw.~. XLJILJ OPERATIONS O~ MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON It B. 243 No. 1. Reports of Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Huribut, U. S. Army, command ing & .rteenth Army Corps. MEMPHIS, November 4, 1863. Chalmers was handsomely repelled by Colonel Hatch with three regiments of cavalry. General George i~aptured. The railroad and telegraph unhurt. The enemy are south of Coldwater, 3,000 strong, and Hatch is waiting for Mizner and McCrillis to come up from Corinth and La Grange on their rear and flank. Dodge commences crossing the river to-day. S. A. HURLI3UT, Major-General GRANT, Chattanooga. Major-GeneraL, HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY Co~s Memphis, Tenn., November 5, 1863. GENERAL: Your orders contained in letter of 31st October, this day received, have been anticipated so far as it was practicable- with present force. No troops have as yet arrived from Arkansas, and therefore J have no movable column at Memphis. Ihaveordered Stevenson, in the event of an attack in force,to draw in everything to Corinth as far as Moscow, and for that pur- pose directed him to keep a train and two engines. Chalmers attacked Collierville day before yesterday, and was repulsed and pursued by Colonel Hatch with the Second Iowa, Sixth and Seventh Illinois. I filled the Germantown and Collierville gar- rison with the Twenty-fifth Indiana Infantry. The enemys loss was serious in killed and wounded. Brigadier- General George, of Mississippi Militia, and 8 officers captured at Collierville. Hatch followed to Chulahoma. Mizuer was ordered from La Grange to their flank and rear, but has not been heard from. This morning at 3 a. m. the enemy, about 1,000 strong, pushed in 5 miles east of Sanlsbury and commenced destroying track; damage not ascertained. Hatch and Mizner are ordered to push in upon them. I think the road is badly broken, but cannot yet tell. C or- inth must take care of itself in that case until re-enforcements from Steele arrive. I fear McPherson will scarcely get Tuttles division up for want of fuel. Your obedient servant, S. A. HU2RLBUT, Maj. Gem WILLIAM T. SHERMAN. Major-General. No. 2. Reports of Col, Edward Hatch, Second Io~~a Cava7ry, commanding Third Cavalry Brigade. COLLIERVILLE, TENN., November 3, 1863. The enemy in force, under Chalmers, attacked this place about 12 oclock to-day and were badly whipped by 3 oclock. The~y are i Page 244 244 KY., SW. VA., TEKN., MISS., N. ALA. AND N. GA. [Oxii~. XLIII. full retreat, and my sabers are charging them. Brigadier-General George is in our hands, and a number of other prisoners. Losses on both sides not yet ascertained. There are no troops at Germantown. We are short of ammunition. Will report further soon. The line is all right east. EDWARD HATCH, Colonel, Commanding. Major-General HUELBUT. COLLIERVILLE, November 3, 18638.30 p. m. The enemy have been driven across the Coidwater. The rout is complete. At the Coidwater they made a stand with artillery. Firing has ceased. Colonel Mizner has assumed command of the Second Brigade, and has issued orders to Colonel McCrillis which conflict with my plans. Impossible to handle the First Brigade, owing to Colonel Mizners rank. I think there is another column, which passed through Salem; am not certain, though, and hardly think it prudent to leave the road too far in pursuit with the force at my command. My advance is now near Quinn and Jacksons Mill, and I leave here as soon as the infantry comes up. EDWARD AT ~H, Colonel, Commanding Division. Major-General HURLBUT. CHULAHOMA, November 4, 1863. The, enemys retreat, since leaving Coldwater, has been a rout. Retreating so rapidly, I have captured but few prisoners. The enemy have many killed and wounded lying along the line of retreat. Chalmers force engaged, so far as ascertained, are McCullochs Sec- ond Missouri Regiment, Jacksons old regiment (First [Seventh] Tennessee), Georges Mississippi, McGuirks Mississippi, Slemons Second Arkansas, Barts [?] Mississippi, Twelfth Tennessee, Chal- mers Battalion, two 6-pounder guns, one rifle, three small caliber. I shall be on the road to-morrow. Respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD HATCH, Colonel, Commanding. Major-General HURLBUT. HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE CAVALRY, Collierville, Tenn., November 9, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Third Brigade Cavalry, Sixteenth Army Corps, in the attack on Collier- ville, November 3, 1863, by the Confederate General Chalmers, in command of seven regiments and six pieces of artillery. On the morning of the 3d of November, Collierville was occupied by eight companies of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, and two iron howitzers, in command of Lieutenant-Colonel Trafton, with outpost 8 miles south on Coldwater. I was at Germantown with eight com- panies of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, four mountain howitzers of the First Illinois Light Artillery, 450 men of the Second Iowa Cavalry, and a section of mountain howitzers, commanded by Lieutenant Reed, Second Iowa Cavalry. Eight companies of this brigade were guarding trestle-work and bridges from Memphis 40 miles east Page 245 CHAP. XLHLi OPERATIONS ON MEMPHIS ND CHARLESTON R. R. 245 At 8 oclock in the morning it was reported the pickets were fight- ing at Coidwater, and shortly afterward that the enemy were cross- ing at Quinn and Jacksons Mill. I immediately ordered Lieutenant- Colonel Trafton to throw the forces at Collierville into the stockade, strengthen the pickets, and dispute the ground as long as possible in front, and also ordered the Second Iowa to move rapidly toward Col- lierville; to halt in timber 1 mile from town; to make no show of force until the enemy were in town, or they heard the howitzers in the fort, then to move rapidly forward and come into position north of the railroad, with the left of the Second Iowa resting on the stock- ade, the regiment dismounted. When about 4 miles from Collierville, moving rapidly, a message reached me that the enemy were close in on the town, and reports of artillery firing rapidly reached us. I immediately moved forward at a gallop, the Second Iowa going in at a run in columns of fours, moved quickly by the right flank to the railroad, and prepared to fight on foot, their howitzers in the center. The enemy moved a bri- gade to engage the Second Iowa Cavalry, one regiment dismounted ~s skirmishers on both flanks of a regiment mounted, led in person by General George. Mounted and dismounted men of the enemy came forward in fine style, the howitzers of the Second Iowa Cavalry firing rapidly. The regiment, lying on the ground, waited until the enemys cavalry were within 50 yards, sprang to their feet, and, with cheers, poured in a severe fire from revolving rifles. A few men reached the guns; among them General George and 2 officers. The repulse was thorough. Nearly at the same moment a brigade charged ~ur left and rear. In antici p ation of this, I had ordered the Sixth Illinois Cavalry to move rapidly in rear of our line, pass the stockade, come right into line; and charge, which was promptly done by Major Whitsit, commanding. The charge of the enemy was received, broken, and repulsed. The First Illinois Light Artillery coming into position at a gallop on a ridge east of town under heavy fire, losing one-half their horses killed and wounded, opened with canister, driving back the enemys right. Our lines were then formed to resist what had the appear- ance of an assault directly in front~ the Second Iowa and Seventh Illinois on the right, and the Sixth lilinois Cavalry and First Illinois Light Artillery on the left. The enemy advanced to within 500 yards firing; after waiting some time, and seeing the enemy declined a farther advance, I ordered the entire line forward, four companit~ of the Second Iowa Cavalry sabers charging, when the enemy made a weak resistance, falling back rapidly toward Coldwater. As soon as I could mount, the Second Iowa pursued them rapidly, making the 8 miles to Coldwater in one hour and a quarter. Here the enemy, having a position almost impregnable, kept up a severe fire until an hour after dark, when the firing ceased. We were not able to force a crossing until the next morning, when I pushed after the enemy as far as a oma, 35 miles south, and finding no possi- bility of e a him north of the Tallahatchie, returned to cam p at Collierville. After the resistance on Coldwater, the enemys retreat became a perfect rout. During the attack at Collierville the enemy attempted, in small parties, to burn trestle-work and cut the telegraph wires, but they were defeated in every instance. The wire was only cut from chance balls at Collierville and readily rep aired. We captured 50 prisoners, 7 commissioned officers, and have foun Page 246 246 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. ~A. (OEAr. flifi. quite a number of small-arms. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing will not exceed 60 men. Our force engaged at Collierville was about 850 men. The enemy have left dead and wounded for more than 30 miles on their line of retreat, also broken wagons and ambulances. The Seventh Illinois was commanded by Lieutenant- Colonel Trafton, the Second Iowa by Lieutenant-Colonel Hepburn, Sixth Illinois by Major Whitsit, four runs First Illinois Light Artillery by Lieutenant Curtis, two howitzers by Lieutenant Reed, Second Iowa Cavalry. The guns in the stockade were ably served by Lieutenant Wainwright, Seventh Illinois Cavalry. All obeyed my orders cheerfully and promptly, and fought their men with credit to themselves. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD HATCH, Golonel Second Iowa Oavbitry, Comdg. Third Brigade. Capt. T. H. HARRIS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Sixteenth Army Corps. No. 3. Report of Lieut. Cot. George W. Trafton, Seventh Illinois Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY, Collierville, Tenn., November 5, 1863. SIR: On Saturday, the 1st instant, I had two companies, viz, M and B, in all about 50 men, on picket at Quinn and Jacksons Mill. Just before dark a courier came in stating that they were attacked from across Coldwater. In about three hours afterward another courier reported that the enemy, about 150 in number, had retreated, and that a was uiet. The-next morning I sent a scouting party across Coldwater about 6 miles from the mill; they returned, having found no trace of the enemy. The next morning, the 3d, a courier came stating the pickets were surrounded by a large force of rebels; another soon followed saying they were advancing in force to this place. I immediately sent reconnoitering parties on all the roads, and Company L on the Quinn and Jacksons Mill road, with instruc- tions to delay their approach as much as possible. They met them about 4 miles out and skirmished, then falling back slowly toward camp. A little before 11 oclock they came in si~it of our inner pickets and were fired on by them, which delayed t em for a short time; about this time the Second Iowa Cavalry came up and took position on right and left flanks; the action was now very warm and lasted about three hours, the Sixth Illinois Cavalry and a bat- talion of the Second Tennessee having meantime come up and joined in the engagement. The enemy were repulsed with considerable loss to them. The next morning, 4th, we started a little after 3 a. m. in pursuit; followed them as far as Chulahoma; learned they had crossed the Tallahatchie at Berlin. To-day returned to camp. Our loss in the engagement was as follows: At the picket post, at Quinn and Jacksons Mill, on the morning of the 3d, 2 men mor- tally wounded, 2 severely, and 26 missing (among the latter waS First Lieut. Joseph OKane, of Qpmpany B); in camp 1 man wounded: making, in all, a total of 31 killed, wounded, and missing. We had also 3 horses killed and 6 wounded Page 247 Oa~i~. XIJ~i.1 O1ERATIONS ON M~MPliI~ ANZ~ ~IAnt~(~r B. B. 24t I would mention with pleasure the services of Company L in de- laying the approach of the enemy, as well as in killing and wound.. ing several of their oftkers and men in their a preach on the place. GEG. W. TRAFTON, Lieutenant4jolonel, Comma~r& ding Regiment. Col. EDWABD HATCH, Commanding Brigade. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. James 1?. Chcdme~8, 0. S~ A~m~y. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY fl~ NoR~rn Mis~y~~ippi, Oxford, November 10, 1863. COLONEL: On October 26, J received a telegram from General Johnston notifying me that Sherman was moving east, and ordering me to harass his rear and break the railroad behind him. I replied by telegraph, that the road could be most seriously injured between La Grange and Corinth, but that the enemy couldconcentrate there more troops and faster than I could, and suggested that I could make a demonstration on Germantown or Coiherville, which would draw the enemys cavalry from the road between La Grange and Corinth, and that I would order Colonel Richardson with his bri- gade to watch his opportunity and tear up the road as Soon as it Was vacated. Major-General Gholson, of the Mississippi Militia, was requested by me to co-operate with Colonel Richardson, and very promptly agreed to do so. My ammunition had not been replenished since my last forward movement, and the waters of the Thllahatchie were then up so high that I was compelled to build two floating bridges to cross it. This prevented me from moving earlier, but on the morning of November 1 my whole command was put In motion. Colonel Slemons brigade encamped that night at Looxahoma, Mc- Culloch at Ingrams Mill, and Richardson at Cherry Creek. On the night of the 2d, I concentrated Slemons and McCullochs commands at Andersons house, between the fork of Pigeon Roost and Coldwater, 16 miles from Germantown and 19 from Colliervifle, threatening both places. Major Mitchell, with two companies of the Eighteenth Mississippi Battalion, had been sent forward on the evening before, and drove in the enemys pickets at Quinns Mill, expecting that they would cross Coldwater in ~orce .tlie next day after him, and we were in a good position to cut them off had they attempted it, but they did not. Before leaving camp I had ordered Captain Henderson to keep scouts in Holly Springs and Hernando, and also on the railroad and State line road, with instructions to re- port instantly any movement of troops, and to cut the telegraph wires. The scouts from near Germantown and Collierville reported on the night of the 2d that the enemy was evacuating the railroad; that the infantry had all been taken away, and that there was only one regiment of cavalry at Germantown and one at Collierville (the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavalry). Supposing that the scouts were on the State line road as ordered, and having heard nothing from them of any movement of troops from Memphis or La Grange, and feeling able to encounter, even behind intrenchments, the two reg Page 248 248 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS.~ N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHA!.. XLIII. ments of cavalry, I changed my plan and determined to attack Col- lierville. Starting before day on the morning of the 3d, we crossed Gold- water below Quinns Mill; moved in rear of the pickets and cut them off, killing 2, wounding 4 too severely to move, and capturing a lieutenant and 26 men. This was about 10 oclock, and we moved thence by two roads (Slemons on the western and McCulloch on the eastern road) to Collierville. The citizens up to within a mile of the place confirmed the statement of Hendersons scouts, that there was but one regiment at Collierville; ~nd believing that if that were true the enemy wouki skirmish with me until re-enforcement could arrive, I ordered a charge to take the place by assault. Colonel Slemons moving on the left, and McCulloch on the left, charged up very gallantly. But we discovered at the first fire that the enemy were in position with infantry, artillery, and cavalry, and I deter- mined at once to draw off as soon as we could do so successfully, and for this purpose ordered McCullochs brigade to dismount and skir- mish with the enemy until Slemons could be formed in his rear to cover his retreat. T:his was accomplished easily and in good order, each brigade forming alternately in rear of the other until we were out of reach of the enemy, when we moved slowly by the eastern road back to Quinns Mill, and crossed Goldwater. The enemy pur- sued us with his artillery and a small force on the road, while his cavalry moved down the western road and endeavored to cut us off, but did not succeed. The Seventh Tennessee (Colonel Duckworth) was placed on that road to hold them in check until our column crossed. After Duckworth crossed the enemy came up to the river and opened a furious fire of small-arms, which was soon silenced by Captain Bledsoe with a few shots from his rifled gun, by which, it is said, he killed 7 men and 15 horses. We encamped within 3 miles of the mill. Started at 2 oclock and crossed Tallahatchie that day before night. Colonel MeCrillis, with two regiments of cavalry and four pieces of artillery, taken from between La Grange and Corinth, moved through Holly Springs the same day to cut me off from the Talla- hatchie; but, anticipating such a movement, we moved rapidly and eluded him. My loss at~ Collierville was 6 killed, 63 wounded, and 26 prisoners. Among the last, Col. J. Z. George and my chief surgeon, Dr. Will- iam H. Beatty. Colonel George led the charge made by Slemons brigade, and rode into the town followed by Captain Scales and Lieutenant Lamkin, of his regiment. and a few of his men. The main body of his regiment did not follow him, and, as we were mis- taken about the force at Collierville, it is, perhaps, best that they did not. The loss of the enemy at Collierville is not known, but believed to have been heavy. His loss at Quinns Mill, including the skirmishes of the morning and evening, were 9 men and 15 horses killed, a lieu: tenant and 26 men taken prisoners. We have learned since the fight that infantry came down from the east on the 2d, and that Colonel H atch, with three regiments of cav- alry, encamped on that night at Germantown, expecting me there, but holding himself ready to re-enforce Collierville, which was but 7 miles distant, and that h~. arrived there as we did. CoJonel Rich- ardsons command had been greatly reduced by details sent after clothing and by desertion, and Major-General Gholson, having hear Page 249 CHAP. XLIII.] OPERATIONS ON MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON R. R. 249 that tlie enemy were about to move against him, L~ould oniy spare Major Hams ba a ion. Colonel Richardson was unwell, and the force thus raised, which amounted to only 270 men, were placed under command of Col. J. J. Neely. He reached the railroad near Middleton on the morning of the 4th, and found no enemy there. He destroyed three trestles, about 800 yards of track and telegraph wire, burned the depot and the stockade and the winter quarters of the troops. It was a p art of my plan to have made Major Blythe burn the water- tank at Whites Station, within 9 miles of Memphis, on the night that I encamped at Andersons, and for this purpose I ordered him to meet me at Looxahoma with his command on the night of the 1st, but he failed to do so, and, I am informed, says he will not obey my orders, although notified that I have been placed by General Lee in command of all the cavalry in North Mississippi. I have already reported that this command, if allowed to continue its independent action, would greatly demoralize my cavalry, and I now state that he is keeping a large number of men out of the regular service who are conscripts, and who would make good soldiers if properly organ- ized. If all the men were actuated by patriotism and a fixed determina- tion to do a soldiers duty, these independent partisan organizations might be very serviceable; but when such organizations are made the receptacle of ~nen seeking to avoid conscription merely, and who serve only when it suits their convenience, and who boast of their privileges in the presence of regular cavalry, they become essentially hurtful, and, furthermore, they often degenerate into mere bands of robbers, who steal indiscriminately from both friend and foe. My thanks are due to Colonels Slemons and MeCulloch for the able manner in which they handled their brigades, and refer to their reports for the action of their commands. Inclosed please find a list of killed and wounded. I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant JAMES R. CHALMER~, Col. B. ~. EWELL, Brigadier-Genera4 Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosures.1 Return of Casualties in Chalmers command in the action at Collierville, Tenn., November 3, 1863. Killed, wounded. 4 Command. 0 ~ 0 ~ McCullochs brigade: 1st Mississippi Partisan Rangers 1 12 13 18th Mississippi Battalion 2 3 6 2d Missouri cavalry 2 7 9 Slemons brigade: 3d Mississippi State Cavalry 1 3 19 23 Georges regiment [5th Mississippi cavalry] 4 14 18 Total killed and wounded .7 8 55 69 Missing Grand total 9 Page 250 250 KV., SW. VA., T1~Nt%~.~ MISS., ~. ALA., A~b 1~. GA. IOk~?. flAil. No. 5. Report of Col. Robert MaCulloch, Second Mi& ~ouri Cavalry, com~ manding brigade. HJ~ADQUABTRR5 MCCuLLoCHs CAVALRY BRIGADE, AbbeviUe, Mi8s., November 8, 1863. CAPTAIN: In cornpliance with instructions from the brigadier.gen- eral commanding, I have the honor herewith to submit the follow- ing official report of the actions at Oollierville and Coidwater, so far as my brigade is concerned: On the morning of November 1, at daybreak I moved with my brigade from my encampment at Abbeville, and the same evening, about sunset, went into camp near Ingrams Mill, on Pigeon Roost Creek. Major Mitchell, of the Eighteenth Mississippi Cavalry Battalion, whom I had sent in advance with two companies of that battalion with orders to drive in the enemys pickets at Quinns Mill, on Cold- water, on the evening of the 1st, and~ to join the brigade at Ingrams Mill the same night, reported to me about 11 oclock that night, hav- ing driven in the pickets according to directions. On the 2d instant, I moved to John Andersons plantation, in the fork of Pigeon 1~oost and Coldwater, and formed a junction with Colonel Slemons. On the morning of the 3d instant, at daylight, I moved from this place with a view of capturing the pickets at Quinns Mill. Crossed the Coldwater about 3 miles below the mill, and on reaching the road from Collierville to Quinns Mill, I sent Lieutenant-Colonel McCul- loch with his regiment (the Second Missouri) to another road to our left, and leading also from Coilierville to Quinns Mill, to intercept the enemy should he attempt to escape by this way. I then moved rapidly with the remainder of my command (the First Mississippi Partisans, Lieutenant,Colonel Hovis commanding, and the Eight- eenth Mississippi Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Chalmers command- ing) down the road to Quinns Mill, and soon found the pickets formed in line, when I ordered a charge. They fired one volley, wheeled, and ran off, we pursuing them, and took a middle road running between us and Lieutenant-Colonel McCulloch, who learned this fact on approaching the mill, and at once reversed his column, and after a hard run of about 3 miles, intercepted a squad of 24 of the enemy commanded by a lieutenant, all of whom were captured and sent to Oxford, under guard of Captain Savery and company of the Second Missouri Cavalry, and also 2 or 3 others captured by the rest of the command. About this time, having received orders from the brigadier-gen- eral commanding, I moved my command rapidly up the road to Collierville, and on reaching that place was ordered to prepare for~ action and to move forward and engage the enemy, which I did, dis~ mounting my men and forming them in line, and commenced a 1)ri5k and simultaneous attack upon them from the south and east, the Second Missouri, Lieutenant-Colonel McCulloch commanding, on the right wing; the First Mississippi Partisans, Lieutenant~Col- onel Hovis, in the center, and the Eighteenth Mississippi Battalioii, Lieutenant-Colonel Chalmers commanding, on the left wing. After a sharp engagement of about one hour and ten minutes, in which both officers and men, with but few exceptions, behaved with th Page 251 C~A?. ~LUI1 OPERATI0~TS 0~T MEMPHIS A1~U) CHA11LES~0N t~. R. 251 greatest coolnesa and gallantry, I was ordered to fall back, and re- tired slowly from the field, mounting my men, and directed Colonel Hovis to form in line of battle and hold the enemy in check, while with the rest of the brigade I moved off. After the entire column had passed near half an hour, Colonel Hovis retired slowly, expect- ing to find a support near. After going ~bout3 miles the pursuing enemy fired on his rear guard, whenhe formed line of battle to repel their advance. The enemy halted and commenced shelling at long range, when he fell back according to orders, leaving Major Park with three companies to guard his rear. When in sight of the crossing on Coidwater, fin in e command had not all crossed, Colonel Hovis again formed in line of battle and remained until the enemy opening a heavy fire, he crossed the river, dismounted his men, and returned to the ford and opened a brisk fire on the enemy, who soon re- tired. Major Park and the companies under him are entitled to the highest praise for holding the enemy in check, thereby enabling the command to cross the river without confusion. I may also mention that Captain Bledsoe, with his rifled gun, did good service at Coldwater in repelling the advance~ of the enemy~ You will find herewith inclosed a report* of the casualties in my command; also of the horses, arms, equipments, and other property capturedt and the disposition made of them. All of which is respectfully submitted by your obedient serv~ant, R. MoCULLOCH, [Capt. W. A. GOODMAN, Colonel, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General.] No. 6. Report of Ccl. If. F. Slemons, Second Arkansas (Javo2ry, tom manding brigade. HEADQUARTERS SLEMONS BRIGADE, Burlingham, November 7, 1803. CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders of this date, I have the honor to forward herewith the following report of the engagements at Col- herville, Tenn., and Quinns Mill, Miss~: About 12 m. on November 3, I received orders from General Chal- mers to move on Collierville, my command being at the [time] on the Quinns Mill and Collierville [road.] Putting my force in mo- tionat that time consisting of Georges cavalry, the Third Missis- sippi, and a detachment of the Second Arkansas, the Seventh Ten- nessee having been left south of Coldwater as an escort for the artil- lerymoving rapidly in the direction of Collierville, I encountered the enemys skirmishers about 6 miles from town, and drove them back rapidly to a point known as the White House, where the enemy, re-enforced, made a stubborn resistance under cover of fences and farm houses, from which position a spirited dash upon their flank by Lieutenant Allen, Second Arkansas, forced them to retire. From this point, the country being open, I was enabled to bring my entire * See inclosure to Chalmers report, p. 249. I Not found Page 252 252 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS.~ ~. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. force against them, forming rapidly my line of battlethe right (Co one Georges regiment) resting on the Mount Pleasant road, my left (Colonel Barksdale, Third Mississippi) resting on the Collierville and Quinns Mill road, the Second Arkansas acting as flankers. My line of battle had scarcely been formed for the advance when the enemy opened on my right and center with light artillery. Be- lieving it better to advance without waiting for further reconnais- sance or re-enforcements than to risk the moral effect upon my troops (most of whom were new) of falling back out of range of the artillery, the order to advance was given, and the line moved stead- ily on to within 300 yards of the enemys lines, which were partially concealed behind the crest of a ridge, when he opened upon me a heavy fire of artillery directly in front. I at once ordered the charge, which was responded to in gallant style. When within 60 yards of the brow of the hill the enemy opened upon us a most destructive fire ofsmall-armsalongourwholeline.Thisfirewas from rifle-pits, of the existence of which I was totally ignorant. At this shock the whole line wavered and showed signs of confusion. About this time Colonel McCulloch appeared on the extreme left of the enemys lines and attacked them vigorously, but for some time, say fifteen minutes was unable to attract their attention from me. Having succeeded ~n drawing their attention, enabled me to with- draw my men in order, after having been under heavy fire for about one hour, the attack upon the place in front being a failure. Received an order from General Chalmers to move around to the support of Colonel McCullQch, who by this time had become closely engaged with the enemys left. Moving rapidly to the right, I took~position in rear of Colonel McCulloch, who withdrew upon the Mount Pleasant thence on the road to Quinns Mill, on Coldwater, the enemy pursuing us closely with two pieces of artillery. At Co dwater they made -a dash upon the rear guard, under Lieu- tenant Allen, Second Arkansas, who being thrown from his horse fell into the hands of the enemy. My rear was attacked in its passage of the bridge, but no damage done. I formed on the south bank of the stream, and a brisk engagement sprang up for the possession of the bridge, which lasted until after dark, when the enemy withdrew. Leaving a force to guard the bridge and crossings in vicinity, I with- drew 3 miles and went into camp, from which point I moved to this place on the 4th. My loss in these engagements was considerable, as you will see from list* of casualties forwarded herewith. The conduct of the troops under my command, with a few excep- tions, in the presence of the enemy was good. Colonels George and Barksdale have a reputation too well estab- lished for gallantry to be benefited by any comment from me. Col- onel George, with a gallantry discarding caution, dashed on ahead~ of his men and fell into the hands of the enemy. It would be doing them injustice were I to omit speaking of the promptness and coolness with which Lieut. R. A. Sandford, my acting assistant adjutant-general, and Capt. P. H. Echols, Second Arkansas, my aide-de-camp, executed every order in the thickest of the fight. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. F. SLEMOINS, Colonel, Commanding. [Capt. W. A. GOODMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General.] * See inclosure to Chalmers report, p. 249 Page 253 Cx~u. XLIILJ OPERATIONS ON MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON B. l~. 253 No. 7. Reports of Col. B. V. Richardson, Twelfth Tennessee CavaZry. HEADQUARTERS, Harris House, [Chesterville,] Miss., November 7, 1863. SIR: On the 3d instant, being too unwell to command in person myself, General Gliolson and myself organized a force of 270 men, composed of detachments from Major H ams battalion, State troops, Major Ham commanding; from Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Green commanding; from Thirteenth Tennessee Cav- alry, Major Thurmond commanding, the whole under the command of Colonel Neely. This force left their camp at Knights Mill at 1 p. in.; ordered to so march as to strike the Memphis and Charleston Rail road by moon- rise on the morning of the 5th instant, and to destroy road, telegraph, & c., as circumstances would warrant. I have just received the fol- lowing dispatch from Colonel Neely: We succeeded in reaching the railroad about moonrise, as expected, after a ride of 62 miles that day, and burned three trestles and destroyed track, taking down the telegraph wire, 600 or 800 yards; burned one hand-car 4ust left by the Yankees, by daylight, and next morning burned the depot and the winter quarters and stock- ade the Federals were erecting at Middleton. The Federals are evacuating the road, the infantry having left several places. They say they are removing the old troops and bringing on conscripts to take their places. As soon as Colonel Neely returns I will make a fuller report. I have the honor to be, yours, & c., B. V. RICHARDSON, Cotonel, Commanding Northeast Mississippi. Colonel EwELL, Meridian. HEADQUARTERS, Chesterville, Miss., November 7, 1863. SIR: Col. J. J. Neely has just returned from a scout on the Mem- phis and Charleston Railroad. On the morning of the 5th instant, about moon-up, Colonel Neely commandin~ detachments of his own the Thirteenth Tennessee Cavalry), a so detachment of the Twel th Tennessee (Lieutenant- Colonel Green commanding), and also detachment of Hams battal- ion (Major Ham commanding), in all 270 menreached the railroad 2 miles above Saulsbury. Learning that a force of 1,000 Federals were at Saulsbury that night, he directed his course up the State line road, and burned and destroyed three trestles, about 800 yards of telegraph wire, the depot, barracks, and stockade at Middleton, and a hand-car left there by the enemy. He found Middleton evacuated by the enemy, and reports that the enemy was evacuat- ing the road generally, for the purpose of running the Mobile and Ohio Railroad from Columbus, Ky., to Corinth. Another report, derived from citizens near the road, was that the enemy was remov- ing his old troops from the road, their places to be supplied with conscripts. The citizens also report that the tories had left the neighborhood of Middleton, impressing wagons to carry off their ch~tte1s. Colonel Neely left a company near the road to watch thei Page 254 254 KY., SW. VA., T]~NN~, MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Ow. XWI. movements, who will report daily. It is also rumore~l that the Yankees are fortifying and crossing the Tennessee Rivbr at East- port. My headquarters will be Chesterville for a few days. Very respectfully, R. V. RICHARDSON,~ Colonel, Commanding Northeast 21Iississtpp~. Brig. Gen. JAMES R. CEALMERS, Commanding North iliississippi. NOVEE~R 4, 1868...~-.Skirmish at Xotleys Ford, Little Tennpsoe lUver, Tenn. Report of Brig. Gen. William P. Sanders, U. S. Army, command- rng First Cavalry Division, Department of the Ohio, with eom- plirnentary letter from ~laj. Gen. John G. Parke. MARYVILLE, TENN., November ~, 1863. GENERAL: Lieutenant-Colonel Adams has just returned from the Little Tennessee with 40 prisoners, 4 commissioned officers, all cap- tured at Motleys Ford. Colonel Adams got near the river just as a regiment was crossing the river; charged them; drove them into the river, where he says at least 40 or 50 were killed or drowned in crossing, as his men were within a few yards of them while in the water. lie describes the sight of the rebels in the river as most frightful ; says the entire regiment of rebels lost their arms. The prisoners and a citizen who escaped from them report Cheat- ham between Philadelphia and London, with five brigades; Steven- son at Morganton with two brigades; Vaughn has 2,500 men on the other side of Little Tennessee, and a brigade at Sweet Water. Report says Forrest arrived at Sweet Water with 8,000 men; only rumor in the rebel camp. Report says the rebels are moving every- thing in the way of cattle and provisions south. There are no rebels on this side the Little Tennessee River. Col- onel Adams was at Niles Ferry and Motleys Island. He saw quite a large force on the other side; estimates it at 2,000. Respectfully, ~. ~. SANDERS, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. J. G. PARKE. P. S.-~--Colone1 Adams lost no men. He completely surprised the rebel camp. KNOXVILLE, Brigadier-General SANDERs, November 5, 18637.30 p. m. Commanding Cavalry Division: GENERAL: Your dispatch of this evening, announcing Colonel Adams forces on the Little Tennessee, just received. The general is much pleased with your report, and directs that yc~ will please tender his thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Adams and his regiment for the daring attack and fruitful results. Very respectfully, yours, & c., JNO. G. PARKE, 4Iajor-Genera Page 255 Om~& .w. ~LflL] TJU~ KNOXVILLTh ~X5$J~, CAi~P4JG~r. 2tib NOVEMBER 4-DECEMBER 23, 1863.~The Kuoxviflo (Teuuuee) Cam, paigiL SUMMARY OF TIELE PRINOIPAL E~V1~3NTS. Nov. 4, l863.Tsongstreets corps detached from Army of Tennessee for opera- tions against Burnsides forces in East Tennessee. 14, 1863.Skirmishes at Maryville, Little River, Rocklord, and Huffs Ferry. 15, 1863.Skirmish near Loudon. Skirmish at Lenoirs Station. Skirmish at Stock Creek. 16, l863.Engagement at Campbells Station. Skirmish near Knoxville. 1623, 1863.Skirmishes at and about Kingston. 17Dec. 4, l863.Siege of Knoxville. 23, 18O3.-~--Assault on the Confederate lines about Knoxville. Assault on the Union lines about Knoxville. 24, l863,...~~Aotion at Kingston. 26, 18@8...-Elliott ordered, with all available cavalry from Army of the Cumberland, into East Tennessee. 27, 1863.-Granger ordered, with Second and Third Divisions, Fourth Army Corps (Army of the Cumberland), to the~ relief of Knoxville. 28Dec. 6, 1863.Shermans march to the relief of Knoxville, wjth Gran- gers command, the jilleventh Army Corps, the Second Divis- ion, Fourteenth Army Corps; part of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and the Second Brigade, Second Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Cumberland. 29, 1863.Assault on Fort Sanders, Knoxville. 30, 1863.Affair at Charleston. Dec. 1, 1863.Skirmish near Maynardvilie. 2, 1863.-Action at Walkers Ford, Clinch River. 3, 1863.Skirmish at Log Mountain. 4, 1863.Skirmish near Kingston. 4.~-5, 1863.-~-Skirmishes at and near London. 5,1863.Skirmish at Walkers ~ord, Clinch River. 6, 1863.Skirmish at Clinch Mountain. 7, 1863.Skirmish at Rutledge. 913, 1863.Skirmishes at and near Beans Station. 10, 1863.Skirmish at Qatlinsburg. Skirmish at Long Ford. Skirmish at Morristown, Affair at Russeilville. 11, 1863.Maj. Gen. John Q, Foster, U. S. Army, supersedes Major-Gen- eral Burnside in command of the Department of the Ohio. 12, 1863.Brig. Gen. San~uel D. Sturgis, U. S. army, assigned to command of all cavah-y serving in the Department of the Ohio. Skirmish at Cheeks Cross-Roads. 1213, 1863.Skirmishes at Russeilville. 13, 1863.Skirmish near Dandridges Mill. Skirmish at Farleys Mill, Hoiston River. 14, 1863.Engagernent at Beans Station. Skirmish at Clinch Gap. Skirmish at (hangers Mill. Skirmish near Morristown. 15, 1863.Skirniislz at Beans Station Page 256 256 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., A!~D N. GA. [Ca& r. XLIII. Dec. 16, 1863.Skirmish at Rutledge. 16-19, 1863.Skirmishes at and near Blains Cross-Roads. 18, 1863.Skirmish at Beans Station. Skirmish at Rutledge. 19, 1863.Skirmish at Stones Mill. 21, 1863.Brig. Gen. Jacob D. Cox, U. S. Army, supersedes Brig. Gen. Mahion D. Manson in command of the Twenty-third Army Corps. Skirmish at Clinch River. 22-23, 1863.Scouts near Dandridge and skirmish. Confederate winter quarters established at and about Russell- vile. REPORTS, ETO No. 1.Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War. No. 2.Lieut. Col. James H. Wilson, Assistant Inspector-General, U. S. Army. No. 3.Abstract from returns of the troops in East Tennessee, under command of Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, U. S. Army, November 30. No. 4.Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Ohio, with congratulatory orders, & c. No. 5.Maj. Gen. John G. Foster, U. S. Army, commanding Department of the Ohio. No. 6.Return of Casualties in the Union forces. No. 7.Capt. Orlando M. Poe, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer De- partment of the Ohio. No. - 8.Capt. William H. Harris, U. S. Ordnance Corps, Senior Ordnance Officer. No. 9.Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, U. S. Army, commanding United States forces in the field. No. 10.Brig. Gen. Robert B. Potter, U. S. Army, commanding Ninth Army Corps. No. 11.Itinerary of the Ninth Army Corps, October 20December 31. No. l2.Lieut. Samuel N. Benjamin, Second U. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery. No. 13.Capt. Jacob Roemer, Battery L, Second New York Light Artillery. No. 14.Capt. William W. Buckley, Battery D, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. No. 15.Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, U. S. Army, commanding First Division. No. 16.Col. David Morrison, Seventy-ninth New York Infantry, commanding First Brigade. No. 17.Col. Benjamin C. Christ, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 18.Col. William Humphrey, Second Michigan Infantry, commanding Third Brigade. No. 19.Maj. Cornelius Byington, Second Michigan Infantry. No. 20.Capt. JoIm V. Ruehle, Second Michigan Infantry. No. 21.Lieut. Col. Lorin L. Comstock, Seventeenth Michigan Infantry. No. 22.Maj. Byron M. Cuteheon, Twentieth Michigan Infantry. No. 23.Lieut. Col. Matthew M. Dawson, One hundredth Pennsylvania Infantry. No. 24.Col. John F. Hartranft, Fifty-first Pennsylvania Infantry, commandin~ Second Division. No. 25.Brig. Gen. Mahlon D. Manson, U. S. Army, commanding Twenty-third Army Corps. *5oe ablo Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign. Reports of Campbell, Cockerill, J. C. Davis, Gambee, Grant, Holmes, 0. 0. Howard, Long, Miller, Morgan, Price, Reidt, Rider, Schurz, William T. Sherman, Orland Smith, Van Tassell, Van Vleck, Will- iam Wheeler, and James Wood, Part II of this volume; also Samuel Jones report, of February 6, 1864, in Series I, Vol. XXX, Part II, p. 602 Page 257 OaAP. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 257 No. 26.Brig. Gen. Julius White, U. S. Army, commanding Second Division. No. 27.Itinerary of the Second Division. No. 28.CoL Samuel B. Mott, One hundred and eighteenth Ohio Infantry, corn.. manding First Brigade. No. 29.Itinerary of the First Brigade. No. 80.Col. Marshal W. Chapin, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, commanding Second Brigade. No. 31.Lieut. Col. Francis H. Lowry, One hundred and seventh Illinois Infantry. No. 32.Maj. William W. Wheeler, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry. No. 33.Maj. Isaac R. Sherwood, One hundred and eleventh Ohio Infantry. No. 34.Capt. Joseph A. Sims, Twenty-fourth Indiana Battery. No. 35.Itinerary of the Third Division, Brig. Gen. Mb S. Hascall commanding. No. 36.Itinerary of the First Brigade, Col. James W. Reilly commanding. No. 37.Itinerary of the Second Brigade, Col. Daniel Cameron commanding. No. 38.Brig. Gen. Orlando B. Wilcox, U. S. Army, commanding Left Wing United States Forces in East Tennessee. No. 39.Brig. Gen. James M. Shackelford, U. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Corps, Department of the Ohio. No. 40.Brig. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis, U. S. Army, commanding cavalry in East Tennessee. No. 41.Brig. Gen. William P. Sanders, U. S. Army, commanding First Cavalry Division. No. 42.Itinerary of the First Cavahy Division, Col. Frank Wolford commanding. No. 43.Col. Robert K. Byrd, First Tennessee Infantry, commanding Second Bri- gade. No. 44.Itinerary of the Third Brigade, Col. Charles D. Pennebaker commanding. No. 45.CoL John W. Foster, Sixty-fifth Indiana Infantry, commanding Second Cavalry Division. No. 46.Col. Felix W. Graham, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, commanding Second Bri- No. gade. 47.Col. Horace Capron, Fourteenth Illinois Cavalry. No. 48.Brig. Gen. James H. Wilson, U. S. Army, of engineer operations con- nected with Shermans march to the relief of Knoxville. No. 49.Itinerary of the Second and Third Divisions, Fourth Army Corps (Army of the Cumberland), Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger commanding. No. 50.Itinerary of the Eleventh Army Corps (Army of the Cumberland), Maj. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard commanding. No. 51.Itinerary of the Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps (Army of the Cumberland), Brig. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis commanding. No. 52.Col. John M. Loomis, Twenty-sixth Michigan Infantry, commanding First Brigade, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Army Corps (Army of the Tennes- see). No. 53.Itinerary of the Secsrnd Brigade, Second Cavalry Division (Army of the Cumberland), Col. Eli Long commanding. No. 54.Itinerary of the cavalry, Army of the Cumberland, Maj. Gen. David S. Stanley and Brig. Gen. Washington L. Elliott commanding. No. 55.Col. William J. Palmer, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. No. 56.Brig. Gen James G. Spears, U. S. Army, commanding First East Tennes- see Brigade. No. 57.Organization of the troops in East Tennessee nnder command of Lient. Gen. James Longstreet, C. S. Army, November 30, 1863. No. 58.Lieut. Gen. ,Yames Longstreet, C. S. Army, commanding Confederate forces in East Tennessee, wi1~h charges against Brig. Gens. E. M. Law and J. B. Robertson, and resulting correspondence. 17 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 258 258 KY., SW. VA., TEKN., MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [Os~. XLIII. No. 59.Return of Casualties in Longstreets Corps, November 14December 4. No. 60.Capt. Frank Potts, Assistant Quartermaster, C. S. Army. No. 61.Maj. R. J. Moses, Commissary of Subsistence, C. S. Army, Chief Commis.. sary. No. 62.Col. E. Porter Alexander, C. S. Artillery, Chief of Artillery. No. 63.Maj. Gen. Lafayette MeLaws, C. S. Army, commanding division, with findings of court-martial, & c. No. 64.Maj. William Wallace, Second South Carolina Infantry, Kershaws bri- gade. No. 65.Col. James D. Nance, Third South Carolina Infantry. No. 66.Capt. E. J. Goggans, Seventh South Carolina Infantry. No. 67.Capt. Duncan McIntyre, Eighth South Carolina Infantry. No. 68.Capt. Stephen H. Sheldon, Fifteenth South Carolina Infantry. No. 69.Lieut. William C. Harris, Adjutant James (South Carolina) Battalion. No. 70.Lieut. 001. N. L. Hutchins, jr., Third Georgia Battalion Sharpshooters, commanding Woffords brigade. No. 71.Brig. Gen. Benjamin G. Humphreys, C. S. Army, commanding brigade. No. 72.Col. Edward Ball, Fifty-first Georgia Infantry, commanding Bryans bri- gade. No. 73.Brig. Gen. Micah Jenkins, C. S. Army, commanding Hoods division. No. 74.Brig. Gen. Bushrod R. Johnson, C. S. Army, commanding Buckners di- vision. No. 75.Col. John C. Carter, Thirty-eighth Tennessee Infantry, Hardees corps, Army of Tennessee. No. 76.Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler, C. S. Army, commanding Cavalry Corps. No. 77.Brig. Gen. William T. Martin, C. S. Army, commanding Longstreets cav- alry. No. 78.Thanks of the Confederate Congress to Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet and his command. No. 1. Dispatches of Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of War. KNOXVILLE, TENN., November 13, 18634 p. m. After detailed conversation with General Burnside, I sum up his present situation, possibilities, and ideas as follows: 1. There is no reason to believe that any force has been sent from Lees army to attack him on the northeast. 2. It is certain that Longstreet is approaching from Chattanooga with from 20,000 to 40,000 troops. He already has all the fords of the Little Tennessee strongly picketed, and is building pontoons on Pond Creek and elsewhere. 3. With Burusides present forces he is unable to resist such an attack, and the question is how to obviate it, or in case that cannot be done, what is the most advantageous line of retreat. 4. A successful demonstration by Thomas at the mouth of Chick- amauga Valley, by throwing a bridge across the Tennessee, fortify- ing a bridge-head, and displaying a force to threaten the rebel line of communications between Dalton and Loudon,would compel Long- street to return and allow Burn~ide not only to hold his present po- sitions, but to advance and iccupy the line of the Hiwassee. 5. In case this cannot be accomplished, the addition of 5,000 of Thomas cavalry to Burusides present force would put the latter i Page 259 Caip. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 259 condition to make an efficient diversion by destroying the enemys line of railroad between Atlanta and Dalton, and at the same time check Longstreets advance in this direction, or with this additional cavalry and 10,000 infantry from Shermans command he could re- sist Longstreet even if neither of the above-described diversions should prove successful. 6. In the event of an absolute necessity of leaving this country, General Burnside is of the opinion that it would not be advisable for him to march by way of Kingston, as General Grant has sug- gested, and this for the reasons that if he is going there he mus~i start at once; that it will be impossible to collect there more than four days subsistence for troops, while no forage can be got there for animals; that by going there he will yield to the rebels the rich re- gion south and east, whence he now draws the mass of his supplies; and that while he is about as far from junction with Thomas as here, he is of just as little use to East Tennessee as if he were at Chat- tanooga. Besides, if he is to retreat to Kingston, he must move now before the road is blocked, and this will uncover all the gaps in the Cumberland Mountains and thus expose the trains and animals now coining through them to danger of loss. 7. By holding Knoxville as long as possible he can continue col- lecting food and forage and living off the country to the latest mo- ment. As to collecting these ahead he finds it impracticable, four days being the largest supply of meat and grain he has been able to ~nass, even with the 100 miles of railroad on which lie now runs un- Aisturbedly ~i locomotives and 22 freight cars, all of which he gives up by leaving Knoxville, as also all the mills~ and workshops which he is using. 8. If finally compelled he proposes to retreat on the line of Cum- berland Gap, and hold Morristown and Beans Station, which he would now fortify with a view to such a contingency. At these points he will be secure against any force the enemy can bring against him; he will still be able to forage over a large extent of country on the south and east; he can prevent the repair of the railroad by the rebels, and he will still have an effective hold on East Tennessee. At Morristown there are mills where he can grind a supply of flour and meal. His troops he reports as in first-rate fighting order, with the exception of some raw regiments of East Tennesseeans and six- months men from Indiana. Present fine weather he regards as more favorable to the enemy than to us; it lowers the rivers and enables them to move into new positions. Heavy rains would check Long- street, but would not stop our foraging, which is not only carried on by the railroad but can also be kept up by flat-boats down the numerous streams flowing hitherward. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. KNOXVILLE, November 14, 18636 a. m. Enemy began at midnight building two bridges across Tennessee near London. Buruside has determined to retreat toward the gaps. NThth Corps at Lenoirs and Whites division near Loudon ordered to fall back on Knoxville, destroying cotton factory at Lenoir Page 260 260 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. and delaying enemy as much as possible. All workshops and mills will be destroyed here and elsewhere on tlie line of retreat. The force of the enemy reported as Longstreets two divisions, Steven- sons division, and Wheelers cavalry entire. Burnside does not feel sure whether he will be compelled to pass the mountains. Possibly he may be able to stop this side, and not entirely abandon East Ten- nessee. In the former event he may lose his trains and animals, but can save artillery. I leave immediately for Chattanooga, passing the Clinch some where north of Kingston. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. LENOIRS STATION, November 14, 186311.30 a. m. It is reported here enemy have not yet finished their bridges; have no artillery or cavalry across. Buruside is resolved to attack them with one division of the Ninth Corps, about 3,000 strong. Distance hence about 10 miles. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, TENN., November 18, 186312 m. Arrived here last evening. Had my departure from Buruside been delayed a single day I could only have got out through Cum- berland Gap or that of Big Creek. Burnsides present position seems safe except for Longstreets great superiority in cavalry, the latter having Wheelers whole force with him, from 7,000 to 9,000 strong, while Burnside cannot concentrate more than 3,000 without abandoning the upper part of the valley to Sam. Jones, and endangering his communications on that side. Stili, there is a reasonable probability that Burnside will be able to hold Knoxville until relieved by operations here. I found him possessed by the idea that he must expose his whole force to capture rather than withdraw from the country, and so firmly was this notion fixed in his mind that when the report arrived at 1 a. m. on the 14th that Longstreet had begun to build bridges at London, he actually dic- tated the orders for throwing his whole army south of the Holston into Blount. County, where all his communications would be cut off at once, and where on his own estimate he could not subsist mor~ than threeweeks, while General Parke thought ten (lays subsistence would be the utmost to be found there. Parke argued against this idea in vain, but finally General Wilson overcame it by representing that Grant did not wish him to include the capture of his entire army among the elements of his plan of operations. Burnsides command is in great want of first-rate general officers, both the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps being.commanded by brigadiers who are com- paratively inexperienced, General Hartsnff being incapacitated and General Parke employed as chief .of staff Page 261 CHAP. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 261 I procured at Knoxville a dispatch from General Crittenden to Burnside, dated Chattanooga, September 10, informing Burnside, by order of R6secrans, that Rosecrans right was then at Rome and Crittenden in full pursuit of Bragg. If General Halleck has not this document to use in preparing his annual report I can telegraph it. A dispatch of Rosecrans to Granger, after occupation of Chatta- nooga, informing Granger our great flanking movement con.- tuines, General Halleck may also desire. Pleasant. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 19, 186312 m.* I omitted to report in my dispatch of 12 m. yesterday that I had Conversed with General Parke relative to Burnsides plan of holding Morristown and Beans Station, and that Parke pronounced the project impracticable because the enemy could pass up behind Clinch Mountain and cut off all possibilities of retreat. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, November 21, 1863. Following is letter of Crittenden to Buruside, mentioned in my dispatch of the 18th: HDQRS. TWENTY-FIRST ARMY CORPS, ADJUTANT-GENERALS OFFICE, Chattanooga, September 18 [10,] 18632 a. in. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, Commanding Department of the Ohio, Tennessee River: SIR: I am directed by the general commanding the Department of the Cumber- land to inform you that I am in full possession of this place, having entered it yes- terday at 12 m. without resistance. The enemy has retreated in the direction of Rome, Ga., the last of his force (cavalry) having left a few hours before my arrival. At daylight I made a rapid pursuit with my corps, and hope that he will be inter- cepted by the center and right, the latter of which was at Rome. The general commanding the department requests that you move down your cavalry and occupy the country recently covered by Colonel Minty, who will report particulars to you, and who has been ordered to cross the river. T. L. CRITTENDEN, Major-General, 61ommanding. This letter made Burnside believe Rosecrans perfectly successful, needing no assistance whatever. On September 9, Rosecrans wrote to Granger, saying: Chattanooga is ours. Our movement on the enemys flank and rear goes on. The rest of this letter is occupied with directions for the move- ment of various troops. On September 9, Rosecrans ordered Crittenden to pursue Bragg. The general commanding directs that you leave a light brigade to hold Chatta- nooga, and with the balance of your command pursue the enemy with the utmost vigor. Attack his rear whenever you-can do so with a fair opportunity to inflict injury upon him. Order your train to follow your line of march under a sufficient * For portion of dispatch here omitted, see Part II, p. Page 262 262 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., K. ALA.~ AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIIL escort. Your march will probably lead you near Ringgold, and from thence to the vicinity of Dalton. General Thomas marches on La Fayette, and General McCook on Alpine and Summerville. On the same day Thomas was ordered: The general commanding directs you to move your command as rapidly as possi- ble to La Fayette, and make every exertion to strike the enemy in flank, and, if possible, to cut off his escape. While at Stevens Gap Rosecrans told me that General Halleck had refused to allow him to advance beyond Dalton, saying that after Rosecrans had reached that point they would confer respecting further movements. Copies of all the above.cited documents are forwarded by mail. Weather dull and rainy. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHARLESTON, TENN., December 1, 18637 a. m. Sherman arrived here yesterday at 1 p. ni. Howard. leading on one road and Davis on another. Small rebel force here fled toward Loudon, destroying pontoon bridge and breaking out 36 feet ~f the railroad bridge. The latter has been repaired and planked upon the rails, and troops are now moving across. Granger not heard from; should have reached mouth of the Hiwassee yesterday. No news from Knoxville. Cold. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MORGANTON, TENN.,, December 4, 18634 p. m. The cavalry brigade under Colonel Long, which General Sherman had kept out of sight on his right flank and rear till the afternoon of the 2d instant (Wednesday), was sent to the front at Sweet Water, and pushed forward with all haste to Loudon, where it arrived at 3.30 p. in., with the design, if possible, of surprising Longstreets rear guard and seizing his bridge across the Tennessee. The advance from Sweet Water was made with such dash as to capture the ene- mys pickets, but he displayed a considerable force at his bridge- head, with two pieces of artillery, and Long jndged it prudent not to attack. Yesterday morning Howards corps entered Loudon and found the bridge destroyed, 3 locomotives and 48 cars run into the river, and alU. the public stores burned. The main body of the army marched yes- terday to this place, where it was believed a practicable ford might be found, and Ewings division reached here at 11 a. m. The ford, however, proved too deep for men, the river being 200 yards wide and the water almost at freezing point. Horses and wagons can be forded, though not with perfect ease. General Wilson, of Grants staff, who was with the advance, at oixce set about the construction of a trestle bridge, and by working all last night has it noW so far advanced that troops can begin to cross by dark this evening. Meanwhile an ol Page 263 C~. XLIIL] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CALNIPAIGN. 283 ferry-boat lias been used to pass over the division of Ewing and its artillery, and wagons have been forded. Sherman expects to get his whole army over by noon to-morrow, all its parts, including Grangers, being up. The distance hence to Knoxville is 34 miles. Our advices from that place are to the 1st instant, and are derived from a rebel mail captured last night. Longstreet assaulted Buruside on the 29th ultimo, and was repulsed with the loss of 1,000 men of McLaws division. They reached the ditch of the work they attacked, but were unable to cross it. Two regiments appear to have been captured by the garrison. Lon~street still remains at Knoxville. and very evidently supposes this army to be only a small force. All the letter-writers speak of their condition in great despondency, and regard their chance of extrication as very poor. Nights cold; days beautiful. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. KNOXVILLE, December 6, 18633 p. m. Sherman arrived at noon, leaving the Fifteenth Corps ~it Mary- yule with orders to halt there, and the Eleventh Corps at Louis- ville. Granger, with his two divisions, moves toward Sevierville to cut off any stray part of Longstreets force that may endeavor to escape by way of the French Broad, direct pursuit of L6ngstreet from here being impracticable with infantry. Sherman will at once move back toward Chattandoga with all of his troops, except the command of Granger, taking the road by way of Columbus and Benton, not only because that country has not been eaten out by armies, but also that he may conveniently strike at Dalton if cir- cumstances favor and Grant so desires. The only ill luck in this quarter so far is the failure of Elliott to get up with his cavalry, which was at Liberty on the 26th ultimo, got orders to move to Kingston on the 27th, and should have crossed the Clinch by the 30th at farthest. Nothing has yet been heard of him. No news here from Foster. Yesterday morning, after Longstreet retreated, Burnside had fully twenty days provisions, much more, in fact, than at the beginning of the siege. These supplies had been drawn from the French Broad by boats and by the Sevierville road. The people of the country did their utmost through the whole time to send in provis- ions and forage, and Longstreet left open the very avenues which Burnside most desired. Boats came down the Holston in open day without being fired upon, and the Sevierville road was never inter- rupted. The losses of our forces here from the first contact with Longstreet near London until the evacuation will not exceed 1,000. Ammunition got very short before the siege was over, and project- iles for our rifle guns were made here. The utmost constancy and unanimity prevailed during the whole siege, from Burnside down to the last private; no man thought of retreat or surrender. I return to Chattanooga as soon as possible, probably leaving to-morrow; arrive there 12th or 13th. Hon. E. M. STANTON [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War Page 264 264 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Ci~p. XLIII. CHATTANOOGA, December 10, 18632 p. m. Left Knoxville with General Sherman at 8 a. m. Monday, 7th instant. He has gone to Tellico Plains with the Fifteenth Corps, sending also a cavalry expedition about 1,000 strong to Murphy, N. C., to destroy a rebel wagon train, and, if practicable, make a raid as far as Dahlonega. At the same time the division of Jeff. C. Davis occupies Columbus and Benton, on the Hiwassee, and the Eleventh Corps is posted at Athens and Charleston. These forces will eat out the country and be here week hence. Granger grum- bled and complained so much about the destitution of his men that Burnside drew his two divisions into Knoxville, and, with all his own troops, moved out on Monday morning to pursue Longstreet. Foster ~ad not yet arrived, but Burnside expected to deliver the command to him in a day or two and go north, via Cumberland Gap. Elliotts cavalry moved from Sparta for Kingston oit the 5th instant, eight days later thaii they should have moved; by whose fault I have not yet learned. Longstreet was retreating in an orderly manner with all his artillery. His rear guard was at Straw- berry Plains on afternoon of 6th. No news here. Thomas and Grant have gone for the day to visit Chickamauga battle-field. The campaign here being concluded, I ask leave to go north. If Grant is to make his proposed Alabama campaign, and you desire me to accompany him, I can join him from New York or Washington as well as from here. I am sure that I can be more useful anywhere else than I can here, since all lias become safe, quiet, and regular. Weather sunny and beautiful. Hon. E. M. STANTON, [C. A. DANA.] Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, December 11, 186312 m. I learn from General Thomas that the orders to Elliott to move his division against Longstreet reached him at Alexandria on the 26th ultimo, and on his answering that he did not understand them, were repeated and explained to him by telegraph the same day, upon which he replied that he now understood perfectly and would move at once. A exandria is 80 miles from Kingston, and he should have reached the latter p lace on the 1st instant at farthest. But it now appears that he did not start till the 7th instant, for what reason is yet unknown. Grant has ordered him to report why in writing. His division is not less than 3,500 strong, with fresh horses. General F. P. Blair goes north this day on leave, with permission to apply for authority to visit Washington. He told me he would not resign if the Government would give him a command, which General Grant says he is ready to do without his going to Washing- ton. But one of his staff informs me that he claims an army co~p s, on the ground that President Lincoln had promised him the if- teenth Corps, but that when A. L [incoln] went to the War Office to have the assignmeiit made zie found E. M. S[tanton] had already appointed J. A. Logan. Grant is very angrxr with Granger for misconduct in the Chattanooga battle, and now for unwillingness t Page 265 C~. ~LIII.1 THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 265 march after Longstreet. Granger will probably be removed and Sheridan assigned to succeed him, subject to approval of Govern- ment. Granger is certainly unfit to command. [C. A. DANA.] Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHATTANOOGA, December 12, 186310.30 a. m. Elliott was heard from yesterday. He was at Crossville on the 9th instant, moving with a forage train, though ordered to pursue Longstreet. Sherman was ordered back to Bellefonte yesterday with view to a demonstration against Rome, by one column starting from Bellefonte and one from Chattanooga, the object being destruc- tion of railroad bridge over the Oostenaula and removing enemy farther south than Dalton, his present position. Winter rains, which now threaten to set in, may prevent this movement. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [C. A. DANA.] No. 2. Report of Lieut. Gol. James H. Wilson, Assistant Inspector- Gen eral, U. S. Army. KNOXVILLE, November 13, 1863. (Received 14th.) GENERAL: Since the arrival of Mr. Dana and myself here, General Burnside, in a complete discussion of the situation in East Tennes- see and its relation to the general campaign, has given us his views clearly and in detail, and requested me to communicate them to you without delay. He assumes that it is of the first importance to hold East Tennessee, because doing so he draws an ample supply of bread, meat, and forage from the rich country between the Clinch River, Rogersville, and the great Smoky Mountains, for his entire force protects and encourages a large population of loyal people, and deprives the enemy of a source of supplies of the greatest necessity to him. It simply becomes a question of how this can best be done, of how his forces can be most advantageously posted with that object in view, or in case he is compelled to give up the country entirely, to have for his selection such lines of retreat as will lead him in directions upon which he can reach supplies, and at the same time leave him most advantageously situated to assist the main body of your troops in future operations. The instruction of the General-in-Chief seems to have no other object in view in furtherance of this; therefore he thinks Knox- ville the point to be held and around which he must operate. For this point he has the use of the railroad from Lenoirs to Greenoville, and rolling stock sufficient to bring in such supplies as may be accumulated at various points along it. The Holston, French Broad, and tributary streams may be also used for fiats when the road becomes too bad for wagons. Knoxville is in the region of supplies, and has mills in running order to turn out 150 barrels of flour per day, and can receive the product~ of other mills able to grind another hundred; contains shops capable of keeping the major part of the material in good order; is susceptible of vigorous defense, an Page 266 266 KY., sw. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. when finally abandoned is so situated as to allow ready access to all the roads except the one leading through Kingston. In short, he can concentrate his forces here more rapidly, supply them more easily, defend himself quite as successfully, and finally, if it conies to the worst, he can carry off his command in better condition, and by routes which, although longer, would be safe, and ultimately enable him to move wherever you might direct. ln case he is compelled to relinquish Knoxville, after destroying everything that could help the enemy, he would prefer to go to Mor- ristown and Beans Station. He thinks he could maintain those p0- sitions against any force that could be sent against him; they being admirably situated with reference to the gaps, would enable him to keep up communication in that direction, to prevent the repair of railroad, and still allow him to forage much of the country to the south and eastward. There being plenty of mills, he could still be able to supply himself in a degree with bread from the country, and use his transportation for hauling sugar, coffee, and salt. In antici- pation of this step he could at once set to work fortifying these places as strongly as possible from Knoxville. If you should direct it, he could move when necessary by Clinton, Winters Gap, and Morganton either to Carthage or McMinnville. But in this event his live stock, coming by way of the gaps, together with the main part of the cavalry should be turned back into Ken- tucky, to be disposed of afterward as necessity might demand. The generals idea of Kingston is that, although a point of consid- erable natural strength, and, if well supplied, of strategic impor- tance, it is almost entirely out of the question now either as a point of his line of retreat or as one from which he could exercise a con trolling influence over East Tennessee. The country about it is poor, the Clinch and Emory River regions having been exhausted of sup plies by his previous operations. If his who e force were concentrated there, he could not possibly take with him more than seven days supply. The railroad would at once fall into the enemys hands, and could be repaired at leisure. They would also get Knoxville, all the mills, and nearly the entire productive region of East Tennessee. This would necessarily he the case, for, with a few more [days of] good weather, the Holston could be forded at any place south of Knoxville, and, in addition, bridges might be easily constructed so as to cross either it or the Tennessee. It is reported now that the rebels are building a pontoon bridge upon Pond creek, and that they are watching every ford and ferry from the foot of the mountain to Kingston with the greatest care. It seems entirely practicable for the enemy to cross if he desires it, and that before Burnsides forces could be concentrated at any point; hence the general argues that if it becomes necessary to leave East Tennessee, and he were to be ordered to do it by way of Kingston, the enemy could precipitate that necessity, in spite of all activity,.~ before our forces couldi possibly be disposed to prevent it or to effect their retreat. In this event his forces would either be beaten in de- tail or be compelled to go at once to Kingston, where they cannot feed themselves and are still far from a junction with Thomas. This is the case considered defensively only, but if the good weather continues it will become desirable to concentrate a force sufficient to anticipate the enemy in offensive operations, and thereby prevent him from gaining even the temporary advantages to be derived from compelling Burnside to adopt either of the plans alluded to above Page 267 Cni~. XUWI TilE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 267 Weather that will enable the enemy to operate will afford us the same opportunity, and any plan which may be adopted involving Sherman and Thomas can be co-operated with from here. A bridge-head and bridge in the neighborhood of Dallas or Igons Ferry, with a force threatening Cleveland, would probably bring the enemy either from the front of Bnrnside or Thomas. If from the former he could advance at least to the line of the Hiwassee, and if the whole plan was fortunately executed, would give us all the coun- try as far south as Cleveland, and allow a complete junction of your entire army. The general also says, should a plan of operations of this kind be put on foot, he could use four or five thousand of Thomas cavalry to great advantage. Or, even if it is determined to do no more than try to hold the present line of the Little Tennessee, this additional cav- alry force would be of great benefit to him. He thinks it would enable him to hold his line against any ordinary force that the enemy can send against him. The general does not wish to be understood as requesting 10,000 infantry to be sent to him, but makes this suggestion in view of the possibility that no operation toward Cleveland on the part of Thomas may be deemed practicable, and that you may still desire akd make his occupancy of this country certain. J. H. WILSON, Lieutenc~nt-Colonel, & c. Major-General GRANT, Chattanooga. No. 3. Abstract from retnrns of the troops in East Tennessee, nnder com- mand of .ZIfaj. Gem Ambrose E. 4Bnrnside, U. S. Army, Novem- ber 30, 1863. Present for -~ -~ duty. ~ ci ~2 ~). command. ~ ~ Statloa. ci U) a . c,ci ~ a ~e ~ Ninth Army corps: Headquarters 17 10 27 31 Knoxville. First Division 194 2,720 3,490 6,774 10 Do. Second Division 84 1,248 1,761 3,259 6 Do. Unassigned 14 369 419 541 4 Do. Total Ninth Army corps 309 4,347 5,697 10,605 20 Twenty-third Army corps: Headquarters 12 95 144 178 Do. 5econd Division 178 3,225 3, 978 5,554 12 Do. Third Division 149 3,379 4,200 5,607 16 Do. Engineer troops 1 28 39 55 Do. Reserve Artillery 9 220 239 265 (a) Do. Total Twenty-third Army corps... 349 6,947 8,600 11,659 28 Left Wing forces in East Tennessee S 244 ~ 4,750 5,889 7,704 31 cuniberland Gap. cavalry corps 428 8,245 10,166 14,755 112 Grand total 1,330 24,289 30,352 44,723 111 a Not reported in returns. S Including garrison of Cumberland Gap Page 268 268 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N.ALA., AND K. GA. [CHiP. XLIIL No.4w Reports of ]lfaj. Gem. Ambrose E. Burnside, U. S. Army, command ing Department of the Ohio, with congratulatory orders, & c. KNOXVILLE, TENN., November 17, 18631.30 a. m. Longstreet crossed the Tennessee River on Saturday (12th), at Huffs Ferry, 6 miles below Loudon, with about 15,000 men. We have resisted his advance steadily, repulsing every attack, holding on till our position was turned by superior numbers, and then retiring in good order. He attacked us yesterday about ii oclock at Cam p bells Station, and heavy fighting has been going on all day, in which we have held our own and inflicted serious loss on the enemy. No fighting since dark. We commenced retiring, and the most of the command is now within the lines of Knoxville. At the same time that Longstreet crossed the river a heavy cavalry force crossed the Little Tennessee, and advanced on this place by way of Maryville. Our cavalry force at Rockford was slowly pressed back by superior numbers, and at sundown Sunday (13th) night had fallen back to the infantry support on the first ridge from the river. They did not attack yesterday morning, but in the course of the day disappeared from our front. I shall make every exertion to hold this place, and trust we shall be able to do so. The men ~re in good spirits and are behaving splendidly. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General. His Excellency the PRESIDENT. KNOXVIT~LE, November 17, 186310 p. m. (Received 6 p. in. 18th.) Since I reported to you at 1 [1.30] this morning, troops, batteries, and trains have all arrived. Tue enemy did not press us during the night. The troops were placed in position, intrenchments thrown up where none existed, and every exertion made to render the posi- tion secure. The enbmy have made no serious demonstration during the day. Our cavalry on the Kingston road have been skirmishing all the afternoon, and have been pressed slowly back, and the enemys pickets are now about 2 miles from town. His advance to-day has not been vigorous, and he is evidently holding back for the arrival of his bat- teries or the development of some flank movement. If he should assault our position here, I think we can give a good account of our-.~~ selves. They still have a force on the other side of the river with pickets in sight of ours, but have made no demonstration to-day. A. E. BURNSIDE, Major-General. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President. - (Copy sent General Grant. Page 269 CHAP. XUILJ TILE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 269 HEADQUARTERS, Knoxville, November 21, 1863. The enemy has not yet attempted an assault; he is, however, busily engaged throwing up batteries and making approaches. We have the town Completely surrounded by a continuous line of rifle-pits and batteries, and hold the heights on the opposite side of the river. A desultory fire is kept up along our skirmish line, which is from 500 to 1,000 yards beyond our line of rifle-pits. The enemy thus far has not attempted a complete investment. His main body seems to occupy the ground extending from the river below town around to the Clinton road. There has been occasional cannonading since the 18th. Our loss has been trifling. The death of General Sanders is a serious loss, and keenly felt by us all. We have on hand eight days bread, half rations; fifteen days beef, and of fresh pork full rations, and an abundance of salt. Our forage trains cross the river daily, and have so far been successful. The cavalry force that threat- ened us on the opposite side of the river have, retired from that immediate front and gone certainly beyond Little River, and there is but a small force between Little River and the Little Tennessee. The rains of last night and this morning will render the~ streams unfordable. We have a reasonable supply of ammunition, and the command is in good spirits. The officeis and men have been inde- fatigable in their labors to make this place impregnable. A. E. BURNSJDE, General GRANT. Major-General. KNOXVILLE, November 23, 1863. (Received Chattanooga, 25th.) The enemy are still in our front. They have not yet molested the place, but hold all outlines here and other side of the river. Our defenses are comparatively strong, the men in good spirits; we have provisions for, say, teh or twelve days longer, and will hold out as long as we can. It is possible the enemy are strong enough to carry the place by assault. The enemy have last night attempted to break our pontoon bridge by floating rafts down against it, but did not suc- ceed. We have taken precautions which we hope will defeat any future attempt. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major-General GRANT. Major-General. KNOXVILLE, TENN., November 28, 1863. I dispatched you last on the 23(1. During that night a body of the enemy crossed the river about 3 miles below our lines and established themselves on a high point just beyond our picket line and threw up a rifle-pit facing our position on that side. During next day and the forenoon of the 25th, continued skirmishing went on, and on that afternoon they assaulted our right on that side of the river with two brigades. Colonel Cameron. who held that ppsition with his brigade, held his ground in the most gallant manner, and finally repulsed them and drove them half way up the opposite hill, inflict Page 270 270 KY., SW. VA., TENN., 31155., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Cu~. XLIII. ing severe loss upon them. Our loss was about 50; that of the en- emy about 150. Appearances indicating that the enemy were concentrating a heavy force there for another attack, our position was strengthened and re- enforcements placed at the disposal of Brigadier-General Shackel- ford, who commanded the forces on the south side of the river. No further demonstration has been made on that side, and we still hold the same skirmish line as at the close of t,he fight. The enemy are still at work on the hill held by them. On this side of the river the situation is nearly the same as at last acconnts. The enemy have thrown up some new works, but have not extended their lines, and no enemy is visible on our right except cavalry. Skirmishing is continual on our left, but we still hold the same line. By sending our trains on the roads still open to us, we have been enabled to keep up a fair supply of forage and subsistence. A. IE. BURNSJDE, Major- General, Commanding. Major-General GRANT, Chattanooga. KNOXVILLE, November 30, 1863. (Received Chattanooga, 3d.) On the evening of the 2h, about 11 p. in., the enemy made an attack in force upon our picket )~ne to the right of the Kingston road and forced us bacic some distance in front of Fort Sanders, the work commanding that road. We afterward regained a portion of the distance. Sharp skirmish- ing continued nearly all night. About half past 6 yesterday morn- ing they moved a column of assault of three brigades against Fort Sanders. In spite of our heavy fire, a portion of two brigades suc- ceeded in gaining the ditch, but were unable to ascend the parapet. We swept the ditch with an enfilading fire with much slaughter. The rest of the attacking column retreated in confusion. We sent out a detachment, to whom the rebels in the ditch surrendered. About 300 men and 3 stand of colors were taken. Their killed and wounded amount to about 500. Our entire loss was about 20. The morning being very cold and frosty, and the enemys wounded in our ditch and in front of the fort crying for help, I sent out a flag of truce, offering the opportunity of caring for their wounded and burying their dead. General Longstreet gratefully accepted the offer, and a cessation of hostilities till 5 p. m. was agreed upon. Their slightly wounded were exchanged for our slightly wounded lost in previous affairs, and their dead sent to their lines. Ninety-eight dead passed through our hands, among them Colonel Ruff, commanding Woffords brigade, which led the assaulty~ Colonel McElroy, and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas. A simultaneous assault was made upon the right of our line, on the other side of the river, by a rebel brigade. They carried our first line of rifle-pits, but were soon after driven from them, and the whole line regained and held. Our loss on that side was about 40; that of the enemy is thought to be greater. Our supply of provisions continues the same. The men are in the best of spirits. We have nothing definite of your movements, and are very anxious Page 271 CHAs. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 271 I have information that on the 27th the enemy received re-en- forcements of one division, perhaps twoBushrod Johnsons and Cheathams. Some of Buckners troons are certainly here, as some of our officers saw the rebel General Gracie during the flag yesterday. Let us hear from you soon. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major-General GRANT. Major-General. KNOXVILLE, December 6, 18638 a. m. General Wilson has arrived here, and has informed you in detail by telegraph of our present position. The siege was raised yester- day morning, and our cavalry is pursuing the enemy as rapidly as possible un~er the circumstances. The horses are in bad condition and the men very much fagged by constant work in the trenches. The infantry are not in a good condition for pursuit for the same reason, and the artillery can scarcely be moved for want of animals. The advance of Shermans column is near and he will be here in person in a few hours, when we will try and organize a pursuing force large enough to either overtake the enemy and beat him or to drive him out of the State. The main body of is orce is moving toward Morristown, and the indications are that he will try to ieach the terminus of their railroad line at Bristol. We have saved all our rolling stock on the railroad, but will not be able to use it farther up than Strawberry Plains, as the bridge at that place has been de- stroyed. We have heard nothing from Foster or Elliott, but hope to this morning. Will telegraph you more fully after seeing Sher- man. We thank you for the prompt aid rendered us. But for the approach of Sherman the siege would not have been raised. A. E. BURNSJDE, Major-General GRANT. Major-General. KNOXVILLE, December 7, 1863. I have just written the following letter to General Sherman,* who at daylight this morning reversed all his troops with the excep- tion of Granger, and started them back to you. Elliott has not yet reported; when he does I shall put him upon the right flank of the enemy. Our troops are in motion in pursuit of Longstreet, and I shall join them to-day unless Foster arrives. He was at Tazewell last night. I have been able to organize a column of pursuit of about 8,000 men. Granger is crossing Little River now, and will probably be here to-night. The rear guard of the enemy is at Blains Cross-Roads. I can scarcely express to you my obligations for the prompt assistance rendered by you to my command. A. E. BURINSJDE, Major-General GRANT. .. Major-General, Gommanding. * See Shermans order, December 16, p. Page 272 272 KY., sw. VA., TEXN., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. KNOXVILLE, December 9, 1863. The pursuing column has continued to press on the enemys rear. Daily skirmishing between our cavalry and their rear guard. Our cavalry advance is now between Rutledge and Beans Station. The main body of the enemys infantry is undoubtedly going up the main valley road toward Virginia. Indications are that the division of Buckners corps that joincd Longstreet, and part of Wheelers cavalry, are endeavoring to rejoin Bragg by way of North Carolina, through the French Broad Gap. I have been ill for two days, con- fined to my room, and General Parke is at the front conducting the pursuit; he will take care not to involve himself in any disaster. General Foster was at Tazewell at last accounts, but my advices from him are meager; he will probably reach here within a day or two. Would it not be well for the forces in the east to make a serious and desperate attempt to break the Virginia railroad in Longstreets rear? A. E. BURNSIDE, ilfajor-General. Major-General GRANT. NEw YORK, November 13, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Department of the Ohio during the time I was in command. * Nc?Lhing of importance occurred in this section until about the 1st of November~ when the outposts at Kingsport and Blouutsville were driven in ; thus the road from Kingsport to Rogersville was left unguarded. At the latter place there was a brigade of our cav- alry under Colonel Garrard. A heavy force of the enemy, under the rebel General Jones, moved down this unguarded road, surpris- ing Colonel Garrards force, which was completely routed. The colonel with his shattered command fell back on Morristown. Not knowing the strength of the enemys force, I directed General Willcox to fall back to Bulls Gap and hold that position. From this time until the 17th of the month, operations were confined to cavalry fighting, skirmishing, and foraging. In the meantime, General Shackelford had been ordered to report to me at Knoxville to take command of all the cavalry, and on the approach of Long- street on Knoxville, Hoskins brigade was ordered to that place. This left General Willcox with his new division and with some newly recruited North Carolinians, and Fosters division of cavalry, composed of Grahams and Garrards brigades. This command, though composed of good men, was in bad condition for want of almost every necessary supply. Upon the approach of Longstreet, I directed General Willcox to make his arrangements to get his command to Cumberland Gap, in case telegraphic communica~ tion with my headquarters was broken. On that night (the 16th) communication was cut off. I beg to refer to General Willcox s re- port for a correct understanding of the very efficient work done by him after that period. The enemy in the lower valley, on the sonth side of the Holston, were very active during the early part of Qc- tober. * For part omitted, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p. ii, and VoL XXX, Part II, p. 547 Page 273 Ca~p. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIG2~. 273 On the 19th of October, I received directions to report my opera- tions to Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, commanding Division of the Mis- sissippi, and I accordingly reported to him a statement of the situa- tion and condition of my forces. On the 19th, I sent a flag of truce through Colonel Wolfords lines, whose headquarters were at Phila- delphia, on the south side of the Holston. The enemys cavalry took advantage of this flag and made an attack upon him, capturing some 300 or 400 men and some mountain howitzers which he had with his command. On the 28th, the force at Loudon was crossed to the north side of the river, and the pontoon bridge taken up and transported to Knox- ville, at which point it was thrown across the Holston, and proved of immense service to us during the siege. The indications at this time were that Bragg was sending a considerable force against us. I re-enforced Kingston with Colonel Motts brigade of infantry, left General White with his command at Loudon, and posted General Potter, with the Ninth Corps, at Lenoirs. All the available cavalry force was thrown on the south side of the Holston, with instructions to guard down to the Little Tennessee River, and General Potter was instructed to build a pontoon bridge over the Holston just above the mouth of the Little Tennessee, which bridge was constructed with great expedition, under superintendence of Col. 0. E. Babcock. The object of this bridge was to enable our force on either side of the river to communicate. Some correspondence passed between Gen- erals Grant, Halleck, and myself as to the proper points to be held in East Tennessee, which resulted in Mr. Dana,. Assistant Secretary of War, and Colonel Wilson, of General Grants staff, visiting my headquarters, by order of General Grant. I gave them my reasons in full for desiring to hold Knoxville in preference to Kingston. They concurred with me in that view, and we all agreed that it would be proper to recommend the holding of both places, if possible, but certainly Knoxville. At this time it was known definitely that Longstreet was moving against us. Those gentlemen left my headquarters on the morning of the 14th. On their return I accompanied them to Lenoirs, a soon after parting with them at; that place, we were engaged with Longstreets advance. General Parke was left in command at Knox- ville, with a portion of the Twenty-third Corps. General Sanders, with the cavalry, was at the south side of the Holston. The enemy endeavored to seize the heights on the south side of the river com- manding the town, but was foiled in his attempts by the forces under General Parke. Longstreet was building a bridge at Huffs Ferry, just below Loudon, and had thrown a force across in advance of the main body. I directed Generals Potter and White to move in direc- tion of Huffs Ferry and drive in the advance, Chapins brigade, of General Whites command, leading. Skirmishing continued during the entire day, but our forces constantly advanced,and by nicrht had driven the enemy back near to his bridge-head. Knowing tTie pur- poses of General Grant as I did, I decided that he could be better served by driving Longstreet farther away from Bragg than by checking him at the river, and I accordingly decided to withdraw my forces and retreat leisurely toward Knoxville, and soon after day- light on the 15th the whole command was on the road. Skirmishing continued during the day, the e~uemy following us as we retreated. That night (the 15th) we encamped at Lenoirs without serious mo- lestation. About 10 p. m. the enemy made a dash on our lines, but 18 R BVOL XXXI, ?T Page 274 2F14 KY.~ sw. VA., m~., MISS., ~. ALA., KND ~. GA. ~Ca& ~. XLIII. was easily repulsed. All of our trains and sup p lies had been started to Knoxville, except some wagons of General Whites division, which were destroyed, and the teams taken to assist immoving the artillery, the horses of which were very much broken down. Before daylight on the morning of the 16th, the command was started for Knoxville. General Hartranfts division, of the Ninth Corps, with Colonel Biddles cavalry, was sent out in advance to seize the forks of the road at Campbells Station, as I was satisfied the enemy would try to reach that point before us, in order to cut us off from Knoxville. They succeeded in reaching this point before the enemy, and at once took steps to hold the Kingston road, as well as the roads leading to Clinton and Concord. I sent Colonel Loring, of my staff, to Campbells Station to reconnoiter the ground near that place, as I was satisfied that we would have to make dispositions there to check the enemy until night, so as to enable our trains to get into Knoxville. Before 11 a. m. all our forces had passed the junction of the roads held by Hartranft, and were being placed in position. Humphreys brigade, which brought up the rear, was at one time severely pressed on the lower road, but he turned on the enemy and drove him back. General Whites division had been placed in posi.. tion on some rising ground on the south side of the main road, just east of Campbells Station and about three-quarters of a mile from the junction of the roads. General Potter then proceeded to put his troops in position. General Ferreros division was placed on the right of the road, General Whites division was in the center, and General Hartranft on his left. The batteries were in rear of the first line of troops. At about 12 oclock the enemy commenced the attack, and at one time pressed the extreme right of Ferreros division (Colonel Christs 1ri~ade) so hard as to cause him to change front. He was, however, checked and driven back. He then passed round toward our left, making demonstrations on different parts of the line, all of which were repulsed. There was some high ground on our left which en- tirely commanded the position we held, and I saw that the enemy was endeavoring to occupy that position, and, not having force snf~l- cient to extend my line to meet these demonstrations, I determined to move to a ridge some three-quarters of a mile in rear, where I had dispatched Lieutenant-Colonel Bowen to reconnoiter for position. At 2 p. m. I gave the order to withdraw, and the new position was occupied under a heavy artillery fire without the slightest confusion. The movement was covered by Chapins brigade of Whites division. The new line was established about 4p. m. We were hardly in po- sition before the enemy made a fierce attack on Hartranfts division on the extreme left, but were handsomely repulsed He did not disturb us again that day. After nightfall I issued orders for Generals Potter and White to withdraw to Knoxville, the trains being secure. General Whites command brought up the rear, and arrived at Knoxville early the next morning. Great credit is due to the officers and men for the gallantry and coolness shown on this occasion. The entire command consisted of but little over ~,OOO men, while the enemys force was at least double that amount. Our loss in killed and wounded and missing was about 300, and that of the enemy must have been very severe, as he was the attack- ing force. I arrived at KtLoxville, with my staff, about midnight, and gave directions to Capt. 0. M. Poe, chief engineer, to select p0- 8itions for posting the troops as they arrived with a view to defend Page 275 Ca~r. XLIII.] THE K!NOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 275 ing the place. I directed Gener~d Shackelford to dismount the cav- alry command under General S& tiders and send it out on the Kings- ton road a mile in advance of onr proposed line of defense, for the purpose of holding the enemy in check until our men were able to take up their positions on the line and fortify. This work was most nobly accomplished. The troops worked all day and night of the 17th, and by noon of the 18th they were pretty well covered. During all this time the gallant Sanders, with his dismounted cavalry, held the enemy in check. Just as I sent out orders to withdraw within the lines I received information that he was mortally wounded. He was brought into the city, where he received all possible attention, but he died the next day. The service lost in the death of General Sanders one of the most noble spirits, and we, his comrades, a be- loved and faithful friend. Captain Poe had before leaving Kentucky organized an engineer battalion from the Twenty-third Corps, and had by great efforts succeeded in bringing over the mountains a quantity of intrenching and other engineer tools. These proved to be of the greatest possi- ble value to us during the siege. The line of defense established commenced at a point on the river and ran at nearly right angles with the river to a fort which the enemy had commenced on the hill north of the Kingston road, and about 1,000 yards in front and to the right of the college; from this point it ran along and nearly parallel to the river across First Creek over Temperance Hill to Maybrys Hill, near Bells house, thence to the Holston River at a point a little below the glass-works. An interior line was also decided upon, which ran from near the work on Temperance Hill to Flint Hill. The line on the south side was not continuous. We occupied four prominent hills, which commanded the city .as well as the ~en country to the south of it. General Ferreros divis- ion of the inth Corps, under General R. B. Potter, occupied the line from the Holston River to Second Creek, and General Hart- ranfts part of the line between First and Second Creeks. Chapins brigade extended from Second Creek over Temperance Hill to near Bells house, and the brigades of Colonels Hoskins and Casement extended from this point to the river. The interior line was occu- pied by some regiments of loyal Tennesseeans lately recruited. The positions on the south side of the river were occupied by Shackelfords cavalry and Camerons brigade, of Hascalls division; Reillys brigade was held in reserve, and used frequently during the siege to re-enforce the lines on both sides of the river. Our force at this time in Knoxville was about 12,000 effective men, exclusive of the new recruits of loyal Tennesseeans. The enemy was estimated at 20,000 to 23,000, including cavalry. I beg to refer to the full and able report of my chief engineer for a complete record of the positions of the different batteries. The line was rapidly brought into a defensible condition; many of the citizens and persons who had been driven in by the enemy volun- teered to work in the trenches and did good service, while those who were not inclined, from disloyalty, to volunteer, were pressed into the service. The negroes were particularly efficient in their labors during the siege. The beef cattle, hogs, & c., belonging to the commissary depart- meilt, and many that belonged to..the citizens, were @iven into the city by the employ~s of Colonel Goodrich, chief commissary, where they were slaughtered and salted down. Orders were at once issue Page 276 276 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., i~r. ALA., AND N. ~A. Lc~~. XLTU. reducing the rations, and within three or four days the issuing of small rations to the command was entirely discontinued. The sup- ply was so limited that it was found necessary to reserve them a 1 for the hospitals. All useless animals were killed and thrown into the river in order to save forage. Strenuous efforts were constantly used by the quartermasters of the different commands to collect forage and supplies along the French Broad River, and out on the Sevierville road, both of which we were able to keep open to our foraging parties during the prin. cipal part of the siege. By judicious management on the p art of the quartermasters and commissary departments we were ~k ept from absolute want. We were greatly indebted to the loyal citizens for a large amount of grain and meat, sent down the French Broad River in fiats, dur- ing the dense fogs of the night, which prevailed at that period. Captain Doughty, a most excellent officer, maintained a small force up that river during the whole siege, and directed the efforts of the people of that section in our behalf. By the 20th of November, our line was in such condition as to in- spire the entire command with confidence in our entire ability to hold the place against any rebel force that might be brought against it. But our men still continued to strengthen the lines by every possible means within their reach. First and Second Creeks were dammed, the backwater from them making most formidable wet ditches in front of a considerable portion of the line. Abatis, chevaux-de-frise, and wire entanglements were made wherever they were necessary. Lieut. S. N. Benjamin, who commanded Fort Sanders, situated in the northwest angle of the line; was particularly conspicuous for his efforts to strengthen his position. I speak of this instance be- cause this point was the only one assaulted by any formidable force of the enemy. This fort was commenced by the rebels before our troops entered East Tennessee, and had been considerably improved by the Engineer Battalion, under Captain Poe, before the commence- ment of the siege. It was named Fort Sanders in honor of the brave officer who fell on the second day of the siege. The site occupied by the city of Knoxville, which we were to de- fend, was in front of a plateau of about one half a mile in width, running parallel to and close to the Holston River. This plateau was intersected by three creeks, First, Second, and Third, giving the position the appearance of separate hills. First Creek separated Knoxville from East Knoxville or Temperance Hill. Second Creek separated the town from College Hill, and Third Creek ran into the river beyond our lines. To the north and west of the town the plateau descended gradually to a valley or basin of about three- quarters of a mile in width, beyond which was a second plateau sim- ilar to the one just described and of about the same lieight. O~i this ridge the enemys forces were stationed with their batteries o~i prominent points. He made great efforts to break our pontoon bridge by floating rafts down the Holston, but by the judicious efforts of Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock and Captain Poe, who constructed a boom across the river above the bridge, we were enabled to maintain it. Nothing of great importance occurred until the 23d of November. Constant sharpshooting, skirmishing, and artillery firing was kept up without important results. On the night of the 23d, a portion of General Hartranfts piz~ke Page 277 CHAP. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 27~ line was driven in, but was re-established the next day with a loss of 22 killed and wounded. Houses that were occupied, or likely to be, 1~y the enemys sharpshooters, were destroyed, and some gallant sor- ties were made for that purpose. On the 23d, an assault was made on the enemys parallel by the Second Michigan, which, for a time, was successful, but they were finally driven back with loss of 6 killed, among whom was the com- manding officer, and 44 wounded. Accompanying this are the re- ports of these engagements. Longstreets cavalry, under Wheeler, attacked Colonel Motts com- mand on the 24th of ~November, at Kingston, and was severely repulsed, our men behaving with the utmost gallantry. About this time (the 24th) the enemy commenced crossing his forces to the south side of the river, and on the 25th he made a des- perate attempt to seize the heights commanding the town, but was severely repulsed by General Shackelfords forces. Colonel Reillys brigade was sent over as re-enforcements, and did most excellent service. On the night of the 26th, I went over to the south side, accom- panied by Captain Poe, and made a careful examination of our lines on that side of the river. On the 27th, the enemy continued active on both sides of the river, indulging in considerable artillery firing, but our men were silent. On the 28th, he opened a battery on the south side, which partially commanded College Hill and Fort Sanders. About 10 oclock that night he drove in our pickets in the center of General Ferreros line, ca p turing many of them and establishing his line on the crest of the ridge, about 80 yards in front of the fort. It was now supposed that the enemy intended to make an atta~k at that point. Orders were issued for the whole command to be on the alert, and a brigade of General Hascalls division was sent dur- ing the night to re-enforce General Ferrero. I have before stated that the fort had been placed in most excellent condition for defense. Lieutenant Benjamin, who had bent all his energies to this work, was on the alert during the night, and roused the men at an early hour. They were placed in position, and strict silence enforced. At about 6.30 a. m. the enemy opened a furious fire upon the fort; our batteries remained silent, and the men quietly awaited the attack. The fort was so protected with traverses that only one man was injured during this heavy fire. In about twenty minutes the cannonading ceased and a fire of musketry was opened by the enemy. At the same time a hc~av y column that had been concentrated under the ridge, near the fort, during the night, charged on the bastions at a run. Great numbers of them fell in passing over the entangle- ments, but the weight of the column was such as to force the advance forward, and in two or three minutes they had reached the ditch and attempted to scale the parapet. Our guns opened upon the men in the ditch with triple rounds of canister, and our infantry shot or knocked back all those whose heads appeared above the parapet. The forces placed on the flanks of the fort by General Ferrero had a cross-fire on the ground over which the enemy approached. The first column of attack was re-enforced by a second, which pushed up to the fort as desperately as the first, but were driven back with great slaughter. Most of those who reached the ditch were killed or mortally wounded. Such as could not retreat surrendered; in all, about 500. The ground between th Page 278 278 XY., SW. VA., TENN., ~MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAP. xLm. fort and the crest was strewed with the dead and wounded, who were crying for help, and after the repulse was fully established Ii tendered to the enemy a flag of truce for the purpose of burying the dead and caring for the wounded. His loss was certainly over 1,000 men, while ours was but 13. The gallantry of this defense has not been excelled during the war, and the division of General Ferrero may justly feel proud of this great achievement, particularly Lieutenant Benjamin and the offi- cers and men in the fort, who were so conspicuous in this service. During the remainder of the siege, we were not seriously molested by the enemy, and I again beg to refer to the accompanying report of Captain Poe, for a more accurate and detailed account of the siege than I have been able to give. I omitted to mention that General M. D. Manson was in command of the Twenty-third Corps at this time, General Hartsuff having ap- plied for and received a leave of absence just before the commence- ment of the siege. By the 2d of December, the indications were that the siege would soon be raised. On that day we received information from General Grant of the approach of General Sherman with troops for our re-. lief; and on the night of the 3d, Captain Audenried, of General Sher- mans staff, reached my headquarters. The morning of the 5th, the enemy raised the siege, and retreated in the direction of Strawberry Plains. The few cavalry we could mount were sent in p ursuit; but they were in such bad condition as to be unable to make any great impression on the enemy, who had moved off in remarkably good order. The same day (the 5th) I received from General Sherman the following letter: MARYVILLE, December 5, 1868. General BURNSIDE: DEAR GENERAL: I am here, and can bring 25,000 men into Knoxville to-morrow, but Longstreet having retreated, I feel disposed to stop, for a stern chase is a long one. But I will do all that is possible. Without you specify that you want troops, I will let mine rest to-morrow~ and ride to see you. Send my aide (Captain Auden- ned) out with your letters to-night. We are all hearty, but tired. Accept my con- gratulations on your successful defense and your patient endurance. Yours, in haste, W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. On the 6th, General Sherman came to my headquarters, leaving the advance of his forces at Maryville. After consultation, it was decided that his forces would be of more service moving in another direction, and he accordingly decided to return, leaving with me General Grangers corps. We thanked him and his command heart- ily for their assistance, and bade them God speed on their newr service. On the morning of the 7th, the commands of Generals Potter and Manson started in pursuit of Longstreet, the whole under command of Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, who had during the siege rendered me most efficient service as chief of staff. Some days before this, I had received information that Maj. Gen. John G. Foster was to relieve me of the command of the Departmeiit of the Ohio. This order was the result of a dispatch sent by me to the President in October, when I was quite ill, s~tating that I might be forced to ask to be relieved of the command of the department Page 279 c~. XLIII.] TIlE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CMfPAIGN. 279 General Foster had arrived at Cumberland Gap, some days before the siege was raised, and had been directing the operations of the forces in that neighborhood in the meantime. On the 10th, he arrived at my headquarters at Knoxville, and on the 11th assumed command of the department. On the 12th instant, I left Knoxville for Cincinnati with best wishes for the success and happiness of General Foster and his command, both of whom had been so faithful, efficient, and brave while serv- ing under me. I shall ever remember with gratitude and pleasure the co-opera- tion, devotion, courage, and patient endurance of the brave officers and men of the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps, who have served with me so faithfully and conspicuously in Kentucky and East Ten~ nessee. During the whole siege and in the midst of the most ardu- ous labor and greatest privations, I never heard a word of discoli- tent or distrust from any one of them. Each man seemed anxious to do his whole duty, and to their perseverance and courage is due the ultimate success of the defense of Knoxville. The loyal people of East Tennessee will always be gratefully remembered by me for their hearty co-operation, efficient aid, and liberal hospitality. To the members of my personal staff who served with me in Cin- cinnati and East Tennessee, and who rendered most faithful and meritorious service, I beg to tender my hearty thanks. Those who accompanied me to East Tennessee were as follows: Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, chi~f of staff; Lieut. Col. Lewis Rich- mond, assistant adjutant-general; Surg. W. H. Church, medical di- rector; Lieut. Col. E. R. Goodrich, chief commissary; Lieut. Col. Charles G. Loring, jr., assistant inspector-general; Maj. J. L. Van Buren, aide-de-camp; Maj. William Cutting, aide-de-camp; Maj. Edward M. Neill, assistant adjutant-general; Capt.WilliamH. Har- ris, chief of ordnance; Capt. 0. M. Poe, chief engineer; Capt. George R. Fearing, aide-de-camp; Capt. D. A. Pell, aide-de-camp; Capt. R. H. I. Goddard, aide-de-camp; Capt. S. Sumner, aide-de- camp; Capt. John A. Morris, assistant quartermaster; Capt. D. R. Lamed, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. W. H. French, commissary of subsistence. The following were on duty at headquarters in Cincinnati: Capt. William P. ~Anderson, assistant adjutant-general; Car. Robert Morrow, assistant adjutant-general; General N. H. Mc ean, pro- vost-marshal-general; Brig. Gen. Tillson, chief of artillery; Col. J. H. Simpson, chief engineer; Maj. H. L. Burnett, judge-advocate; Capt. J. H. Dickerson, chief quartermaster; Lieutenant-Colonel Kilburn, commissary of subsistence. Accompanying this please find the full and detailed reports of Gen- erals Potter, Wilicox, and Shackelford, also Capt. W. H. Harris, chief of ordnance, which gives a detailed account of his most efficient management of his department. I cannot close this report without expressing my sincere obliga- tions to the corps, division, and brigade commanders for their hearty co-operation and aid during the entire campaign. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSIDE, -. Late Major- General. ADJUTANT-GENERAL U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C Page 280 280 xy., sw. VA., ~ MISS., ~. ALA.~ AND N. GA. (Onil.. XUIL GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE OHIO, No. 33. In the Field, November 30, 1863. The brilliant events of the 29th instant, so successful to our arms, seem to present a fitting occasion for the commanding general to thank this army for their conduct through the severe experience of the past seventeen days, to assure them of the important bearing it has ~ad on the campaign in the West, and to giv~e them the news of the great victory gained by General Grant, toward which their for- titu d e and their bravery have in a high degree contributed. In every fight in which they have been engaged, and recently in those near Knoxville, at London, at Campbells Station, and finally around the defenses on both sides of the river, while on the march, and in cold and in hunger, they have everywhere shown a spirit which has given to the Army of the Ohio a name second to none. By holding in check a powerful body of the ene~ny, they have seriously weakened the rebel army under Bragg, which has been completely defeated by General Grant, and at the latest accounts was in full retreat for Dalton, closely pursued by him, with the loss of 6,000 prisoners, 52 pieces of artillery, and 12 stand of colors. For this great and practical result, toward which the Army of the Ohio has done so much, the commanding general congratulates them, and with the fullest reliance on their patience and courage in the dangers they may yet have to mec~t, looks forward with confidence, under the blessing of Almighty God, to a successful close of the campaign. By command of Major-General Burnside: LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. ARMY OF THE OHIO, No. 34. In the Field, December 5, 1863. The commanding general congratulates the troops on the raising of the siege. With unsurpassed fortitude and patient watchfulness they have sustained the wearing duties of the defense, and, with unyielding courage, they have repulsed the most desperate assaults. The Army of the Ohio has nobly guarded the loyal region it re- deemed from its oppressors, and has rendered the heroic defense of Knoxville memorable in the annals of the war. Strengthened by the experiences and the successes of the past, they now, with the powerful support of the gallant army which has come to their relief, and with undoubting faith in the divine protection, enter with the brightest prospects upon the closing scenes of a most brilliant cam- paign. By command of Major-General Burnside: LEWIS RICHMOND, Assistant Adjutant-Genercd. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, Tenn., December 11, 1863. GENERAL: Before leaving-Knoxville, permit me to express to you, and to the officers and men of the Fourth Army Corps, my sincere thanks and gratitude for the promptness and willingness with whic Page 281 C~. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 281 you hastened to our assistance while we were menaced by a power- ful force of the enemy. Although yorr, with your command, had lately undergone the great hardship~ and exposure incident upon the glorious victory of Chattanooga, you cheerfully obeyed the order of your commanding general, and by a rapid and vigorous advance upon this place assisted in compelling the enemy to raise the siege and retreat to Virginia. Again I thank you. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. E. BURNSJDE, Jhlajor-Gertercd, Commanding. lVlaj. Gen. GORDON GRANGER, Commanding Fourth Army Corps. 11.PUBLIC RESOLUTIONNO. 8.A RESOLUTION of thanks to Maj. Gen. Am- brose E. Burnside, and the officers and men who fought under his command. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the thanks of Con- gress be, and they hereby are, presented to Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, and through him to the officers and men who have fought under his command, for their gal.lantry, good conduct, and soldier- like endurance. SEC. 2. And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to cause the foregoing resolution to be communicated to Major-General Buruside in such terms as he may deem best calculated to give effect thereto., Approved January 28, 1864. No. 5. Reports of ilfaj. Gen. John G. Foster7 U. SFArmy, commanding Department of the Ohio.* HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Knoxville, Tenn., December 14, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I arrived here on the evening of the 11th, and received the command from General Burn- side on the 12th. General Parke was at that time near Rutledge with about 10,000 infantry, being the number of the Ninth and Twenty-third Army Corps, capable of marching and fighting. Gen- eral Granger was here with two divisions of his corps (the Fourth). General Elliott, with 2,500 cavalry, was at Kingston. The cavalry of this department were in front of Beans Station, harassing the enemy near. I ordered General Elliott here to join my cavalry, so as to give us an equality of numbers of that arm with the enemy and enable us to overcome the checks which they constantly gave us. But, owing to conflicting orders received from General Thomas, General Elliott has not yet reported here. I have to-day sent new orders to General Elliott. I find the commissariat of the department very destitute, there being only a few days supplies ~of the most requisite parts of the * See also Fosters correspondence with Burnside, Grant, and Halleck, November 3O-.December 13, Part III Page 282 ~82 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIU. rations, which are now, and have been for a long time, issued in half and quarter rations. Beef and pork only are issued in full rations. Nearly all the breadstuffs have been drawn from the sur- rounding country, and all the forage for the animals. This has necessarily exhausted the country to a great extent, which exhaus- tion has been increased largely by the depredations of Longstreets army. The problem of shpplying the army here this winter is very diffi- cult, but I think it can be solved if I am allowed to draw from Gen- eral Grants depots, at Chattanooga, by way of the river. To effect this, two small steamers, the Chattanooga and Paint Rock, are now available. The hull of another small steamer has been floated down to Chattanooga from Kingston to receive machinery. I have ordered three more hulls to be built at once, and the machinery for them to be sent from Cincinnati. I have also ordered the railroad bridges at London and the Hiwassee to be rebuilt, but this work will occupy six weeks time. I have ordered the roads from Camp Nelson to Cumberland Gap, and from the former to Knoxville, via Somerset, Mouth of Big South Fork, Chitwoods, Wheelers Gap, & c., to be made good mili- tary roads, and this work is now commenced, but as the season is late, it is doubtful whether they can be made good enough for the passage of wagons after the winter rains set in. Anticipating this, i[ have or(lered Captain Dickerson to provide pack-saddles and pan- niers, so that as soon as the roads become impassable for wagons all the draught animals may be employed in carrying packs, and thus keep up something like supply trains. I have also ordered the road to Carthage to be repaired, ~nd a depot of provisions to be estab- lished at that place, and also gt the mouth of the Big South Fork of the Cumberland. The people of this country, from the presence of hostile armies in their midst since the opening of the war, are rendered nearly desti- tute. These armies have rarely paid for what has been taken by foraging parties. Over $100,000 in claims are now here for settle- ment, and more than this is outstanding. To remedy this evil and relieve the people, at the same time to insure the bringing in of what supplies are yet in the country, I have ordered the quarter- masters and commissaries to pay money for their purchases, and to make the necessary requisitions on their departments. I have ordered the broken telegraph lines to be restored, and a new line direct from Somerset to this place to be put up. The railroad bridges at Strawberry Plains and Mossy Creek are also to be re- built. I trust my action in the above premises will meet with your aP~~L~egard to the military situation I cannot speak definitely. I have known for several days that Longstreet had halted near Rogers- ville, and to-day I am notified that an advance is made to drive back our pursuit. Should this be made in force I have directed General Parke to fall back until I can join him with General Grangers di- visions. The rains of the past three days have made the roads so nearly impassable that it will be impossible to make a campaign toward the northeastern part of the State in the present destitute and weakened condition of the men and animals. I prefer, therefore, to wait until I can get them~in effective condition. With regard to the kinds of troops here, I find that the mounted force is in this broken and extended country the most in demand for all operation Page 283 CHAP. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEF ~, CAMPATGN. 283 except a general engagement. This kind of arms is very much in- ferior in numbers to that of the enemy, and must be increased. IF am satisfied that mounted infantry, for which service the Western troops are specially adapted, can be used to more advantage in this country than any other arm. I have therefore, ordered all the troops, which General Burnside had enjisted for the purpose, to be organized and mounted, and have tendered inducements to the six- months volunteers to re-enlist for the same purpose. All these are to be armed with the carbine or rifle. I also require one first-rate cavalry regiment, armed with the saber and revolver. The Third New York Cavalry or Eleventh Pennsylvania, if ordered to Lex.. ington, will meet this want perfectly. The infantry force is very much reduced in numbers by sickness arising from want of supplies, both in kind and quantity, of camp equipage, and of medicines. The vacant buildings of this town are full of sick. Of the Twenty-third and Ninth Corps, only 10,000 men are able to march and fight. I would, therefore, request that my old division, of the Ninth or s, may be ordered from Virginia (Old Point Comfort) to Camp Nelson, whence I can order it where most needed. Before closing I beg leave to call your attention to the matter of transportation to this point, and the necessity for some steps being taken to secure a sure line of travel which will be permanent and adequate to all wants. I mean a railroad connection between some railroad terminus in Kentucky and this place. Its importance, in a military point of view, cannot be overestimated. Its whole expense will not much exceed the annual outlay necessary to supply this army by wagon trains. I earnestly request that you will ask the honorable Secretary of War and the President of the United States to urge upon Congress the necessity of providing for the building of this railroad as soon as possible, as a military measure. I believe the road can be built during this winter and spring. I regret that I am confined to my quarters from the effects of riding from Lexing- ton to this place, the pain in my wounded leg having become very much increased. I hope, however, to be out again in a few days. I have decided to make this p lace the headquarters of the depart- ment for the present, and to have an assistant adjutant-general at Lexington, a quartermaster and commissary at Cincinnati. I have relieved Brigadier-General Boyle by Brigadier-General Cox in the command of the District of Kentuck ~ also relieved Briga- dier-General Fry, and ordered him to the Iie?d. Ihave placed Brig- adier-General Ammen mu command of the troops to guard the depots at Point Isabella (mouth of Big South Fork) and Carthage, and to construct the two roads from those points to this place. Major- General Parke is in command of the Ninth Corps, and Brig. Gen. 0. B. Willcox, temporarily,, of the Twenty-third Corps. I have ordered Brig. Gen. S. D. Sturgis to take command of all the cavalry in a body, which I propose to keep together as the cavalry corps of the department. General Sturgis is now at the head of this force, ren- dering good service. I shall keep you fully advised by telegraph of all current operations, and report more fully by mail. I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, illajor-Genercd, Commanding. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief Page 284 284 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. [Caip. XLIII. KNOXVILLE, December 17, 1863. Longstreet has taken the offensive against General Parke, who has fallen back to Blains Cross-Roads, where Granger is now con- centrating his corps. I intend to fight there if Longstreet comes. It is reported that he is re-enforced by a portion of Ewells corps. Elliott arrived yesterday, and I have ordered him toward Morris- town to meet Wheelers cavalry and operate on Longstreets flank. This question of supplies is very serious, and cramps military operations, having to concentrate and call in the foraging parties. It is with great difficulty that I can get quarter rations of meal or flour from day to day. It is very important, therefore, to get boats running on the Tennessee River so as to supply us this winter with bread, small stores, and ammunition. Beef and hogs can be driven to us. I have sent orders to Captain Dickerson to this effect, but ask that you will also give such orders as will put the thing through. The boat has just arrived at Loudon with timely supplies, which have been brought up on the train. Please order medicines and hospital stores to be brought up on the next boat. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General GRANT, .Major-General. Chattanooga. KNOXVILLE, December 19, 1863. (Received Chattanooga, 21st.) I have just returned from the front to find your telegrams of the 15th, 16th, and 18th. Longstreet is near Rutledge with a force equal to my own, but shows no disposition to attack us in our position. Had circumstances been favorable, I intended to attack him, acting in accordance with what I understood to be the wishes of General Halleck, but I am not sure that it would p rove a good operation; at any rate, the freshet in the river from the recent rains has delayed operations for some days. I would like to confer with you in order to understand more fully what operations will lead to the best results. Can I do this by telegraphing from Tazewell, to which place I can go for the purpose, or will it be better to come to Chattanooga by boat? J. G. FOSTER, Major-General GRANT. 3/fajor-General. BLAINS CROSS-ROADS, December 19, 1863. I am here in force. The high water from rains and the state of the roads impeded operations very much. The men are suffering for want of shoes and clothing. Ammunition is also becoming scarce; of some arms entfrel~expended. Please to send by steamer to Loudon, as soon as possible, 5,000 pairs of shoes, 10,000 pairs socks, 5,000 shirts, 5,000 blouses, 10,000 overcoats, 10.000 shelte Page 285 Cw. xi4i THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 285 tents, 1,000,000 rifle cartridges caliber .58, 8,000 rounds for 3-inch ordnance field pieces, 4,000 rounds for 12-pounder Napoleon guns, 1,500 rounds for 20-pounder Parrotts, 2,000 rounds for 10-pounder Parrotts, 3,000 Spencer rifle cartridges, 6,000 Sharps rifle cartridges, 5,000 Burnside rifle cartridges, 6,000 Colt revolver rifle cartridges. We need all the above as soon as they can be sent. The appearances are that the enemy intend to try and hold a portion of East Ten- nessee. If this proves true, we have sharp work before us. The men and animals are in }j~oor condition, which must be improved before I can move with the necessary effect. I desire that you will send up the camp and garrison equipage of General Grangers two divisions, and also that you may give me the service of his third division for a little time. I sent dispatch from Knoxville asking for medicines and hospital stores. Skirmishing goes on almost constantly with little effect. Long- street is near Rutledge. J. G. FOSTER, Major-General GRANT. Major-General. DECEMBER 20, 18634 ~ m. This dispatch has just been received, and a copy sent to General Grant. I send this to you that you may see what General Foster requires. Be good enough to return this as soon as you are done with it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. WILSON, Brigadier-General. STRAWBERRY PLAINS December 24, 186312.30 p. m. Longstreet is moving his forces across the Hoiston in the direction of Morristown, where, prisoners state, he intends to make a stand. I have crossed the cavalry under General Sturgis, and advanced him to feel the enemy. He engaged them this morning early, near Mossy Creek, and drove in the force at that point. I am pushing forward the railroad bridge at this place, and as soon as it is done can advance. We want ammunition, and cannot fight a general engagement until supplied. We have more reports that re-enforcements have arrived from Virginia, but ~5 I have no proof of it, I discredit the report. Longstreets force is 26,000 menexactly what mine is. J. G. FOSTER, Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT. Major-General. CONFIDENTIAL.] BALTIMORE, MD., Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, February 24, 1864. Washington~ D. C.: GENERAL: I send herewith a crude report of operations in East Tennessee, with reasons why offensive operations cannot be co Page 286 286 KY., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [C~r. XLIII. menced before the 1st April with proper chances of success. I be- lieve General Grant is satisfied of this fact. I had a long interview with him in Nashville as I came on. I like him very much. He is a hard-working and excellent officer, and I think he will certainly attain a great success in the South this season if he has good co-op- eration by the armies of the Potomac and of North Carolina and Virginia. He is very anxious that a column of 50,000 or 60,000 should be put in motion in North Carolina and Virginia. If you would like, I will sketch the outline of his plan, and also give some details from my knowledge of the situation, which will tend to make it a success. I will also propose a plan of operations for a smaller force, if you desire. I was much pleased with the Western troops and with the country, but the cbnstant riding on horse back gave me great pain. As soon as I am able, I shall report for duty, and I am so much encouraged that I hope it may be in four weeks. * I shall be as able to do duty as before the last accident, and am willing to undertake anything. I would, however, prefer duty at the East, which I can do better, as I shall have less riding than at the West. With kindest regards, ever yours, respectfully and truly, J. G. FOSTER. linclosure.] BALTIMORE, MD., February 21, 1864. GENERAL: I have the honor, in obedience to your direction, to make the following report of the operations of the Army of the Ohio, while I was in command, and of the general condition of af- fairs in East Tennessee: I relieved General Buynside at Knoxville, East Tenn., on the 12th of December, 1863. At that time the forces of the enemy under Gen- eral Longstreet, comprising his own force4hat had been engaged in the siege of Knoxville, Ransoms division of infantry, and Jones division of cavalry, with which lie had formed a junction, were sup- posed to be in full retreat toward Virginia. They were at that time near Rogersville. General Parke with the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps (10,000 infantry and the cavalry, 4,000 men) was in pursuit, having his advance at Beans Station. General Sherman was returning toward Chattanooga, leaving Gen- eral Granger with the Fourth Corps near Knoxville. As soon as ~eneral Longstreet learned this latter fact and that the force pur- suing him was small, he turned on General Parkes advance and repulsed it at Beans Station. Advancing at once in his turn he forced General Parke to fall back, first to Rutledge and afterward to Blains Cross-Roads. This being a good position I determined to make it the standpoint, and accordingly hurried up the Fourth Corps and every available fighting man. General Longstreet, however, did not attack, in consequence, probably, of the very inclement weather, which then set in with such severity as to paralyze for a time the efforts of both armies. Their numbers were equal, being~ 26,000 effective men each. At this time (the 23d of Decernber, 1863,) my horse fell with me upon * some personal matter here omitted Page 287 Cw~ XLIII.) TEE KKO~XVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 287 a ledge of rocks and contused my wounded leg, already very much inflamed by constant riding, to such an extent as to confine me to my quarters. General Parke retained the active command of the forces in the field. The condition of the army was bad. The troops were suffering for want of tents, clothing, food, and medicines. One- half the men were unfit for a march for want of shoes or clothing. The issue of bread or meal rarely came up to one-quarter of the ration, while the continual feeding upon fresh meat caused sickness among the soldiers, which we had no medicine to check. This state of things arose from the impossibility of getting si~pplies over the impassable roads from Kentucky, an dth e necessity for living on the country. The forage had become nearly exhausted, and had to be sought at distances varying from 10 to 40 miles. The stock of am- munition was also too limited. The enemy undoubtedly suffered privations similar to our own, for he soon retired to winter quarters at Morristown amid Russellvilie. Being anxious to follow and bring on a decisive engagement as soon as possible, I hurried the cavalry over the Holston as soon as it could be forded by that arm, and pushed it forward to Mossy Creek and beyond, and also to Dandridge. At the same time every effort was made to cornplete the bridge at Strawberry Plains, so as to cross infantry and artillery, as well as railroad cars. Earnest requisitions were, at the same time, made on Chattanooga for supplies of clothing, bread, and ammunition, to be sent up the Tennessee River in light-draught steamers. These supplies commenced to arrive slowly, about the 28th of De- cember. General Grant visited Knoxville on the 31st December. Seeing the suffering among the troops he decided to have me await the arrival of supplies and the completion of the Straw- berry Plains Bridge before advancing. He left on the 7th January, to return by way of Cumberland Gap. The cavalry, under Gen- eral Sturgis, was almost constantly engaged with the enemys cav- alry in the direction of Dandridge and Mossy Creek, after crossing the Holston. These fights culminated in a general cavalry engage- ment near Mossy Creek on the 29th, in which the enemy were driven from the field toward Morristown. General Elliotts division of cavalry, from th~ Army of the Cumberland, particularly distin- guished itself for gallantry. * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. FOSTER, i}iajor- GerteraZ of Voluni~eers. Maj. Gen. H. XV. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army. * Portion here omitted, covering operations in East Tennessee, January 1Feb- ruary 9, 1864, to appear in Series I, Vol. XXXII Page 288 288 KL, sw. VA., TEK~{., xiSS., & . ALA., AIiD ~. GA. tC~.u. XLIII. No. 6. Return of Casualties in the Union forces, commanded by Maj. Gen. Ambrose F. Buruside, U. S. Army, in the principal en.~ gagements of the Knoxville Campaign, November 4December 23, 1863. [compiled from nominal lists of casualties, returns, & c.] ROGERSYILLE, TENN., NOVEMBER 6. Killed. Wounded. captui~d or missing. a a a Command. S S S ~ ni ~ ~ ~ .~ 2d Ohio cavalry 1 1 7th Ohio cavalry 2 118 121 2d Tennessee Infantry (mounted) S 1 20 474 500 2d Illinois Light Artillery, BatteryM 83 88 Totala 5 3 21 626 655 cs The wounded, of which there is no separate report, are probably included among the captured. ROcKFORD, TENN., NOVEMBER 14. 1st ~entucky cavalry 1 2 2 1 861 42 4,5th Ohio Infantry (mounted) 2 5 7 . ....................I Total 1 2 4 1 411 49 LENOIRS STATION AND HUFFS FERRY, TENN., NOVEMBER 14. lO7thIllinois 1 1 2 6thlnclianacavalry 4 4 13th Kentucky 36 48 lllthOhiO 1 14 1 54 70 45th Pennsylvama 1 1 Total 6 8 52 1 58 120 HOLSTON RIVER, OPPOSITE kNOXVILLE, NOVEMBER 15-16. 11th Kentucky Infantry (mounted) 1 3 4 27th Kentucky Infantry 3 45th Ohio Infantry (mounted) 3 1 7 4 79 94 Total 6 2 7 4~ 82 101 cAMPBELLS STATION, TENN., NOVEMBER 16. NINTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. ROBERT B. POTTER. HEADQUARTERS. 2 6th Indiana cavalry (four companies) FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. EDWARD FERRERO. First Brigade. Col. DAvID MoinusoN. 36th Massachusetts 8th Michigan 79th New York 45th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade 1 3~ 2 14 5 .25 1 13 14 rw:: ~ 18 1 ~ 35 151 5 Page 289 Cius. XLHL] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNi~SSEE, CAMPAIGN. 289 Return of casualties in the Union forces, & c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command a a a S 2 ~,i .~ ~ 2 a a ~, a ~, a ~ a ~ a ~ a p U .5 Q u~ ~ ~ ~ IS ~ 0 ~ 0 r~ o r~i .~ Second Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN C. CHRIST. 29th Massachusetts 27th ~~hi~a 40th New York 50th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. CoL WILLIAM HUMPHREY. 2d Michigan 17th Michigan 20th Michigan 100th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade Artillery. 2d New York Light, Battery L 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery D. . Total artillery Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Col. JOHN F. H.ARTRANFT. First Brigade. CoL Josmx& K. SIGNalED. 2d Maryland 21st Massachusetts 48th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Lient. CoL EDWIN ScHA.u~. 35th Massachusetts 11th New Hampshire 51st Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Total Second Division ARTILLERY. 2d United States, Battery E Total Ninth Army Corps TWENTY.THIRD ARMY CORPS. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JULIUS WRITE. Second Brigade. CoL MARSHAL W. CHAPIN. 107th Illinois 13th Kentucky 23d Michigan 111th Ohio Illinois Light Artillery, Henshaws Battery 2 1 3 10 3 14 10 1 17 3 6 27 3 1 26 2 82 7 2 49 1 14 73 1 2 1 29 4 37 3 3 1 12 4 107 1 ~ 145 2 2 1 1 3 3 2 18 7 155 1 49 232 4 4 1 1 2 4 I 1 6 8 3 1 4 3 3 6 1 7 1 7 7 15 2 19 7 162 1 58 249 I 1 Total Second Brigade 4 10 2 Total Second Division 10 3 9 22 4 8 3 14 39 5 2 38 13 63 38 13 63 19 H HVOL XXXI, PT Page 290 290 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS.~ N. ALA., AND N. GA. LOw. XLIII. Return of Casualties in the Union forces, & c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. 4) n Command. I I .~ . n ~ .~ ~ o o r~ o r~i Indiana Light, 24th Battery 1 RESERVU ARTILLERY ~.. . . Ohio Light, 19th Battery Total artillery I Total Twenty-third Army Corps 10 2 39 13 64 FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION. Second Brigade. Lieut. CoL EMERY S. BOND. 112th Illinois Infant (mounted) .::: 1 3 6th MichiganCavary 1 Total Second Brigade 1 .1 4 Total Cavalry Grand total 2~ 29 9 202 1 75 318 4 5 5 Officers killed or mortally wounded.Lieut. Marion P. Holmes, Thirty-sixth Massachusetts; Lient. Alonzo P. Stevens, Seventeenth Michigan; Lieut. Col. W. Huntington Smith, Twentieth Michigam SIEGE OF KNOXVILLE, TENN., NOVEMBER 17-DECEMBER 4. NINTH ARMY CORPS. Brig. Gen. ROBERT B. POTTER. UEADQUAUTERS. 6th Indiana Cavalry (four companies) FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. EDWARD FERRERO. First Brigade. Col. DAVID MORRISON. 36th Massachusetts 8th Michigan 79th New ~Vork 45th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN C. CHRIST. 29th MassachusettS 27th Michigan 46th New York 50th Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Third Brigade. Col. WILLIAM HUMPHREY. 2d Michigan 17th Michigan 20th Michigan 100th Pennsylvania Total Third Brigade 1 1 1 3 1 2 2 5 2 4 6 9 14 4 4 2 17 6 29 4 6 3 2 4 11 4 S 8 20 35,. 2 9... 2 9 15 1 24 24 64 0 8 4 68 16 93 .2 1 10 18 51 2 3 13 12 30 3 1 8 12 ~ 8 ~ 46 16 Page 291 CHAP. XLIU.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. Return of (Jasualtie8 in the Union forces, & c.Continued. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. o +~ n i3~ L~ ~ o .3 ~ .3 5 ~ .~ ~ o ~ o r~i 0 ~ Artillery. New York Light, 34th Battery 1st Rhode Island Light, Battery D Total artillery Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. Col. Jom F. HARTRANFT. First Brigade. CoL JOSHUA K. SIOFRIED. 2d Maryland 21st Massachusetts 48th Pennsylvania Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Lieut. Col. Enwn~ Scit& u~. 35th Massachusetts 11th New Hampshire 51st Pennsylvania Total Second Brigade Total Second Division UNATTACHED. 2 2 2 4 33 11 1117 76 261 1 1 6 ~26 34 1 1 12 1 15 3 2 5 5 15 5 4 23 .32 64 1 1 3 1 6 1 1 1 1 4 2 1 iJ 4 4 2 5 3~ 14 9 6 28 35~ 78 I 1 4 43 17 167 112J 343 2 8...... 2 ~i6 2 7 13 4 17 13 6 19 2d U. S. Artillery, BatteryE Total Ninth Army Corps TWENTY.THIRD ARMY CORPS. SECOND DIVISION. Brig. Gen. Juuus WasTE. Second Brigade. CQL & HSILAL W. CHAPIN. 107th Illlnoi~ 13th Kentucky 23d Michigan lllthOhio Illinois Light .& rtillery, Henshaws Battery Total Second Brigade Total Second Division THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. MILO S. ITASCALL. First Brigade. Col. JAMES W. REILLY. 44th Ohio 100th Ohio 1 1st Ohio Light Artillery, ~ Total First Brigade I 2 4 6 ii 7 I ...~ . 14 7 24 Page 292 292 KY., SW. VA.? TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AM) N. GA. 10MM. XLIII. Return of Casualties in t7ze Union forces, & c.Continued. Captured Killed. Wounded. or missing. e Command. S S S ~ 0 ni S a a I~ ~ I) ~ 0 u .-. .- be IS S IS S IS S be 0 ~1 0 0 r~i ~ Second Brigade. Col. D.& NIEL CAMERoN. 65th Illinois 24th Kentucky lOBd Ohio 8th Tennessee Indiana Light Artillery, Wilder Battery Total Second Brigade Total Third Division RESERVE ARTILLERY. Capt. ANDREW J. KONELE. Indiana Light, 24th Battery Ohio Light, 19th Battery Total Twenty-third Army Corps CAVALRY CORPS. Brig. Gen. JAMEs M. SHACRELFORD. FIRST DIVISION. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM P. SANDERS. a Col. FRANK WonroaD ~ Staff First Brigade. Col. FRANK WOLFORD. Lieut. Col. SILAs ADAMS. 1st Kentucky 11th Kentucky 12th Kentucky Laws HowitEer Batteryb Total First Brigade Second Brigade. Lient. Col. EMERY S. Bo~en. 112th Illinois Infantry (mounted) 8th Michigan 45th Ohio Infantr (mounted) Indiana Light Art~ery, 15th Battery 3 4 2 9 11 2 4 17 3 4 1 1 Total Second Brigade 1 24 4 59 Third Brigade. Col. CHARLES D. PENNEBARER. 11th Kentucky Infantry (mounted) 27th Kentucky Infantry (mounted) Total Third Brigade Total First Division SECOND DIVISION. 2d Ohio 7th Ohio .... 23 Tennessee Infantry (mounted) 8th Tennessee 3 4 4 20 52 22 94 1 2 2 7 2 36 1 13 1 10 2 9 15 23 59 26 108 132 151 1 2 2 6 10 1 11 68 1 27 45 1 23 39 3 61 152 2 2 9 1 15 2 32~8 773 72 194 5 5 Total cavalry 2 3218 77 3 77 I~)9 Grand total. 6 86 29 ~ ~ ~ 693 aMortally wounded November 18. b Loss, if any, not of record 8 2 14 2 Page 293 C~i& p. XLIII.) THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 9FFICERS KILLED OR MORTALLY WOUNDED. ILLINOIS. Capt. Aza A. Lee, 112th Infantry. KENTUCKY. Capt. John W. Hill, 12th Cavalry. Lieut. Matthias T. S. Lee, 24th Infantry. MICHIGAN. Maj. Cornelius Byinglon, 2d Infantry. Lieut. Charles R. Galpin, 2d Infantry. Lieut William Noble, 2d Infantry. Lieut. Frank Zoeliner, 2d Infantry. Lient. Col. Lorin L. Comstock, 17th In~ fantry. Lieut. Josiah Billingsley, 17th Infantry. Capt. Wendell D.Wiltsie, 20th Infantry. OHIO. Lient. Charles W. Fearns, 45th Infantry. UNITED STATES VOLUNTEERS. Brig. Gen. William P. Sanders. WALKERS FORD, TENN., DECEMBER 2. Killed. Wounded. Captured or missing. Command. ~ ~tl ~ ~ a e b.O ~ a a U U 5 ~ . tO 0 ~ Q ~ Q [~ .,~ 14th illinoIs Cavalry 7 5th Indiana Cavalry 5 2 10 12 29 65th Indiana Infantry (mounted) 2 6 $ 116th Indiana Infantry 1 4 S 118th Indiana Infantry 1 14 15 Total .~...l92 41. 12 64 BEANS STATION, TENN., DECEMBER 14-15. 14th Illinois Cavalry 2 5 3 10 112th Illinois Infantry (mounted) 1 7 1 9 5th Indiana Cavalry 1 10 11 6th Indiana Cavalry I 6 7 65th Indiana Infantry (mounted) 6 10 1 12 29 1st Kentucky Cavalry I 4 5 11th Kentucky Infantry (mounted) 9 1 10 27th Kentucky Infantry (mounted) 3 9 4 16 8th Michigan Cavalry 1 1 9th Michigan Cavalry 1 1 1 4 7 2d Ohio Cavalry 1 1 2 7thOhio Cavalry 1 2 2 5 45th Ohio Infantry (mount& l) 3 3 Total 16 1 50. 1 47 115 29 Page 294 294 KY., SW. VA., TERN., MISS., N. ALA.~ AKD K. GA. [CflAP. XLIIL No. 7. Rep arts of Capt. Orlando M~. Poe, TA S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer, Department of the Ohio. NAVARRE, STARK COUNTY, OHIO, January 13, 1864. GENERAL :* Meantime, I had dispatched Asst. J. H. Brooks to London, with instructions concerning defensive works 4 that point. He had been directed to make a survey of the road from Knoxville to Loudon, which road I had decided to adopt as the base of sur- veys on the peninsula included between the Clinch and Holston Rivers, and extending as far to the eastward as Strawberry Plains. The subsequent active military operations defeated this part of my plan, though the data on hand will enable us to make a tolerably good map of the territory alluded to. On the 23d of October, I accompanied the general commanding to Loudon, where the ground was thoroughly reconnoitered, and on Tuesday, October 27, after two strong reconnaissances in the direc- tion of the Sweet Water, it was decided to evacuate London, not because it was untenable but to adopt another line much more favor- able. This was the line of the Tennessee, from Kingston to Le. noirs, where a pontoon bridge was to be thrown over the Holston, thence by the right bank of the Little Tennessee River, sufficiently near the mountains to render a movement in force by the enemy around that flank impracticable. This line required a much smaller force to hold, particularly as the autumn rains were coming on, when the Little Tennessee would not be fordable. The wisdom of this movement became apparent to those who had misunderstood it, when Longstreet made his advance upon Knoxville, by two columns in- fantry, by way of the Kingston road, and a heavy cavalry force by way of Maryville, having for its object to seize the heights on the south side of the Holston, opposite Knoxville. We all have a lively and grateful remembrance of the beautiful manner in which this latter movement was thwarted by that very force which had been guarding th~ right bank of the Little Tennessee. By direction of the general commanding, I took up the pontoon bridge at London on the morning of the 28th of October, immediately after the troops had crossed it, and transported it to the railroad track at the east end of London bridge, where the boats, some forty in number, the chess, and a part of the anchorage were loaded upon cars and car- ried to Knoxville. This occupied the limited transportation of the railroad for two days, so that it was not until 1 p. m. of Sunday, November 1, that the bridge was finally in a condition to permit Sanders division of cavalry, with its baggage, to cross over it from Knoxville to the south bank of the river. The bridge was thrown across the river at the mouth of First Creek. The transportation ~ and reconstruction of this bridge, while it involved no great skill, did require an immense amount of hard labor, but the usefulness of the bridge has been so great that a hundrc~d times as much would have been well spent. The bridge across the Holston at Lenoirs was successfully con~- structed out of the materials at hand by Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock, assistant inspector-general, I~inth Army Corps. It was destroyed by ~For part (here omitted) covering operations August 12October 10, in East Ten- nessee, see Series I, Vol. XXX, Part II, p. ~$66 Page 295 Czip~ XLm.] TIlE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGIi. 295 ourselves in the subsequent operations. About this time I received orders to build a pontoon bridge, which could be transported upon the ordinary army wagons. There was absolutely nothing prepared in the way of materials; the lumber was standing in the woods, and the nails were lying around the railroad shops in the shape of scraps of old iron. Blacksmiths were at once set to work transforming these scraps into nails, and the saw-mills to sawing the lumber. Un- fortunately the saw-mills undermy control were sadly out of repair, and it was only after the most vexatious delays on account of broken machinery that we were able to get even a small portion of the lum- ber together. A part of the Engineer Battalion was at work u on this bridge when, on the morning of Friday, November 13, notice was received that the enemy had constructed a pontoon bridge at Huffs Ferry, near Loudon, and was crossing in force. The major-general commanding, with a portion of his staff, left next morning for the scene of action. I was not one of those de- tailed to accompany him, hence am not able to report upon the well- fought battle of the 16th NovemberCampbells Station. From Campbells Station I was instructed to select, around Knoxville, lines of defense and have everything prepared to put the troops into posi- tion as they should arrive. 0 As I had been over the ground a great many times and had ex- amined it in reference to t is con ingency, the examination directed was made very rapidly. I had made it a point to familiarize myself, as far as possible, with the organization of the Army of th~ Ohio, and was consequently able to designate, in writing, the positions to be occupied by the several subdivisions, as follows: Roemers battery of four 3-inch rifle guns, at the University, to be supported by one brigade (Morrisons) of the First Division, Ninth Army Corps; Ben- jamins battery of four 20-pounder Parrotts and Buckleys battery of six 12-pounder Napoleons (light twelves), at fort on hill northwest of the Universitythese batteries being supported by the remaining two brigades (Humphreys and Christs) of the First Division, Ninth Arm or s~ the ground to be occupied by this division extending from the Holston River, near the mouth of Second Creek, around to the point where the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad crosses Second Creek; this line was nearly at right-angles to the river to the position of Benjamins battery, and thence parallel to the river. Gittings battery of four 10-pounder Parrotts to occupy the small earth-works on Vine street near the depot. The Fifteenth Indiana Battery of 3-inch rifle guns to occupy the ridge between Gay street and First Creek; these two batteries to be supported by the Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, extending from Second Creek te First Creek, and parallel to the railroad. The Twenty-fourth In- diana Battery, Captain Sims, of six James rifle guns (3.8-inch cmli- ber), and Henshaws battery of two James rifle guns and four brass 6-pounders, to occupy the fort on Temperance Hill and the ridge adjacent, supported by Chapins brigadie, of Whites division; and i~eillys brigade, of Hascalls division, of the Twenty-third Army Corps, extending from First Creek eastward to Bells house. Shields battery of six 12-pounder Napoleons and one section of Wilders bat- ~ery of 3-inch rifle guns on Mabrys Hill, supported by the brigades of Colonels Iloskins and Casement, the line of these brigades extending from Bells house to the Hoistom River, at a point a little below the glass-works. Two sections of Wilders battery of 3-inch rifle guns, and Konkles battery of four 3-inch rifle guns, on the heights sout Page 296 296 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., ~. ALA.~ A~D K. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. of the river, supported by Camerons brigade, of Hascalls division, Twenty-third Army Corps. One section of 12-pounder howitzers on Flint Hill, covering the bridge-head, and manned by soldiers de- tailed principally from the regiments of loyal Tennesseeans. The troops began to arrive about daylight on the morning of No- vember 17, and were placed in the positions respectively assigned to them, except Reillys brigade, which was held in reserve in the streets of the town by the direction of the major-general commanding. I may remark that during the whole siege the positions were scarcely changed, either of the artillery or infantry. As soon as any portion of the force arrived and was placed in position it was put at work to intrench itself, making use of the tools referred to in the first few lines of this report. There were no others in Knoxville except a few- captured picks in the hands of the quartermaster, but he could not furnish either spades or shovels to accompany them. The defenses thrown up at first were nothing but mere rifle-pits, having a profile of 4 feet wide by 2+ feet in depth, with a parapet of 2 feet in height, ma king the height from the bottom of the trench to the interior crest of the parapet 4+ feet. Two forts were in a de- fensible condition, viz, that occupied by Benjamins battery and the one on TemperanceHill, the work upon them having been done by the Engineer Battalion. The troops worked all day and night, and by daylight on the morning of the 18th were tolerably well under cover; still the work was continued, the enemy being held at bay on the Kingston road by the cavalry under Sanders, and on the Clinton road by Colonel Pennebakers mounted regiments. The hours in which to work that the gallant conduct of our cavalry secured us were worth to us a thousand men each. It is sad that they were bought at such a price as the life of that most gallant, chivalric soldier and noble gentleman, General Sanders. I hope I may be pardoned this allusion to the only classmate I had at the siege of Knoxville. General Sanders falling in front of the work occupied by Benjamins battery, it seemed appropriate that the fort should be named after him, and, upon its being suggested to the major-general commanding, it was so ordered. It was decided to dam First and Second Creeks; the dam across the former was made at the Vine street bridge and proved very successful, making an obstacle in front of and parallel to Temperance Hill for one-third of a mile, which could only be crossed by buildirvg a bridge. The dam across Second Creek was made at the tunnel by which the creek passes under the railroad. The character of the creek was not so favorable as in the first instance, still a very com- siderable obstacle was t~reated. At daylight on the morning of November 19 our position had been much strengthened, and we began to feel secure and confident; every man seemed conscious of the necessity for exertion and had made i:, and with unflagging zeal the troops still continued the tasks impos~V upon them. The citizens of the town and all the contrabands within reach were pressed into service and relieved the almost exhaustel soldiers, who had no rest for more than a hundred hours. Many of the citizens were rebels and worked with a very poor grace, which blistered hands did not tend to improve. In anticipation of a ne- cessity of giving up Mabrys Hill, an interior line of works w~ begun, running from Temperance Hill toward the river at Fhin; Hill. This line consisted of strong batteries at the two extremes, connected by a line of rifle-trenches of the character described above Page 297 Ciw~. XLIII.] TILE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 297 The enemy placed a battery on the Tazewell road, and from it threw the first shells into the city. Up to this time the enemy did not develop much strength east of the Tazewell road. Friday, November 20.The enemy erected lines of rifle-pits across the Kingston road, along the line which General Sanders had occu- pied, and commenced the construction of batteries on the ridge north of Fort sanders, distant about 1 mile. We worked all day and night strengthening our defenses. The work on Temperafice Hill was greatly strengthened by the enlargement of the face, which looked toward Mabrys Hill. A six-gun battery had been erected lower down on the eastern face of the hill, and is now in a defensible con- dition. On this day the lines of rifle-pits were made continuous, except the gorge between Temperance Hill and Mabrys Hill. Began work on a third line of rifle-pits, between Temperance Hill and the river, and commenced the construction of a battery on Flint Hill to enfilade the defile between our right and the river. The enemy from this time could not make an attack upon either of our flanks with- out having his lines enfiladed by our fire from the south side of the river. The enemy again fired a few shots at our center from their position on the Tazewe1l road, but without doing any damage. The enemy having occupied a brick house, 600 yaids in front ~of Fort Sanders, annoyed the troops of the fort by a fire of sharpshooters. The Seventeenth Regiment Michigan Volunteers made a sortie, drove them from the house, and burned it. While this was going on the enemy opened from all his guns on his right without damage to us. Saturday, November 21.Works were being steadily made stronger. Nothing remarkable occurred during this day. Sunday, November 22.Rather a quiet day. Received informa- tion that the enemy was constructing a raft at Boyds Ferry, which they intended to set adrift on the river with the hope that it would carry away our pontoon bridge and break our communication with the south side of the river. At 5 p. m. commenced the construction of a boom, made by stretching an iron cable across the river above the bridge. This cable was about 1,000 feet in length. I superin- tended in person the cUnstruction of this boom, and finished it at 9 a. m. next morning. Meanwhile, all our tools were kept in use in the trenches. Monday, November 23.During the day everything was much as usual, with parties hard at work. In the evening the enemy ad~ vanced on our skirmish line, in front of the left of the Second Divis- ion of the Ninth Army Corps, and our skirmishers fell back, setting fire to many buildings, which would have served as cover for the enemys sharpshooters. Subsequent events proved that these houses were unnecessarily burned. Tuesday, November 24.The Second Michigan Volunteers sallied, ~nd carried the most advanced rifle-pits of the enemy, but not being supported, were driven back, with considerable loss, by fresh troops of the enemy, which were brought up for the purpose of overwhelm- ing them. The picket line, from which our men had been driven the night before, was re-established. Laid out a work in front of Bells house on Mabrys Hill, and the work on it progressed well. In the evening a second line of works was begun on our left, i. e., from Fort Sauders via the College to the river, at the mouth of Sec- ond Creek. The enemy crossed some force and established himself on the hill on the south side of the river, 2 miles below the po Page 298 298 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. 1O~AP~ XLIII. toon bridge. Tlie absence of any signs of elation among the troops of the enemy, indicated to us that General Grants operations against Bragg at Chattanooga had been attended with success. Wednesday, November 25.The enemy pressed forward on the south side of the river, hc~ping to be more successful in his attempt to occupy the heights opposite Knoxville than he had been in his effort made ten days before~ ut again he was met and driven back with con- siderable loss. The hill occupied by the enemy was distant from Fort Sanders about 2,800 yards, and it became necessary to defilade the fort from the enemys batteries upon it. This was soon done. More reports about the raft came in, and I thought it prudent to be- gin the construction of a second boom, which I decided to make by attaching long timbers together with chains, end to end, and allow- ing it to float on the water, being fastened on each side of the river. Thursday, November 26.Was quite ill this day, but managed to be along the line. In the evening accompanied the general com- manding to the south side of the river, where II laid out some rifle- pits and an artillery epaulement for two guns, looking toward the enemys position on the hill and distant from it about 600 yards. The enemy did not appear to do much this day. We finished the wooden boom, 1,500 feet long. All our intrenching tools, as - usual, were kept busy adding to the strength of our works. After dark tele- graph wires were stretched from stumps to stumps in front of our most important positions in order to form an obstacle to the advance of the enemy. Made a cheval-defrise of p ikes in front of Colonel Hoskins position, fastening the pikes in place with telegraph wire. Friday, November 27.The enemy still appeared to threaten us on the south side ~f the river. I again carefully examined the heights opposite Knoxville, this time accompanied by Lieutenant- Colonel Babcock. After consultation, it was decided that no change should be made in the line I had previously selected, and that we ought to begin at once the construction of works. Commenced a battery for two guns and a line of rifle-pits on the first hill west of the Mar~lle railroad; the enemy vigorously at work on the ridge north of Fort Sanders. He appeared to be connecting his batteries by lines of rifle-pits; the profile seemed too light for a first parallel. The enemy was very active all day, and sharp firing was kept up, principally from the enemy, our troops reserving their fire. Saturday, November 28.Both armies hard at work. The enemy displayed six guns at their position on south side of river, and opened upon Roeme~s battery, throwing an occasional shot at Fort Sanders, but without doing any damage. Commenced the construc- tion of a line of rifle-trenches on the Sevierville Hill (south side). Sharp skirmishing in the evening. About 11 p. in. the enemy att~ac~ed our picket lines, and, after a couple of hours of hot fight- ing, occupied them, thus turning their advanced line within about 120 yards of the northwestern salient of Fort Sanders. The skir-~ mishing was continued all night, with a slow cannonade from all the guns upon the enemys right, principally directed upon Fort Sanders. It now became evident that this was the real point of attack. Sunday, November 29.At 6 a. in., under cover of a fog, the enemy assaulted Fort Sanders, moving along the capital of the northwest- ern bastion. In spite of the gallantry and persistency of the attack, it was handsomely repulsed, with a loss to the enemy of almost the entire brigade which led the assault. Our loss was 4 killed and 1 Page 299 Cn.u. XLIII.] THE X~{OXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 299 wounded. I know of no instance in history where a storming party was so nearly annihilated. It is even doubtful whether 100 men of this brigade returned unhurt to their lines. The captures were 3 battle-flags, belonging, respectively, to the Thirteenth Mississippi Volunteers, the Seventeenth Mississippi Volunteers, and the Six- teenth Georgia Volunteers; between 200 and 300 prisoners, and some 500 stand of arms. These are not given as strictly accurate, but I have endeavored to keep the number so small that more accu- rate reports would not diminish them. The garrison of Fort San- ders was made up of Benjamins battery, part of Buckleys, part of Seventy-ninth ~ew York Infantry Volunteers, and a part of the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, making an aggregate of about 220 men. A short description of Fort Sanders may be appropriate here. It is a bastioned earth-work, built upon an irregular quadrilateral, the sides of which are, respectively, 125 yards southern front, 95 yards western front, 125 yards northern front, and 85 yards eastern front. The eastern front was entirely open, and is to be closed with a stock- ade; the southern front was about half done; the western front was~ finished, except cutting the embrasures, and the northern front was nearly finished. Each bastion was intended to have a p an ~coupe. The bastion attacked was the only one that was complete finished~ A light 12-pounder was mounted at the pan coup6, and did good service. The ditch of the fort was 12 feet in width, and in many places as much as 8 feet in depth. The irregularity of the site was such that the bastion angles were very heavy, the relief of the light- est one being 12 feet. The relief of the one attacked was about 13 feet, and, together with the depth of the ditch, say 11 feet, made a height of 20 feet from the bottom of the ditch to the interior crest. This, owing to the nature of the soil, the dampness of the morning, and the steepn~ess of the slopes, made the storming of the fort a very serious matter, and, when taken in connection with the neglect of the enemy to provide themselves with scaling-ladders, the confusion in their ranks, caused by passing through the obstacles of stumps, wire entanglements, and brush in front of the fort, the cool and steady fire to which they were exposed, coming from the very best troops in our service, sufficiently account for the repulse of one of the best divisions in the rebel army from that point of attack. A short time after the repulse of the enemy a truce was offered him and accepted, during which he might take care of his wounded and bury his dead. The truce extended until 7 p. m. During the assault on Fort San- ders, and for some time after that had been repulsed, sharp fighting took place on the south side of the river, but we were everywhere successful. Monday, November 30.Very quiet; our forces at work as usual; the line of rifle-trenches from the Sevierville road to the central hill was staked out. The work on that part of the line from Sevierville Hill to the road Was finished. A two-gun battery was located just east of Second Creek, and good progress was made upon it. The design of this battery was to enfilade the railroad out to the westward, and to flank the northern front of Fort Sanders, throwing fire upon ground which that fort could not reach. The work upon the large or on our right in front of Bells house was so far advanced as to make it defensible. During the doy the enemy apparently did little or nothing, as though he were stunned by the severe punishment he had received the day before Page 300 300 KY., SW. VA., TENN.7 MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. ICHAP. XLIII. Tuesday, December 1.The Engineer Battalion and contrabands at work. A line of rifle-trenches was located across the gorge be- tween Temperance Hill and Mabrys Hill, and a portion of it com- pleted. The troops on the south side of the river were hard at work with all the tools we had to spare from the north side. During the afternoon large trains belonging to the enemy were seen to move toward the eastward, and the belief began to grow upon us that the siege would be raised. Wednesday, December 2.The Engineer Battalion and contra- bands were particularly engaged in the rifle-trenches between Tem- perance Hill and Mabrys Hill and an epaulement for two guns in the gorge. These were all finished by midnight. Still at work on large fort at Bells house and on rifle-trenches on south side of the river. Everything unusually quiet for the fifteenth day of a siege. Thursday, December 3.Still hard at work on both sides of the river. A disposition apparent among the troops to consider their position strong enough to repel any assault the enemy might make, and a consequent indisposition to work. Evidently but a small force of the enemy east of the Tazewell road. The enemys trains seen moving to the eastward. Friday, December 4.Still working a little, but the news of ap- proaching re-enforcements and the movements of the enemys trains lead us to believe that he ~w:ill soon abandon the siege. Saturday, December 5.The siege of Knoxville terminated by the retreat of the enemy in the direction of Strawberry Plains (east- ward). Heavy re-enforcements for us reached the south side of the river. The enemys infantry, or at least that part of it belonging to Longstreets own corps, left in a solid body very deliberately, no signs of haste being apparent. The rear guard of his column passed the Tazewell road about 7 a. m. A feeling of intense satisfaction pervaded the whole command, and many persons assured me of their conversion to a belief in dirt- digging. It certainly proved efficient here. Examined the enemys late position, and was surprised to find so little evidence of good engineering. I saw positions for only eighteen guns on the north side of the river, but could not discover that more than twelve of them had been used. Any other artillery he used was without cover. The topography of the vicinity of Knoxville may be briefly de- scribed as follows: On the north bank of the river a narrow ridge is formed, extending from a point about 2j miles east of Knoxville to Lenoirs. It has an average base of about 1+ miles ~n width. At Knoxville the width is about 1 mile. This ridge is cut through at short intervals by small streams, two of which, First and Second Creeks, run through the town of Knoxville at a distance from each other of about three-quarters of a mile. The main part of the towii is built upon that portion of the ridge bounded on the northwest b~ the valley; on the southwest by Second Creek; On the southeast by the Holston River, and on the northeast by First Creek. It has the appearance of a table, elevated about 150 feet above the river and about 100 feet above the valley. Again, Third Creek is found about seven-eighths of a mile below Second Creek, forming a second simi- lar table. A depression in the ridge about the same distance east of First Creek forms still anothar table, upon which is built East Knoxville. This elevated ground is called Temperance Hill. From this eastward the ridge is more broken until it disappears, and othe Page 301 Ciui. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 301 rido~es spring up. This last division is known as Mabrys Hill, and is 4ie highest ground by some 20 feet to be found on the north side of the river within cannon range of Knoxville. Commencing at Third Creek and going eastward, these tables may be numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. A succession of ridges, all parallel to the one alluded to above, are found at short distances apart as one goes back from the river, the most important of which is at an av- erage distance of 1 mile from the one Knoxville is situated upon, and is that which the enemy occupied. As near as can be ascertained by a pocket level, its elevation is exactly that of table No. 1 at its highest point. In selecting lines it was my opinion that tables Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 should be occupied. In this opinion the general com- manding concurred, except regarding No. 4. It was a question whether it was most prudent, with our small force, to attempt to oc- cupy No. 4 or to limit our occupation in force to Nos. 1, 2, and 3, simply holding No. 4 with a strong outpost. It seemed to me that we could (as we did) construct lines on No. 4 and also on No. 3, those on No. 4 to be thrown so far to the front that they could not be made available against us in event of their capture by the enemy and to be held by us with obstinacy, only leaving them when absolutely compelled to do so, in which case the lines on No. 3 would form our defense, and the enemy, after a stubborn fight, in which he would have suffered, would only have occupied a position, from which, in the former case, it would have been necessary to dislodge a mere outpost. In other words, after crippling him all we could in his suc- cessful assault upon No. 4, we would still have just as good a defense as if we had occupied No. 3 in the first place. But, on the other hand, by extending our lines to include No. 4, we made them weak in num- bers at any one point, and we were consequently exposed to greater danger of being successfully assaulted along our whole position. This difficulty was partially obviated by the successful construction of a dam across First Creek, by which an impassable water obstacle of three-quarters of a mile in length was made immediately in front of and parallel to the crest of No. 3, which enabled us to greatly weaken our numbers (of infantry) on that part of the line. The gen- eral commanding yielded to my opinion, and all the foregoing posi- tions were occupied as follows: On No. 1, Forts Sanders and Bying- ton and Batteries Noble and Zoelluer; on No. 2, Fort Comstock and Batteries Galpin, Wiltsie, and Billingsley; on No. 3, Fort Hunting- ton Smith and Batteries Clifton Lee, Fearns, and Stearman; on No. 4, Fort Hill. All our works were connected by a continuous line of rifle-trenches. Between the ridge occupied by ourselves and that occupied by the enemy the valley varied in width, but its av- erage breadth was in the neighborhood of 1 mile. It was almost en- tirelv cleared of timber, and was at every point under the fire of our artillery. A direct advance over it would have been made only with serious loss. This would have been particularly the case in front of No. 4, where the valley widened to lj miles and was without timber or cover of any kind for troops. On the south side of the river the ground rises into a series of prominent points, the highest of which is about 350 feet, and is directly opposite Knoxville, the prolongation of Gay street passing directly over it. These knobs formed a range quite close to the river bank, with a wide valley beyond them. It was all important to us that at least three of these knobs should be held. We actually held four of them, commencing with the first hill east of the Louisville road and counting down th Page 302 302 ~., sw. vi., TENTh, MISS., ~. ALA., A~D ~. GA. tc~r. iwi. river. As already stated, the enemy made several attempts to get possession of these heights, the first being made on Sunday, Novem- ber 15, by a heavy force of cavalry, under the command of Wheeler, which was repulsed by Sanders division of cavalry, which had been guarding the right bank of the Little Tennessee, and had gradually fallen back before Wheelers heavier force. Sanders was assisted by Camerons brigade of infantry. From these heights an artillery fire can be delivered in front of each flank of the lines on the north side of the river. Commencing with the most easterly hill (which we called Sevierville Hill) and numbering them 1, 2, 3, and 4, our works were as follows: On No. 1, only rifle-trenches; on No. 2, Fort Stan- ley; on No. 3, Fort Dickerson; on No. 4, Fort Higley. Nos. 1 and 2 were connected by rifle-trenches, while Nos. 3 and 4, though not con- nected, each was well provided with rifle-trenches to cover the in- fantry supports of the batteries. With sufficient time this disposi- tion could be very much improved by making the several forts of such a character (building bomb-proofs for stores and cisterns for water) that each would be self-reliant. The siege of Knoxville passed into history. If mistakes were made in the defense, they were covered by the cloak of success. That many were made in the attack was apparent to us all. That the rebels made a great error in besieging is as evident as it now is that to accept siege at Knoxville was a great stroke of nuhtary policy. The results of the successful defense are: the defeat of IBraggs army and consequent permanent establishment of our forces at Chatta- nooga, with tolerably secure lines of communication; the confirma- tion of our hold upon East Tennessee; the discomfiture of and loss of prestige by the choicest troops of the enemys service. There is no language sufficiently strong which I can use to express admiration of the conduct of our troops. From the beginning of the siege to the end every man did his w ole duty. The cheerful looks and confident bearing which met us at every turn made it seem as though we were sure of victory from the first. It is doubtful whether any man within our lines had at any time after the first forty~eight hours any fear of the result. All privations were borne, all hard- ships undergone with a spirit which indicated as plainly as if written on the walls that success would attend our efforts. And is there any man of that part of the Army of the Ohio which was in Knox- ville who would exchange his nineteen days of service there for any other of the achievements of his life? Was there a regiment there which will not put Knoxville as proudly on its banners as they now bear Roanoke or New Berne, Williamsburg or Fair Oaks, Chan- tilly or South Mountain, Antietam or Vicksburg? The troops of the Ninth Army Corps, and of the Twenty-third, were chivalric rivals where duty was to be done. Never had an en- gineer officer less cause to complain of the manner in which his in- structions and directions were carried out. And here I feel it nij duty to refer to the great value of the services of the contrabands. Tractable and willing (many of them came to me and volunteered to work), they did an amount of work which was truly astonishing. Day and night they worked without a murmur. For the first week they labored regularly eighteen hours out of the twenty-four, and during the whole siege, out of nearly 200 that we had at work, only 1 asked to be excused, and.he for only one afternoon. The question of sunplies during the siege was second to none in importance. The failure of the enemy to close the Sevierville roa Page 303 Cx~. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 303 and French Broad River enabled us even to accumulate a quantity of commissary stores. I was told that it was officially reported at the beginning of the siege that we had on hand full supplies for only one day and a half. Yet, after nineteen days siege, we had accu- mulated to such an extent, over lines just referred to, that we had provisions enough to last ten days. The cavalry force was at once sent in pursuit of the retreating enemy, and during the day sent in quite a number of -prisoners. On Monday, December 7, all the available infantry force of the Army of the Ohio was put in motion toward the enemy, and fol- lowed him slowly until the 9th, when our forces haltedthe cavalry at Beans Station and the infantry at Rutledge. The enemy had halted at or near the Red Bridge, between Beans Station and Rogers- yule. No attack was made by us, as the enemy was still in vastly superior force. On the 11th, Major-General Burnside, having been relieved by Major-General Foster, left for the North, and that properly fixes the close of this report. To Lieut. Col. 0. E. Babcock, assistant inspector-general of the Ninth Army Corps, and captain of Engineers, I am under very heavy obligations. Always ~eady with the most practicable advice,, he cheerfully gave it, and it never passed unheeded. To Maj. S. S. Lyon, Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, and assistant engineer, I am under obligations for valuable reconnaissance. It is a matter of regret that the age and failing health of this officer impairs to a certain extent his usefulness as a topographer, for which branch of science he has such a wonderful talent. Capt. C. E. McAlester, Twenty- third Michigan Infantry, acting as chief engineer of the Twenty- third Army Corps; Capt. G. W. Gowan, Forty-eighth Pennsylva- nia Volunteers, assistant engineer of the Army of the Ohio; Capt. 0. S. McClure, Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in command of the Engineer Battalion, rendered important assistance. Tl~e Engineer Battalion proved almost invaluable. Its members were always ready to work, day or night, and did it with an intelli- gence which directed the labor toward a result. My thanks are due, and are freely given, to its officers and men. All of which is respectfully submitted. ORLANDO M. POE, Captain, U. S. Engs., Chief Engineer, Army of the Ohio. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, Commanding Army of the Ohio. HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, CHIEF ENGINEERS OFFICE, Nashville, Tenn., April 11, 1S64. SIR * Meanwhile, I had dispatched Asst. J. H. Brooks to Loudon, with instructions concerning defensive works at that point. He had been directed to make a survey of the road from Knoxville to Lou- don, which I had decided to adopt as the base of surveys on the peninsula included between the Clinch and Holston Rivers, and extending as far to the eastward as Strawberry Plains. The subse * For part (here omitted) covering operations in East Tennessee from August 12 to October 10, 1863, see Series I, Vol. XXX, Part II, p. ~i68 Page 304 304 xx., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND K. GA. [OH~~. XLIII. quent active military operations defeated this part of my plans, though the data on hand will enable me to make a tolerably good ma p of the teriitory alluded to On the 23d October, I accompanied the general commanding to Loudon, where the ground was thoroughly reconnoitered, and on Tuesday, October 27, after two strong reconnaissances in the direc- tion of the Sweet Water, it was decided to evacuate Loudon, not be- cause it was untenable, but in order to adopt another line much more favorable. This was the line of the Tennessee from Kingston to Lenoirs, where a pontoon bridge was to be thrown over the Holston, thence, by the right bank of the Little Tennessee River, to a point sufficiently near the mountains to render a movement by the enemy around that flank impracticable. This line required a much smaller force to hold, particularly as the autumn rains were coming on, when the Little fennessee would not be fordable. The wisdom of this movement became apparent to those who had misunderstood it, when Longstreet made his advance upon Knox- ville in two columns (infantry) by the way of the Kingston road, and a heavy cavalry force via Maryville, having for its object to seize the heights on the south side of the Holston opposite Knoxville. We all have a lively and grateful remembrance of the beautiful manner in which this latter movement was thwarted, by that very force which had been guarding the right bank of the Little Ten- nessee. By direction of the general commanding I took up the pontoon bridge at London, on the morning of the 28th October, immediately after the troops had crossed it, and transported it to the railroad track at the east end of the London bridge, whence the boats, forty in number, the chess, and a part of the anchorage, after being loaded upon the cars, were carried to Knoxville. This occupied the limited transportation of the railroad for two days, so that it was not until 1 oclock p. m. of Sunday, November 1, that the bridge was finally in a condition to permit Sanders division of cavMry, with its baggage, to cross on it from Knoxville to the south bank of the river. The bridge was thrown across the river at the mouth of First Creek. The transportation and reconstruction of this bridge, while it in- volved no great skill, did require an immense amount of hard labor; but the usefulness of the bridge has been so great that a hundred times as mi~h would have been well spent. The bridge across the Holston, at Lenoirs, was successfully con- structed out of the material at hand, by Lieutenant-Colonel Bab- cock, assistant inspector-general, of the Ninth Army Corps. It was destroyed by ourselves in the subsequent operations. About this time I received orders to build a pontoon bridge which could be transported upon the ordinary army wagons. There waa~ absolutely nothing prepared in the way of material. The lumbef~ was standing in the woods, and the nails were lying around the railroad shops in the shape of scraps of old iron. Blacksmiths were at once set at work transforming the straps into nails ; and the saw- mills to sawing the lumber. Unfortunately, the saw-mills under my control were sadly out of repair, and it was only after the mqst vexatious delays, on account of broken machinery, that we were able to get even a small p~rtion of the lumber together. A part of the Engineer Battalion was at work upon the bridg Page 305 Ca~. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 305 when, on the morning of the 13th November, 1863, information was received at the headquarters of the Army of the Ohio that the enemy, under command of Longstreet, had succeeded in building a pontoon bridge over the Hoiston River at Huffs Ferry, near Lou- d on, and was crossing in force. The major-general commanding at once started for that point, taking with him a portion of his staff. I was directed to remain at Knoxville, in anticipation of instructions for the defense of that place. From Campbells Station, on the 16th of November, I was directe& to select lines of defense around Knoxville, and to have everything prepared to put the troops in positions as fast as they should arrive. As Ihad been over the ground a great many times, and had ex- amined it with reference to this contingency, the examination di- rected was made very rapidly. I had iinade it a point to familiarize myself, as far as possible, with the organization of the Army of the Ohio, and was consequently able to designate, in writing, the positions to be occupied by the several subdivisions, as follows Roemers battery of four 3-inch rifle guns, at the University, to be supported by one brigade (Morrisons) of the First Division of the Ninth Army Corps. Benjamins battery of four 20-pounder Parrotts, and Ruckleys battery of six 12-pounder Napoleons (light twelves), at the fort, after- ward called Fort Sanders, on the hill northwest of the University these batteries being supported by the remaining two brigades (Humphreys and Christs) of the First Division, Ninth Army Corps, the ground to be occupied by this division extending from the Hols- ton river, near the mouth of Second Creek, around to the point where the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad crosses Second Creek. This line ~was nearly at right angles to the river, to the position of Benjamins battery, and thence parallel to the river. Gittiugs battery of four 19-pounder Parrotts to occupy the small earth-work on Vine street, near the depot. The Fifteenth Indiana Battery of three 3-inch rifle guns to occupy the ridge between Gay street and First Creek. These two batteries to be supported by the Second Division of the Ninth Army Corps, extending from Second Creek to First Creek and parallel to the railroad. The Twenty-fourth Indiana Battery (Captain Sims) of six James rifle guns (3.8-inch caliber), and Henshaws battery of two James rifle guns and four brass 6-pounders, to occupy the fort on Temper- ance Hill and. the ridge adjacent, supported by Chapins brigade of Whites Division, and Reillys brigade of Hascalls division of Twenty-third Army Corps, extending from First Creek eastward to Bells house. Shields battery of six 12-pounder Napoleons, and one section of Wilders battery of 3-inch rifle guns, on a rys Hill, supported by the brigades of Colonels Hoskins and Casement, the line of these brigades extendIng from Bells house to the Hohston River, at a point a little below the glass-works. Two sections of Wilders battery of 3-inch rifle guns on the heights south of the river, supported by Camerons brigade of Hascalls di- vision, Twenty-third Army Corps. One section of 12-pounder howitzers, on Flint Hill, covering the bridge, held and manned by soldiers detailed principally from the regiments of loyal Tennesseeans. I~ R.-VQL 2~XXI~ PT Page 306 306 xx., sw. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHiP. XLIII. The troops began to arrive about daylight on the morning of November 17, and were placed in the positions respectively assigned to them, except Reillys brigade, which was held in reserve in the streets of the town, by direction of the major-general commanding. I may remark that, during the whole siege, the positions, either of the artillery or the infantry, were scarcely changed. As soon as any portion of the force arrived and was placed in position it was put at work to intrench itself, makino~ use of tools 1~rought from Kentucky by the Engineer Battalion. IFhere were no others in Knoxville, except a few captured picks in the hands of the quartermaster, but he could not furnish either spades or shovels to accompany them. The defenses thrown up at first were nothing but mere rifle~ trenches, having a profile 4 feet wide by 4 feet in depth, with a parapet of 2 feet in height, making the height from the bottom of the trench to the interior crest of the parapet of 4~ feet. Two forts were in a defensible condition, viz, that occupied by Benjamins battery and the one on Temperance Hill, the work upon them having been done by the Engineer Battalion. The troops worked all day and night, and by daylight on the morning of the 18th were tolerably well under cover. Still the work was continued, the enemy being held at bay on the Kingston road by the cavalry under Sanders, and on the Clinton road by Col- onel Pennebakers mounted regiments. The hours in which to work that the gallant conduc~ of our cavalry secured us were worth to us 1,000 men each. It is sad that they were bou~lrt at such a price as the life of that most gallant, chivalric soldier and noble gentleman, General Sanders. ho e I may be pardoned this allu- sion to the only classmate I ha a e siegeof Knoxville.) General Sanders falling in front of the work occupied by Ben- jamins battery, it seemed appropriate that the fort should be named after him, and upon its being suggested to the major-general commanding it was so ordered. It was decided to dam First and Second Creeks. The dam across the former was made at the Vine street bridge, and proved very successful, making an obstacle in front of and parallel to Temper- ance Hill for two-thirds of a mile, which could only be crossed by building a bridge. The dam across Second Creek was made at the culvert by which the creek passed under the railroad. The character of the creek was not so favorable as in the first instance, still a very considerable obstacle was created. At daylight on the morning of November 19, our position had been much strengthened, and we began to feel secure and confident. Every man seemed conscious of the necessity for exertion and had made it, and with unflagging zeal the troops still continued the tasks imposed upon them. The citizens of the town, and all the contra- bands within reach, were pressed into service, and relieved the almost exhausted soldiers, who had seen no rest for more than one hundred hours. Many of the citizens were rebels and worked with a very poor grace, which blistered hands did not tend to improve. In anticipation of a necessity for giving up Mabrys Hill, an tenor line of works was begun~ running from Temperance Hill toward the river at Flint full. This line consisted of strong bat- teries at the extremities, connected by a line of rifle-trenches, of th~ character described above Page 307 C~. XLIII.] THE KI~TOXVILLE, TEM~ESSEE, CXMPAJGN. 807 The enemy placed a battery on the Tazewell road, and from it threw the first shells into the city. Up to this time the enemy did not develop much strength east of the Tazewell road. Friday, November 20.The enemy erected lines of rifle-trenches across the Kingston road, along the line which General Sanders had occupied, and commenced the construction of batteries on the ridge north of Fort Sanders, distant about 1 mile. We worked all day and night strengthening our defenses. The work on Temperance Hill was greatly strengthened by the enlargement of the face which looked toward Mabrys Hill. A six-gun batteryhad been erected lower down on the eastern face of this hill, and was now in a defensi- ble condition. On this day the lines of rifle..trenches were made continuous, except the gorge between Temperance Hill and Mabrys Hill, and the construction of a battery on Flint Hill commenced, to sweep the defile between our right and the river. The enemy, from this time, could not make an attack upon either of our flanks with- out having his lines enfiladed by our fire from the south side of the river. The enemy again fired a few shots at our center from their position on the Tazewell road, but without doing any damage. The enemy having occupied a brick house 500 yards in front of Fort Sanders, annoyed the troops in the fort by a fire of sharpshooters. The Seventeenth Regiment Michigan Volunteers made a sortie, drove them from the house, and burned it. While this was going on the enemy opened from all his guns on his right without damage to us. Satwrday,November 21.Works were being steadily made stronger. Nothing remarkable occurred during this day. Sunday, November 22.Rather a quiet day. Received informa.. tion that the enemy was constructing a raft at Boyds Ferry, Which they intended to set adrift on the river with the hope that it would carry away our pontoon bridge, and break our communication with the south side ofthe river. At S p. m. we commenced the construc- tion of a boom, made by stretching an iron cable across the river above the bridge. This cable was about 1,000 feet in length. 1 superintended in person the construction of this boom, and finished it at 9 a. m. next morning. Meanwhile, all our tools were kept in use in the trenches. Monday, November 23.During the day everything was much as usual, both parties hard at work. In the evening the enemy advanced on our skirmish line in front of the left of the Second Division of the Ninth Army Corps, and our skirmishers fell back, setting fire to niany buildings which would have served as cover for the enemys sharpshooters. Subsequent events proved that these houses were unnecessarily burned. Tuesday, November 24.The Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry sallied and carried the most advanced rifle-trenches of the enemy, but, not being supported, were driven back, with considerable loss, by fresh troops of the enemy, which were brought up for the pur- pose of overwhelming them. The picket line from which our men had been driven the night before was re-established. I laid out a fort in front of Bells house on Mabrys Hill, and the work on it progressed well. In the evening a second line of works was begun on the left, from Fort Sanders via the College to the river, at the mouth of Second Creek. The ~nemy crossed some force, and estab- lished himself on the hill on the south side of the river, 2 miles below the pontoon bridge. The absence of any signs of elation amon Page 308 308 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CH~I. XLIIL the troops of the enemy, indicated to us that General Grants opera- tions against Bragg at Chattanooga had been attended with success. Wednesday, November 2ti.The enemy pressed forward on the south side of the river, hoping to be more successful in his attempt to occupy the heights opposite Knoxville than he had been in his effort made ten days before; but again he was met and driven back with considerable loss. The hill occupied by the enemy was distant from Fort Sanders about 2,300 yards, and it became necessary to defilade the fort from the enemys batteries upon it. This was soon done. More reports about the raft came in, and I thought it prudent to begin the construction of a second boom, which I decided to make by attaching long timbers together with chains, end to end, allowing it to float on the top of the water, being fastened on each side of the river. Thursday, November 26.Was quite ill this day, but managed to be along the line. In the evening I accompanied the general com- manding to the south side of the river, where I laid out some rifle- trenches and an artillery epaulement for two guns, looking toward the enemys position on the hill and distant from it about 600 yards. The enemy did not appear to do much this day. We finished the wooden boom, 1,500 feet long. All our intrenching tools; as usual, were kept busy, adding to the strength of our works. After dark, telegraph wires were stretched from stump to stump in front of our most important positions, in order to form an obstacle to the advance of the enemy. Made chevat-de-frise of pikes in front of Colonel Hoskins position, fastening the pikes in place with telegraph wire. Friday, November 27.The enemy still appeared to threaten us on the south side of the river. I again examined carefully the heights opposite Knoxville, this time accompanied by Lieutenant-Colonel BThcock. After consultation, it was decided that no change should be made in the line I had previously selected, and that we ought to begin at once the construction of works. Whereupon we commenced a battery for two guns, and a line of rifle-trenches on the hill west of the Maryville railroad. The enemy were vigorously at work on the ridge north of Fort Sanders. He appeared to be connecting his batteries by lines of rifle-trenches; the profile seemed too light for a first parallel. The enemy was very active all day, and sharp firing was kept up, principally from the enemy, our troops reserving their fire. Saturday, November 28.Both armies hard at work. The enemy displayed six guns at their position on the south side of the river, and opened upon Roemers battery, throwing an occasional shot at Fort Sanders, but without doing any damage. Commenced the con- struction of a line of rifle-trenches on the Sevierville Hill (south side). Sharp skirmishing in the evening. About 11 p. m. the enemy attacked our picket lines, and, after a couple of hours of h?t fight- ing, occupied them, thus throwing their advanced line within about 120 yards of the northwestern salient of Fort Sanders. Skirmishing was continued all night, with a slow cannonade from all the guns upon the enemys right, principally directed upon Fort Sanders. It now became evident that this was the real point of attack. Sunday, November 29.At 6 a. in., under cover of a fog, the enemy assaulted Fort Sanders, moving along the capital of the northwestern bastion. In s p ite of the gallantry and persistency of the attack, it was handsome re ulsed, with a loss to the enemy of almost the entire brigade which led the assault. Our loss was 4 killed and 1 Page 309 C~. XLHL] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 309 wounded. I know of no instance in history where a storming party was so nearly annihilated. It is very doubtful whether 100 men of this brigade returned unhurt to their lines. The captures were: Three battle-flags, belonging, respectively, to the Thirteenth Missis.. sippi Volunteers, the Seventeenth Mississippi Volunteers, and the Sixteenth Georgia Volunteers, between 200 and 300 prisoners, and some 500 stand of arms. These are not given as strictly accurate, but I have endeavored to keep the numbers so small that more accu- rate reports will not diminish them. The garrison of Fort Sanders was made up of Benjamins battery, p art of Buckleys, part of the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteer Infantry, and part of the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, making an aggregate of about 220 men. A short description of Fort Sanders may be appropriate here. It is a bastioned earth-work, built upon an irregular quadrilateral, the sides of which are, respectively, 125 yards southern front, 95 yards western front, 125 yards northern front, and 85 yards eastern front. The eastern front was entirely open, and is to be closed with a stock- ade; the southern front was about half done; the western front was finished, except cutting the embrasures, and the northern front was nearly finished. Each bastion was intended to have a pan coup6. The bastion attacked was the only one that was completely finished. A light 12-pounder was mounted at the pan coupe, and did good service. The ditch of the fort was 12 feet in width and in many places as much as 8 feet in depth. The irregularity of the site was such that the bastion angles were very heavy, the relief of the light- est one being 12 feet. The relief of the one attacked was about 13 feet, and together with the depth of the ditch, say 7 feet, made a height of 20 feet from the bottom of the ditch to the interior crest. This, owing to the nature of the soil, the dampness of the morning, and the steepness of the slopes, made the storming of the fort a very serious matter, and when taken in connection with the neglect of the enemy to provide themselves with scaling ladders, the confusion in their ranks, caused by passing through obstacles of stumps, wire entanglement, and brush in front of the fort, and the cool andsteady fire to which they were exposed, coming from the very best troops in our service, sufficiently account for the repulse of one of the best divisions in the rebel army, from tkat point of attack. A short time after the repulse of the enemy a truce was offered him, during which he might bury his dead and take care of his wounded. It was ac- cepted, and extended until 7p. m. During the assault on Fort Sanders and for some time after that had been repulsed, sharp fighting took place on the south side of the river, but we were everywhere successful. Monday, November 30.Very quiet. Our forces at work as usual. The line of rifle-trenches from the Sevierville road to the central hill was staked out. The work on that part of the line, from Sevierville Hill to the road, was finished. A two-gun battery was located just east of Second Creek, and good progress was made upon it. The design of this battery was to enfilade the railroad cut to the westward, and to flank the northern front of Fort Sanders, throw- ing a fire upon ground which that fort could not reach. The work up on the large fort on our right, in front of Bells house, was so far advanced as to make it defensible. During the day the enemy ap- parently did little or nothing, as though he were stunned by the se- vere punishment he had received the day before Page 310 310 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. CEA~?. XLIII. Tuesday, December 1.The Engineer Battalion and contrabands at work. A line of rifle-trenches was located across the gorge between Temperance Hill and Mabrys Hill, and a portion of it completed. The troops on the south side of the river were hard at work with all the tools we had to spare from the north side. During the afternoon large trains belonging to the enemy were seen to move toward the eastward, and the belief began to grow upon us that the siege would be raised. Wednesday, December 2.The Engineer Battalion and the con- trabands were particularly engaged on the rifle-trenches between Temperance Hill and Mabrys H ill, and an epaulement for two guns in the gorge. These were all finished by midnight. Still at work on the large fort at Bells house and on rifle-trenches on the south side of the river. Everything unusually quiet for the fifteenth day of a siege. Thursdai, December 3.Still hard at work on both sides of the river. A disposition apparent among the troops to consider the po- sition strong enough to repel any assault the enemy might make, and a consequent indisposition to work. Evidently but a small force of the enemy east of the Tazewell road. The enemys trains seen moving to the eastward. Friday, December 4.Still working a little, but the news of the approaching re-enforcements, and the movements of the enemys trains led us to believe that he would soon abandon the siege. Saturday, December 5.The siege of Knoxville terminated by the retreat of the enemy in the direction of Strawberry Plains (east- ward). Heavy re-enforcements for us reached the south side of the river. The enemys infantry, or at least that part of it belonging to Longstreets own corps, left in a solid body, very deliberately no signs of haste being apparent. The rear of his column passed the Tazewell road about 7 a. m. A feeling of intense satisfaction pervaded the whole command, and many persons assured me of their conversion to a belief in dirt digging. It certainly proved efficient here. Examined the enemys late position, and was surprised to find so little evidence of good engineering. I saw positions for only seventeen guns on the north side of the river, but could not discover that more than twelve of them had been used. Any other .artillery he used was without cover. The cavalry force available was at once sent in pursuit of the re- treating enemy, and during the day quite a number of prisoners were brought in. Monday, December 7.All the available infantry force of the Army of the Ohi@.was put in motion toward the enemy and followed him slowly until the 9th, when our forces halted, the cavalry at Beans Station and the infantry at Rutledge. The enemy had halted at or near Red Bridge, between Beans Station and Rogers~ ville. No attack was made by us, as the enemy was in vastly supe- rior force. On the 11th, Major-General Burnside, having been relieved by Major-General Foster, left for the North, and that properly fixes the close of this report. To Lieutenant-Colonel Babcock, assistant inspector-gener~il of the Ninth Army Corps, and captain of Engineers, I am under very heavy obligations. He was always r.eady with the most practical advice, he cheerfully gave it, and it was never passed unheeded. To Maj. S. S. Lyon, of Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, and assistan Page 311 Cx~& p. XLIII.] THE KNOXYILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 3111 engineer, Twenty-third. Army Corps, I~m under obligatiQns f~r valu- able reconnaissances. It is a matter of regret that the age and fail- ing health of this officer impaired to a certain extent his usefulness a~ a topographer, for which branch of science he has such a wonder- ful talent. Capt. C. E. McAlester, of the Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, acting as chief engineer of the Twenty-third Army Corps; Capt. ~. W. Gowan, of thQ Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, as assist- ant engineer of the Army of the Ohio, and Capt. 0. 8. McClure, of the Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in command of the Engineer Battalion, rendered important assistance. The Engineer Battalion proved almost invaluable. Its members were always ready to work day or night, and did it with an intelli- gence which directed the labor toward a result. My thanks are due, and are freely given, to its officers and men. The siege of Knoxville passed into history. If mistakes were made in the defense, they were covered by the cloak of success. That many were made in the attack was apparent to us all. That the rebels made a great error in besieging is as evident as it now is that to accept siege at Knoxville was a great stroke of military policy. The results of the successful defense are, the defeat of Braggs army and the consequent permanent establishment of our forces at Chat- tanooga, with tolerably secure lines of communication; the confir- mation of our hold upon East Tennessee; the discomfiture of and loss of prestige by the choicest troops of the enemys service. There is no language sufficiently strong which I can use to express my ad- miration for the conduct of our troops. From the beginning of the siege to the end every man did his whole duty. The cheerful looks and confident bearing which met us at every turn made it seem as though we were sure of victory from the first. It is doubtful whether any man within our lines had at any time after the first forty-eight hours the slightest fear of the result. All privations were borne, all hardships undergone with a spirit which indicated, as plainly as if written on the walls, that success would attend our efforts. And is there a man of that part of the Army of the Ohio which was in Knoxville who would exchange his nineteen days of service there for any other of the achievements of his life? Was there a regiment there which will not bear Knoxville on its banner as proudly as it now bears Roanoke or New Berne, Williamsburg or Fair Oaks, Chantilly or South Mountain, Antietam or Vicksburg? The troops of the Ninth Army Corps and the Twenty-third Army Corps were chivalric rivals where duty was to be done. Never be- fore had an engineer officer less cause to complain of the manner in which his instructions and directions were carried out. And here I feel it my duty to refer to the great value of the serv- ices of the contrabands. They were ever tractable and willing, and many of them came to me and volunteered to work. They did an amount of labor which was truly astonishing. Day and ni~ht they worked without a murmur. For the first week they labored regu- larly eighteen hours out of the twenty-four, and during the whole siege, out of nearly 200 that we had at work, only 1 asked to be re- lieved, and he for only one afternoon. The question of supplies durii~g the siege was second to none in importance. The failure of the enemy to close the Sevierville roa Page 312 31~ KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHiP. XLIII. and French Broad River enabled us to accumulate a quantity of commissary stores. I was told that it was officially reported at the beginning of the siege that we had full supplies for only one day and a half, yet, after nineteen days siege, we had accumulated to such an extent, over the lines referred to, that we had provisions enough to last ten days. The following order is here inserted. The several names were suggested by myself. Certainly none are so well entitled to what- ever of honor there may be in the names thus given to the forts and batteries as those who shed their blood in defense of them. GENERAL ORDERS, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE OHIO, No. 37. Knoxville, Tenn., December 11, 1863. In order more clearly to designate the positions occupied by our troops during the recent siege, and in token of respect to the gallant officers who fell in the defense of Knoxville, the several forts and batteries are named, as follows: Battery Noble.At loop-holed house, south of the Kingston road, in memory of Lieut. and Adjt. William Noble, Second Michigan Volunteers, who fell in the charge upon the enemys rifle-trenches in front of Fort Sanders, on the morning of November 24. Fort Byington.At the College, after Maj. Cornelius Byington, Second Michigan Volunteers, who fell mortally wounded while leading the assault upon the enemys rifle-trenches in front of Fort Sanders, on the morning of November 24. Battery Zoellner.Between Fort Sanders and Second Creek, in memory of Lieut. Frank Zoellner, Second Michigan Volunteers, who fell mortally wounded in the assault upon the enemys rifle-trenches in front of Fort Sanders, on the morning of November 24. Battery Galpin.East of Second Creek, in memory of Lieutenant Galpin, Second Michigan Volunteers, who fell in the assault upon the enemys rifle-trenches in front of Fort Sanders, on the morning of November 24. Fort Comstoclc.On Summit Hill, near the railroad depot, in memory of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Comstock, Seventeenth Michigan Volunteers, who fell in our lines during the siege. Battery Wiltsie.West of Gay street, in memory of Captain Wiltsie, Twentieth Michigan Wilunteers, who was mortally wounded in our lines during the siege. Battery Billingsley.Between Gay street and First Creek, in memory of Lieut. J. Billingsley, Seventeenth Michigan Volunteers, who fell in action in front of Fort Sanders, November 20. Fort huntington Smith..On Temperance Hill, in memory of Lient. Col. [W.] Huntington Smith, Twentieth Michigan Volunteers, who fell at the battle of Camp- bells Station. Battery Clifton Lee.East of Fort Huntington Smith, in memory of Capt. Clifton Lee, One hundred and twelfth Illinois Mounted Infantry, who fell in the fight of November 18 in front of Fort Sanders. Fort Hill.At the extreme eastern point of our lines, in memory of Captain Hill, Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry, who fell during the siege. Battery Fearns.On Flint Hill, in memory of Lieut. and Adjt. Charles W. Fearns, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers (mounted infantry), who fell in the action of November 18 in front of Fort Sanders. Battery Stearman. In the gorge between Temperance Hill and Mabrys Hill, in memory of Lient. William H. Stearman, Thirteenth Kentucky Volunteers, who fell near London, Tenn. Fort Stanley.Including all the works upon the central hill, on the south side of the river, in memory of Capt. C. E. Stanley, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteers (mounted.C infantry), who fell mortally wounded in the action near Philadelphia, Tenn. Fort Higley..Including all the works on the hill west of the railroad embank- ment, south side of the river, in memory of Capt. Joel P. Higley, Seventh Ohio Cavalry, who fell in action at Blue Springs, Tenn., October 10, 1863. Fort Diclcerson.Including all the works between Fort Stanley and Fort Higley, in memory of Capt. Jonathan [C.] Dickerson, One hundred and twelfth Illinois Volunteers (mounted infantry), who fell in action near Cleveland, Tenn. By command of Major-General Buruside: LEWIS RICHMOND, A8sistant Adjutant-General Page 313 CHAP. XLIILJ TIlE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 313 The topography of the vicinity of Knoxville may be briefly de- scribed as follows: On the north bank of the river a narrow ridge is found, extending from a point about 2j miles east of Knoxville to Lenoirs. It has an average base of about lj miles in width. At Knoxville the width is about 1 mile. The ridge is cut through at short intervals by small streams; two of which, First and Second Creeks, run through the town of Knoxville, at a distance from each other of about three- fourths of a mile. The main part of the town is built upon that por- tion of the ridge bounded on the northwest by the valley, on the southwest by Second Creek, on the southeast by the Holstoi~ River, and on the northeast by First Creek. It has the appearance of a table, elevated about 150 feet above the river, and about 100 feet above the valley. Again, Third Creek is found about seven-eighths of a mile below Second Creek, forming a second similar table. A depression in the ridge, about the same distance east of First Creek, forms still another table, upon which is built East Knoxville. This elevated ground is called Temperance Hill. Eastward from this the ridge is more broken, until it disappears and other ridges spring up. This last division is known as Mabrys Hill, and is the highest ground, by some 20 feet, to be found on the north side of the river, within cannon range of Knoxville. Commencing at Third Creek and going eastward, these tables may be numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. A succession of ridges, all parallel to the one alluded to above, are found at short distances apart as one goes back from the river, the most important of which is at an average distance of 1 mile from the one upon which Knoxville is situated, and is that which the enemy occupied. As near as can be ascertained by a pocket level, its eleva- tion is about 16 feet more than that of table No. 1 at its highest point. In selecting lines it was my opinion that tables Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 should be occupied. In this opinion the general commanding con- curred, except regarding No. 4. It was a question whether it was most prudent, with our small force, to attempt to occupy No. 4, or to limit our occupation in force to Nos. 1, 2, and 3, simply holding No. 4 with a strong out-post. It seemed to me that we could (as we did) construct lines on No. 4, and also on No. 3; those on No. 4 to be thrown so far to the front that they could not be made available against us in the event of their capture by the enemy, and to be held by us with obstinacy, only leaving them when absolutely com- pelled to do so; in which case the lines on No. 3 would form a de- fense, and the enemy, after a stubborn fight, in which he would have suffered, would only have occupied a position, from which, in the former case, it wonld have been necessary to dislodge a mere out-post. In other words, after crippling him all we could in his successful assault upon No. 4, we conld still have just as good a de- fense as if we had occupied only No. 3 in the first place. But, on the other hand, by extending our lines to include No. 4, we made them weak in numbers at any one point, and we were con- sequently exposed to greater danger of being successfully assaulted along our whole position. This difficulty was partially obviated by the successful construction of a dam across First Creek, by which an impassable water obstacle of three-fourths of a mile in length was made immediately in front of and parallel to the crest of No. 3, which enabled us to greatly weaken our numbers (of infantry) in that part of the line Page 314 :314 KY., SW. VA., ~ ~nss., ~. ALA., AN]) N. GA. tCH~P. xun. The general commanding yielded to my opinions, and all the fore- going positions were occupied as follows: On No. 1, Forts Sanders and Byington, and Batteries Noble and Zoellner. On No. 2, Fort Comstock and Batteries Galpin, Wiltsie, and Bill- ingsley. On No. 3, Fort Huntington Smith and Batteries Clifton Lee, Fearns, and, Stearman. On No. 4, Fort Hill. All our works were connected by a continuous line of rifle- trenches. Between the ridge occupied by ourselves and that occu- pied by the enemy the valley varied in width, but its average breadth was in the neighborhood of 1 mile. It was almost entirely cleared of timber, and was at every point under the fire of our artillery. A direct advance over it would have been made only with severe loss. This would have been particularly the case in front of No. 4, where the valley increases in width to ij miles, and was without timber or cover of any kind for troops. On the south side of the river the ground rises into a series of prominent points, the highest of which is about 360 feet, and is directly opposite Knoxville; the prolongation of Gay street passes directly over it. These knobs formed a range quite close to the river bank, with a wide valley beyond them. It was all important to us that at least three of these knobs should be held. We actually held four of them, commencing with the first hill east of the Sevierville road, and counting down the river. As already stated, the enemy made several attempts to get posses- sion of these heights, the first being made on Sunday, November 15, by a heavy force of cavalry, under the command of Wheeler, which was repulsed by Sanders division of cavalry, which had been guard- ing the right bank of the Little Tennessee, and had gradually fallen back before Wheelers heavier force. Sanders was assisted by Cam- erons brigade of infantry. From these heights an artillery fire can be delivered in front of each flank of the lines on the north side of the river. Commencing with the most easterly hill (which we called Sevier- ville Hill ), and numbering them 1, 2, 3, and 4, they were occupied by us as follows: On No. 1, only rifle-trenches. On No. 2, Fort Stanley. On No. 3, Fort Dickerson. On No. 4, Fort Higley. Nos. 1 and 2 were connected by rifle-trenches, while Nos. 3 and 4, though not connected, each was well provided with rifle-trenches to cover the infantry supports of the batteries. With sufficient time, this disposition could be very much improved, by making the several forts of such a character (building bomb-proof~~ for stores and cisterns for water) that each would be self-reliant. For the map * which accompanies this report, I am indebted to Sub-Assistant Rockwell and Aide Talcott, of the U. S. Coast Survey. The delay in the report was caused by my desire to await the com- pletion of ma , without which it would be crude enough. The accompanying photographic views are intended to illustrate still further the locality r~~iidered historical b.y the siege of Knox- * To appear in the Atlas Page 315 CHAP. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 315 yule. They are the work of Mr. George N. Barnard,photographer at the chief engineers office, Military Division of the Mississippi. All of which is respectfully submitted. ORLANDO M. POE, Captain of Engineers. Lieut. Col. J. H. SIMPSON, U. S. Engineers, Cincinnati, Ohio. SIR: In accordance with your instructions, I have the honor of reporting as follows upon the engineer operations arising from the recent attempt of the enemy to gain possession of East Tennessee: On the morning of November 13, 1863, information was received at the headquarters of the Army of the Ohio that the enemy, under the command of Longstreet, had succeeded in building a pontoon bridge over the Holston River at Huffs Ferry, near Loudon, and was crossing in force. The major-general commanding at once started for that point, taking with him a portion of his staff. I was directed to remain at Knoxville, in anticipation of instruction for the defense of that place. From Campbells Station, on the 16th November, I was directed to select lines of defense around Knoxville, and to have every- thing prepared to put the troops in position as fast as they should arrive. As I had been over the ground a great many times, and had ex- amined it with reference to this contingency, the examination directed was made very rapidly. I had made it a point to familiar- ize myself, as far as possible, with the organization of the Army of the Ohio, and was consequently able to designate, in writing, the positions to be occupied by the several subdivisions, as follows: Roemers battery of four 3-inch rifle guns, at the University, to be supported by one brigade (Morrisons) of the First Division, Ninth Army Corps; Benjamins battery of four 20-pounder Parrotts, and Buckleys battery of six 12-pounder Napoleons (light twelves), at fort on hill northwest of the University; these batteries being sup- ported by the remaining two brigades (Humphreys and Chri~ts) of the First Division, Ninth Army Corps, the ground to be occupied by this division, extending from the Holston River, near the mouth of Second Creek, around to the point where the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad crosses Second Creek. This line was nearly at right angles to the river, to the position of Benjamins battery, and thence parallel to the river. Gittings battery of four 10-pounder Parrotts, to occupy the small earth-work on Vine street near the depot. The Fifteenth Indiana Battery of three 3-inch rifle guns, to occupy the ridge between Gay street and First Creek; these two batteries to be supported by the Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, extend- mo from Second Creek to First Creek, and parallel to the railroad. ~ihe Twenty-fourth Indiana battery (Captain Sims) of six James rifle guns (3.8-inch caliber), and Henshaws battery of two James rifle guns and four brass 6-pounders, to occupy the fort on Tem- perance Hill and the ridge adjacent, supported by Chapins brigade of Whites division and Reillys brigade of Hascalls division, of the Twenty-third Army Corps, extending from First Creek eastward t Page 316 316 KY., SW. VA., TENK., MISS., K. ALA., AND K. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. Bells house. Shields battery of six 12-pounder Yapoleons and one section of Wilders battery of 3-inch rifle guns, on Mabrys Hill, supported by the brigades of Colonels Hoskins and Casement, the line of these brigades extending from Bells house to the Holston River, at a point a little below the glass-works. Two sections of Wilders battery of 3-inch rifle guns, and Konkles battery of four 3-inch rifle guns, on the heights south of the river, supported by Camerons brigade of Hascalls division, Twenty-third Army Corps. One section of 12-pounder howitzers on Flint Hill, covering the bridge-head, and manned by soldiers detailed principally from the regiments of loyal Tennesseeans. The troors began to arrive about daylight on the morning of No- vember 17, and were p laced in the positions respectively assigned to them, except Reillys brigade, which was held in reserve in the streets of the town by direction of the major-general commanding. I may remark, that during the whole siege the positions were scarcely changed, either of the artillery or of the infantry. As soon as any portion of the force arrived and was placed in position it was put at work to intrench itself, making use of tools brought from Kentucky by the Engineer Battalion. There Were no others in Knoxville, ex- cept a few captured picks in the hands of the quartermaster, but he could not furnish either spades or shovels to accompany them. The defenses thrown up at first were nothing but mere rifle-pits, having a profile 4 feet wide by 2~ feet in depth, with a parapet of 2 feet in height, making the height from the bottom of the trench to the inte- rior crest of the parapet, 4-i. feet. Two forts were in a defensible condition, viz, that occupied by Benjamins battery, and the one on Temperance Hill, the work upon them having been done by the Engineer Battalion. The troops worked all day and night, and by daylight on the morn- ing of the 18th were tolerably well under cover. Still the work was continued, the enemy being held at bay on the Kingston road by the cavalry under Sanders, and on the Clinton road by Colonel Penne- bakers mounted regiments. The hours in which to work, that the gallant conduct of our cavalry secured us, were worth to us 1,000 men each. It is sad that they were bought at such a price as the life of that most gallant, chivalric soldier and noble gentleman, General Sanders. (I hope I may be pardoned this allusion to the only class- mate I had at the siege of Knoxville.) General Sanders, falling in front of the work occupied by Benja- mins battery, it seemed appropriate that the fort should be named after him, and upon its being suggested to the major-general com- manding, it was so ordered. It was decided to dam First and Second Creeks. The dam across the former was made at the Vine street bridge, and proved very sue- cessful, making an obstacle in front of, and parallel to, Temperance Hill, for one-third of a mile, which could only be crossed by building a bridge. The dam across Second Creek was made at the tunnel by which the creek passes under the railroad. The character of the creek was not so favorable as in the first instance; still, a very con- siderable obstacle was created. At daylight on the morning of No- vember 19, our position had been much strengthened, and we began to feel secure and confident. Every man seemed conscious of the necessity for exertion and had made it, and with unflagging zeal the troops still continued the tasks imposed upon them. Citizens of th Page 317 31Z CH.& I. XLIII.] TIlE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. town and all the contrabands within reach were pressed into service, and relieved the almost exhausted soldiers, who had had no rest for more than an hundred hours. Many of the citizens were rebels and worked with a very poor grace, which blistered hands did not tend to improve. In afiticipation of a necessity for giving up Mabrys Hill, an in- terior line of works was begun, running from Temperance Hill to- ward the river at Flint Hill. This line consisted of strong bat- teries at the two extremities, connected by a line of rifle-trenches of the character described above. The enemy placed a battery on the Tazewell road, and from it threw the first shells into the city. Up to this time the enemy did not develop much strength east of the Tazewell road. Friday, November 20.The enemy erected lines of rifle-pits across the Kingston road, along the line which General Sanders had occupied, and commenced the construction of batteries on the ridge north of Fort Sanders, distant about 1 mile. We worked all day and night strengthening our defenses. The work on Temperance Hill was greatly strengthened by the enlarge- ment of the face which looked toward Mabrys Hill. A six-gun battery has been erected lower down on the eastern face of tho hill, and is now in a defensible condition. On this day the lines of rifle- pits were made continuous, except the gorge between Temperance Hill and Mabrys Hill. Begun work on a third line of rifle-pits between Temperance lull and the river, and commenced the con- struction of a battery on Flint Hill, to enfilade the defile between our right and the river. The enemy from this time could not make an attack upon either of our flanks, without, having his lines en- filaded by our fire from the south side of the river. The enemy again fired a few shots at our center from three positions on the Tazewell road, but without doing any damage. The enemy having occupied a brick house, 500 yards in front of Fort Sanders, annoyed the troops of the fort by a fire of sharpshooters. The Seventeenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry made a sortie, drove them from the house, and burned it. While this was going on, the enemy opened from all his guns on his right without damage to us. Saturday, November 21.Works were being steadily made stronger. Nothing remarkable occurred during this day. Sunday, November 22.Rather a quiet day; received informa- tion that the enemy was constructing.a raft at Boyds Ferry, which they intended to set adrift on the river, with the hope that it would carry away our pontoon bridge and break our communication with the south side of the river. At 5 p. m. commenced the construction of a boom, made by stretching an iron cable across the river above the bridge. This cable was about 1,000 feet in length. I superin- tended in person the construction of this boom, and finished it at 9 a. m. next morning. Meanwhile, all our tools were kept in use in the trenches. Monday, November 23.During the day everything was much as usual, both parties hard at work. In the evening the enemy ad- vanced on our skirmish line, in front of the left of the Second Divis- ion of the Ninth Army Corps, and our skirmishers fell back, setting fire to many buildings, ~ hich would have served as cover for the enemys sharpshooters. Subsequent events proved that these houses were unnecessarily burned. Tuesday, November 24~The Second Michigan Volunteer Infa Page 318 318 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cHAr. XLIII. try sallied and carried the most advanced rifle-pits of the enemy, but not being supported, were driven back with considerable loss by fresh troops ot the enemy, which were brought up for the pur- pose of overwhelming them. The picket line from which our men ad een driven the night before was re-established. Laid out a work in front of Bells house, on Mabrys Hill, and the work on it progressed well. In the evening a second line of works was begun on our left, i. e., from Fort Sanders, via the college, to the river, at the month of Second Creek. The enemy crossed some force, and established himself on the hill on the south side of the river, 2 miles below the pontoon bridge. The absence of any signs of elation among the troops of the enemy indicated to us that General Grants operations against Bragg at Chattanooga had been attended with success. Wednesday, November 25.The enemy pressed forward on the south side of the river, hoping to be more successful in his attempt to occupy the heights opposite Knoxville than ~e had been in his efforts made ten da ore, but again he was met and driven back with considerable loss. The hill occupied by the enemy was distant from Fort Sanders about 2,800 yards, and it became necessary to defilade the fort from the enemy~s batteries upon it. ~This was soon done. More reports about the raft; came in, and thought it prudent to begin the construction of a second boom, which I decided to make by attaching long timbers together with chains, end to end, and allo~n~ it to float on top of the water, being fastened on each side of the river. Thursday, November 2G.Was quite ill this day, but managed to be along the line. In the evening accompanied the general com- manding to the south side of the river, where I laid out some rifle- pits and an artillery epaulement for two guns, looking toward the enemys position on the hill, and distant from it about 600 yards. The enemy did not appear to do much this day. We finished the wooden boom, 1,500 feet long. All our intrenching tools, as usual, were kept busy adding to the strength of our works. After dark telegrapli wires were stretched from stump to stump in front of our most important positions, in order to form an obstacle to the advance of the enemy. Made a chevat-de-frise of pikes in front of Colonel Hoskins position, fastening the pikes in place with telegraph wire. Friday, November 27.The enemy still appeared to threaten us on the south side of the river. I again examined carefully the heights opposite Knoxville, this time accompanied by Lieutenant- Colonel Babcock. After consultation, it was decided that no change should be made in the line I had previously selected, and that we ought to begin at once the construction of works. Commenced a battery for two guns and a line of rifle-pits on the first hill west ~f the Maryville Railroad; the enemy vigorously at work on the rid~e north of Fort Sanders. He appeared to be connecting his batteries by lines of rifle-pits. The profile seemed too light for a first par- allel. The enemy was very active all day, and sharp firing was kept up, principally from the enemy, our troops reserving their fire. Saturday, November 28.Both armies hard at work. The ene~my displayed six guns at their position on south side of river, and opened upon Roemers battery, throwing an occasional shot at Fort Sanders jbut without doing any damage. Commenced the construc- tion of a line of rifle-trenches on the Sevieryille Hill (south. side) Page 319 Cnn. XLIII.] THE XNOXVILLE, TEN~TESSEE, OAMPAIG~. 319 Sharp skirmishing in the evening. About 11 p. m. the enemy at.. tacked our picket lines, and after a couple of hours of hot fighting occupied them, thus throwincr their advanced line within about 120 yards of the n~rthwestern sa~ient of Fort Sanders. The skirmish- ing was continued all night, with a slow cannonade, from all the guns upon the enemys right, principally directed upon Fort San- ders. It now became evident that this was the real point of attack. Sunday, November 29.At 6 a. in., under cover of a fog, the enemy assaulted Fort Sanders, moving along the capital of the northwestern bastion. In spite of the gallantry and persistency of the attack, it was handsome y repulsed, with a loss to the enemy of almost the entire brPrade which led the assault. Our loss was 4 killed and 11 wounded. I know of no instance in history where a storming party was so nearly annihilated. It is very doubtful whether 100 men of this brigade returned unhurt to their lines. The captures were 3 battle-flags, belonging, respectively, to the Thirteenth Mississippi Volunteers, the Seventeenth Mississippi Vol.. unteers, and the Sixteenth Georgia Volunteers, between 200 and 300 prisoners, and some 500 stand of arms. (These are not given as strictly accurate, but I have endeavored to keep the number so small that more accurate reports would not diminish them. ~ The garrison of Fort Sanders was made of Benjamins battery, part of Buckleys, p art of Seventy-ninth i ew York Volunteer Intantry, and part of the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, making an aggregate of about 220 men. A short description of Fort Sanders may be appropriate here. It is a bastioned earth-work, built upon an irregular quadrilateral, the sides of which are, respectively, 125 yards southern front, 95 yards western front, 125 yards northern front, and 85 yards eastern front. The eastern front was entirely open, and is to be closed with a stock- ade. The southern front was about half done. The western front was finished, except cutting the embrasures, and the northern front was nearly finished. Each bastion was intended to have a pan coup~. The bastion attacked was the only one that was completely finished. A light 12-pounder was mounted at the pan coup6, and did good service. The ditch of the fort was 12 feet in width, and in many places as much as 8 feet in depth. The irregularity of the site was such that the bastion an~es were very heavy, the relief of the lightest one being 12 feet. T e rejief of the one attacked was about 13 feet, and, together with the depth of the ditch, say 7 feet, made a height of 20 feet from the bottom of the ditch to the interior crest. This, owing to the nature of the soil, the dampness of the morning, and the steepness of the slopes, made the storming of the fort a very serious matter, and, when taken in connection with the neglect of the enemy to provide themselves with scaling-ladders, the confusion in their ran s, caused bypassing through the obsta- cles of stumps, wire entanglement, an db rush in front of the fort, the cool and steady fire to which they were exposed, coming from the very best troops in our service, sufficiently accounts for the re- pulse of one of the best divisions in the rebel army from that point of attack. A short time after the repulse of the enemy a truce was offered him, and accepted, during which he might bury his dead and take care of his wounded. The truce e~xtended until 7 p. m. Durin~ the assault on Fort Sanders~ and for some time after tha Page 320 320 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., K. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLIII. had been repulsed, sharp fighting took place on the south side of the river, but we were everywhere successful. Monday, November 30.Very quiet. Our forces at work, as usual. The line of rifle-trenches from the Sevierville road to the central hill was staked out. The work on that part of the line from Sevier- yule Hill to the road was finished. A two-gun battery was located just east of Second Creek, and good progress was made upon it. T he design of this battery was to enfilade the railroad cut to the westward, and to flank the northern front of Fort Sanders, throw- ing a fire upon ground which that fort could not reach. The work upon the large fort on our right, in front of Bells house, was so far advanced as to make it defensible. During the day the enemy, apparently, did little or nothing, as though he were stunned by the severe punishment he had received the day before. Tuesday, December 1.The Engineer Battalion and contrabands at work. A line of rifle-trenches was located across the gorge be- tween Temperance Hill and Mabrys Hill, and a portion of it com- pleted. The troops on the south side of the river were hard at work, with all the tools we had to spare from the north side. During the afternoon, large trains belonging to the enemy were seen to move toward the eastward, and the belief began to grow upo~i us that the siege would be raised. Wednesday, December 2.The Engineer Battalion and contra- bands were particularly e~gaged on the rifle-trenches between Tem- perance Hill and Mabry s H ill, and an epaulement for two guns in the gorge. These were all finished, by midnight. Still at work on jarge fort at Bells house and on rifle-trenches ou south side of the river. Everything unusually quiet for the fifteenth day of a siege. Thursday, December 3.Still hard at work on both sides of the river. A disposition apparent among the troops to consider their position strong enough to repel any assault the enemy might make, and a consequent indisposition to work. Evidently but a small force of the enemy east of t~e Tazewell road. The enemys trains seen moving to the eastward. Friday, December 4, 1863.Still working a little, but the news of approaching re-enforcements and the movements of the enemys trains lead us to believe that he will soon abandon the siege. Saturday, December 6.The siege of Knoxville terminated by the retreat of the enemy in tile direction of Strawberry Plains (east- ward). Heavy re-enforcements for us reached the south side of the river. The enemys infantry, or at least that part of it belonging to Longstreets own corps, left in a solid body, very deliberately, no signs of haste being apparent. The rear guard of his column passed the Tazewell road about 7 a. m. A feeling of intense satisfaction pervaded the whole command, and many persons assured me of their conversion to a belief ii~ dirt digging. It certainly proved efficient here. Examined the enemys ate position, and was surprised to find so little evidence of good engineering. I saw positions for only eighteen guns on the north side of the river, but could not discover that more than twelve of them had been used. Any other artillery he used was without cover. The cavalry force available was at once sent in pursuit of the retreating enemy, and-during the day sent in quite & number of prisoners. On Monday, December 7, all the ~v~ilable infantry force of th Page 321 t~& r. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 321 Army of the Ohio was put in motion toward the enemy, and fol- lowed him slowly until the 9th, when our forces halted, the cavalry at Beans Station and the iiifantry at Rutledge. The enemy had halted at or near the Red Bridge, between Beans Station and Rogersville. No attack was made by us, as the enemy was still in vastly superior force. On the 11th, Major-General Burnside, having been relieved by Major-General Foster, left for the North, and properly fixes the close of this report. To Lieut. Col. 0. E. Babcock, assistant inspector-general of the Ninth Army Corps, and captain of engineers, I am under very heavy obligations. Always ready with the most practical advice, he cheerfully gave it, and it never passed unheeded. To Maj. S. S. Lyon, Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, and assistant engi- neer, I am under obligations for valuable reconnaissances. It is a matter of regret that the age and failing health of this officer mi- paired to a certain extent his usefulness as a topographer, for which branch of science he has such a wonderful talent. Capt. C. E. McAlester, Twenty-third Michigan Infantry, acting as chief engineer of the Twenty-third Army Corps; Capt. G. W:Gowan, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, as assistant engineer of the Army of the Ohio, and Capt. 0. 5. McClure, Fiftieth Ohio Volun- teer I nfantry, in command of the Engineer Battalion, rendered im- portant assistance. The Engineer Battalion proved almost invaluable. Its members were always ready to work, day or night, and did it with an in- telligence which directed the labor toward a result. My thanks are due and are freely given to its officers and men. The siege of Knoxville passed into history. If mistakes were made in the defense they were covered by the cloak of success. That many were made in the attack was apparent to us all. That the rebels made a great error in besieging is as evident as it now is that to ac- cept siege at Knoxville was a great stroke of military policy. The results of the successful defense are, the defeat of Braggs army and consequent permanent establishment of our forces at Chattanooga, with tolerably secure lines of communication; the confirmation of our hold upon East Tennessee; the discomfiture of and loss of pres- tige by the choicest troops of the enemys service. There is no language sufficiently strong which I can use to express admiration for the conduct of our troops. From the beginning of the siege to the end every man did his whole duty. The cheerful looks and confident bearing which met us at every turn made it seem as though we were sure of victory from the first. It is doubtful whether any man within our lines had at any time after the first forty-eight hours any fear of the result. All privations were borne, all hardships undergone, with a spirit which indicated as plainly as if written on the walls that success would attend our efforts. And is there any man of that part of the Army of the Ohio which was in Knoxville who would exchange his nineteen days of service there for e~ny other of the achievements of his life? Was there a regiment there which will not put Knoxville as proudly on its ban- ners as they now bear Roanoke or New Berne, Williamsburg or Fair Oaks, Chantilly or South Mountain, Antietam or Vicksburg? The troops of the Ninth Army Corps and of the Twenty-third were chiv- alric rivals where duty was to be done. Nevcr before had an engb 21 R RVOL XXXI, PT Page 322 322 KY., SW. VA., ~UENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. FCu~. XLUI. neer officer less cause to complain of the m~nner in which his in- structions and directions were carried out. And here I feel it my duty to refer to the great value of the serv- ices of the contrabands. Tractable and willing (many of them came to me and volunteered to work), they did an amount of work which was truly astonishing. Day and night they worked without a murmur. For the first week they laboi~ed regularly eighteen hours out of the twenty-four, and during the whole siege, out of nearly 200 that we had at work, only one asked to be excused, and he for only one afternoon. The question of supplies during the siege was second to none in importance. The failure of the enemy to close the Sevierville road and French Broad River enabled us even to accumulate a quant~ity of commissary stores. I was told that it was officially reported at the beginning of the siege that we had on hand full supplies for only one day and a half, yet, after nineteen days siege, we had accumu- lated to such an extent over the lines just referred to that we had provisions enough to last ten days. The topography of the vicinity of Knoxville may be briefly de- scribed as follows: On the north bank of the river a narrow ridge is formed, extend- ing from a point about 2~ miles east of Knoxville to Lenoirs. It has an average base of about ij miles in width. At Knoxville the width is about 1 mile. This ridge is cut through at short intervals by small streams, two of which, First and Second Creeks, run through the town of Knoxville, at a distance from each other of about three- fourths of a mile. The main part of the town is built upon that portion of the ridge bounded on the northwest by the valley; on the southwest by Second Creek; on the southeast by the Holston River, and on the northeast by First Creek. It has the appearance of a table elevated about 150 feet above the river and about 100 feet above the valley. Again, Third Creek is found about seven-eighths of a mile below Second Creek, forming a second similar table. A de- pression in the ridge, about the same distance east of First Creek, forms still another table, upon which is built East Knoxville. This elevated ground is called Temperance Hill. From this eastward the ridge is more broken until it disappears, and other ridges spring up. This last division is known as Mabrys Hill, and is the highest ground by som~e 20 feet to be found on the north side of the river within cannon range of Knoxville. Commencing at Third Creek and going eastward these tables may be numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. A succession of ridges, all parallel to the one alluded to above, are found at short distances apart as one goes back from the river, the most important of which is at an average distance of 1 mile from the one Knoxville is situated upon, and is that which the enemy occupied. As near as can be ascertained by a pocket level, its eleva-~ tion is exactly that of table No. 1 at its highest point. In selecting lines, it was my opinion that tables Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 should be occupied. In this opinion the general commanding concurred, except regard- ing No. 4. It was a question whether it was most prudent with our small force to attempt to occupy No. 4, or to limit our occupation iii force to Nos. 1, 2, and 3, simply holding No. 4 with a strong outpost. It seemed to me that we could (as we did) construct lines on INo. 4, and also on ~No. 3, those on No. 4 to be thrown so far to the front that they could not be made available against us in event o Page 323 (law. XLIII.] TIlE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 323 their capture by the enemy, and to be held by us with obstinacy, only leaving them when absolutely compelled to do so; in which case the lines on No. 3 would form our defense, and the enemy, after a stubborn fight in which he would have suffered, would only have occupied a position from which, in the former case, it would have been necessary to dislodge a mere outpost. In other words, after crippling him all we could in his successful assault upon No. 4, we would still have just as good a defense as if we had occupied No. 3 in the first place. But, on the other hand, by extending our lines to inclLide No. 4, we made them weak in numbers at any one point, and we were consequently exposed to greater danger of being successfully assaulted along our whole position. This difficulty was partially obviated by the successful construction of a dam across First Creek, by which an impassable water obstacle ef three-quarters of a mile in length was made immediately in front of and parallel to the crest of No. 3,which enabled us to greatly weaken our numbers (of infantry) on that part of the line. The general commanding yielded to my opinion, and all the foregoing positions were occupied as follows: On No. 1, Forts Sanders and Byington, and Batteries Noble and Zoellner. On No. 2, Fort Comstock, and Batteries Galpin, Wii6sie, and Billingsley. On No. 3, Fort Huntington Smith, and Batteries Clifton Lee, Fearns, and Stearman. On No. 4, Fort Hill. All our works were connected by a continuous line of rifle-trenches. Between the ridge occupied by ourselves and that occupied by the enemy, the valley varied in width, but its average breadth was in the neighborhood of 1 mile. It was almost entirely cleared of timber, and was at every point under the fire of our artillery. A direct ad- vance over it would have been made only with serious loss. This would have been particularly the case in front of No. 4, where the valley widened to i-i- miles, and was without timber or cover of any kind for troops. On the south side of the river the ground rises into a series of prominent points, the highest of which is about 350 feet, and is directly opposite Knoxville, the prolongation of Gay street passing directly over it. These knobs formed a range quite close to the river bank, with a wide valley beyond them. It was all impdrtant to us that at least three of these knobs should be held. We actually held four of them, commencing with the first hill, east of the Sevierville road, and counting down the river. As already stated, the enemy made several attempts to get possession of these heights, the first be- ing made on Sunday, November 15, by a heavy force of cavalry, under the command of Wheeler, which was repulsed by Sanders division of cavalry, which had been guarding the right bank of the Little ,~ Tennessee, and had gradually fallen back before Wheelers h~avier force. Sanders was assisted by Camerons brigade of infantry. From these heights an artillery fire can be delivered in front of each flank of the lines on the north side of the river. Commencing with the most easterly hill (which we call Sevierville Hill) and numbering them 1, 2,3, and 4, our works were as follows: On No. 1, only rifle-trenches. On No. 2, Fort Stanley. On No. 3, Fort Dickerson. On No. 4, Fort Higley Page 324 324 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [Ciw~. XLIII. Nos. 1 and 2 were connected by rifle-trenches, while Nos. 3 and 4, though not connected, each was well provided with rifle-trenches to cover the infantry supports of the batteries. With sufficient time this disposition could be very much improved by making the several forts of such a character (building bomb-proofs for stores and cisterns for water) that each would be self-reliant. All of which is respectfully submitted. ORLANDO M. POE, Captain, U. S. Enyrs., Chief Engr. Army of the Ohio. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM F. SMITH, Chief Engineer, Military Division of the Mississippi. No. 8. Report of Capt. William H. Harris, U. S. Ordnance 6~orps, Senior Ordnance Officer. ORDNANCE OFFICE, Cin~innati, January 1, 1864. SIR :* The ordnance and ordnance stores captured by the Army of the Ohio, in the twenty-one days continuous fighting and skir- mishing with the enemy, from the 14th of November, are as follows, viz: One 3-inch wrought-iron rifle gun, I. M. W., No. 410, P. 1. Co., 1862, 816 p ounds; two 6-pounder brass guns, C. A. & Co., Bos- ton, 1851, mar kd Arkansas Military Institute; one navy carron- ade, iron, caliber about 4.8 inch, no marks; two. iron smooth-bore guns, caliber about 4 inch, marked T. M. Brennan, maker, Nash- ville, Tenn., 1861; carriages - for ~each of the above unserviceable; 500 stand of small-arms. The arsenal, including storehouses and machine-shops, being with- out the line of intrenchments, was destroyed to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy and becoming a shelter for sharp- shooters. After its destruction, which was complete and total, a lathe. was moved into the town, and, with the aid of water power, a small machine-shop was started, which was used in reducing the caliber of Hochkiss sh6lls for James 3.8-i rifle gun to 3.67-inch, after which they were fired from the 20-pounder battery commanded by Lieut. S. en ~amin, of the Second U. S. Artillery. About 200 were thus prepared and found to answer satisfactorily. His own ammunition was partially exhausted during the series of battles in which he was engaged and partially abandoned to lighten his carriages on the retreat from Loudon to Knoxville. Communication was cut off, and no ammunition could be obtained elsewhere. Some of the shells by the Ordnance Department were used with terrible -~ and-grenades upon the rebels in the ditch of Fort Sanders during the assault on the 29th of November. The repeated assaults upon this fort, and the close proximity of the enemys rifle-pits, made it very desirable to mount two or three nior- tars for the purpose of shelling out the enemys trenches. As none wer~ on hand, a wooden mortar was constructed, capable of throwing a 24-pounder howitzer shell. -~ It was made of a live white oak, 2~ feet *For portion (here ornittea) covering operations in East Tennessee, August 1~ to October 10, 18Q~, see Series I, V~1. XXX, Part II, p ~71 Page 325 CHAP. XL!!!] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 325 in diameter, and, when finished, tlie thickness of tlae wood was 1 foot and in rear of the seat of the charge from 18 inches to 2 feet. It was hooped with three iron bands shrunk on, and mounted on a bed of oak. It was fired with a 24-pounder howitzer shell and 7 ounces of powder, and withstood the test admirably; but, subsequently, being fired with the same projectile and 16 ounces of good powder, it burst in two. The 2,000 pikes captured from the enemy were turned to good ac- count by constructing with them a kind of cheval-de-frise in front of our rifle- p its. They have since been removed, and are at present in the hands of Lieutenant Williams, commanding the Knoxville ordnance dej?ot. In conclusion, I would respectfully submit that the regulations of the Ordnance Bureau at Washington, and the manner in which they have been carried into effect from that office, have resulted in the Army of the Ohio being at all times promptly and efficiently sup- plied with all necessary ordnance stores. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. HARRiS, Captain of Ordnance, Senior Ord. Officer Dept. of the Ohio. Maj. Gen. AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE, U. S. Volunteers. No. 9. Reports of Maj. Gen. John G. Parke, U. S. Army, commanding United & ates forces in the field. FIFTEEN MILES FROM FLAT CREEK BRIDGE, December 8, 186311.30 p. m. GENERAL: I have ordered Manson and Potter to move on early in. the morning. Have notified Shackelford of my position; told him to move cautiously, and have also sent word to Foster of my move- ments. I have also directed officers to be sent to bring up further supplies by rail (to a point 2 miles short of Strawberry Plains) or by wagon. If wire is not disturbed, it would be well to send an operator to the point indicated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General BURNSIDE, Major-General. Knoxville, Tenn. RUTLEDGE, December 9, [1863]2.45 p. m. GENERAL: I Send copy of dispatch just received from Shackelford. ~ I have halted the infantry here; they are fatigued, and I shall move no farther unless ordered. I have sent to Shackelford to open commiLnication with General *See dispatch of 12.80 p. m. same date, p. 411 Page 326 32~ KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CHAP. XLUI. Foster, from whoen I have heard nothing. Have sent a small force to Strawberry Plains bridge, and picketed the roads to right and rear. Very respectfully,, your obedient servant, JNO. G. PARKE Major-General BUENSIDE. Major- General, Commanding. RUTLEDGE, December 10, l86311.4~ a. m. GENERAL: Your dispatch of 3 p. in. yesterday only just received. I forwarded one to you at daylight this morning; since then have heard from Shackelford that Colonel Ward had a severe skirmish with enemy yesterday p. m. on Morristown road, and drove him across river. This morning he (Shackelford) has sent a brigade on each of the roads in his front to Morristown and Rogersville. I have directed him to hold Beans Station in force, and make no advance unless further orders or developments require it. Small parties of the enemy are hovering on other side of riyer, even to Strawberry Plains. Very glad to hear that you are better, and trust that my later dispatches will have prevented your moving out. iVfajor Cutting has pressed on to communicate with General Shackelford. Very respectfully, JNO. G. PARKE Major-General BURNsIDE. Major-General, Commanding. RUTLEDGE, December 10, 18634.30 p. m. GENERAL: Major Cutting reports from Beaus Station at 2 p. m. that a portion of the brigade sent toward Morristown took the Rus- sellville branch, and met the enemy at the river; found them in too great force to dislodge, and remains facing the enemy at Moores Ferry, about 10 miles from Beans Station, guarding wagon trains. Two strong divisions of their infantry had left there the morning pre- vious. One hundred of the enemys cavalry have attacked a com- pany of ours on river 6 miles from here. A number of small parties are reported on other side river. General Shackelford is in commu- nication with Willcox, at Tazewell; the road had not been obstructed by the enemy. Willcox is about forwarding supplies and repairing the telegraph. Respectfully, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. - Major-General BURNSIDE. RUTLEDGE, TENN., December 14 [or 15], 1863. GENERAL: I send reponI~ from General Shackelford. The roads are in bad condition, and moving now in any considerable distance will be out of the question. Scouts have been sent out by General Willcox and General Shackelford. As soon as these report I will for Page 327 CHAP. XLIII.] TIlE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. ward copy. General Shackelford is exceedingly anxious to take ad- vantage of his leave of absence on account of illness in his family. I would be very glad if General Sturgis would come ap as soon as possible. Respectfully, yours, JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General, Major-General FOSTER, Commanding Army. RUTLEDGE, December 14 [or 15], 1863. (Received 10.30 a. in.) GENERAL: General Hascall has reported that the enemy at 9 oclock was advancing upon him at a point 4~ miles on the road to Beans Station. I have ordered him, in case he is heavily pressed, to fall back slowly. It is very important that General Granger should move up to our support. JNO. G. PARKE, - Major-General FOSTER. . Major-General. RUTLEDGE, December 14, 18638.45 p. m. (Received 15th.) GENERAL: I have just returned from Beans Station. The enemy attacked Shackelford at 2 p. m. At dark our advance has been driven in so that the enemy occupied the road leading from Taze- well to Morristown. Since dark the enemy has been pressing Shack- elford so that he has been compelled to fall back a short distance. I have ordered a division of infantry to move up to his support. One of the prisoners states that he belongs to Gracies brigade of infantry; that this brigade had the advance, and that Longstreet moved up to within 2 miles of Beans Station. The fight will probably be re- newed to-morrow. If this division of infantry cannot hold them in check, I will fall back on the road to Knoxville. Yours, respectfully, JNO. G. PARKE, General FOSTER. llliajor-General. RUTLEDGE, December 14, 186311 p. m. (Received 15th.) GENERAL: General Shackelfords pickets, on the Poor Valley road, report cannonading in the direction of Tazewell. This may be a force of the enemys cavalry trying to get in our rear. I think it impor- tant that Granger should occupy Blains Cross-Roads as soon as possible. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. General FOSTER Page 328 328 ~ sw. vx., ThNN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. t~Ar. XLIIL BLAINS CRoss-Ro~s, December 16, 186312 m. GENERAL: Have just arrived; have selected a position, and will post the troops that are here and the others as they arrive. I have no news from the front since morning. JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General FOSTER. Major-General. HEADQUARTERS, Midway between Blains Gross-Roads and Rutledge, December 16, 186312.30 a. m. GENERAL: I have just reached this place on my way back to Blains Cross-Roads. The enemy attacked my advance to-day, consisting of one division of infantry and the cavalry. @ur men held their own, but a large force of cavalry came from tlie direction of Morristown, crossed the river, and threatened our rear. I found that I had not sufficient cavalry to cope with the enemy; this determined me to fall back, in obedience to your order. Your dispatch of ~. 30 p. m. just received. I had received the report of Colonel Palmer in reference to Longstreet, but General Shackelford is equally confident that he is in our front. Whether or not this be so, I cannot at present determine. At any rate, we have prisoners from Johnsons and Gracies commar~ds. Elliott might move his command out this way, and, on ai~ personal interview with Sturgis, the route for his command be determined. The ques- tion of rations is becoming a serious one. I will direct commissaries to make their requisitions, and draw from Strawberry Plains. Can a sub-depot be established there ?~ JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. General J. G. FOSTER. BLAINS CROSS~-ROADS, December 16, 18634.30 p. m. GENERAL: I have a good position here. The enemys cavalry has been skirmishing with oui~ rear guard to within 2 or 3 miles of our line. Sturgis last dispatch, at 4 p. in., says the enemy is not ad- vancing so boldly as heretofore. If he undertakes to advance to- morrow, we will endeavor to check him, which I think we can do pretty well. Sheridan is up, and Wood protects his command at Flat Creek. I received the dispatches about rations, and we all feel ~ easier on that score. I have just forwarded a dispatch from Will- ~ cox and Poe. We have, I think, a pretty strong position, and our flanks are now well watched. I fear that during the night some of our men straggled in advance. Should any of them reach Knox- ville without proper authority, I hope they will be summarily dealt with. Yours, respectfully, JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. Major-General FOSTER Page 329 329 TENNESSEF t~aA?. XLIII.] TIlE IC~OXflLLE, ~, CAMPAION. BLAINs CROSS-ROADS, December 16, 1863. (Received 8 p. in.) GENERAL: I transmit a report, just made by Captain Daniels, sig- nal officer, of his observations yesterday. There was no infantry reported as engaged to-day with our rear guard. Ozeneral Granger has arrived, and desires me to say that he has nothing new. The signal officer reports that the enemy withdrew their artillery this evening. I will keep you advised from time to time. Yours, respectfully, Major-General FOSTER. JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General. BLAINS CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 1863. This morning the enemy advanced in small force on General Stur- gis pickets, but nothing serious since then; but few shots have been fired, and those at bug range. There is no forage for Sturgis horses in our front, and in conferring with him we have decided to move them to right and left and occupy the river roads and the Maynard- ville road, to observe and report any movement on our flanks. Will you please have Capt. George W. Gowan, in Captain Poes office, ordered to report to me as an aide, if his place can be filled in the engineer office. The signal officer reports, I cannot see any infan- try, only a few scouts; a dense fog is rising where the flag was seen last. Major-General FOSTER. JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General. 11.05 a. in. P. S.General Granger is here. He says he is of the same opinion still; he knows nothing more than when he left Knoxville. General Granger and I both think there is no necessity for your coming out at present. BLAINS CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 18634 p. in. The enemy has not made any serious demonstration on the Rut- ledge road up to this time; since noon they have been pressing the brigade. Spears stationed at Stones Mill, Richland Church, about 2 miles on our right, where the river road crosses Richland Creek. They ma~ be massing on the river road, but General Granger thinks e risky for them to attempt this move.. Still, if this be so, we may be forced to fall back on the line of Flat Creek. General Sturgis will send a division of cavalry to occupy the line of Rich- land Creek. I regret that Elliott has been able to cross but one brigade. He is now at Strawberry Plains, and will get over as soon as he can. I am glad to hear you are coming up. JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General, Major-General FOSTER Page 330 330 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. OA. [CHAP. XLIII. BLAINS CROSS-ROADS, December 17, 186311.30 p. m. Yours of 8.25 just received. By the river road, I mean a road parallel to tlie Rutledge road, and on the north side of Hoistonorie of the many roads not indicated on our map. The point where this road crosses Richland Creek (Stones Mill) is still ~held by Spears brigade. I have reason to believe that there was no infantry appeared against him this evening. The last re- port from there was all quiet. In fact, the enemys advance had re- tired and were followed by our skirmishers. How far they pursued I cannot say. No report yet made. I presume not far. My impres- sion about Longstreet massing on the river road was not confirmed by the observations from our signal mountain. No large camp fires were visible, nor large smokes seen in our front on either road at sun- down. In fact, I am now inclined to believe that there is nothing but cavalry in our immediate front. Shall I send an ambulance to Strawberry Plains for you? There is a very good one here that Col- onel Babcock, of the Ninth Corps, has suggested to send. JNO. G. PARKE, Majc~r- General. Major-General FOSTER. BLAINS CROSS-ROADS, December 21, 18638 p. m. (Received 1.15 a. in., 22d.) As soon as I had received the report of the raid to Graveston, I had a brigade of cavalry moved, and Colonel Foster is of opinion that it is now so posted as to prevent a repetition. Colonel Capron, commanding the brigade, is directed to keep up communication with General Wi llcox. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. General E. E. POTTER. BLAINS CROSS-ROADS, December [21, 1863]7 p. m (Received 1 a. in., 22d.) We have now pretty reliable information that Longstreets head- quarters were last night at Shields house, some 2 or 3 miles this side of Beans Station. This information is given by 3 men, pa- roled Vicksburg prisoners, whom the rebel cavalry arrested near Buffalo Creek, on the river road. They were taken up to Rutledge,~ and then had a pass given them to their command, Vaughns, af Rogersville, a mile or two beyond Rutledge. They turned off the road, and during last night they returned to our lines. They saw no infantry in Rutledge or this side excepting a few stragglers be- yond Rutledge. They saw extensive camp fires. This is confirmed by our signal officers report of this evening. We have also reliabje information that two brigades, rebel cavalry, are encamped on the river road near Buffalo Ci~ek and. Indian Ridge, some 6 or 8 miles in front of General Spears. The citizens report that Ewell has re-en- forced Longstreet. This, I think, is the old report, and not entitle Page 331 CHAP. XLIII.J THE KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, CAMPAIGN. 8~1 to credence. That also states that an infantry force has crossed Clinch. This also needs confirmation. I will send this to General Willcox. General Cox has arrived, and takes command of the Twenty-third Corps. Major-General FOSTER. JNO. G. PARKE, Major- General. BLAINS CROSS-ROADS, December 22, 18638 p. m. Nothing new has transpired to-day. The enemys position remains about the [same.] The signal officer thinks the fires have somewhat increased in the direction of Buffalo Creek. The enemy picket Pow- der Spring Gap and other points on Clinch Mountain. Parties sent on the north side of the mountains to gain heights as lookouts re- turned unsuccessful, the enemy seeming to watch the position closely. In~ reference to General Manson, General Cox informed me this morn- ing that he had gone to Knoxville to arrange some papers appertain- ing to corps headquarters. I was told last night~ he was going, but presumed he would get permission before leaving. I find it difficult to get any information in reference to action or movements of enemy beyond line of Beans Station and Morristown. It is very important to know how far this side of Bristol the railroad is in running order. Cannot this information be acquired by parties sent from Knoxville? JNO. G. PARKE, Major-General. Major-General FOSTER. HEADQUARTERS, Blains Cross-Roads, December 23, 18632 p. m. (Received 25th.) About midnight last night I was informed by a scout that the cavalry on Buffalo Creek were saddled up and moving either across the river or up the river road. I sent this at once to General Stur- gis, who had informed me of his move, and suggested a demon- stration up the Rutledge road. I ordered Colonel Capron to send this morning a scouting party up Flat Creek to Powder Spring Gap, General Potter to make a mE~connaissance up the Rutledge road, and General Spears up the river road. I have not heard from Capron or Spears. General Potters advance is about 6 or 7 miles up the valley, and~report no enemy in sight, and that citizens report Powder Spring Gap evacuated. Deserters report that the cavalry has crossed the river. A negr6 has just come in; says he left Beans Station last night; that the cavalry was all moving; also that the infantry had gone; but on this point he was not clear. I have just received the accompanying dispatches * from General Willcox. Our cavalry movements have evidently produced a commotion in the enemys camp. I expect soon to hear from some of our own scouts in reference to the movements and position of the enemys infantry. * Not identified Page 332 332 xvi, sw. VA., tENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [C~1Ar. XLIU. A colonel of Tenth Tennessee (rebel) Cavalry told a citizen yester- day that our forces had crossed the river, and they feared we would get in their rear. JNO. G. PARKE, Major..General FOSTER, Knoxville. Major-General. No. 10. Reports of Brig. Gen. Robert B. Potter, U. S. Army, command ing Ninth Army Corps. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Tenn., November 18, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report of the movements of my command since the 13th instdnt: At an early hour on the morning of the 14th, my command being then at Lenoirs Station, I received notice that the enemy had crossed the river below Loudon, having thrown their bridg~e at Huffs Ferry. At the same time I received orders to hold myself ready to move. At a later hour, in accordance with orders, I disabled the mills and factories in my vicinity, destroyed a pontoon bridge over the Holston, and started my train from camp for Knoxville under a strong guard. About 9 a. m. General White, with his command, arrived from Loudon. After the arrival of the commanding general, about midday, I re- ceived an order to support Chapins brigade, of Whites command, in a movement against the enemy. I accordingly sent Ferrero with his division and a battery on that duty. About 4 p. m. we met the enemys skirmishers; Chapin formed his line of skirmishers and moved forward rapidly, driving them handsomely for a mile and a half or more. Night setting in very thick and dark, and a dense wood, compelled us to halt, not, however, until the enemy had opened their artillery. During the night I moved Sigfrieds division, with Benjamins battery and three guns of von Sehlens battery, to a point upon the river opposite Loudon. At or soon after daylight on the L5th, in accordance with my orders, we began moving back to Lenoirs. On the arrival of the column near the London road, I ordered my artillery back to Le- noirs, sending Ferrero to the same point, with orders to cover the various approaches, and ordered Sigfried to replace Chapin, of Whites command, who was covering the rear of the column. The.~C enemy made no effort to push Sigfried, and he remained where he was until 2 p. in., when he fell back quietly to Lenoirs, the enemy having first moved a heavy column to his right. The enemys skir- mishers in strong force appeared before our position at Lenoirs about 4 p. m an seemed is osed to push us in, but were checked by a she 1 or two from Roemer. About this time Colonel Biddle reported with ~0O or 600 mounted men and Gittings battery. I ordered him back to seize iffe junction of the Kingston and London roads near Campbells Station, and to station a small force on the roads to Clinton and Concord Page 333 Ci~.& r. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TENNI~SSEE, CAMFAIG~. 333 Hartranft having reported for duty, I ordered him to move to the same point with what force I had of the Second Division and the seven guns of Benjamins and von Sehiens batteries. Buckleys battery had already started for tlie same point. Hartranft started about dusk. I soon received a report from Biddle that the horses in his battery had given out; that he had dismounted some of his cav- alry and put the horses to the guns, but owing to the fearful state of the roads he could make no progress. Hartranft soon after reported that he could not move~his artillery, although he had a brigade of infantry assisting; had destroyed some ammunition and temporarily abandoned limbers and caissons. About 10 p. ni. the enemy at- tempted to drive in our skirmishers, but were repulsed. Between.4and 5a.m. Ireceived a number o mu e teams from General White, which were given to the artillery, and it at once began to move. At a quarter past 6 a. m. of the 16th, Ferreros division began to move from Lenoirs after White, with Humphreys brigade, of Fer- reros division, covering the rear. The enemy followed at once, but showed no force or disposition to press us until within 2 miles of Campbells Station, when they began to press heavily on the rear, but were held in check by Humphrey. Meantime, Biddle aiid Hart- ranft had arrived, and Hartranft had placed Biddle and Sigfried, with a section of Gittings [battery], in position on the Kingston road. Hartranfts pickets along the river had joined him, and a company of cavalry at Lows Ferry moved to Knoxville. Hartranft, after securing all the roads, sent a force of about 200 mounted men of Biddles along the Kingston road with orders to move forward till they found the enemy and then attack. They found them about 4 miles out and, deploying the whole force as skirmishers, attacked at once; The enemys advance, evidently (as intended) supposincr them the cover ofalarger force, did not attempt to drive them until~ a considerable force came up. At 11 a. in. the enemy were pressing us heavily on both roads and turning Hart- ranfts right. Humphrey charged and drove theni back on the Lenoir road, Hartranfts forces holding them back on the other. All the artillery and trains having passed the junction of the roads, and White being in position beyond the creek, at Campbells Station, in accordance with orders, I prepared to withdraw, having first placed Morrisons brigade, of the First Division, below the junction of the two roads, with its right and left extending to them, and sending Biddle and Gittings section of battery to the rear, followed by the troops of Ferrero and Hartranft not in position. Having all the troops remaining now on the same line, I ordered them to retire, and they fell back slowly to their new positions; Humphrey first, on the left, followed by Morris on and Si~fried, which, in our new position, placed Christs brigade, ofFerrero s division, on the extreme right, with Morrison next, and Humphrey in support of batteries, General White holding the center. Hartranft was placed next, holding the left, with one regiment in support of batteries and one in reserve, out of ammunition. Benjamins battery was placed on the right of the Knoxville road, with Gittings on his right and von Sehlen and Buckley in the rear, Roemers battery being on the left of the road. The enemy attacked here at 12 ni. Shortly after opening fire the rifled guns were moved to the left of the road, Benjamin being nearest the road,with Gittin~s Page 334 334 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [cnAv. XLIII. on his left, the three guns of von Sehien on his right and rear, and Roemer to the left and rear of Gittifigs, in reserve. The enemy now annoyed Christs right so much that he had to change his front in that direction. Buckley, executing the same movement, commenced shelling the wood on the right, with good effect, and the enemys progress in that direction was checked. At this time, by direction of General Buruside, I sent Captain Coddington, one of my aides, with two companies of mounted men to reconnoiter on the right. He passed along the skirt of the woods and over the hill to the right to a point where he could see the next valley. Finding nothing, he returned, leaving his men behind the edge of the woods to the right. I also sent two companies of ~the One hundredth and twelfth Illinois Mounted Infantry down the Concord road, which, running beyond our left, entered the Knoxville road in our rear. The enemy having established his batteries, shelled us severely. General Whites batteries being about out of ammu- nition, were withdrawn and placed in position on a hill to the rear by Lieutenant-Colonel Bowen, of my staff. About 2.30 I received a report from the mounted force sent on the Concord road, that they had met the ehemys pickets, and that the enemy were crossing the road and moving through the Woods to our left. I shortly after received an order to prepare for withdrawing to a more favorable position on the hill in our rear. I first sent Buckley and von Sehlen. with his three guns, to the rear, followed by Ben- jamin and Gittings, who were placed on the right of the road, Roe- mer returning the fire of the enemy. The troops in reserve were also sent to the rear. As soon a~ Benjamin and Gittings opened from their new position, I ordered Ferrero and Hartranft to retire on the right and left, while Chapins command, relieving on the center, covered the move- ment. Roemers guns were withdrawn at the same time. These movements being executed at our leisure, although under a hot fire, occupied considerable time, and our new line was not estab- lished until about 4 p. in., Ferrero being on the ri.ght of the road, with jHlartranft on our left, with Roemers guns and a regiment of Whites between his right and the road, the rest of Whites com- man(l being in lEllartranfts rear. Hartranft had scarcely formed his line and thrown out his skirmishers when he received a fire from the woods on his left in his flank and rear. He at once changed front with his left, throwing some skirmishers in the woods. At this moment the enemy were reported getting a battery in position on a high hill on our left, with which to enfilade our line. Siinul- taneously, a considerable force of the enemy came in sight, moving across some cleared ground about half way up the hill. Roemer. who was just getting into position, changed front to the left and~ opened a hot fire on th~m. They immediately fell back precipi- tately and in confusion, and were followed by their skirmishers, who ran out of the woods to our left. The enemys infantry now seemed to have come to a halt, and made no further aggressive demonstra- tion, their batteries, however, keeping up a hot fire until sundown. Just before sunset General Burnside ordered me to retire to Knox- ville, sending Ferrero forward, followed by the artillery and wagons. with Hartranft next, and I Was also directed to send Biddle, with his mounted force and a section of artillery, under Lieutenant Bartlett, Third U. S. Artillery, to report to General White, who, it was under Page 335 Cn~. XLIII.] THE KNOXVILLE, TEN~ESSEE~ CAMPAIGN. 335 stood, would bring up the rear. I accordingly withdrew leisurely, about 6, the enemy evincing not the least disposition to trouble us, and we heard no more of them. It was understood that the forces in our front were the divisions of McLaws and Jenkins, of Longstreets command. Arriving near Knoxville at an early hour in the morning of the 17th, we waited until daylight enabled us to take up the positions desig- nated for the command. My total strength, including Biddle, was about 3,500; my losses in the troops belonging to the Ninth Corps were 26 killed, 166 wounded, and 57 missing; total, 249. I have re- ceived no report of the loss in the mounted force, their report prob- ably having been made to General Shackelford, to whose command they belong. Among the missing are included some few wounded, too badly hurt to move, and a few left at my first position beyond the Kingston road; the ambulances having got too far to the rear, we were unable to get enough up in time to move all. The rest are stragglers or a few detached pickets that the enemy succeeded in cut- ting off. I desire to call attention to the skill, energy, and bravery of all my officers and men, and particularly to General Ferrero and Colonel Hartranft, and Colonels Sigfried, Humphrey, and Bidale.. To Hartranfts energy and prudence, we are in a great measure indebted for our success in getting off all our artillery, and in preventing the enemy from getting on our line of retreat at the junction of the Kiiigston road; it is to be hoped that he may speedily receive the promotion so long and so well deserved. Lieutenant Fletcher also rendered much valuable assistance. My thanks are due to all the members of my staff for their gal- lantry and efficient and cheerful services, and particularly to Lieu- tenant-Colonels Bowen and Babcock, assistant tidjutan.t-general and inspector~general of the corps, for important services on the march and in action. The whole command was almost continuously under arms, marching, maneuvering, and fighting for three days and nights, in bad weather, over the worst of roads, and in front of a largely superior force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Lient. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, Asst. Adjt. Gen. HEADQUARTERS NINTH. ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, Tenn., November 20, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to report the effective strength of the Ninth Corps, as returned by division commanders November 19 and ~0, as follows: 2. command. ~ 2~ ~ ~ .55 ~ ~ r~ H FIRST DIVISION. First Brigade 601 Second Brigade 54 748 Third Brigade 78 ~ Battery L, Second New York Artillery ~. 3 192 Battery D, First Rhode Island Artillery 4 106 Total of First Division ~4 2,445 2,62 Page 336 336 KY., SW. VA., TENN., MISS., N. ALA., AND N. GA. LCn~w. XLIII. Command. ~1.3 ~ ~ .~ ~ 0 ~1 E~ SECOND DIVISION. First Brigade 61 719 Second Brigade ~ 706 Total of Second Division 95 1,425 1,520 UNATTACHED. Battery E, Second U.S. Artillery 2 87 BatterlesL and M, Third U. S. Artillery 4 76 Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers 15 150 Total unattached 21 313 334 RECAPITULATION. First Division 184 2,445 Second Division os i, ~s Unattached 21 313 Total of Corps ~ 4 The disposition of the command is as follows: The First Brigade, First Division, holds the left of th:e line of de- fense, commencing at the river at a point to the left of Powells house and extending to Fort Sanders on the right of the Kingston road. The Third Brigade, First Division, holds the line from Fort San- ders to a point to the right about midway between the fort and Sec- ond Creek The Second Brigade, First Division, holds the line from the right of the Tliird Brigade to where Second Creek passes under the rail- road, connecting with the left of the Second Division. The First Brigade, Second Division, with one regiment of the Sec- ond Brigade, holds the crest of the bluff between Gay street and Second Creek, the left connecting with the Second Brigade, First Division, the right extending to Gay street. The two remaining regiments of the Second Brigade, Second Di- vision, occupy the field on the north side of Gay street, the right of the brigade resting near First Greek and connecting with General Whites line. Fort Sanders is garrisoned by Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery, and Battery D, First Rhode Island Artillery, supported by the Sev- enty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry. Battery L, Second New York Artillery, occupies the ground of the seminary, supported by four companies of infantry of the First Division, num- bering about 160 men. Batteries L and M, Third U. S. Artillery, are posted on the bluff overlooking the railroad depot. about the center of the line held by~ the Second.~Division. The Fifteenth Judiana Battery is posted in the field to the right of Gay street, near the right of line of Second Division. Four companies of infantiy from the Third Brigade, First Divis- ion, with a portion of the First Brigade, occupy the rifle-pits from the left of Fort Sanders to the Kingston road. Powells house to the left qf the Kingston road has been barricaded and looplioled for musketry, and the house of Mr. Barnes, on the extreme right of the line of the First Division, is occupied by a com- pany of infantry Page 337 33,7 c~& ~. X~III.] TIlE KNOXVILLE, ~rENNESSEE, CAMPAIOKN. In front of the Second Division, at tlie railroad depot, are several brick buildings, which have been small parties of infantry. loopholed and are occupied by First and Second Creeks have been dammed, forming a barrier in front of fully two-thirds of the [ground] held by the Second Divis- ion. Benjamins and Buckleys batteries, as above stated, defend Fort Sanders. Roemers, Edwards, and Von Sehlens batteries are pro- tected by earth-works, the two latter by cotton-bale embrasures. The entire front held by the corps is a line of rifle-pits, in advance of which, at varying distance, is a line of skirmishers. In front of the Second Division the distance is some 800 yards, a strong position and well protected. The intrenched line held by the First Division is about ii miles in length; that held by the Second Division about five-eighths of a mile. The skirmish line of the Second Division covers a front, in direct line from flank to flank, of 1~ miles. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier-General, tJon~manding. Lient. Col. LEWIS RIcHMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS NINTH ARMY CORPS, Knoxville, November 24, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to offer the following report of the transactions on my front during the night of the 23d and morning of the 24th instant: About half past 8 on the evening of the 23d, it being then quite dark and hazy, the enemy suddenly advanced in force on my froiit, near the Clinton road. The enemy were not perceived until well up with the line of skir- mishers, when they poured in a heavy fire, driving our men in and fol- lowing them up closely. The firing parties barely had time to fire the buildings, and some of them were taken before they could make their escape. Many of the fires the enemy succeeded in getting under [control], but several houses were in flames, particularly the machine shops and round-house on. the railroad occupied by the ordnance de- partment, which last contained a good deal of explosive material and prevented any farther advance of the enemy, if such was medi. tated. The line of skirmishers on the right fell back just far enough to protect their flanks, but no farther. Colonel Hartranft, as soon as it was possible, from the subsidence of the fires, advanced his skirmishers through the burning ruins, but they were unable to re- cover all their ground, the enemy occupying it in considerable force, with men in all the buildings in which they had succeeded in extin- guishing the fires. I ordered Colonel Hartranft to make his arrange- ments to recover all the lost ground at daylight in the morning. For this purpose he detailed the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volun- teers andthe Twenty-first Massachusetts Volunteers, the whole under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Hawkes. Reillys brigade, Hascalls division, Twenty-third Corps, supplied their places in the rifle-pits, the rest of Reillys brighde being held in reserve in the town. I also sent a note to General Ferrero to watch his opportu- 22 R RVOL XXXI. PT Page 338 338 KY., sw. VA., TKNN., MISS., N~ ALA., AND N. GA. LCIL& r.XLm. nity, and if, on Hartranfts advance, a favorable opportunity should occur, to seize and occupy the enemys advanced ri~e-~its in front of his right, the fire of which was annoying us in our works. The attacking force formed on the line of skirmishers at daylight and moved rapidly forward; taking the enemy somewhat by surprise, recovering all the lost ground and re-estab].ishing our line of skir- mishers on the old ground. About the same time the Second Michi- gan Volunteers, detailed by Ferrer9 for that duty, dashed at the rifle-pits before mentioned through a severe fire, drove the enemy, and occupied them. Unfortunately, they afforded but little shelter. The enemys main line was right in front, strongly occupied, and our troops were exposed to a severe enfilading fire from their left. They held this position for half an hour, but finding it untenable, they retired after a loss of 50 killed, wounded, and missing, including the major and adjutant, who fell into the enemys hands. Hartranfts loss amounted to 22, including 2 officers wounded and S men killed. I have to congratulate myself on the gallant conduct of all the men engaged, expressing, at the same time, the regret I feel for the serious loss sustained by the gallant Second Michigan. I inclose copies of the reports of General Ferrero and Colcnel Hartranft. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTETh Brigdier- General, Commanding. Lieut. Col. LEWIS RICHMOND, A88 i8tant Adjutant- General. LEGGS HOUSE, NEAR CHESTERFIELD. December 8, 18632 a. m. MAJOR: The enemy have their rear about 5 miles beyond this side of Blains Cross-Roads. General Shackelford is up with them; they wont move any faster than they are obliged to. I dont think they have any infantry this side of Rutledge. Foster (ColoneD was at Powder ill Ga to-day, skirmishing with Jones. Chapins brigade is here; Hascalls division, I hear, crossed the river at Armstrongs Ferry, and went to Strawberry Plains. My command is under orders to move at daylight, which will be countermanded, and we wont - move till further orders. I think if we are going beyond this we ought to move on without delay; there are indications of a storm, which; if it comes, is going to make marching bad on these roads, and give us trouble with our artillery. Your obedient servant, ROBERT B. POTTER, - - Brigadier-General. Major VAN BUREN. Aide-de-Camp. McKINNEYS, -I MILE EAST OF BLAINS CROSS-ROADS, December 8, 18633.45 p. m. GENERAL: At noon to-day General Shackelford was at Powder Spring Gap road, 6 miles east of this. The last of the enemys cavalry left that point early in the morning. All of the infantry had passed here by Sunday morning. Early Sunday afternoo Page 339 Cu~. XLIII.] THE KXOXV~ILLE, TENIN]~EE, (JAMIAIGN. X39 Hoods division was at Rutledge, and MeLaws o~u the road this side, both moving east; all the cavalry in rear pas~ed Sunday and Sunday night except one brigade (four regiments), which remained between this and Westfield (Chesterfield on the map), and left in a hurry yes- terday afternoon. The last, a rear guard of 30 men, passed abont sundown. The cavalry on the Powder Spring Gap road, over Cop- per Ridge, left last night, blockading the road behind them. Arm- strongs division of cavalry passed through Rutledge on Sunday in advance cf the infantry of McLaws division, and probably some other. Most of their trains and artillery passed here Friday, and Saturday some cavalry and some wagons and probably a small force of iiifantry took the road below Westfield to Strawberry Plains. Bushrod Johnson passed Saturday night at this p oint; Jones coi~u: mand seems to have been on the road to Cumber7land Gap, to cover the flank of the column. The enemy reported that they were going to Virginia and some to Georgia; seem to have moved in good order, and with no signs of demoralization or stragglers; some deserters among the Tennessee troops, but not many. They were marching their infantry at fair average rate. The roads are sticky, and a little rain is going to make them bad. I am h~iving some trouble now with artillery and teams and a good de~d of straggling, partly because the men are so badly shod and are weak, and partly in search of food. All the enemys infantry and artillery were more than two full days ahead of this point last night. If they moved on Monday as they did on Sunday, I dont think it possible for us to get near them unless they halt. General Shackel- ford is looking for Colonel Fosters division to come up; it was to have been here at 11 a. in., but I cannot learn that it has passed yet. Your obedient servant, Major-General PARKE Chief 4 Stoff. ROBERT B. POTTER, Brigadier-General. P. S.I am picketing the roads above here, but cant learn any- thing of any enemy. Citizens have a rumor that General Ransom had started from Virginia with 10,000 men to join Longstreet, but turned back. No. 11. Itinerary of the Ninth Army Corps, October 20December 31, 1863. * October 20 [corps at Knoxville, Tenn.], the First Division marched toward London Bridge, a distance of about 30 miles. October 22, the Second Division proceeded by cars to London Bridge, arriving same day; the First Division also arrived at Lon- don Bridge, and crossed the Tennessee River to Loudon. October 28, the First Division, with part of Twenty-third Army Corps, evacuated London, and marched back 6 miles to Lenoir s Station. October 31, the headquarters of the corps and troops are stationed at Lenoirs Station, East Tenn., with the exception of the Third Bri- gade, Second Division, which is On detached service at Cuinberland * From retur~is for October, November, ~iwl December Page 340 U Ut 340 KY., SW.VA., TENY., MIS1~., N. ALA., AND N. GA. [CUAP. XLIII. Gap, Ky., and Battery D, Judependenf Pennsylvania Yolunteei~ Artillery, on detached service at Covington, Ky. Nbvember 1, headquarters of corps and troops were stationed at Lenoirs Station, East Tenn., a distance of 25 miles fron~ Knoxville, on the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad. November 6, Batteries L and M, Third U. S. Artillery, proceeded to l~noxville and encamped there. November 14, the corps broke camp (except the artillery) and pro- ceeded to Loudon, a distance of 6 miles, to meet the enemy, who were crossing at Huffs Ferry with two divisions, commanded by Lient. Gen. James Longstreet. The wagon trains were ordered to Knoxville, arriving there safely on the 16th instant. November 15, Batteries L and M, Third U. S. Artillery, arrived at Lenoirs Station from Knoxville. At 9 a. m. the First Brigade, Sec- ond Division, relieved General Whites skirmishers that had been falling back slowly before the enemy. Our artillery arrived from Lenoirs Station, and the corps engaged the enemy, falling back slowly ana in good order to Lenoirs Station, arriving there the after~ioon of the same day. The enemy appearing on our front again, the First Division was ordered in position to meet them on the Kingston road. They remained in position until daybreak next morning. At 8 p. m. same day the Second Division, with Battei~y E, Second U. S. Artillery, was ordered to fall back toward Knox- ville. November 16, at daybreak, the First Division, with its artillery, was ordered to fall back to Campbells Station, arriving there at 111 a. n~i. At 5 a. m. the First Brigade, Second Division, was moved quickly fc~rward to Campbells Station, to occupy the road between that place and Kingston. At 9 a. m. the Second Brigade, Second Division, and Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery, arrived at Camp- bells Station. The line of -battle was then formed. The enemy attacked us in large force, but was repulsed with severe loss. At dusk the corps fell back to Knoxville, tli e First Division arriving at midnight, the Second Division at daybreak next morning. November 17, our line was formed around Knoxville, and the troops were immediately set to work constructing earth-works for the batteries and rifle-pits for themselves. November 18, the enemy appeared on our front; skirmishing corn- menced, and continued daily until the morning of Sui4day, the 29th. when, at 5 a. in., our pickets were driven in and six regiments of the enemy charged upon that portion of our works known as Fort Sanders. It was occupied by Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery, and supported by the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, Second Michigan, and a detachment from the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, numbering, in all, about 300 men.. They repulsed the enemy, killing, wounding, and capturing about 750 of the enemy, with 3 stani of colors. Nothing more of note transpired up to the~ date of this return, except that the enemy is intrenching himself and constructing breastworks for the batteries, and preparing to besiege the city. Both ours and the enemys outposts have con: structed earth-works for themselves, and are continually skirmish- ing with each other, the distance from our outposts to those of the enemy not being more than 150 yards. November 30, remained im the same position as that taken on the 17th instant, awaiting the enemy to advance on. our works. The Third Brigade, Second Division, are still on detached service a Page 341 (~HAP. XLIItI IltE 1~OXVILLE, TI~N~fl~SEE, CAMPAIGN. ~ 341 Cumberland Gap, and Battery D, Independent Pennsylvania Volun- teer Artillery, at Covington, $Iy. December 1, headquarters of the corps were stationed ~t Knoxville, East Tenn. The troops were in the rifle-pits around the city, closely besieged by the enemy. December 4, re-enforcements arrive for us from Chattanooga. December 5, the enemy were compelled to raise the siege. They moved in the direction of Rutledge, East Teun., a distance of 35 miles from Knoxville. December 7, the corps started in pursuit of the enemy, except Battery E, Second U. S. Artillery, whose guns are too heavy to transport over the bad roads that are in this section of the country. December 9, the corps arrived at Rutledge. December 13, the Third Brigade, First Division, was ordered to Farleys Mills, about 7~ miles northeast of Rutledge, on th6 Holston River. The enemy commenced to shell them from the opposite side of the river, when they were ordered to fall back to within 3 ~iiiles of Rutledge. December 14, the First Division fell back to Blains Cross-.Roads. December 15, the Second Division fell back toward Blains Cross- Roads. December 16, 12 in., the Second Division halted within 2 miles of Blains Cross-Roads, formed line of battle, and remained in that position during the afternoon, our cavalry skirmishing with the enemy half a mile in advance of our line during the whole after- noon. December 17, the cavalry was withdrawn from our front, the ene- mys sharpshooters following them up to our infantry line, when slight skirmishing commenced without any loss. December 18, drove back the enemy 4 miles, and posted our